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Your adventure from Niigata to Sado Island is almost over. Whether you’ve spent two or three nights here, the memories from Sado will stay with you.
The ferry ride back to Niigata, with your car along for the journey, can be a memorable experience too. Take some time at Ryotsu Port for souvenir shopping or a relaxing café break. Then, after boarding with your car, enjoy the view of the harbor from the deck and reflect on your Sado memories.
But, bringing a car on the ferry can be a bit nerve-wracking. “Is this the right procedure?” “What time should I be there?”
This guide walks you through the process of boarding the ferry with your car from Ryotsu Port. From recommended arrival times to tips on how to spend your time, you’ll find everything you need here. If it’s your first time visiting Sado Island, rest assured this guide has you covered.
If you’re bringing a car on the ferry, there are two ways to purchase your ticket:
Online booking is recommended, but you can also buy your ticket at the terminal if there is space for your car.
Check the ticket purchase counter location at Ryotsu Port Terminal below.
Read more about Ticket Purchase Counter at Ryotsu Port Terminal
When boarding with a car, arrive at the “Car Ferry Boarding Area” at least one hour before departure.
The boarding area at Ryotsu Port is simpler than the one at Niigata Port.
The entrance to the Car Ferry Boarding Area is located south of the terminal.
Continue down the road to a large waiting area where staff will guide you to your designated lane for parking.
After parking, you can wait in your car or take the time to shop for souvenirs, grab a bite, or relax in the Ryotsu Port Terminal. A crosswalk at the front of the lanes leads directly to the terminal.
The terminal has plenty of souvenir shops, restaurants, and a stylish café. Enjoy the rest of your time on Sado Island to the fullest.
Read more about Ryotsu Port Terminal
Like Niigata Port, ticket checks begin at Ryotsu Port around 40-45 minutes before departure. Staff will approach each waiting car to verify tickets, and boarding begins roughly 30 minutes before departure. Be sure to return to your car in time.
Arriving a bit early lets you see cars unloading from the incoming ferry from Niigata. It’s a unique sight as passenger cars and trucks steadily disembark from the ship.
Notice the yellow truck? It has no license plate.
This is Sado Kisen’s exclusive container truck, transporting containers between Niigata and Ryotsu ports. After unloading containers at Ryotsu, it’s loaded with new ones and returns to Niigata on the next ferry.
The forklift operators are incredibly efficient, making quick work of loading and unloading. Watching them is part of the experience!
Once ticket checks are complete, boarding begins about 30 minutes before departure. Board the Sado Kisen ferry with your vehicle!
Follow the guidance of the staff to park your car.
Remember to engage your parking brake when you park.
During the ferry ride, access to the parking deck is restricted. Double-check that you have everything you need before leaving your car.
Then, settle in and enjoy the 2.5-hour journey!
There are two ferries departing from Ryotsu Port: “Okesa-maru” and “Tokiwa-maru.” Learn more about each ferry here:
Read more about Okesa-maru
Read more about Tokiwa-maru
This guide has covered the steps to board the car ferry from Ryotsu Port. Let’s summarize the key points:
Ryotsu Port is simpler in layout than Niigata Port, and staff provide clear instructions. Even first-time visitors will find it easy to navigate.
The Sado Kisen ferry is the only way to travel between Ryotsu Port and Niigata Port. Taking your car on board offers a memorable end to your Sado adventure.
From Ryotsu Port to Niigata Port – we hope this guide helps you enjoy a worry-free ferry journey with your car.
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