18-Hour Midnight Vending Machine Ferry Adventure in Japan | Tokyo to Hokkaido

[@countD8852]

After having followed your wonderful channel for a couple of years now, I've actually achieved the dream of booking a premium single on a Sunflower. I look forward to arriving in Hokkaido through Tomakomai, and singing along to our favorite song

[@Songbirdstress]

I'm looking to do that too :)

[@annan5060]

You realize we're expecting at least an audio of that musical performance;)

[@SoloTravelJapan]

That sounds amazing! I hope you have a great trip to Hokkaido! Happy new year!

[@annan5060]

A new Solo Travel video and it's Saturday night AND I have snacks. Perfect (a bit shaken though:)) A nostalgic voyage to round off the year.

[@cirian75]

I'm watching it on my ipad, it will relax me and make me sleep well

[@mewsli]

Same here I have snacks and a hot drink

[@annan5060]

@mewsli Learned early on to never watch this channel without food and beverage easily accessible

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for always watching :) Happy new year!

[@RT-qd8yl]

Yaaaay one last STJ video to round out the year! Thank you 😊😊

[@EleanorPeterson]

There's always time for just one more curry...🙂

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thank you! Happy new year!

[@305crosby]

Thanks!

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for the superthanks! Happy new year.

[@ZaneRichards-pk3bb]

"Extra salty window." 😂 Always enjoy seeing your travels.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Happy new year!

[@susanashcroft2674]

A nostalgic trip taken for her final weeks in service. It looks like she has served the seas and all who have sailed on her well and the signs of this show. I always feel a little sad when their voyages come to an end.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for watching. Happy new year!

[@groermaik]

Timing is everything...even on a ferry. Wow! No sunflower song.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@kisslena]

Happy New Year! I’m thankful for no song… it’s an earworm.😂

[@toddmawyer9923]

Your ferry videos are my favorites...I just really enjoy the journeys.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

I'm glad you enjoy them! Happy new year!

[@marilynturcotte5304]

I wasn't sure if you were on a "Sunflower Ferry," with no announcements and NO SONG!! It's the end of the year, so it's too bad you didn't add it to the end of the video. So what? It's the last Saturday night for 2024, and you give us a retro ferry feel for the end, a nice touch. So we look forward to 2025 adventures by train, ship and whatever method you find. We will be with you in the land of the Rising Sun. Cheers from Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

[@stevewilki7910]

same from the UK

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for the kind words! This Sunflower Ferry doesn’t really have announcements because it’s cargo-focused ferry. Happy new year!

[@PokemonRangerKellyn]

Thanks! For always taking us along on your Journey.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for the superthanks! Happy new year.

[@edmonddantes4840]

That subtle humour again at 4:20. “I already feel the history.” That’s one way to put it.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for always watching. Happy new year!

[@edmonddantes4840]

@@SoloTravelJapan And to you.

[@sweetamyleigh]

The Japanese ferry situation is AMAZING

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@MKayPopham]

Can admit I now say "what the hecko" daily. Love your channel!

[@Ashlee1985]

😂

[@sandraoettle1476]

I said it today!

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks. Happy new year!

[@rondawohl6542]

Such a relaxing trip! Your detailed comments made me feel like I was on the ferry too, with you as my guide. Thank you, Solo, for this enjoyable little trip, I even enjoyed your food selections! Looking forward to joining you on your next vacation!

[@SoloTravelJapan]

I'm glad you enjoyed the trip with me! Happy new year!

[@brianmcdermott1011]

Frightened coffee box is my new favorite thing online ... sad, however, that there was no "Sunflower" theme song.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@tracycraft2971]

Thank you for all the amazing travel videos!! Can’t wait to see where you travel in 2025! Much love!❤

[@UtahBlender]

I always enjoy your Japan travel videos. I’ve been to Tokyo once and it was super fun! I’m heading back in less than two week and can’t wait! 👍🏻

[@SoloTravelJapan]

That's awesome! Happy new year!

[@andrea6421]

Loved it! And the salty windows! lol! 😂 My favorite Japanese ferry’s are the sunflower ones 😊 thanks for a really nice video! 👍🏻😉

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed the salty windows lol 😂

[@cirian75]

I'm watching it on my ipad, it will relax me and make me sleep well.

[@Ladywolf2263]

Oh my gosh ! A favorite by all …. 🌻 Sunflower 🌻. Thank you so much, STJ, for a favorite ship ! Lots of blessings and love to you in the New Year 🎉❤

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks. Happy new year!

[@avjohnson]

This was a fairy that has been loved for many years. I miss the sunflower song. Happy new year.

