Last Updated on 2026 年 4 月 8 日 by Ching
This article is perfect for those looking to travel across Japan and Korea in one trip, seeking a high-value slow travel experience, or families with elders and children ready to take on the “international ferry” challenge. It provides an in-depth review of the complete process of traveling from Busan Port to Fukuoka on the “New Camellia” in 2026.
This family trip had us in an unprecedented dilemma.
I was eager to go to Japan for ramen, while my mom and sister preferred Korea. We stumbled upon a traveler’s suggestion to explore both Busan and Fukuoka, and we immediately decided to visit both countries on this family trip!
But here’s the issue: although Busan and Fukuoka are close on the map, is flying really worth it? We calculated:
- Flying: The flight is only 50 minutes, but with arriving 2 hours early, customs, baggage claim, and airport transfers, it takes at least 5-7 hours. A whole day of travel time is lost.
- Ferry: Departs at 10:30 PM, arrives at 7:30 AM the next day. Travel time is sleep time, saving a night’s hotel cost.
So, we decided to take on the challenge of this long-established international ferry, the “New Camellia.” This over 3,000-word article will document our “sea adventure” from Busan Port, across the Tsushima Strait, to Hakata Port.
- Preparation and Ticket Booking
- Busan International Passenger Terminal Experience (Departure)
- In-Depth Review of the First-Class Washitsu Cabin
- Onboard Facilities and Sea Life Guide
- The Night and Sunrise on the Tsushima Strait
- Disembarking, Immigration, and Car Rental in Fukuoka (Challenge)
- Final Verdict: Is the Camellia Right for You?
- What Did This Big Mistake Teach Me?
Preparation and Ticket Booking
Booking Strategy: Why We Chose “First-Class Washitsu”?
The Camellia offers various room types, from the cheapest second-class dormitory (shared with strangers) to luxury suites.
Our group included: me, my mom, grandma, sister, and my energetic three-year-old niece.
For a “large entourage” family like ours, the “First-Class Washitsu” that sleeps five was the only viable option.
- Privacy: No need to share with strangers, ensuring grandma and niece can sleep comfortably without outsiders.
- Convenience: Easier to care for everyone in one room.
Budget Breakdown (Four Adults, One Child)
We booked through KKday, and the total for the five-person room was NT$13,850.
This price includes the “one-way ticket from Busan to Fukuoka” and “one night’s accommodation on the ship.”
It works out to just over NT$2,000 per person, which I find acceptable and quite cost-effective.
Busan International Passenger Terminal Experience (Departure)
1. Arriving at the Terminal and Ticket Collection
Since it was our first time traveling by ferry, we arrived punctually at 4:00 PM at Busan Port International Terminal.
The terminal is very modern with clear signage.
- Ticket Collection: Find the Camellia counter, show your passport and booking record, and the staff will give you your ferry ticket.
- Terminal Facilities: There are convenience stores, a pharmacy (buy seasickness pills!), and some simple duty-free shops.
2. The Long Wait and “Last Korean Late Night Snack”
There’s nearly a 3-hour gap between ticket collection and boarding (including waiting for the ferry, security checks, etc.).
It’s a good idea to buy some Korean fried chicken outside Busan Port. We took the opportunity to buy a box to bring on board for dinner.
3. Boarding Challenge: The Tug-of-War with Elevators and Luggage
Boarding starts at 7:30 PM. If you’re a solo backpacker, it might be quicker. We had 4 large suitcases, a stroller, elders, and a child, which took a lot of time from queuing to waiting for the elevator.
- Although there are elevators on the ship, they have limited capacity for people and luggage. We spent a lot of effort just waiting to get to the third-floor cabin area. If you’re traveling with family, be sure to factor in this waiting time and effort.
In-Depth Review of the First-Class Washitsu Cabin
Opening the cabin door reveals our tatami-style room.
1. Space Size Test
The space in this five-person room is just enough to lay out five futons and store luggage. It’s not large, but sufficient (after all, it’s just for one night).
- Four Adults, One Child: Suitcases can be laid out along the sides, and everyone sleeps side by side, creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
2. Room Amenities
The desk is equipped with basic toothbrushes, soap, small towels, and a hot water kettle. There’s a small sink in the room, making it convenient for brushing teeth and washing your face.
3. The Biggest “Mistake”: Where’s the Bathroom?
This was my biggest oversight when booking: the First-Class Washitsu does not have a bathroom!
To use the bathroom, you must put on slippers, leave the room, and walk to the public restroom at the end of the corridor (fortunately, it’s not far). It’s manageable for young people, but very inconvenient for grandma who needs to use the bathroom at night.
