Hokkaido is one of Japan’s top tourist destinations. With its vast land and scattered sightseeing spots, many people choose to explore it by car. Typically, most travelers fly to Hokkaido and rent a car locally.
However, if you’re a car enthusiast, wouldn’t you love to drive your own vehicle across Hokkaido’s wide-open roads?
The good news is — you can! The key is to take a ferry along with your car to Hokkaido.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the exciting journey of traveling to Hokkaido by ferry.
Can you drive to Hokkaido with your car or motorcycle?
Let’s start by answering the most common question. Hokkaido is not connected to Honshu by road. Therefore, it is not possible to drive your car or motorcycle directly to Hokkaido. To get there from Honshu, you need to use a plane, ferry, or the Shinkansen (bullet train) and sleeper trains.
Where can you board a ferry?
There are several routes available for taking a ferry with your car from Honshu to Hokkaido. Here are four main routes:
- Oarai to Tomakomai (Operated by MOL Ferry) — Travel time: 18 hours
https://www.sunflower.co.jp/en/ - Sendai to Tomakomai (Operated by Taiheiyo Ferry) — Travel time: 15 hours 20 minutes
https://www.taiheiyo-ferry.co.jp/english/ - Aomori to Hakodate (Operated by Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry) — Travel time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Oma to Hakodate (Operated by Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry) — Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes
https://www.tsugarukaikyo.co.jp/global/en/
The shortest route is the Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry connecting Oma and Hakodate, taking only 1.5 hours. For example, you could start your road trip from Tokyo, enjoy sightseeing in the beautiful Tohoku region, and then head to Aomori before taking a ferry to Hokkaido. Doesn’t that sound like a perfect adventure?
How to Reserve a Ferry
１．Booking a Ferry Reservation
When bringing your car on a ferry, it’s essential to make a reservation in advance. You can book through the ferry company’s website or by phone. At the time of booking, you’ll need to provide details about your vehicle — its type, dimensions, and weight — so the ferry company can secure a spot and allocate the necessary load capacity.
If you’re using a rental car, it’s helpful to ask the rental company for a copy of the vehicle inspection certificate (shaken-sho). However, most rental companies may not be able to provide this in advance, so be aware of this limitation. ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car, for example, offers the option to send you a copy of the inspection certificate ahead of time, making it easier to plan your trip.
２．Boarding Procedures and Embarkation
Boarding procedures take place at the ferry terminal. Be sure to bring your reservation confirmation, vehicle inspection certificate, and driver’s license. Some ferry companies may also require online check-in beforehand, so check their website in advance.
When it’s time to board, follow the staff’s instructions and drive your car to the designated embarkation point. The order of vehicle boarding is typically determined by size and weight. The staff will guide you on where and how to park inside the ferry. Once parked, turn off your engine, engage the handbrake, and set the gear to neutral. If you leave any belongings or valuables in the car, lock the doors and close the windows securely.
３．How to Spend Time Onboard
During the ferry ride, you cannot stay in your car — you’ll need to relax in the passenger cabins.
Recommended items to bring:
- Bath towels and toiletries: Depending on your cabin class, bath towels may or may not be provided. If you book the most budget-friendly cabin, a large bath towel can double as a blanket. Most ferries with shower or bath facilities will offer basic toiletries like shampoo and body soap.
- Instant noodles: Many ferries have hot water dispensers. Food prices onboard tend to be slightly higher, so it’s a good idea to buy snacks like instant noodles or bread before boarding. Of course, if you prefer a more relaxed dining experience, ferries usually have restaurants onboard as well.
- Entertainment items: While some ferries offer Wi-Fi, the connection is often unreliable. To make the most of your time, plan for a digital detox — download movies in advance, bring a book, or enjoy classic games like cards. It’s a great opportunity to unwind.
４．Disembarkation Procedures and How to Unload Your Car
When the ferry arrives at its destination, an announcement will be made explaining the procedures for disembarkation and how to unload your car. Follow the instructions of the staff, move to the vehicle deck, and start your car engine while keeping the windows open for ventilation.
Not all staff members speak English, so if you need help, try to find an English-speaking staff member or use a translation app to understand the instructions. It’s a good idea to ask any questions you have either at the check-in counter before boarding or by finding an English-speaking staff member once you are on board.
Fees
For reference, here are the fees for the Tsugaru Strait Ferry from Aomori to Hakodate. During the cheapest season, the fare for one adult in a standard seat is 2,860 yen, and for a regular car, it is 19,760 yen, totaling 22,620 yen. Considering that you can bring your car along, it doesn’t seem too expensive.
https://www.tsugarukaikyo.co.jp/global/en/hakodate-aomori/#fare
Driving in Hokkaido is Recommended
Hokkaido is vast, and the distances between cities are considerable. Therefore, securing a means of transportation—whether by public transport or car—is essential. For example, Sapporo and Hakodate are approximately 250 km apart. Some areas in Hokkaido have limited public transportation options, so there are cases where driving is the only viable way to get around. Even when public transportation is available, some routes have very few services, making driving a more convenient option.
If you plan to travel between cities or explore various parts of Hokkaido, having a car (such as a rental car) will be much more convenient. Another major advantage is that ferry fares are generally cheaper than flights, and they remain relatively stable even during peak seasons.
In Conclusion
We at ASAHI MOTORS Rent a Car specialize in car rentals for foreign tourists visiting Japan and for expatriates. Our company is based in Tokyo and Saitama, so many of our customers start their journeys from Tokyo and travel over several days to Hokkaido.
During winter, many of our customers head to ski resorts or travel to the Tohoku region, so we equip our cars with standard winter tires and have 4WD vehicles available. Some of our cars are also equipped with roof carriers in case your skis or snowboards don’t fit inside the vehicle.
We also offer the option to reserve a rental car several months in advance, making it easier for you to plan your trip. Please feel free to contact us!
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