[@trishamorriston3737]

Yes. Get to hear the Sunflower song. My Saturday is complete 😊

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@dskero]

This is not a fancy ferry, this is a hard working lady and it shows. God speed old girl.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks. Happy new year!

[@rezaalan3991]

Great trip. It's great you have chance to try the ferry who will be retired in a few weeks. I hope this Ferry got a second life on another country rather than ending on scrapyard early.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks! Happy new year!

[@richardschindler8822]

Thanks for taking us along. Another great trip

[@SoloTravelJapan]

I'm glad you enjoyed the trip! Happy new year!

[@tracycraft2971]

I so loved this!! ❤ This was so fun and I so thank you for all your amazing videos!! You are the best!!❤

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for your kind words. Happy new year!

[@tranmere292]

Missed the Sunflower song!

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@timcurry192]

Ah, old ships always do have a melancholy feeling, especially when you have to sing the Sunflower song by yourself. I'd starve to death on this one. Let's hope its replacement has better curry!

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks. Happy new year!

[@Blood0range]

Your videos are so relaxing 🥰

[@SoloTravelJapan]

I'm glad you found it relaxing! Happy new year!

[@devonmedway7669]

Another awesome video! Thanks Solo...

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for watching. Happy new year!

[@paulinelau7809]

❤❤

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for always supporting me :) Happy new year.

[@EleanorPeterson]

Excellent! You know, I sometimes wonder if everyone in Japan - EVERYONE - is doing what our hero STJ is doing, and travelling back and forth endlessly, making travel adventure videos. I love to think that there might be millions of travellers on Japan's ferries, ships, buses, trains and planes, their paths criss-crossing constantly, all busily filming each other's journeys but taking great care not to be featured in their videos.😁

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for your kind words. Happy new year!

[@ThongvanNonsithanh]

A very nice trip. Thank you for the video.

[@tedsmart5539]

I'm just here for the Sunflower ship music - soo good!

[@tracycraft2971]

Me too!!❤

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@MrTommyboy357]

enjoy your videos very much! keep up the good work!👍

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thank you. Happy new year!

[@fastbuckwu]

Sunflower, we meet again🌻

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@christopherfranklin972]

Thank you,an interesting insight into the more basic ferries,beautiful seascapes and 25 knots not to be sniffed at! There's a country called Scotland (part of the UK) that could use Japanese expertise in building ferries.

[@strumminronin]

How about a Southampton to Shetland route? 😅

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks. Happy new year!

[@Ms.HarmonyJ]

Alright, my friend is on another trip sensational. I know you are going to live it up. You deserve it much, love be safe, and have lots of fun for me to

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thank you. Happy new year!

[@Ms.HarmonyJ]

@SoloTravelJapan Thank you, my friend. Happy New Year to you

[@MachiavellianWomble]

Yeah g'day, I was waiting for and missed the Sunflower song. I am not a big fan of frozen meals, though the curry looked nice and edible. I am looking forward to our next voyage and curry adventure. Thank you once again and curry on.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks. Happy new year!

[@LegacyArkGames]

Oh my, this poor ship is certainly showing its age. I'm definitely relaxing to the trip tonight, though. Happy New Year, Solo-san!

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for joining the adventure! Happy New Year!

[@renerivera9715]

Beautiful ❤

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@captainrag]

Another great video 😊

[@SoloTravelJapan]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Happy new year!

[@BethDoublekickChick]

My son gave me a 1000¥ note, the old one, as souvenir from his trip to Japan in October-November, if I ever go on the old vending machine ferry, it will buy me curry 🍛 😂

[@SoloTravelJapan]

You will love curry! Happy new year!

[@barbaramcelfresh2185]

❤❤ Happy New Year Mr. Solo Travel. I always look forward to seeing your adventurous videos, love them all. I hope you have a prosperous and Healthy, and exciting 2025. With more New Adventures. Look forward to seeing them.🎉🎉🌹🌹

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for the comments. Happy new year!

[@swissfoodie3542]

Thank you for another great ferry video. I like all your videos, but I especially like the ferry videos. I find those ferries so interesting and unique. But because I get seasick at the slightest movement, I cant take them. So instead, I "travel" by watching your videos. I am surprised that you didnt enjoy the public bath ?

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for watching. Happy new year!

[@kimberlypalmer947]

Beautiful sun 🌞 set

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for watching! Happy new year!

[@mewsli]

Oh...its the last video of the year 😢 However 2025 is just around the corner !! Yayyy! Thankyou Solo Travel San. Heres to many more journeys ❤❤❤

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks. Happy new year!

[@gregmctevia5087]

Good job as always.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks. Happy new year!

[@gregmctevia5087]

@SoloTravelJapan Happy New Year to you too.

