Real Ferries and Bridges: The Route Across Japan

Japan Walk Nomad's nationwide route runs from Cape Soya (Hokkaido) to Shuri Castle (Okinawa) — a roughly 2,760km journey along a real map of Japan. Wherever the route crosses open water or a strait, it's recreated using real ferry lines still in operation today, or real bridges and connecting roads.

The Route at a Glance

The route starts at Cape Soya in Hokkaido, runs through Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and finishes at Shuri Castle in Okinawa. The first ~530km, from Cape Soya to Hakodate, is the free Hokkaido route. Unlocking the Nationwide Edition (a one-time $4.99 purchase) opens up the rest of the journey from Honshu to Okinawa, for a total distance of about 2,760km and 114 landmarks along the way.

Real Ferry Crossings (3 Routes)

Hokkaido ↔ Honshu

Tsugaru Strait Ferry (Hakodate Port ↔ Aomori Port)

This section crosses the Tsugaru Strait, which separates Hokkaido from Honshu. It's modeled on the real Tsugaru Strait Ferry line, recreating the crossing from Hakodate Port to Aomori Port.

Honshu ↔ Kyushu

Kanmon Ferry (Shimonoseki Port ↔ Moji Port)

This section crosses the Kanmon Straits, connecting Shimonoseki Port on Honshu with Moji Port on Kyushu, modeled on the real Kanmon Ferry line.

Kyushu ↔ Okinawa

Marix Line (Kagoshima Port ↔ Naha Port)

This is the long crossing from Kyushu to the main island of Okinawa, modeled on the real Marix Line ferry service, recreating the journey from Kagoshima Port to Naha Port.

Real Bridges & Connecting Roads (3 Honshu–Shikoku Routes)

Honshu ↔ Shikoku

Seto Ohashi Bridge (Kojima side ↔ Sakaide side)

This section is modeled on the Seto Ohashi Bridge, which connects Okayama Prefecture on Honshu with Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku.

Honshu ↔ Shikoku

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Onaruto Bridge (Kobe–Awaji–Naruto Route) (Kobe side ↔ Naruto side)

This section is modeled on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Route, which connects Kobe on Honshu with Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku by way of Awaji Island.

Honshu ↔ Shikoku

Shimanami Kaido (Onomichi side ↔ Imabari side)

This section is modeled on the Shimanami Kaido, which connects Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture with Imabari in Ehime Prefecture by way of several islands in the Seto Inland Sea.

114 Real Landmarks Along the Way

The route features a total of 114 real landmarks (17 of them within the free Hokkaido route), each earning you a badge themed after that location when you pass through. See the full list on the All Spots page.

Start with the free Hokkaido route

The roughly 530km stretch from Cape Soya to Hakodate is free to start walking right now.

Download Free on Google Play