Dream Ship! Encountering Mt. Fuji on the Blue Highway:: Suruga Bay Ferry

Text by Lai Peixuan | Photography by Chi Binghui

Cruising along the blue highway that lies south of the Pacific Ocean, Suruga Bay is embraced by this expanse of blue sea and overlooked by Japan’s sacred mountain—Mt. Fuji. The Suruga Bay Ferry, gliding through this naturally blessed azure expanse, has become a must-visit tourist destination. As Japan’s deepest coastal bay, Suruga Bay allows passengers on the ferry from Shimizu Port in Shizuoka to Toi Port in Izu to enjoy a full 360-degree view of the bay in just 65 minutes. On sunny days, you can marvel at the majestic presence of Mt. Fuji—an absolutely breathtaking sight.

The Suruga Bay Ferry (Dream Ferry) is a local sightseeing and transport ferry, measuring 83 meters in length with a total tonnage of approximately 1,554 tons. The interior offers comfortable private-style seating and scenic seating, divided into “Ocean Room” and “Guest Room,” with a maximum capacity of 450 passengers. It can also carry vehicles such as buses and cars. Inside the ferry, large window designs allow passengers to gaze out at the entire bay scenery while onboard.

How can travelers make the most of their visit to the Izu Peninsula? Before boarding at Shimizu Port in Shizuoka, don’t miss the nearby Doraemon Park. And as you head to Izu, a renowned hot spring destination, you can start planning a relaxing journey filled with hot springs and gourmet food to rejuvenate your body and soul.

In addition, the “Izu Dream Pass” introduced to celebrate the launch of Shizuoka Airport (Mt. Fuji) is a convenient service for travelers. The pass includes one ride on the Suruga Bay Ferry and unlimited rides on Tokai Bus and Izu Kyuko Railway for three days. Travelers can also choose between the red “Golden Route” and green “Wasabi Route” according to their itinerary.

In the hot spring town of the Izu Peninsula, besides enjoying hot springs and local cuisine, the famous Kawazu Seven Waterfalls—a small village filled with hot spring hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops—is also blanketed with cherry blossoms in spring. If you’re looking for the most poetic spot in Izu, visit Shuzenji, an ancient mountain hot spring town that feels like stepping back into the Heian period. These are some of Izu’s most captivating attractions. Now, let’s set sail on the ferry for a dreamy vacation in Izu.