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MOL Sunflower (Kansai–Shibushi Route)

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MOL Sunflower
(Kansai–Shibushi Route)

Sleep through the night and wake up ready to explore! A passenger ferry that connects Kansai and southern Kyushu, offering a hotel-like level of comfort.

Last update :
Head Editor : MOL Sunflower Ltd.

The Sunflower ferry on the Osaka–Shibushi route is a popular option for traveling between Kansai and southern Kyushu. The vessels Sunflower Satsuma and Sunflower Kirishima, launched in 2018, feature symbolic spiral staircases and a grand atrium, creating a luxurious, hotel-like atmosphere.

The ships offer a wide variety of cabins, including suites with balconies and spacious deluxe rooms—perfect for special trips with family or couples. Deluxe cabins and other private rooms are also ideal for group or solo travelers. There are also shared single rooms exclusively for women, providing peace of mind for female travelers.

Onboard, you can relax in the panoramic public bath while gazing at the ocean, or enjoy stargazing from the promenade deck. The journey itself feels like a special experience. In the evening, projection mapping and weekend-exclusive events (held daily during peak seasons) take place in the atrium, along with a stargazing event during the summer—creating a magical nighttime atmosphere. At the buffet-style restaurant, you can enjoy regional specialties such as seared bonito and Kurose yellowtail. You can also bring your car, motorcycle, or bicycle onboard, making it easy to start your trip right after arrival.

Highlights

  • A wide range of cabins, from balcony suites to women-only shared rooms.
  • Plenty of onboard features that make you forget you're on a ship, such as a panoramic public bath and projection mapping.
  • Weekend-exclusive events (daily during peak periods), plus summer stargazing events on the deck.
  • The onboard restaurant serves local specialties in a buffet-style setting.
  • Cars, motorcycles, and bicycles can be loaded onto the ferry, offering greater travel flexibility.

Photos

  • A 15-hour ferry journey connecting Kansai and southern Kyushu

    A 15-hour ferry journey connecting Kansai and southern Kyushu

  • Like a hotel—featuring a symbolic spiral staircase and atrium

    Like a hotel—featuring a symbolic spiral staircase and atrium

  • Some cabins feature Japanese-style rooms where you can relax like at a traditional inn.

    Some cabins feature Japanese-style rooms where you can relax like at a traditional inn.

  • Local specialties are also served at the buffet-style restaurant.

    Local specialties are also served at the buffet-style restaurant.

  • Projection mapping shows are held twice at 8:00 p.m. and 9:10 p.m.

    Projection mapping shows are held twice at 8:00 p.m. and 9:10 p.m.

  • Stretch out and relax in the panoramic public bath.

    Stretch out and relax in the panoramic public bath.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Are brochures or signs available in foreign languages? (If yes, which languages?)
A

Yes. Brochures are available in English and Traditional Chinese. Please ask the staff if needed.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available?
A

Yes, but signal strength can be weak while at sea.

Q

When do I need to reserve my ticket by?
A

Online reservations are available until 2:00 p.m. on the day of departure. After that, please contact the reservation center.

Q

Are there smoking areas onboard?
A

Yes, designated smoking areas are available.

Q

Can guests with tattoos use the panoramic public bath?
A

Guests with tattoos are not allowed to use the panoramic public bath. Showers are available instead.

Q

Is multilingual support available onboard?
A

Yes. Staff use electronic translation devices and will assist you as much as possible. Please don’t hesitate to ask.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
商船三井さんふらわあ（関西〜志布志航路）
Schedule
Osaka to Shibushi (Kagoshima):
・Monday to Saturday: Departs at 17:55 / Arrives at 8:55 the next morning
・Sunday: Departs at 17:00 / Arrives at 8:55 the next morning
Shibushi (Kagoshima) to Osaka:
・Monday to Thursday: Departs at 17:55 / Arrives at 7:40 the next morning
・Friday: Departs at 17:55 / Arrives at 7:50 the next morning
・Saturday: Departs at 18:30 / Arrives at 8:50 the next morning
・Sunday: Departs at 17:00 / Arrives at 7:40 the next morning
Please check in at least 60 minutes before departure (90 minutes during peak seasons).
Fares
Fare Table
Access
・Osaka Nanko (Sunflower Terminal): About a 5-minute walk from “Trade Center-mae” Station on the New Tram / About 20 minutes from the “Nanko-kita” or “Nanko-minami” exits on the Hanshin Expressway Bayshore Route
・Shibushi Port: About 5 minutes by Kagoshima Kotsu bus from JR Shibushi Station. Get off at “Shibushi Port Entrance” and walk about 5 minutes / About 10 minutes by car from Shibushi IC
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)

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