If you have elderly family members, spend a bit more to book the “Special Class Room,” which has a private bathroom for added convenience.
Onboard Facilities and Sea Life Guide
1. The Moving “Hot Spring”: Observation Bath
The Camellia has a large bath open until 11:00 PM. I went after my family had finished, just before closing, and it was almost empty.
- Unique Experience: When you sit in the bath, you can feel the entire pool of water gently swaying with the ship. Outside the window is the dark sea and distant lights of Busan. Soaking in a hot spring on an international ferry is quite a unique feeling.
2. Vending Machines and Shops
The onboard shop is small but sells precisely what you need, mainly snacks for when you’re hungry on the ship.
- No Fresh Milk: I thought the shop would have fresh milk since my niece still needs milk before bed, but they only had drinks and soda! Luckily, she was so tired that she fell asleep without it.
- Vending Machine Paradise: Japanese vending machines are limitless. The ship has ones selling microwave pasta, ice cream, and even Japanese beer.
- Restaurant: Offers dinner and breakfast, but you need to buy meal tickets in advance.
All onboard purchases are mainly in Japanese yen.
3. Entertainment Facilities
The ship has a karaoke room (Japanese and Korean songs) and a game room (with some racing and claw machines).
Honestly, it’s quite boring on the ship XD
About an hour after departure, you will completely lose internet connection. If you’re not an early sleeper, download offline videos or games to pass the time.
The Night and Sunrise on the Tsushima Strait
1. About Seasickness
I’m someone who doesn’t get dizzy even on roller coasters, so I slept soundly.
But my sister was different; as soon as the ship left the port, she turned pale within ten minutes.
Fortunately, we had seasickness pills prepared for the child, and she slept peacefully after taking them.
Even if you don’t usually get motion sickness, the sea conditions are unpredictable (especially in winter), so always carry seasickness pills with you.
2. The Awe-Inspiring Hakata Port Sunrise
At 6:30 AM the next morning, I walked alone to the deck.
The morning air was cool, and ahead, I could see the red Hakata Port Tower gradually growing larger.
The sea surface was bathed in golden light, and at that moment, we had crossed from Korea to Japan.
Disembarking, Immigration, and Car Rental in Fukuoka (Challenge)
Although the ship docked at 7:30 AM, it doesn’t mean you can leave at 7:31.
1. The Long Waiting Sequence
Disembarking is also a test of endurance. A large number of passengers will queue at the elevator, facing the same “elevator battle.”
- Backpackers vs. Family Travelers: Watching those who can rush off the ship with just a backpack or small suitcase, I was really envious. We, carrying heavy items and pushing a stroller, could only queue slowly XD
2. Immigration Procedures
Japanese customs are very strict, and since we disembarked late, we queued for almost 40 minutes. By the time we set foot on Fukuoka soil and got our rental car, it was already 9:15 AM.
Final Verdict: Is the Camellia Right for You?
Honestly, this ferry experience was quite different from what I imagined, with both good and bad aspects, making it a very special memory.
But if you’re traveling with both elders and children… in the future, I might just choose one country to visit for simplicity XD
1. Recommended for:
- Budget-conscious backpackers: Save on accommodation, excellent experience.
- Slow travel enthusiasts: Priceless experience of sea sunrise and hot springs.
2. Not recommended for:
- Families with excessive luggage: The time spent boarding, disembarking, and waiting will make you question your life choices.
- Those extremely picky about sleep environments: Engine noise and occasional rocking are inevitable.
- Heavy internet users: About an hour after departure, there’s no internet at all.
What Did This Big Mistake Teach Me?
Although this trip was a bit frustrating due to not noticing the “no bathroom” issue when booking and being anxious about the shop’s “no fresh milk,” I still think it was a fantastic attempt.
We saved nearly NT$10,000 on airfare and hotel differences, in exchange for memories of the whole family eating fried chicken on tatami mats and watching the sunrise on the deck.
You have to try it to know if this type of travel suits you; in the future, a single-point in-depth tour might be more suitable for us.
Yes. The First-Class Washitsu has outlets (see Image 3), but not many, so it’s recommended to bring a multi-port adapter.
No. The ship has a restaurant offering meals, but with specific hours. It’s strongly recommended to buy snacks and late-night food at Busan Port before boarding.
The ship primarily uses Japanese yen (JPY), and vending machines only accept yen coins. It’s recommended to exchange some yen at Busan Port beforehand.
Basically, no. This is another advantage of traveling by ferry, as there is virtually no luggage weight limit.
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