Trying an Old Ferry at Late Night in Japan | Hokkaido to Tokyo

I took an old overnight ferry in Japan and had a rare experience.
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[@notmyname327]

Wow, this does look old. While the other ships look like passenger ships that also transport cargo, this feels like a cargo ship with a passenger area. Nice video!

[@tacomeat9961]

Because it's a cargo oriented passenger ferry, it carries more cargo than pax. This is why it doesn't have much passenger capacity and the amenities aren't that impressive.

[@dianesheldon2591]

I’m used to riding BCFerries. That car deck looked about the same. Interior looks much the same but larger with berths. I see he said it 20 years old but it looks like the BC ferries built in in the late 70’s

[@stephaniehall4413]

@@dianesheldon2591I’ve taken multiple bc ferries and I have to agree. Bet the WCs are cleaner on this ferry though

[@madmommy]

When I was stationed in Korea with the US Army, I bought the hot cans of coffee on long convoys to keep my hands warm, and that’s how I got started drinking coffee! I loved the perspective of arriving inside by car.

[@Indrakusuma_a]

Again and again, I'm so impressed with these old ships, everything looks clean and tidy. The open deck is surprisingly rusty for a Japanese ship though. We foreigners tend to think Japanese is godly on keeping things look like new. Also finally we get to see the inside of the trucks/cars loading dock. Been curious how it looks.

[@michaelkevinmirasol8256]

Probably in a few months time this ship will be out of service/retired and sold to foreign shipping lines or shipbreakers for scrapping. I guess it would be the company's decision to just keep the ferry in minimum running condition to serve truckers rather than spend money on renovating the ship's aesthetics for few passengers' luxury since the COVID pandemic have put a strain on passenger income.

[@kentvesser9484]

I guess a lot of cosmetic maintenance is being postponed as these ferries look so empty that they must be losing money even if the hold is full of trucks.

[@sirrliv]

I love how Oarai has embraced their connection to the anime series Girls und Panzer. I even read that when the movie was premiering they dressed up one of the tower blocks, which was undergoing repairs at the time, with graphic awnings so that it looked like it had been damaged the way it was in the film. I think I also heard somwhere that the old diesel railcars that serve Oarai were due to be replaced by newer trains, but after they appeared in Girls und Panzer people fell in love with them so much that the local railway decided to refurbish and keep them. As for the ship, she certainly looks like an old rustbucket, surprisingly poor condition considering she's only 20 years old; that's not exactly new, but there are many ships far older than that still in service. Still, the interior looked alright, if rather dated and tattered in a few places. It may not exactly be first class deluxe travel, but for a reduced ticket cost it wouldn't be bad. And an added bonus for practically having the ship to yourself, no one to disturb you in the bath and such.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Had a very zombie apocalypse type feel to this ship being empty yet clearly very worn, indicating this likely had full passengers in its history.

[@MrWilberbeast1]

Another interesting vid man. It was great to see a “working” ship and cargo area, but once would be enough. Thanks for sharing. P.s. I had a good lol at the light fixture joke!

[@petershillito]

I've been thinking why you could smell curry and I think maybe they have a kitchen for serving truck drivers if that's who most passengers are, since there seemed like a lot of trucks going in but you only saw 3 people. The ferries I've been on in the UK have a "truckers lounge" with food served, so might be similar in Japan too.

[@larkmacgregor3143]

The crew has to eat, too, so maybe it's for them both.

[@Gloria00082]

Ahhh good ideas yes

[@petershillito]

@@larkmacgregor3143 Very good point. If there's only one kitchen open, then that's almost certainly true.

[@stevewhitcher6719]

@@larkmacgregor3143 I was thinking food for the staff.

[@IndigoIndustrial]

It would be interesting to see a trucker's video of the trip. Instead of sleeping half the day and eating from vending machines they are probably smoking cigars, drinking beers, playing cards and getting served hot food by fit young women.

[@shawnwright4129]

I realize salt air and water cause a lot of rust on ships, but wow, this one needs a pressure washing inside and out and a paint job. I really enjoy watching your videos. They're interesting and, as others have said, they're relaxing.

