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💡 Who Should Take the Sarubia Maru Ferry?
👉 Travelers looking for the cheapest way to visit Izu Oshima from Tokyo.
The overnight ferry is popular because:
- One-way fares start from around ¥5,000
- Depart at night → arrive the next morning
- You can lie down and sleep onboard (2nd class Japanese-style cabin)
👉 Even a weekend 2-day trip feels surprisingly full and relaxing.
In this guide, I’ll share my real experience using the ferry, including booking tips, access information, onboard facilities, what the 2nd class cabin is really like, and useful items that made the trip much more comfortable.
⚓ What Is the Sarubia Maru?
The Sarubia Maru is a large overnight ferry operated by Tokai Kisen connecting Tokyo and the Izu Islands.
The ferry departs from Takeshiba Passenger Terminal at night and arrives at Izu Oshima the next morning.
One of the best parts of the trip is sailing through Tokyo Bay at night while passing under the Rainbow Bridge.
👉 The ferry itself feels like part of the adventure — not just transportation.
Because you travel overnight, you can sleep during transit and start exploring the island immediately after arrival.
🎫 How to Book the Ferry
You can reserve tickets online through The official Tokai Kisen website.
Available options include:
- One-way or round-trip booking
- Multiple cabin classes
- Credit card payment
- Seasonal discount fares during off-peak periods
👉 During busy seasons (summer holidays, long weekends, New Year), booking 1–2 weeks early is highly recommended.
⚠️ Ferry schedules and prices may change depending on weather and season.
📍 How to Get to Takeshiba Passenger Terminal
Access from central Tokyo is easy:
- 8-minute walk from JR Hamamatsucho Station
- 10-minute walk from Daimon Station
- Direct access from Takeshiba Station (Yurikamome Line)
💡 I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before departure.
▶ Google Map
▶ Open Google Map
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⏰ Ferry Travel Time
■ Tokyo → Izu Oshima
- Winter: around 8 hours
- Summer: around 7–8 hours
Night departure → morning arrival.
■ Izu Oshima → Tokyo
- Around 7–8 hours
- Afternoon departure → Night arrival
⚠️ Travel time may vary depending on weather and departure port.
👉 Sleeping during transportation makes the trip very time-efficient.
🌿 Onboard Facilities
The ferry has surprisingly good facilities for an overnight trip.
■ Shared Facilities
- Vending machines (including alcohol)
- Observation deck
- Paid showers
- Refrigerated lockers
- Restaurant
- Hot water station (great for instant noodles)
- Large luggage storage area
⚠️ Wi-Fi only works near Tokyo Bay and is mostly unavailable offshore.
The night view from the deck is especially beautiful when leaving Tokyo.
Vending machine area
Restaurant entrance
Observation deck
■ Cabin Types
Available cabin options include:
- 2nd Class Japanese-style Room
- 2nd Class Chair Seat
- Special 2nd Class
- 1st Class / Deluxe Private Rooms
👉 If you want the best balance between comfort and price, the 2nd class Japanese-style cabin is the best option.
As of March 2026:
- Tokyo → Izu Oshima fares start around ¥5,680 one-way.
2nd Class Chair Seat
Special 2nd Class Cabin
🔍 Real Review: 2nd Class Japanese-style Cabin
The 2nd class cabin is a shared Japanese-style sleeping area.
At first, the “sleeping together on the floor” style may sound uncomfortable, but honestly:
👉 It’s much better than expected.
You can fully lie down during the overnight trip, which makes a huge difference compared to sitting in a chair.
2nd Class Japanese-style Room
■ What to Expect
- Blanket rental available
- TVs installed (not usable offshore)
- Automatic lights-out schedule
- Limited power outlets
👉 Overall: absolutely sleepable and good enough for budget island travel.
🌙 Essential Items for a Comfortable Ferry Trip
Overnight ferries are all about sleep quality.
These items made my trip much more comfortable.
■ Must-have Items
・Neck Pillow
The onboard pillows are quite hard and high.
👉 Bringing your own travel pillow is highly recommended.
・Eye Mask & Earplugs
Especially important in shared sleeping rooms.
・Mobile Battery
Power outlets are limited.
・Light Jacket
Useful against sea wind and strong onboard air conditioning.
・Slippers
Very convenient when moving around the ship at night.
■ Best Comfort Upgrade Items
・Lightweight Sleeping Bag
・Foldable Sleeping Mat
These two items make a surprisingly big difference.
👉 Great for:
- Hard floors
- Cold temperatures
- Better sleep quality
■ Recommended Travel Gear 🛒
👉 Check travel items on Amazon
Recommended:
They’re lightweight, affordable, and useful not only for ferry travel but also for camping and emergency kits.
🧭 Recommended Weekend Itinerary (2 Days)
■ Friday Night
- Depart Tokyo by overnight ferry
■ Saturday
- Morning: Arrive at Izu Oshima
- Daytime: Sightseeing or 3 scuba dives
- Night: Stay overnight on the island
■ Sunday
- Daytime: More sightseeing or 2 scuba dives
- Afternoon: Return ferry to Tokyo
- Evening: Arrive back in Tokyo
👉 Using the overnight ferry is one of the most time-efficient and budget-friendly ways to enjoy a Tokyo island trip.
🏨 Book Hotels in Izu Oshima
Hotels on Izu Oshima can fill up quickly during summer and holiday periods.
👉 Early booking is recommended.
👉 Find top-rated stays on
🌊 Things to Do in Izu Oshima
Izu Oshima is famous for outdoor activities such as:
- Scuba diving
- Trekking
- Volcano hiking
- Hot springs
The island’s clear water makes diving especially rewarding.
👉 Combining ferry + hotel + activities creates a surprisingly fulfilling weekend getaway.
🐠 Recommended Diving Shop
One dive shop I often used was Izu Oshima Diving Center.
The staff were very knowledgeable about marine life and beginner-friendly.
What I liked most:
- Detailed explanations about fish behavior
- Fun dive log sessions
- Slow-paced dives focused on observing marine life
They offer:
- Discovery dives
- Fun dives
- Beginner support
👉 Highly recommended for:
- First-time divers in Japan
- Returning divers
- People who enjoy underwater photography or marine life observation
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Sarubia Maru is more than just transportation.
It’s part of the travel experience itself.
- Overnight departure saves time
- Sleeping onboard is much easier on the body than high-speed ferries
- One of the cheapest ways to visit a Tokyo island
With a little preparation, even the budget 2nd class cabin can be surprisingly comfortable.
If you want:
- A budget-friendly island trip
- A unique overnight ferry experience
- A quick weekend escape from Tokyo
👉 The Sarubia Maru is absolutely worth considering.
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