For a day combining Karato Market and Mojiko, start with the departure direction and return sailing. Add pier access, ticketing and waiting to the approximately five-minute crossing; check evening and Sunday/public-holiday rows separately.
Photo: そらみみ (Soramimi) / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia1280px rendition; existing mosaic retained,no additional crop/retouch
Who this guide is for: Day visitors planning a Karato–Mojiko return and onward rail connection
Confirm the one-way fare and terminal, then read the return direction and relevant time rows. Do not calculate the whole connection from sailing time alone.
Compare at a glance
| Option | Best fit | Check before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Karato to Mojiko | Buy in Karato Terminal; board at No.1 pier | Do not confuse it with JR Shimonoseki or the international terminal |
| Mojiko to Karato | Marine Gate Moji, about three minutes from JR Mojiko | Read the correct departure-direction column and check your return |
| Fare and return plan | Listed one-way adult¥400/child¥200 | Do not assume a return discount; confirm ticket and child classification |
| Evening, Sunday or public holiday | Check the relevant rows and red markings | Do not extend daytime intervals to the final sailing |
| Bicycle or another route | Kanmon ferry:extra¥260 and limited bicycle capacity | Ask at the counter; Ganryujima has different conditions |
Separate crossing time from the whole journey
The operator lists an approximately five-minute crossing. Allow separately for reaching the pier, buying a ticket, waiting, disembarking and walking to JR. A short sailing is not a guaranteed short hotel-to-train transfer.
Find the correct terminal and pier
Karato tickets are sold inside the terminal beside Shimonoseki Grand Hotel; boarding is at No.1 pier in front. At Mojiko, buy inside Marine Gate Moji before boarding out front. Check the destination because Ganryujima and cruise services also use the area.
Buy before boarding and check the ticket
The listed one-way fare is ¥400 for an adult and ¥200 for a child. Buy before boarding; the operator says no refund after passing the gate. Ask about child classification and do not assume a return discount or a payment method.
Read daytime and evening rows separately
The published 07:00–18:00 rows show Karato departures at 00/20/40 and Mojiko at 10/30/50 past the hour. Evening frequency falls; red entries are marked as not operating on Sundays/public holidays. Recheck your date’s direction and return sailing on the current table and at the terminal.
Check bicycle and parking arrangements
The operator FAQ lists a ¥260 bicycle supplement on the Kanmon ferry, limited capacity and a counter enquiry. Bicycles are not accepted on its Ganryujima service. The operator has no dedicated parking; check a separate nearby parking option.
Keep a return plan for service changes
Weather or other circumstances can alter departure and arrival times. This article is not confirmation that boats are operating today. Check current official service notices and terminal information; research a separate land return and onward train connection in case your sailing changes.
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Before you book
- Confirm the direction and actual terminal.
- Check child classification, ticket count and bicycle capacity.
- Recheck evening, Sunday/public-holiday return sailings.
- Add ticketing, waiting and station access to the five-minute crossing.
- Check current service and a separate return option if the sailing changes.
Common questions
Do boats leave directly from JR Shimonoseki?
The boarding place is Karato Terminal. Plan travel from JR to Karato separately.
Is there a discounted return ticket?
This guide uses the listed one-way fare. Check any discount or combination ticket’s covered routes and validity at the official counter.
Is the last boat identical every day?
Evening rows and Sunday/public-holiday exclusions differ. Check your date’s timetable and service notice rather than relying on one universal final time.
Does the photograph identify today’s boarding gate?
It is a 2015 strait view from Karato Market, not a current boarding-gate guide.
Sources and booking conditions
- www.kanmon-kisen.co.jp — operator, destination or property information
- www.kanmon-kisen.co.jp — operator, destination or property information
- www.kanmon-kisen.co.jp — operator, destination or property information
- kitakyushucity.guide — operator, destination or property information
English edition published 2026-10-12. Source review date inherited from the original guide: 2026-10-12. Editorial recommendations are not firsthand reviews or live quotes. Check current prices, availability and conditions before purchase.