I was in Hokkaido in [Golden Week](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Week_(Japan\)), and so many things were booked out, including longer distance ferries.
I wanted to take a ferry from Hokkaido to Honshu. My first choice was booked full for the cheaper berths. If I had arrived at the ferry terminal at boarding time, is there a chance they would’ve sold “standby” tickets for no-shows?
Japanese ferry websites didn’t assist. They have no English version. Their text appears as images in Japanese version so I can’t use Google Translate. Their terminals have no English-speaking staff.
6 comments
Download the images and use scan mode on mobile app Google Translate. As long as the text isn’t handwritten or a strange font, it should get you through.
Even of ferry websites that have English, this is not something that I have seen.
If you know that you are traveling during one of the peak season, you should do as other people do, make a reservation longer in advance. I have seen one that take reservations 3 months in advance. This way you are sure to have a place on the ferry and not gamble a maybe and if everybody show you have to find a new plan.
I know that some people like spontaneity and make decision last minute, but in that case, options can be limited and if you are that kind of traveler, you should probably try to travel when it is not peak season.
I’ve been able to board ferries in Hokkaido by just walking up and buying tickets, but didn’t know if it was sold out or not
It might be not the point… but you can use JR train to come and go between Honshu and Hokkaido? Maybe you are going to trans your bike or car, I’m not sure.
Being that you can normally buy tickets in person for the few I took, I would guess they would sell a ticket if there are any left. Probably depends on the person working the window, could tell them ahead of time and they would call you at boarding if anything is available. Just a guess tho.
I doubt they would have sold the tickets twice. This is Japan after all.
Travelling during Golden Week in general is a pain though! Remember last years lines to sleep in Kenkoland (24 hour spa with sleeping room facilities, frequented by truckers; they tend to not be as expensive as hotels because you pay by the hour)