20 May 2025
Last Day in Osaka: Shopping, Food, and Rest
Our last day in Osaka was, for me, a bit of a blur — I came down with dizziness and spent most of the day feeling under the weather. While I rested, the others made the most of the city with a full-on shopping day. They hunted down Ghibli toys, tried their luck at gachapon machines, slurped comforting bowls of Ichiran ramen, and sampled sweet strawberry daifuku. Osaka really does know how to tempt both the stomach and the wallet.
But what made this day truly memorable wasn’t the shopping or the food — it was our very first overnight ferry ride.
Our First Overnight Ferry Experience
Japan, being a country of islands, meant we had already taken several shorter ferries during this trip. But this one — from Osaka to Kokura Port in Kyushu — was on another level. Instead of paying for both transport and a night’s accommodation, we combined them into one journey.
We just booked berth so it wasn’t luxurious, but it had everything we needed: compact berths for sleeping, restaurants, vending machines, game rooms, plenty of lockers, and even a public bath with panoramic ocean views. There was something magical about soaking in hot water while gazing out at the dark expanse of sea.
Later, we stepped outside to feel the wind. It was icy cold and strong enough to make me shiver, but at the same time, incredibly refreshing. Watching the lights fade into the horizon as the ship pushed further into the night felt surreal.
We eventually fell asleep to the gentle rocking of the ship and woke up in a completely new region — Kyushu. It wasn’t the smoothest day for me personally, but that overnight ferry turned out to be one of the most unique travel experiences of the trip.
🛏️ Onboard Life: Comfort & Convenience
The ferry offered several types of rooms depending on your budget and comfort preference:
- Suite/Deluxe: Spacious, hotel-like amenities.
- Superior: Private showers and toilets.
- First Class: Tatami-style or private rooms, a balance of comfort and cost.
- Comfort & Economy: Shared berths, ideal for budget travelers.
There’s also a meal package option with buffet-style dinner and breakfast—perfect if you want to make the most of your overnight journey.
🚍 Free Shuttle from Shinmoji Port to Kitakyushu
Arriving at Shinmoji Port in the morning, we hopped on the free shuttle bus provided by the ferry company. It takes you directly to key stations in Kitakyushu:
- JR Kokura Station (Shinkansen North Exit) – ~40 minutes
- JR Moji Station – ~20 minutes
The shuttle runs after each ferry arrival, and no reservation is needed. Just be punctual—the buses depart promptly. If you miss it, taxis are available at the port.
💡 Tips for Fellow Travelers
- Alternative Option: If you prefer, you can take a night bus from Osaka to Fukuoka, which takes roughly 9 hours. Book via Klook.
- Pack Snacks: Food on the ferry is available, but bringing your own snacks can save money.
- Dress Comfortably: Nighttime temperatures at sea can get chilly.
- Book Early: Cabins and berths fill up quickly, especially during holidays.
This overnight ferry experience was definitely one of the most unique parts of our Japan trip. Not only did it save us a night of accommodation, but it also gave us a chance to enjoy the sea, relax, and wake up refreshed in a completely new region.
Alternative Travel Option: Night Bus from Osaka to Fukuoka
- Departure Points in Osaka: Umeda Station or Namba Station
- Arrival Points in Fukuoka: Hakata Bus Terminal, Canal City Hakata, or Hakata Station
- Journey Duration: Approximately 9 hours
- Fare: Between ¥4,200 and ¥12,000, depending on the bus operator and seat class
- Booking Platforms: You can book tickets via Klook
👉 A complete 38-day Japan itinerary, including Nakasendo walking, Kumano Kodo hiking, Shimanami Kaido cycling, and a Kyushu road trip.
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