This time, I’ll be sharing my 9-hour cruise experience aboard the Orange Ferry from Ehime to Osaka. The ferry, with its striking orange color, is a large vessel capable of carrying long-distance trucks and passenger cars. During the journey, I enjoyed the onboard facilities, meals, and even the game center, making it a fulfilling experience. Please enjoy the charm of this ferry trip as it crosses the Seto Inland Sea.
Orange Ferry — Appearance and First Impressions
As the name suggests, the Orange Ferry stands out with its bright orange exterior. After completing the boarding process, it was time to step aboard. Watching the large trucks being loaded onto the ferry was an impressive sight, giving a real sense of the ship’s massive size. The bold red and orange design builds excitement even before you board the vessel.
Comfortable Spaces Inside the Ferry
The interior of the ferry is spacious, offering a relaxed and open environment. Vending machines and a shop are available, where you can purchase snacks and amenities, ensuring you have everything you need for the journey. The room I stayed in was equipped with a bed and a TV, making it extremely comfortable. On top of that, a humidifier was placed on the desk, and I was impressed by the thoughtful service. On the bed, there were essentials like a toothbrush and towels, and the towel with the Orange Ferry logo had a charming design.
Meals and Local Ehime Cuisine
One of the highlights of the 9-hour ferry trip is enjoying a meal in the spacious dining hall. The dining area offers local specialties, and I chose Ehime’s famous dish, “Tai-meshi” (sea bream rice). Priced at ¥1,200 (approximately $11), this set features fresh sea bream sashimi served over rice, with a raw egg and wasabi mixed in for extra flavor—it was absolutely delicious. Ehime is renowned for its sea bream, so I highly recommend trying this dish during your journey.
Fun at the Game Center
The ferry also has a game center, featuring games like slot machines and pachinko. One of the highlights is the crane game, which adds extra fun to your time aboard. I aimed carefully and gave it a try, but unfortunately, I didn’t win this time. Nevertheless, it was a relaxing and enjoyable way to pass the time, with plenty of activities to keep you entertained during the journey.
Breakfast and the Moment of Arrival
As dawn broke, the cafeteria onboard opened for breakfast. I enjoyed a Japanese meal I had pre-ordered for ¥800 (approximately $7.30). Simple yet delicious, it was the perfect start to the day. While I was eating, the ferry safely arrived in Osaka. By the time I stepped outside, disembarkation had already begun, marking the start of a new day.
Summary
The 9-hour cruise aboard the Orange Ferry is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a special experience filled with enjoyable activities and delicious local cuisine. During the journey from Ehime to Osaka, I was able to relax in the comfortable interior while soaking in the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. For your next long-distance trip, I highly recommend choosing the Orange Ferry for a relaxing and enjoyable journey.