[@CalvZynist]

Sit down shawn

[@glypnir]

I went on an Alaska cruise on the Oosterdam, and one of my favorite discoveries was the vent from the pastry kitchen It was fun to stand on deck and just smell the baking very early in the morning. And being on that kind of a cruise I wasn't even very hungry. I was shocked by all that rust. I suspect they are planning to replace it soon. The Alaska Marine Highway has a ferry still in active service that was built in 1963. It's the closest thing in the USA to the Japanese ferry system, and it's not very close. It's actually run by the state as a substitute for highways. There's not really enough business for a for profit system to work, but it's essential for the state to succeed.

[@peachyrii]

I love how your upload time are always close to my bed time. Your videos are so calming and it makes me so relaxed.

[@DebsWombat]

My heart broke for you when you were so excited about smelling cooking and… nothing. 😭

[@sadjam_793]

Why are these so relaxing

[@TheBaldr]

I love Sapporo with all the underground passage ways and shops. Easy to get around in comfort during the winter. I've only been during winter, it is weird see Sapporo station without snow.

[@blindsniper1720]

I think you should watch the channel Harald Baldr 😂🖖

[@blindsniper1720]

I am guessing just by your name that you are from Norway? Viking Land?😂😂

[@blindsniper1720]

Love from Bhutan🇧🇹

[@elchinator]

This is exactly how I remember ferries in Europe to be. It's just a bit more luxurious.

[@purselmer5931]

I took a few ferries in Europe back in the early 90's and I can only say that I'm sure glad I know how to swim. They were downright scary.

[@Tom-sg4iv]

The ferries in the Mediterranean is mainly retired ferries from Northern Europe and Japan. But this one looks like it’s going directly to the scrap yard, it will take more than a complete sand blasting and a bucket of paint to fix this neglect.

[@u___________u]

love these videos, they always get me excited to travel to japan

[@mannequindisplay]

It seems like on this ferry the staff has their own kitchen and your left with vending machines and sleeping in the staff's bed with lots of history while they sleep in luxury upstairs :) plus I think we need some paint to freshen up the deck :)

[@sew_overthis]

Yay, a new video! All of your videos inspire me to travel around by ferry the next time I visit Japan, and I don’t think I’m the only one.

[@annedugan3161]

That wasn't the nicest ferry you've been on but it certainly is the most rusted one. The crew was probably cooking. It was relaxing to watch. Thank you!!

[@jacquelineharper-simmons12]

And it was still clean. Wow.

[@andyrob3259]

Can’t believe it’s still allowed to sail carrying passengers.

[@annedugan3161]

It is probably just surface rust and discoloration. The ferry was very clean and tidy!

[@liberalsockpuppet4772]

1:30 am? In the States we call taking transportation at times like that, taking the red-eye.

[@p.herrmann4538]

That cabin looks like one of those old late 70s / early 80s caravans

[@rasaalixander7932]

I found it funny when you smelt the cooking & went straight to the dining area to see that there was no fresh cook meals lol

[@cayleenasworldi3647]

I swear your videos relax me so much. They feel so cathartic to me. And they definitely help me relax after a long day. Thank you

[@youngraines851]

Sunflower Shiretoko may be 20 years of age, but she is still so clean & neat. True its bare necessities relative to the newer, luxurious ferries but still a good, seaworthy ferry. Best of all, few people are on board so you're enjoying a cabin to yourself. And what good service - a car that takes you right into the cargo area. Can't beat that!!! Thank you for sharing your experiences in beautiful Japan with all of us on youtube. Thumbs up!

[@delindabrooks7182]

Japan is so much more interesting and beautiful than I would have thought since I’ve been watching your videos. Thank you.

[@gaemlinsidoharthi]

For some reason, these videos are totally addictive.

[@debbiecurtis4021]

The cabin is simple, but pleasant. The sheets look clean and fresh.

[@uncaringbear]

Haha, that was a contrast to the nicer ferries that you usually show us. Still, it's very interesting to see how they compare, but like you said, "once is enough!".

[@StacyL.]

I was so surprised to see all that rust lol. I know that the ship is 20 years old, but I've seen ships older that have less rust. Is there any information on whether they will stop using this ferry anytime soon? It definitely wasn't one of the top 10 that I've seen, but as always, thank you for sharing your travels. You did an excellent job in staying positive.