[@MaryAntonia-tc9rv]

A sentimental ferry voyage, it is sad to see the ending of the ferry. The food really surprised me as how tasty looking it was and then he confirmed that it was! So how the last couple of frozen microwave meals I got were a disappointment. Hope the ferry terminal was toasty warm. ❤

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks. Happy new year!

[@sheilawilson-qb6ij]

Oh, good! Oh, good! I am so happy!!!

[@Olyphoto7]

Happy New Year 🎉

[@bronaghkennedy-contemporar6718]

I’m surprised that ferry is only 23 years old, looks more like 43 years old. I would have waited for the new one 😀 happy new year

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for watching. Happy new year!

[@joshwilliams4585]

New Rainbow Love sounds like a Prince album from 2001

[@imclok]

I can see that you shove the bank note in the vending machine with great haste and eagerness after the curry. LOL~

[@SoloTravelJapan]

I was starving! I’d been looking forward to that curry for hour. Happy new year!

[@TheMintyMelon]

Yes, It’s sad when a ship has to retire but I believe they generally get sold on to other countries to continue their existences.. Who knows it could end up as a passenger ferry in the Phillipines, Indonesia or maybe even Bangladesh..? Thank you STJ .. even tho it was a very simple trip I enjoyed it very much...!👍❤️

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks. Happy new year!

[@GwynStobie]

Going toget snacks and enjoy this!

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@sw4692]

Happy New Year Solo San, for 2025 hope you can go out to other countries and travel and taste the local cuisines.

[@bobmetcalfe9640]

One of the few times I've seen a Japanese meal was substantial amounts of vegetables. 😁

[@SoloTravelJapan]

I was surprised to see the amount of vegetables as well! Happy new year!

[@bobmetcalfe9640]

@@SoloTravelJapan And to you. 'Live long and produce content.'

[@andrewjones-productions]

I'm glad that you are going to use the Silver Ferry. Even in Japan, this ferry company is little known and people tend to think only of MOLSunflower (Shosen Mitsui), Taiheyo Ferry, Tsugaru-kaikyo Ferry, Shin-Nihonkai Ferry for their trips to Hokkaido. For those in Japan (or bringing your vehicle from South Korea) if you have a motorhome that is longer than 6m or towing a caravan (camping trailer)/trailer, the cheapest (by value) are Shin Nihonkai Ferry and Silver Ferry. The Oma-Hakodate route, whilst being the shortest, charge an exorbitant amount for vehicles longer than 6 metres. Towing a trailer (of any kind) will be classified as a commercial vehicle and treated as such when embarking and disembarking. Typically you will be the last or one of the last to board and wil line up with the heavy goods vehicles. The advantage being that you will be first to disembark (ferry company dependent). If towing, I suggest not to use the Taiheyo Ferry as they have a very strange system whereby any passengers in your vehicle must disembark with foot passengers and be picked up in front of the ferry terminal which is not at all practical when towing as they haven't created enough space to accommodate a car and trailer combination. Most ferry companies require vehicle passengers to embark on foot, but most allow passengers to disembark in the vehicle with the driver. Shorter route ferries generally allow embarkation and disembarkation for all in the vehicle.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@margaretjackson8774]

That was a treat the last voyage interesting.What happens when they retire ,do the get scrapped out what ? Thanks for the video .Happy New Year ❤

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for watching. Happy new year!

[@JaniceWithTheTarlovCysts]

I'd never be able to take a ferry as I get extremely seasick 🤢 Even taking a ferry from Nova Scotia to New Brunswick which isn't along trip, I was so sick and we were sitting in the car. My Father never took me on the ferry again 😂 Before I forget, I wish you good health, happiness and prosperity for 2025. 🥂🍾 Have a wonderful New Year 🎊

[@SoloTravelJapan]

I hope you have a great New Year too!

[@AsaMelin-sn8qr]

Ok, let us all sing the Sunflower song

[@annls4918]

Glad it's. Not just me I catch myself humming it while house cleaning 🧹🧼

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year! Sunflower, sunflower

[@annls4918]

@@SoloTravelJapan thank you, Sunflower 🌻 Happy New Years

[@rauleli]

Where are the tortillas in that taco rice?? If no tortilla present, it is not a taco!! lol!

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@rauleli]

@@SoloTravelJapan Arigato! Happy new year to you too!

[@bearsnevergiveup]

ten minute delay? Preposterous!

