Hondo (Shimoshima) - Matsushima (Maeshima)
Ferries to Kyushu
Hondo (Shimoshima) - Matsushima (Maeshima)
Ferries to Kyushu
There are currently no ferries running between Hondo (Shimoshima) and Matsushima (Maeshima). Ferry schedules change seasonally. Use our Deal Finder to get the latest ferry ticket information for Hondo (Shimoshima) Matsushima (Maeshima) ferries.
We provide an easy and efficient way to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, helping you find the best option for your journey. Visit our Special Offers page to discover discounts on selected ferry routes and operators. Booking early is often the best way to secure lower fares and greater availability.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a variety of discounts throughout the year. When searching for sailings, any available senior discounts will be automatically applied once you select the appropriate age range in the passenger details section.
Students and recent graduates can benefit from a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To access this offer, register with our partner Student Beans and verify your status. After confirmation, you’ll receive a discount code to enter during checkout.
Resident discounts are available on selected Spanish and Italian ferry routes. When applicable, simply select the “Residents” option during your search, and the reduced fare will be applied automatically. Please note that valid proof of residency or an ID card showing the correct address must be presented at check-in.
Travel requirements may vary depending on the route, so it’s essential to confirm which documents you’ll need before departure. In most cases, passengers traveling from Hondo (Shimoshima) to Matsushima (Maeshima) will require a valid passport, and possibly visas or national ID cards depending on nationality and destination regulations. To ensure a smooth check-in experience, consult our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide as well as our blog post on international travel tips before you sail.
Booking your ferry tickets is simple. Enter your departure and arrival ports along with your preferred travel date to view all available sailings and prices. You can also compare alternative routes and departure times to find the option that best suits your schedule and budget.
Keep an eye out for early booking promotions, cabin upgrades, or flexible ticket options that allow you to amend or cancel your booking. To avoid issues later, ensure that all passenger details, vehicle information, and contact details are entered accurately at the time of booking.
After completing your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your travel details. The process for receiving your boarding pass depends on the ferry operator.
Some operators issue boarding passes immediately upon confirmation, while others require passengers to check in at the port terminal. Where available, online check-in can be completed easily through the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are generally located close to the ferry terminal entrance. To prevent delays, we recommend arriving early to allow sufficient time for ticket collection and check-in procedures.
At check-in, you will need to present your booking confirmation along with a valid photo ID such as a passport or identity card. If traveling with a pet, relevant documentation (vaccination records, pet passport, insurance) may also be required. Passengers using resident discounts must provide proof of eligibility.
There may be several reasons why no sailings appear from Hondo (Shimoshima) to Matsushima (Maeshima) on your chosen date. These can include seasonal schedule changes, temporary timetable adjustments, or limited availability due to high demand. We recommend checking alternative dates or nearby routes to find suitable options.
The best time to book ferries from Hondo (Shimoshima) to Matsushima (Maeshima) is typically as early as possible. Booking in advance not only helps secure the most competitive prices but also provides a wider choice of departure times, seating, and cabin options.
Where possible, aim to book several weeks ahead of travel, particularly during peak seasons or holiday periods. Ferry prices can fluctuate based on demand and availability, so early planning often offers the greatest savings and flexibility.
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Tucked away in a bay on Shimoshima Island, the largest of the islands that form the Amakusa archipelago off the southern coast of Japan, is the port of Hondo. Found on the jagged coastline of the island’s Amakusa City, this small selection of piers and wharves overlook a sweeping expanse of Shimabara Bay and towards the rolling hills of neighbouring Ueshima Island. The region is famed for its Amakusa pottery made from crystalline stones known as Toseki, which are ground down into clay and then masterfully sculptured into cups and bowls by the hands of local artisans. Such is the homespun beauty of the finished creations; they have been lauded by the government and are regularly shipped to all corners of Japan. The ferry terminal of Hondo, the name a throwback to the city of Hondo that existed in the area before being merged into Amakusa, is located at the foot of the port’s largest undercover jetty. It sits in a prime location near the city centre and is just a 5-minute drive from the bridge that connects Shimoshima with the island of Ueshima. There are plenty of passenger facilities here too, with the check-in building supplied by toilets, a nearby convenience store and a number of vending machines selling food and drink. Though there are a number of transport links in the city, travelling to the port can prove difficult for newcomers unfamiliar with the maze-like nature of the downtown streets and districts. The 324 motorway is one of the major routes through Amakusa, a lengthy, snaking road that passes by the port as it cuts through the city’s heart and then traces the coast of the island’s northern tip. The Amakusa Airport, offering flights to the Japanese mainland, is also found on the outskirts just a 15-minute drive away. On Saturdays, the airport can be reached via a shuttle bus that leaves from a station just outside the harbour. Two ferry routes currently leave from Hondo port a number of times each day. Services operated by Amakusa Takarajima Lines sail north across the waters of Shimabara Bay to the towns of Matushima just over half an hour away on the island of Maejima, and Misumi a little bit further towards the Japanese mainland.
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