[@elbertlim2872]

Yeah usually japanese good at taking care their things. But this ship lack of maintenance.

[@SoloTravelJapan]

No information yet. Thanks for watching!

[@FoxyfloofJumps]

Any info on the fate of this spooky old ship?@@SoloTravelJapan

[@tomknauss570]

Best review yet.....smiled through the entire thing....from the pillow with no history to the cold toes....[ you are like a time machine tour guide, 18 hrs in 18 min.]

[@frogfriend2536]

Need to get curry rice on the next ferry to make up for the lack of curry rice on this ferry 🍛

[@elonmust7470]

I really like the noises of the older ships.

[@nauticaldreaming]

These old Japanese ferries either get sold to Greece, where they are given a very big refit and are made nice and new again, or they go to Indonesia or the Philippines, where they get even worse. This is clearly a ship that the owner is no longer bothering to maintain because they don't care anymore.

[@David-ve2ro]

Came live just as I finished making dinner. Perfect watching material!

[@vulapa]

There's something about a rusty ferry ship that brings a unique atmosphere. As a passenger it's like you're there for a temporary job, but you're free to do whatever you want on the ship. Pretty cool!

[@AmbientWalking]

Thank you for a lovely experience. I enjoyed every bit of this. : )

[@didisinclair3605]

Great video as always... I love your sense of humor!!!!

[@traveller2478]

Silent kind of Travel report ... Special kind of inspiration. Thanks ...

[@donnamanitu8673]

As the only passenger walking in , or being driven is as it happened, I would think that they would upgrade your room. You travel so much and with open rooms I think it would show the appreciation of you being a loyal traveler.

[@queensrule4450]

But then you wouldn't have gotten the real environment, which one believes is to show the variety of travel. He's showing us everything from first class to steerage. It's authentic.

[@Bibliophyllida]

This is what I think of as a normal ferry. The usual ferries you travel in are very luxurious, almost like cruise ships. In Canada, we use ferries to get to Newfoundland on the East coast and Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and other locations on the West coast. This ferry is much closer to what I'm used to regularly travelling on, although with less rust and a working restaurant. Love all your videos

[@viperousone]

This one looked like an interesting journey. Really fell in line with what would be in my head for 'The Working Man's Ferry' sort of thing. Somewhere I'd be more likely to run into a long haul driver than anyone else, someone used to long hours of nothing but the road and quick stops for a bite to eat. Thank you for the video, it was a different view of the ferry life.

[@BigBadPibbul]

That's honestly a pretty nifty old ship, it would be nice to see it with a little clean up and a fresh coat of paint.

[@yakacm]

Oh gr8 a Solo Travel Japan video, really look forward to your videos keep rm coming.

[@jh2392]

These videos make my week, so relaxed, well edited, professional.. it's a shame they have too end..

[@sandyrhodes7184]

Because of your videos...I now want to visit Japan.....Thank you

[@sneaks01]

You always keep a positive attitude even when things are not that great! ✌️✌️✌️

[@deekorbel5259]

A no frills sailing experience. It was interesting seeing the area where the trucks and cars go.

[@sherry866]

The whole ship is a relic sadly. Needs an Entire make over

[@VulpisFoxfire]

Amusing how you thing something only 20 years old is a 'relic'.

[@sherry866]

@@VulpisFoxfire just needs a makeover, just like I said before is all. The decor needs updating. Why are you sounding pissed , did I hurt the ship's feelings lol

[@ZGryphon]

@@VulpisFoxfire As Professor Henry Jones, Jr., once put it, it ain't the years, it's the mileage.

[@constantineding8700]

The facilities does look old but paying for a birth and enjoying a whole cabin is actually a nice deal! The solitude of staying on aboard a ferry is very intriguing. Next time I go to Japan I will definately try one, maybe from kobe or osaka to shinmoji or beppu.

[@Don_Rodrigo44]

love the channel but would be nice if you changed it up bring back some train or bus videos and i really enjoyed your one destination vlog more of those would be a nice change of pace

[@cmagnus7980]

What a unique ferry! Thanks for another lovely video! Safe travels!!!

