Misumi - Hondo (Shimoshima)
Ferry to Japan
Misumi - Hondo (Shimoshima)
Ferry to Japan
See ferry fares and operators from all over the world in one spot, and find the sailing that fits your trip. Booking early is usually the surest way to get a good price and plenty of choice.
Discounts are available with Direct Ferries all year round. If a senior discount applies to your crossing, it's applied for you automatically once the right age bracket is selected in the passenger options.
Students and recent graduates can claim a 5% saving. Register with our partner Student Beans to verify eligibility, then apply your discount code at checkout.
Resident discounts also apply to a number of Spanish and Italian routes — pick the "Residents" option during search and the fare adjusts automatically. Be ready to show proof of address, such as an ID card or residency certificate, at check-in.
Requirements for travel documents change from route to route, so check what's needed ahead of time. A valid passport is usually required for Misumi to Hondo (Shimoshima) travel, plus any visa or national ID relevant to your nationality. Since the rules depend on your citizenship and destination, our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide is the place to check for the latest guidance and avoid delays at check-in.
To book, just add your departure port, arrival port and preferred date, and you'll see every fare and sailing on offer. You can also compare alternative routes and times to find your best match.
Look out for early-bird pricing and flexible ticket options, such as upgrades or flexi-fares that let you make changes down the line. Entering accurate details — passenger count, vehicle specs and so on — keeps the process running smoothly.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, a confirmation email will land in your inbox. What happens next with your boarding pass depends on the operator you've booked.
Some operators issue boarding passes right away, while others need you to check in at the port itself. Where it's supported, the Direct Ferries app lets you check in online in advance.
You'll usually find ticket desks close to the ferry terminal. Giving yourself a little extra time before departure means you can collect tickets and check in without any stress.
Bring your confirmation email and valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card, to check in. Pet owners should have vaccination and insurance documents on hand, and anyone with a resident discount should carry proof of address.
There are a few reasons departures from Misumi to Hondo (Shimoshima) might not show for your chosen date — a schedule change, sold-out sailings, or a seasonal lull are the most likely. Try another date or check alternative routes through our Route & Port finder.
Booking your Misumi to Hondo (Shimoshima) ferry well ahead of time generally works in your favour — you'll usually find better fares and a wider choice of departures and cabins.
A few weeks ahead is usually enough notice to catch the best offers, though fares can still fluctuate with the season and remaining space.
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
A small town on the south coast of Japan, Misumi lies in the Kumamoto Prefecture and borders the Ariake Sea. There are two ferry routes departing from Misumi, one to Hondo lasting just under an hour and one to Matsuhima lasting just under 20 minutes. The main source of income for Misumi revolves around the port; it underwent a mini renovation in recent years after revenue stagnated, but a railroad link rejuvenated the traffic passing through the port. Unlike many ports around the world, Misumi Port is nearly entirely surrounded by greenery and mountainside, presenting a cleanliness which is a refreshing change. Away from the port, Misumi could never claim to be a hotbed of activity - there are pleasant walking trails and picturesque views – perfect for an escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy city. The buildings found in the town are still representative of the Meiji period which embodied Misumi for several centuries, providing a unique landscape that differs from much of Japan. Misumi is small enough to be covered comfortably by foot, though there are also taxis readily available throughout the town. For access to the port, it is worthwhile getting a taxi, or for visitors coming from out of town, the railway connects directly to the port.
