Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Japan's trains are the stuff of legend--but they don't yet reach all the way to China. For that, you may want to book passage not on a short flight but on a much more leisurely ferry. Ferry travel allows you some time to relax and to meet fellow travelers.
Obtain a Chinese visa. This can be done from the local Chinese embassy. Contact the embassy well in advance to ensure they will have enough time to process your request. In Japan, obtaining a Chinese visa generally takes 4 business days.
Contact the ferry company, and make a reservation. The ferries generally travel every week, but you may only book a couple of months in advance. That reservation, however, is not a ticket.
On the day of your ferry trip, arrive at the station at least 2 hours in advance. Make sure you have your passports, cash and perhaps any snacks and books you would like to take with you.
Buy your ticket. Tickets are purchased with cash: Japanese yen only.
Board the ferry, and locate your accommodations. The passage should take 36 to 48 hours, depending on weather. Occasional typhoons can delay even the traditionally punctual Japanese.