This is Himeji Port in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture.
I used it in October 2025 for a trip to Shodoshima for the first time in a while.
Ferries depart from Himeji Port to Shodoshima, Boze, Oga, and Ieshima. Each ferry operates by a different company, so be careful where you buy your ticket.
There used to be a shop inside the building, but it has closed.
There are no convenience stores nearby, so be careful about food.
Additionally, the facilities are quite old, so the toilets and waiting room are cold.
There is a parking lot for temporary users in front of Himeji Port Center, but the fees are high.
On May 31st, I took the ferry to Shodoshima with my car. Even if you have a ticket reservation, you still need to check in (vehicle inspection certificate required).
I think check-in started 40 minutes before departure. Arriving earlier won't allow you to check in. If you're boarding a car, just head to the ferry terminal. They'll check your time and guide you to the parking area. So you can check in your ticket without parking. Be careful, though, because you might get stuck behind the ferry if you don't return to the front of the ferry.
The water near the port wasn't crystal clear, but there were plenty of fish to see. It was a beautifully sunny Saturday morning. Thanks to that, the ferry was packed with passengers. It was windy and quite cold on the observation deck. Long sleeves are essential on the ferry.
We're blessed with good weather, so let's go!
I was scheduled to board the Kobe-Shodoshima Jumbo Ferry 🛳️ three days before departure, but I found out that the #TonoshoPort ferry would be canceled for about a week due to an accident. (・・;)
@hanshinport.ferrycruise
I'm boarding the #Himeji-Shodoshima #FukudaPort ferry ^ ^
It took me six rides to get to my destination 🏨. (^^;;
It's a 20-minute bus ride from Himeji Station North Exit Bus Stop No. 1. The bus stops at the entrance to the building where the ticket counter is located.
No. Himeji Port is a working commercial and fishing harbor used primarily as a ferry terminal for reaching islands in the Seto Inland Sea. It functions as a transit point rather than a destination.
Take a local bus from JR Himeji Station. The journey takes 30-40 minutes and covers approximately 10 kilometers. Buses run multiple times daily but frequency varies seasonally. Taxis are available but cost more.
Ferry services connect to Ieshima and other smaller islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Schedules vary by season and some routes operate infrequently. Check ferry timetables before traveling.
Minimal. The port has basic amenities near ferry terminals but limited dining or shopping options. Prepare supplies in central Himeji before departing.
Yes. Himeji Castle is near JR Himeji Station. Allow 30-40 minutes travel time each way between the station and port, plus buffer time for your ferry schedule.