Do domestic ferry companies in Japan sell "standby" tickets when passengers cancel very late or don't show up for their reservations?

Do domestic ferry companies in Japan sell "standby" tickets when passengers cancel very late or don't show up for their reservations? - Anonymous activist showing placard with anti violence inscription

I'm in Hokkaido, Japan and it's Golden Week so many things are booked out, including longer distance ferries.

Japanese ferry websites have always been quite bad. No English version, text as images in Japanese version so no Google Translate, etc. No English speaking staff at the terminal is also usual.

I'd like to take a ferry from Hokkaido to Honshu tomorrow. My first choice seems to be booked full for the cheaper berths.

What I'm wondering is if I get to the ferry terminal at boarding time is there a chance they sell "standby" tickets for no-shows?

Is this unheard of in Japan? Pretty normal? Or some do and some don't?






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How do I buy a ferry ticket to Japan?

Ferry tickets can be purchased through the ferry companies directly (by phone, online or at the ferry terminal) or through travel agencies. The availability of English speaking staff cannot be counted on....
  • Higher fares during peak seasons.
  • Access to: Tsuruga Port, Tomakomai East Port.
  • Operated by: Shin Nihonkai Ferry.


  • How much does a ferry cost in Japan?

    Ferries sail from Tokyo to Tokushima in Shikoku and to Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu. Tokyo-Kitakyushu by ferry is around 34 hours. Cheapest economy fare: \xa515,750 (Tokyo-Kitakyushu); \xa511,510 (Tokyo-Tokushima), \xa58,800 (Kita-kyushu-Tokushima).

    How long is the ferry to Hokkaido?

    Hokkaido route links Hokkaido and Tokyo in about 18 hours each way. The most convenient and enjoyable ferry service between Metropolitan Tokyo and Hokkaido.

    What is the longest ferry ride in Japan?

    The Japanese ferry Taiheiyo Ferry runs between Hokkaido and Nagoya via Sendai.



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    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Anete Lusina, Miriam Alonso, Simon Robben, William Fortunato