[@dawnpren2559]

I love your sense of humor! Ice cream always calls to me too.

[@simonalyneenderz3247]

When I watch all your videos, The Love Boat theme music plays in my head.

[@ayushi473]

I had watched your all videos keep going you are excellent 👍👏

[@vexi1231]

Wow I love watching all of the ferry videos thank you so much!! I wish we had over night ferry's like the one you go on my dream to ride on one

[@BeautyMarked18K]

I really enjoy your videos! They help me relax and it feels like I'm there too 🙂

[@ClaudiaG.1979]

2:45 i didnt know Baumkuchen is famous in Japan.. Its a traditional German product. Youll find it during christmas times in the stores. Literally translates to "treecake" because it has many many small layers, like the grow rings of a tree

[@sotsora8000]

Baumkuchen is one of the most famous cakes here in Japan. The first baumkuchen in Japan was baked in 1919, by a German confectioner Karl Ueheim. Today, in addition to the long-established German brands, you can enjoy Baumkuchen from many of Japan's own specialty stores.

[@iljamabuse3659]

Baumkuchen gibt es das ganze Jahr z.B. beim Bäcker oder den Discountern. es ist kein Weihnachtskuchen.

[@ClaudiaG.1979]

@@iljamabuse3659 echt? Ich hab noch nie ausserhalb der weihnachtssaison nen baumkuchen gesehen. Achte da aber auch nicht wirklich drauf

[@iljamabuse3659]

das sollte nicht böse gemeint sein ...aber da ich baumkuchen fan bin dachte ich ich weise mal daruf hin. also bei edeka ist der in einer baluen packung bei den fertigkuchen da sehe ich ihn immer ^^.

[@burrongos]

Lazy day indeed my friend..!! So glad you enjoyed it. I enjoy your videos too..!!

[@mathewdallaway]

Lovely. An interesting trip on a not-so-old rust-bucket.

[@andufalha]

The souvenir shop - I always love how Japanese display their products. Wish I could go back to Japan soon.

[@jamesfrost7465]

I love it!!! You had everything to yourself! Perfect. I've sailed on worse. A lovely smooth passage with the steady vibration and hum of the engines. A great time to catch up on some sleep. Thank you for a wonderful ride. This was a nice one.

[@rachelhenderson655]

The part in the beginning where you hear the time stamp being typed out is the perfect relaxing start to what I know will be an amazing video 😴😴

[@gus473]

👍🏼 "An oldie but a goodie!" 😎✌🏼

[@lorihill31]

I would enjoy this ferry more than others I suspect. I would have been all over that ship as much as allowed exploring. Thank you for the video. One more thing, if they can cook for crew they should cook a little extra for passengers. That's the only thing I thought. Dang! Smells so good, can't have it lol

[@huntz62]

I have a friend who's lives in Hokkaido and I've planned to visit him once after the pandemic is over. First I want to travel by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hokkaido to visit him. But after watching many of your ferry review videos It makes me want to change my travel method to one of the ferry operators too. It looks like an enjoyable ride and a pleasant one too. Not too fast like the Shinkansen train. Thank you for your video.

[@wesleykim6523]

This ferry does look old. Reminds me of those old street restaurants I would end up visiting in Korea. That beige finish with a hint of silver and rust, yeah this definitely came from 20 years ago.

[@JohnsBrownEyes]

These videos are the highlight of my week!

[@BoydXplorer]

Great contents. Interesting to watch. Narratives makes it more interesting to watch. Thanks for sharing. New subs here watching from Dubai🥂

[@encomunismo]

An excellent video. The ship looks like a ghost ship, but great for those who like solitude. Thanks for sharing and greetings from Spain.

[@alexackerman3555]

Love your videos please keeping making them! These help and my girlfriend feel like we’re on the experience with you and helps us relax at night. Love the simple funny comedy you put in! You’ve got our support! Thanks for taking us on the adventures!

[@cinm9565]

These are so relaxing, thank you

[@KensanOni]

I am amazed that ship is so young, given it's decor. Of course, now watching you board enough of these ships, I do have to wonder why are Milk machines so popular?

[@sapporoj6379]

Japanese like to drink milk after a hot bath. In the public onsen there are always milk machines.

