How to Get to Tsushima, Choosing an Accommodation Area, and Recommended Hotels

Tsushima Route Guide

1. Traveling by Ferry from Busan

Ferries departing from the Busan International Ferry Terminal are the most common way to reach Tsushima. Depending on the arrival port, the island is divided into Northern and Southern sections, each with unique characteristics.

1) To Hitakatsu Port (North)

• Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
• Key Features: This is the closest Japanese port to Busan, making for a very easy journey. It offers excellent access to natural attractions like Miuda Beach and Watazumi Shrine.

2) To Izuhara Port (South)

• Travel Time: Approx. 2 hours – 2 hours 30 minutes
• Key Features: This is the administrative and commercial center of Tsushima. It is ideal for travelers on foot as accommodations, restaurants, and shopping facilities are concentrated here.

2. Traveling by Ferry from Mainland Japan

Routes to Tsushima and Iki Island also operate from Hakata Port and Karatsu Higashi Port in the Kyushu region.

1) Routes from Hakata Port (Fukuoka)

Both Northern and Southern Tsushima routes are available from Hakata Port in Fukuoka.

• To Hitakatsu: Using the ferry takes about 5 hours 50 minutes. This route is mainly used for large-scale cargo transport.
• To Izuhara: The high-speed jetfoil takes approx. 2 hours 15 minutes, while the ferry takes about 4 hours 50 minutes. Both routes typically stop at Iki Island.

2) Routes from Karatsu Higashi Port (Saga)

Ferries from Karatsu Higashi Port in Saga Prefecture connect to Iki Island. This route is useful if you plan to visit Iki Island before heading to Tsushima or if you are approaching from Western Kyushu.

3. Traveling by Air from Mainland Japan

Air routes are faster than ferries and are less affected by sea conditions.

1) Routes from Fukuoka and Nagasaki Airports

• Fukuoka Route: Takes about 35–40 minutes and is considered the most convenient air route.
• Nagasaki Route: Takes about 35–45 minutes. This is a major route as Tsushima is part of Nagasaki Prefecture.

2) Important Considerations

Tsushima Airport is located in the center of the island. To reach Izuhara or Hitakatsu after arrival, you can use a rental car or the local bus. While flights have a lower cancellation rate than ships, they can still be affected by strong winds or fog, so it is best to check in advance.

Guide to Tsushima Accommodation Areas

1. Hitakatsu Area (North Tsushima)

Hitakatsu is a small village centered around the port, characterized by relatively short distances between attractions.

• Pros: Best for day trips or 1-night, 2-day trips due to its proximity to Busan Port. It has excellent access to natural sites like Miuda Beach.
• Cons: The village is small, so there is a lack of nightlife or late-night shopping, and the number of restaurant choices is limited.

2. Izuhara Area (South Tsushima)

Izuhara is the largest urban area on the island and serves as the hub for administration, commerce, and transportation.

• Pros: Very convenient for shopping and dining as restaurants, supermarkets, and drugstores are clustered together. It remains relatively lively in the evening.
• Cons: There is a significant distance to travel to reach the major natural attractions in the northern part of the island.