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A major earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on 28 July 2026. Rescue and recovery work is ongoing and parts of the area are not accessible. Please check official sources before making or keeping any travel plans here, and follow local guidance.
Amakusa is reachable two ways. You can drive the famous Five Bridges from Kumamoto city — about 90 minutes — or skip the bridge slog and take a ferry instead.
With kids, the ferry is often faster and far more fun. They get to ride a real boat, and you cut out roughly 60 minutes of driving.
This guide covers the two main ferry routes, what is on board, and what tickets cost for a family.
It also shows how to pair one crossing with a Five Bridges drive so the trip stays interesting in both directions. For the wider island picture, see our Amakusa with kids family guide.
Quick answer: which Amakusa ferry should families take?
Two short ferries reach Amakusa. Coming from Kumamoto, take the Misumi car ferry from Misumi port in Uki City: about 30 minutes, roughly ¥1,000 per adult, ¥500 per child and ¥3,500 with a car. Coming from Nagasaki, take the Kuchinotsu–Oniike ferry (also ~30 minutes). Both beat the 90-minute Five Bridges drive with kids.
Ferry vs bridges to Amakusa with kids
The Five Bridges drive is famous and beautiful, but it is also a traffic-prone 90-minute slog from Kumamoto city.
The two ferry routes reach Amakusa from different angles, and each one suits a different family itinerary:
- Misumi car ferry: ~30 min crossing from Misumi port (Uki City, Kumamoto) to Amakusa
- Kuchinotsu ferry: ~30 min from the Shimabara peninsula (Nagasaki side) to Oniike port on Amakusa
- Bridge drive: 90 min from Kumamoto city via 5 connected islands
- Best combo: ferry one direction, bridges the other — kids get both experiences
Detailed ferry options for families
Here is a quick price and timing snapshot before the route-by-route detail below:
| Route | Crossing | Adult | Child | Car (one-way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misumi car ferry | ~30 min | ~¥1,000 | ~¥500 | ~¥3,500 |
| Kuchinotsu ferry | ~30 min | ~¥830 | ~¥420 | ~¥3,200 |
Misumi car ferry (Uki City to Amakusa)
This 30-minute crossing at the southern mouth of the Ariake Sea suits families bringing a car. Misumi port is roughly 45–60 minutes by road from Kumamoto city.
On board there is an open deck for fresh air and an indoor tatami room for napping. A small kiosk sells drinks and light bites.
The boat is stable enough for toddlers, and weather rarely cancels sailings on such a short, sheltered route.
- Hours: First 06:00, last 21:00; every 60-90min
- Price: Adult ~¥1,000; kids ~¥500; car ~¥3,500 one-way
Landing on Amakusa puts you within easy reach of the island’s best family activity.
Then read our full dolphin watching with kids guide for safety, seasickness and timing tips.
Kuchinotsu ferry (Shimabara peninsula to Amakusa)
This 30-minute crossing runs from Kuchinotsu port, on the Nagasaki side of the southern Shimabara peninsula, to Oniike port on Amakusa.
It crosses the narrow strait at the mouth of Shimabara Bay, so the water is usually calm and the ride is over before kids get restless.
It is the route to pick if you are combining Amakusa with Shimabara or Nagasaki. It carries cars and is usually less crowded than Misumi.
- Hours: First 07:00, last 19:30; every 60min
- Price: Adult ~¥830; kids ~¥420; car ~¥3,200 one-way
Amakusa Hondo ferry terminal — facilities
Hondo is the main ferry gateway town on Amakusa, with a nursing room, a restaurant with a kids menu, and rental car desks.
It is within walking distance of the Hondo town centre for lunch or a quick cruise booking.
Travelling without your own car?
From here it is easy to reach your hotel — see where to stay in Amakusa with kids for family-friendly options.
- Hours: 06:00–21:30
- Price: Free entry; restaurant ~¥1,000/person
Recommended ferry-bridge family loop
- Day 1 morning: Kumamoto → Misumi ferry to Amakusa (30 min crossing)
- Day 1 afternoon: dolphin cruise + a family seafood lunch + Hondo overnight
- Day 2 morning: drive Five Bridges back toward Kumamoto (slower, scenic)
- Day 2 afternoon: seafood market stop near Misumi port + drive home
- Alternative loop: Misumi ferry over → Kuchinotsu ferry off → continue to Shimabara/Nagasaki
An overnight in Hondo turns this into a relaxed two-day loop instead of a rushed day trip.
Aiming for the 06:00 sailing?
Family-friendly tips
- Reserve cars in advance: car spaces fill up on weekends and holidays — book 1 week ahead
- Foot passenger: walk-on tickets always available without reservation
- Motion sickness: less than Yakushima ferry — 30 min, calm waters; kids rarely react
- Snacks: small kiosk on board, but limited; bring own for picky kids
- Stroller: foldable strollers OK on both ferries; tatami room makes it easy with toddlers
- Cash + card: terminal counter takes cards; on-board kiosk cash-only
Amakusa ferry FAQ for families
Do I need to reserve the ferry in advance?
Foot passengers can always walk on without a reservation. If you are bringing a car on a weekend or holiday, book about a week ahead, as car spaces sell out.
How much do children pay on the Amakusa ferries?
Elementary-school children usually pay about half the adult fare, and preschoolers travelling with a paying adult normally ride free.
Each operator sets its own rule, so confirm ages at the ticket counter before boarding.
Can we stay in the car during the crossing?
No. Once the car is loaded, everyone moves up to the passenger deck.
Take drinks, snacks, nappies and anything your toddler needs with you, because the car deck is closed while sailing.
What happens if the ferry is cancelled by weather?
Cancellations are rare on these short, sheltered crossings. If one is called off, drive the Five Bridges instead — it adds about 60 minutes but always stays open.
Can we do this without a car?
Yes. Take the ferry as foot passengers, then use local buses, taxis, or a rental car from the Hondo terminal.
See getting around Kumamoto with kids for the full transport picture.
Pair the ferry with key Amakusa stops
The ferry makes Amakusa a half-day or two-day trip rather than a full Five-Bridges drive ordeal.
Combine it with a dolphin cruise, a seafood lunch, and an overnight stay in Hondo for the best family experience.
- Amakusa with Kids: A Family Guide to Kumamoto’s Island Adventures (2026)
- Dolphin Watching in Amakusa, Kumamoto with Kids: Safety, Tips & What to Expect
- Amakusa Seafood Restaurants with Kids: A Family Guide to Kumamoto’s Island Catch (2026)
- Where to Stay in Amakusa with Kids: A Family Guide to Kumamoto’s Island Cluster (2026)
- Getting Around Kumamoto with Kids: Trains, Cars & Family Transport (2026)