Location

All ferries to Shiraishi Island leave from Kasaoka City.

By Train

To get to Kasaoka city, take the local JR train (Sanyo Honsen Line) from either Okayama or Fukuyama station (both are stops on the bullet train line). Get off at Kasaoka Station (45 min by local train from Okayama, 10 minutes from Fukuyama). Walk to the ferry port (5-min).

By Car

Take the Sanyo Expressway and exit at Kasaoka Interchange (I.C.). Go south via Route 34 for 4km to National Route 2 (Ni-gosen). Route 2 runs by Sanyo Kisen ferry port south of Kasaoka Station. Follow the signs.

There are two ferry companies running passenger and car ferries to Shiraishi Island. Most people will take the Sanyo Kisen passenger ferries as they leave most frequently and this ferry port is closest to the train station. There is free parking for cars in the summertime.

Both ferries leave from Kasaoka Port, however their departure platforms are far from each other. Sanyo Kisen ferry port is about a 5-minute walk from Kasaoka station.

Both ferries arrive at the same place on Shiraishi Island.

All quoted fares are adult, one-way. Children are half-price.

Directions to Ferry Terminals

To Sanyo Kisen Ferry Terminal from Kasaoka Station:

Follow the signs to the "felly port," or: Take a right out of the station and follow the road. Keep an eye on the right side for an underground walkway that will take you under the train tracks and to the other side of the station. Follow the walkway till it dead ends, then take a left. Take your next right and cross Route 2 at the traffic light. Keep following this road, past the church-that-doesn't-look-like-a-church on the left and you will dead end into the port. The Sanyo Kisen ferry terminal is right there on your right. It's about a five-minute walk, but don't push it-arrive with plenty of time so you don't miss your ferry.

Directions to Shiraishi Ferry Terminal from Kasaoka Station:

Follow the directions to the Sanyo Kisen Ferry terminal. When you dead end into the port however, take a left and follow this road about 10 minutes, past the fertilizer factory, and the Shiraishi Ferry Terminal is another 10 minutes down on the right. If you're walking, save time by going through the tunnel on Route 2 at the traffic light. When you come out of the tunnel, the terminal will be on your right. Parking is available at the Shiraishi Ferry Terminal.

(Please note that the "Hokusei" ferry is no longer running. Sanyo Kisen and Shiraishi Ferry are the only ferries to Shiraishi Island starting Sept. 2006)

Fare: 500 yen (pay at terminal)

The regular passenger ferry takes 40 minutes one way from Kasaoka to Shiraishi Island. Shiraishi is the third stop. There is an announcement in English.

Kasaoka Departure times: 8:10, 13:20, 17:50

Return times: 7:05, 11:35, 17:05

SPECIAL FERRIES (rinjibin)
During the high season, a ferry will run to Shiraishi Island at 9:50 and 12:00 on the following dates:

July 22,23,29,30
August 5,6,12-15

Additional fares: Bicycles: 210 yen, Scooters up to 50cc: 430 yen, Motor bikes 250cc 500 yen, Dogs: 500 yen, Goldfish: free

Sanyo Kisen Express Ferry (Kousoku sen)

http://www.city.kasaoka.okayama.jp/kasaokaisland/koutu/sanyo.htm

Fare: 900 (pay at terminal)

The express passenger ferry takes 20 minutes and goes directly from Kasaoka to Shiraishi Island. There are no stops along the way. There is no English announcement.

Kasaoka Departure times: 7:25, 9:10, 10:50, 14:15, 16:30

Return times: 8:37, 10:22, 13:42, 15:27, 17:42

Additional fares: Bicycles: 210 yen, Scooters 50cc: 430 yen, Motor bikes 250cc 500 yen, Dogs: 500 yen, Snakes: unknown

This ferry is now painted bright orange!

Fare: 450 yen (pay on board)

This car ferry takes 40 minutes and goes direct from Kasaoka to Shiraishi Island with no stops along the way. It carries passengers as well as cars and motorcycles. Small light cars 2,320 yen, big cars 3,040 yen.

Kasaoka Departure times: 9:00, 11:00, 14:40, 17:00

Return times: 7:55, 10:00, 13:35, 16:00

Additional fares: Bicycles 210 yen, motorbikes under 750cc 640 yen, over 750cc 860 yen, Dogs: 230 yen, Rhinos: prohibited

Note: This ferry port is furthest from Kasaoka station. About a 20 minute walk. You can drive and park your car there, however. Passengers without cars may also take this ferry.

Toilet Ferry

Do not take this ferry as it is the one that cleans out the non-flush toilets on Shiraishi Island. Don't worry, you'll know by the smell...

You can hire a boat for groups or if you miss the ferry. It costs 15,000 yen (divided amongst the passengers) from Kasaoka port to Shiraishi.