[@zitaksal]

Thank you for your videos! I find it really soothing to follow along with you on these trips :)

[@Jesuscares7680]

As always I just want the ice cream :-) and to look at the water..thanks for enduring that for us..😉😉

[@Groovycakes87]

I would love to watch you try more snacks at the shops. I see so many cool things and would love to know if they're any good.

[@cardiofitfrance851]

Thanks !

[@normg2242]

I love your captions ☺

[@vanvorst1999]

😎👍 It was cool to see the vehicle loading area!

[@dulceamaya5111]

I felt bad for you. I know that you had to be hungry. I don't blame you for saying "once is enough for you" I would say the same. I've seen you travel in way better ferries and the food looks amazingly delicious. Well, thank you my friend, hope your way back home is way more better and you get to eat really good. You can tell it's all about the food for me, lol. Good night hun. ❤❤❤

[@avagrego3195]

Thanks, I enjoyed the trip with you.

[@donlove3741]

This ship has been at sea for a long while. Maintenance probably deferred til warmer weather.. Brand new ship crossing from Asia to the Americas would have running rust..

[@Graysonthegrey1]

I wish we had ferries like Japan does to visit other islands but living in the Pacific Northwest USA, We don't have a lot of islands to have a ferry, I enjoy your videos and the food looks delicious, Thank You for sharing your experience with me.😄

[@elnabjelland-hughes8172]

I am glad you can get something to eat during your 18 hour trip 👍😊

[@rkbkirin5975]

I have been watching your interesting ferry videos and I always wondered what the vehicle deck looked like. I am really glad to see a video where you showed it! Thank you!

[@kamariahzaharin4744]

The rusty spots tells a lot. A rather different adventure this time but its an experience. Thanks for sharing this with us.😊👍🏽

[@echovagabond3218]

do you have a patreon account? we would love to support you! the whole youtube community would totally fund your videos. thanks for uploading!

[@SoloTravelJapan]

No, I don’t. Thanks for your kind words!

[@jasmin0930]

Interesting ferry ride. Although it was an older ferry and didn’t have much in the way of good food like the other ferries I did enjoy the calm sea and the view of the coastline. I was quite worried that they didn’t have anything but vending machines for food but I’m glad you made due 😂😂😂 thank you for another great video 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@deadfish7327]

i love your chanel ...its relaxing and informative ...arigato san for it

[@gloriamoore3208]

Wow! Retro! I'm glad you got recording of this ferry before it gets replaced. 20-year-old? The focus of what is important was different than it is now. They have known what to do during the trip. Hold on tight to your video. A historical society or group will want a copy. You might want to give them a reedited copy to include what was not part of your public video. It will become important after this ferry gets replaced.

[@gloriamoore3208]

Thank you for recording this.

[@JulieKernit1]

That ferry looks like its about ready to fall apart!

[@norrieblackeby1041]

I agree, once is enough. This was the most uneventful ferry journey so far. Highlight was the cup noodle and ice cream.

[@psikopatte1]

Incredible you was at bed without eat !!! Poor friend thanks a lot for this sacrifice.

[@ObelKingdom]

Kinda reminds me of a Java-Bali ferry ship I was on years ago. Not the nicest one but I like the nostalgic feeling!

[@dskadd32]

Thank you for taking that ferry. This way I don't have to try it and I know what it's like. A unique experience though.

[@alexstrolls801]

I became like a chrysalis, LOL. For an old ferry it looked fine although the outside was very rusty. Even without restaurant there were good choices for vending machines. I love those sunrises on a high sea even on a cloudy day. I would probably spend a lot of time in the arcade area during the trip. Thank you once again for another great video. Looking forward for the next one :) You are definitely one of my favourite travelling youtubers.

[@candypops5686]

I love this channel.

[@travelingdude33914]

So cool to see the vehicle deck

[@marionmuolo9321]

Enjoyed it very much

[@uluwalker2345]

A wonderful and beautiful ferry trip for sharing. Liked. Cheers!

[@toureifel]

Wow what a eerie rust bucket ship for once

[@allenlin2929]

Solo-san, the hungry ghost haunting the ship. Attracted by smells of the crew meal.