どこへ行く？現地ゼロ泊“弾丸フェリー旅”人気の秘密　「夢の2人旅」や珍トラブルも【Jの追跡】【スーパーJチャンネル】(2026年8月23日)

Japanese ferry travel is highly praised by foreigners. Among them, the "bullet ferry plan," popular for its affordability and comfort, is a particularly popular option. While it's a somewhat hectic trip with "zero nights" spent at the destination, what's the secret to its popularity? ■The Secret to the Popularity of Ferry Travel Person from Germany: "Japanese ferries are the best!" Person from France (37): "Exciting! The ship is a 'moving hotel'!" Japanese ferry travel is attracting attention worldwide. Among them, there's a ferry currently considered the "number one" in Japan. That's the massive passenger ship "Sunflower," connecting Osaka and Kyushu. Person from America: "The interior is luxurious and unbelievably cool!" The ship features a three-story atrium and other features, creating an extraordinary space. Finally, departure. From the deck, a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea unfolds, and the ship passes directly beneath the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, eliciting cheers of awe at the sheer scale of the spectacle. This ferry trip connecting Osaka and Beppu City in Oita Prefecture is currently ranked as the "number one" most popular travel destination in Japan. One of the reasons for this is… "Bullet Ferry" Passenger "I came by bullet ferry. The price is really great. Staying overnight there would be much more expensive." It's called the "Bullet Ferry." Departing Osaka in the evening, arriving in Beppu the next morning. After sightseeing, you take the ferry back to Osaka that evening. It's a somewhat busy trip with no overnight stay at the destination, but the round-trip fare starts at a very reasonable 20,000 yen. "Bullet Ferry" Passenger "It's cheap and comfortable." "Being able to leave my luggage behind is incredibly convenient." ■Excellent Onboard Buffet Furthermore, what surprises foreigners on board is the buffet, featuring over 25 kinds of seasonal dishes, including Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine. A visitor from America: "The food is absolutely amazing!" A visitor from Canada: "Food is amazing!" As is typical for a sea voyage, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat fresh seafood, such as yellowtail and bonito! A visitor from America: "The sashimi is delicious. It was so good I ate over a kilo!" Local cuisine is also a major attraction. A woman in her 40s was drawn to Oita's specialty, "Ryukyu." This local dish consists of sashimi, such as yellowtail, marinated in a sauce made with soy sauce and mirin. It's served over hot rice, and broth is poured over it to make dashi chazuke! Passenger (40s): "Wow, that looks delicious!" "The yuzu pepper is incredibly tasty. This is really good. I'll try making it at home." ■Free access to the large public bath and events There are other secrets to this "Japan's best" experience. A person from Australia: "Taking a bath while looking at the ocean is the ultimate relaxation." The ocean-view observation bath is free of charge. Onboard events such as projection mapping, magic shows, and concerts in the atrium are also free. Passenger: "It's really great." "I thought it would be more bumpy, but it's not that rough." Cabins range from those with no extra charge to spacious Japanese-style rooms. Passenger from Osaka (70s): "It's like, 'Is this my home?' It's so relaxing." "What a great memory." "Absolutely." ■A "Dream Trip for Two" with Granddaughter On this day, on the bullet ferry, they met Emiko (67), who lives in Osaka, and her granddaughter Yuzu (11). Emiko: "I'm so excited!" Yuzu: "I'm 11 years old." Emiko: "I'm in 6th grade. So I just barely qualify for the child's fare." Emiko: "A dream, a dream bullet ferry. I can't take her anywhere unless it's a bullet ferry." Emiko has been a pet groomer for 40 years. Her work keeps her busy, and she'd always dreamed of traveling with her granddaughter, and finally, her long-awaited ferry trip for two is here. Actually, Yuzu fractured her little toe in the sea three days prior, but thankfully, the doctor gave her the all-clear. Their room is a superior type. Yuzu: "Here, no one will get mad at me even if I stay up late." Emiko: "Not even Mom. She won't tell me to 'go to bed early.'" The next morning at 7:00 AM, the ferry arrived in Beppu. Emiko: "That person waved at us." Yuzu: "Wow, there are people dancing." Emiko: "Where?" Yuzu: "They're dancing, they're dancing." "I slept for 5 hours. Once I fall asleep, I don't wake up." ■Approximately 10-hour stay The trip, with approximately 10 hours of stay at the destination, begins. The two most wanted to visit Beppu's famous "Hell Tour." First, they were greeted by the bright red "Blood Pond Hell." Yuzu: "It's kind of scary. There's some kind of mud-like substance pooling there." Emiko: "I wonder if it's hot." Yuzu: "Amazing!" Next, in stark contrast, was the mystical cobalt-blue "Sea Hell." Yuzu: "Wouldn't you die if you soaked in the hot water here?" Emiko: "It's hot. Super hot." There was also a "hand bath," not a foot bath. ...