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@ouch1011]

These older ferries remind me a lot of the ferries we have in the US. The difference is that in Japan, these old ferries are getting retired and replaced, whereas our old clunkers will probably be in service until they sink. Transportation infrastructure in the US is more like a 3rd world country than “the best country in the World”, despite costing us just as much (or more). It is interesting that there seems to be a trend on ferries and trains in Japan where in-person service is replaced by vending machines. All of these old ferries have provisions for restaurants and food service, but none of them seem to have it anymore. The vending machines are cool, but it’s a worrying trend in my opinion. The newer Japanese ferries are more like cruise ships, we don’t have anything nearly that nice for ferries here.

[@Junglepingu]

I'm sure some of these ferry fans that you see started off watching your videos, myself included! I'm wondering if I might just bump into you in a couple of weeks' time on a certain Sunflower ferry while I make my own trip to Beppu...

[@SoloTravelJapan]

I hope you will enjoy your Beppu trip. Happy new year!

[@Roskjaer79]

It's 00:30 here in Sweden. Solo Travel release a video. Yes. I am up a bit more ❤

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks. Happy new year!

[@mantailuaa]

What!!?? Sunflower ferry with no theme song, that’s just wrong!!! LOL! All that broccoli made me hungry, I love broccoli. I hope your Christmas season went well. Have a nice end of the year ❤

[@TenguTalks]

Taco rice...okay thats an idea for dinner tomorrow.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

I hope you will like it. Happy new year!

[@Steve-xf4uv]

I'm a bit surprised at Sunflower. While the ship looks very clean, it also looks very old. It's past time to put a new ship in service.I think I would wait.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@cliffcorson4000]

as soon as I saw the ship being a Sunflower vessel, I started hearing the song

[@gerald5344]

"Sunflower . . . Sunflower" Also, extra sunflower sighting at 15:19!

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@cliffcorson4000]

the milk was shaking thinking "I'm going to be eaten today!" And I want to see items like that curry bowl in US vending machines

[@kennethsheets624]

It was good to see a sunflower trip before the end of they year but no sunflower song.... 😭😭

[@gregwillams8324]

Why was the ship so shaky? I wouldn't have been able to relax. Thanks for a great vid

[@tmntleo]

I am curious, what is the longest ferry journey in Japan? I know you've done some rather long distance ones but what is the longest?

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Nagoya - Hokkaido. Happy new year!

[@hollyharman]

12:18 Munchlax! 😍

[@jamesk370]

When her replacement goes into service, I will be looking forward to that future video.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@cirian75]

I've always wondered, Are the trucker cabins more luxurious?

[@EsperRanger]

In this case, does "retired" mean scrapped? Or sold to another company and named changed?

[@SoloTravelJapan]

I have no information, but this ferry might be sold. Happy new year!

[@redheadmomma7176]

Yay!! 🌻

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@tricky2917]

Extra salty window! Wow, you are getting your money's worth! 🧂

[@riley4548]

do you know what the difference is between the truck driver cabins and yours are?

[@SoloTravelJapan]

I have seen the picture of it and it looked similar. Happy new year!

[@hoibit]

I always wonder what truck driver cabins are like....

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@senselessdreamer6583]

Curry and cheese on the same plate what more could you want .

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@dougjones4007]

Are passengers allowed to bring their own food and drink on thies ferries? 🤤 ham ad and cheese sandwiches for me

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Yes. Happy new year!

[@elliemayormaynot]

Although I hate to say it, I did miss the Sunflower song...

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@elliemayormaynot]

@@SoloTravelJapan you too!

[@2xtreem4u]

Auringonkukka 🌻

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@kyrastuart1920]

I do get sad when ships are retired. She has served honorably and well.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for watching. Happy new year!

[@pk4459]

Accept no inferior substitutes = STJ is the absolute best [!!] Japan travel and food experience. Please everyone join the channel if you are able and support the STJ Curry Army!

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Thanks for your kind words! Happy new year!

[@spicymangooo]

14:50 I chuckled

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@bugbuddy1771]

You should come to america and try an american cruise line

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@maddoctor99]

Fire near Sapporo = Japanese train delayed Fire near Sapporo = English train delayed

[@lainiwakura1776]

Daisetsu will be retired on my birthday!

[@scottcomeaux1318]

STJ could you please sing the sunflower song for us.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Sunflower sunflower, taiyo ni mamorarete. Happy new year!

[@jessicanippes1730]

Happy ❤ new ❤ year ❤ Wish you a great 2025🎉

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Happy new year!

[@baselfaulty2]

No sunflower song 😢, waited till the very end to see if you would surprise us

[@lwaldron9745]

What? No Sunflower song? Iko-u!

[@garysakamoto4007]

Taco rice is good. I make it with my leftover taco meat.

[@teddymartinii1979]

I am just about to start watching this video, and praying "Please don't play that song, please don't play that song, please don't play that song."

[@SoloTravelJapan]

Sunflower sunflower. Happy new year!