How to Get From Japan to South Korea by Ferry

Busan to Fukuoka and Busan to Osaka routes explained

Flying is fast, but if you’re looking for a more relaxing and scenic way to travel from South Korea to Japan, the ferry might be your best option. It gives you time to unwind, avoid the airport rush, and even enjoy a night’s sleep while crossing the sea.

Two of the most convenient ferry routes to Japan depart from Busan, connecting you directly to either Fukuoka or Osaka. Here’s everything you need to know.

Busan to Fukuoka with Camellia Line

If you're heading to southern Japan, the overnight ferry from Busan to Fukuoka is a great choice. The journey takes about six hours, and the boat usually departs in the evening, allowing you to arrive in Japan early the next day.

Our take:
We weren’t sure what six hours on a ferry would feel like, but the experience turned out to be smooth and stress-free. We booked a cabin with sleeping mats laid out in a traditional style. It was simple but surprisingly comfortable. The sea was calm, and we barely noticed we were moving.

Arrival into Fukuoka at night was a beautiful moment. The lights along the harbor created a memorable welcome into Japan. One helpful tip: onboard purchases are priced in Japanese yen, so it’s worth bringing some cash if you want to buy snacks or drinks.

📍 Departure: Busan Port
📍 Arrival: Hakata Port, Fukuoka
🕒 Duration: Around 6 hours (overnight)
🎫 Tickets: Buy Your Tickets here.

Busan to Osaka with Panstar Cruise

For travelers heading to central Japan, the Panstar Cruise from Busan to Osaka is a longer but more luxurious option. This trip takes about 19 hours, giving you time to fully unwind.

Our take:
The ferry felt more like a short cruise than regular transport. The crew was friendly and made us feel welcome from the moment we boarded. We had dinner on the ship and were pleasantly surprised by the variety and taste. The onboard café, Café Yume, served a decent lunch too. The fries especially stood out.

We booked the Deluxe Suite, which had more space than we expected. It was clean, comfortable, and looked just like the booking photos. The bathroom was a little outdated, but the overall experience was peaceful and enjoyable.

📍 Departure: Busan Port
📍 Arrival: Osaka Port
🕒 Duration: Around 19 hours (overnight)
🎫 Tickets: Buy Your Tickets here.

Which ferry is right for you?

Route	Good for	Travel time	Overnight	Link
Busan to Fukuoka	Quick sea trip to southern Japan	Around 6 hours	Yes	More info here
Busan to Osaka	Cruise-style travel to central Japan	Around 19 hours	Yes	Details on this route