Touring the Tsugaru Strait by ferry (from Aomori Port to Hakodate Port)

■Recommended Points

The Tsugaru Strait, separating Hokkaido and Honshu, could be described as one of Japan's iconic landscapes. This strait opens to the Sea of Japan on the west and the Pacific Ocean on the east. The narrowest part of the strait is only about 20 kilometers, resulting in very strong currents. Moreover, the Tsugaru Strait is highly popular as a tourist destination. For instance, it is known for its drifting ice visible in winter, especially from the eastern shoreline. The ferry crossing the strait not only transports cars and travelers but also offers a journey to enjoy beautiful scenery. This ferry trip is made from Aomori to Hakodate, or vice versa. Additionally, the Tsugaru Strait has profoundly influenced Japanese culture. The famous folk song "Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki" depicts the beauty and sorrow of this region's harsh winter.

■Basic Information

・Ferry Company: Seikan Ferry

・Route: Aomori to Hakodate

・Travel Time: Approximately just under 4 hours

・Reservation Method: You can reserve directly at the counter or over the phone. Online booking is also available.

■Access to the Port

【Aomori Port】

If you are using the route bus (Aomori Shuttle de Route Bus Nebutan-go)

　JR Shin-Aomori Station ⇔ Ferry Terminal ⇔ JR Aomori Station

　・JR Shin-Aomori Station ⇔ Ferry Terminal - Travel time is approximately 10 minutes

　・Ferry Terminal ⇔ JR Aomori Station - Travel time is approximately 15 minutes

　※Single ride ticket: [Adult] 300 yen, [Elementary School Student] 150 yen

【Hakodate Port】

■If you are using the shuttle bus

　JR Hakodate Station ⇔ Kaikodori Entrance ⇔ La Vista Hakodate Bay ⇔ Ferry Terminal

　・JR Hakodate Station ⇔ Ferry Terminal - Travel time is approximately 30 minutes

　　[One way] Adults 320 yen, Children 160 yen

　・La Vista Hakodate Bay ⇔ Ferry Terminal - Travel time is approximately 20 minutes

　　[One way] Adults 310 yen, Children 160 yen

　・Kaikodori Entrance ⇔ Ferry Terminal - Travel time is approximately 25 minutes

　　[One way] Adults 320 yen, Children 160 yen

■Boarding Procedure

Upon arrival at the ferry terminal on the day, fill out the boarding application form and proceed with the procedure at the counter. Submit the application form at the counter and pay the fee to complete the procedure. Payment can be made in cash or by card only in a lump sum. The procedure is possible until 30 minutes before departure, but it is recommended to arrive early during peak times.

■Notes on Boarding

Neither Hakodate Port nor Aomori Port have souvenir sales at the terminal.

Blankets are not provided on board. Extra caution is advised in the winter. Please prepare warm clothing.

Payments can be made at each reception counter with MasterCard, UC, VISA, AMERICAN EXPRESS, and JCB. (Payment can only be made in a single installment)

■Information about the Ports of Call

【Aomori Port】

Aomori Fish and Vegetable Center

The ultimate self-indulgent bowl!? Enjoy the "Nokke-Don", a bowl topped with your favorite ingredients.

The Aomori Fish and Vegetable Center has been the kitchen for the citizens of Aomori city since 1969. Here, you can enjoy fresh seafood at a reasonable price. When visiting the Aomori Fish and Vegetable Center, you'll definitely want to try their famous "Nokke-Don". This is a dish where you can put as much of your favorite ingredients on top of a bowl of rice, and for around 1,000 yen, you can enjoy a Nokke-Don packed with so much ingredients that you can't even see the rice.

Address: 1-11-16 Furukawa, Aomori City

Website URL: https://nokkedon.jp/