TAIPEI,Taiwan – For the first time in nearly two decades, travelers can once again cross the ocean between Taiwan and Japan by regular passenger ferry. After an 18-year gap, a direct sea link between Taiwan’s northern port city of Keelung and Japan’s Ishigaki Island has officially restarted. This exciting development marks a new chapter for tourism, trade, and regional friendship.
The highly anticipated service made its maiden voyage on a Thursday night, carrying excited passengers across the East China Sea. Operated by the Yaima Maru , the new route offers a slow-paced, scenic alternative to flying. For tourists seeking a unique travel experience, the ferry provides a wonderful chance to fall asleep in Taiwan and wake up to the beautiful beaches of Japan’s southernmost prefecture.
The journey covers a 270-kilometre route, linking the bustling maritime port of Keelung directly to the tropical paradise of Ishigaki in Okinawa Prefecture. The one-way trip takes approximately eight hours, making it an ideal overnight voyage for busy travelers.
Currently, the service offers one weekly round trip during its initial trial phase.
- Departure from Taiwan:The ship leaves Keelung on Thursday nights at 11:00 p.m. It arrives in Ishigaki by 8:00 a.m. on Friday.
- Return from Japan:The return leg leaves Ishigaki on Sunday or Monday evenings, bringing passengers comfortably back to Taiwan by morning.
Because of high demand and the growing popularity of ocean travel, operators plan to increase the schedule to two weekly trips starting in July. This expansion will give vacationers much more flexibility when planning their summer getaways. You can find more details on the launch schedule via Focus Taiwan .
Step Aboard the Yaima Maru : Comfort and Amenities
The Yaima Maru is an impressive vessel designed to make the eight-hour crossing as comfortable as possible. Weighing in at 21,688 gross tons, the ship has plenty of space for passengers to stretch out and relax. It can carry up to 545 passengers and features 122 guest rooms, providing a total of 493 beds.
Travelers have a wide range of accommodation options to fit their budgets and personal preferences. Whether you are a solo backpacker or a family seeking luxury, the ship has a room style for everyone.
Here is a quick look at what the ship offers:
- Royal Suites:These premium rooms offer double beds, private living rooms, ocean-view windows, and full private bathrooms with bathtubs.
- Standard Cabins:These are budget-friendly, dormitory-style rooms that can host four to 15 passengers. They feature clean platform beds and shared bathrooms.
- Dream Coffee:A late-night cafe located on the upper deck. Passengers can grab a coffee, order drinks, or eat light meals while enjoying the ocean breeze.
- Onboard Shop:Open during the evening hours, this store sells a mix of popular Taiwanese and Japanese snacks, instant noodles, and duty-free goods. Both cash and credit cards are widely accepted.
According to booking platforms like Klook , the ferry is positioned as a relaxing, stress-free way to start a holiday. Instead of dealing with crowded airports, passengers can enjoy quiet ocean views and a peaceful night’s sleep.
Why Ishigaki Island is a Top Destination
For those unfamiliar with Ishigaki, the island is a hidden gem. It offers a completely different vibe compared to bustling cities like Tokyo or Osaka. Located in the Yaeyama island chain, Ishigaki is famous for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear blue waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Therefore, it is a haven for snorkelers, scuba divers, and anyone looking to escape the fast pace of city life.
With the new ferry service, tourists starting their journey in Taipei now have a direct pathway to this tropical retreat. Visitors to Ishigaki can spend their days relaxing on Kabira Bay, which is highly famous for its white sands and emerald-green waters. The island is also a gateway to other remote destinations, such as Taketomi Island, where traditional Ryukyuan houses and water buffalo carts offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich history.
The Rise of Slow Travel
The reintroduction of this ferry route also taps into a growing global trend known as “slow travel.” In today’s fast-paced world, many tourists are looking to reduce the stress of flying. Airports often mean long security lines, strict baggage limits, and cramped seating.
Traveling by sea offers a totally different mindset. On the Yaima Maru , the journey itself becomes a meaningful part of the vacation. Passengers can walk around the open decks, breathe in the fresh sea air, and watch the stars over the ocean. Furthermore, traveling by ferry often allows for more generous baggage allowances. This makes it much easier for shoppers to bring home Japanese souvenirs without worrying about expensive airline fees.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth
The return of this ferry route is a major win for the local economies of both Keelung and Ishigaki. Ishigaki Mayor Yoshitaka Nakayama traveled to Taiwan to celebrate the official launch ceremony at Keelung port. He expressed his deep hope that the Yaima Maru will be loved by many and will help build strong trust between the two regions.
“This regular route is not merely transportation infrastructure,” Nakayama explained to reporters, as reported by The Japan Times . “It serves as a new bridge that supports tourism, logistics, economic activity, cultural exchange, and education.”
Taiwan and Japan already share a massive tourism relationship. Last year, Taiwan was the third-largest source of visitors to Japan, with travelers making more than 6.7 million trips. Meanwhile, Japan remains the number one overseas destination for Taiwanese tourists. The new ferry route is expected to push these numbers even higher by offering a cheaper alternative to flights.
In addition to carrying passengers, the Yaima Maru will soon become a vital cargo link. The ship has the capacity to hold up to 70 vehicles and 90 large cargo containers. Operators expect to launch freight services in about six months, after final preparations are complete. Once cargo operations are running smoothly, high-quality local products, such as famous Ishigaki beef, could be exported directly to Taiwanese markets.
Navigating Regional Complexities
While the primary focus of the Yaima Maru is tourism and trade, the ship also plays a quiet but important role in regional safety. In the background of this new travel route, geopolitical tensions remain a reality in the region.
Because of its massive size and passenger capacity, the Japanese government has included the Yaima Maru on a list of vessels that could be used for emergency evacuations. In the rare event of a severe regional crisis or natural disaster, the ship could help safely transport residents from southern Japanese islands to the mainland. You can read more about this dual-purpose capability in coverage by AsiaOne .
However, the private operators of the ferry prefer to keep the focus firmly on civilian travel and economic benefits. Tatsuya Ohama, president of Shosen Yaima, the company that owns the vessel, clearly stated that their main goal is simple. As a private business, their absolute priority is getting the service running smoothly and safely for everyday tourists.
Planning Your Trip: Tickets and Transportation
Booking a trip on the Yaima Maru is designed to be affordable and simple. Ticket prices offer great value compared to typical airline fares. During the low travel season, basic dormitory accommodations start at roughly NT$2,000 (about US$63 or 10,000 Japanese yen) for a one-way ticket. For those wanting a more luxurious experience, premium suites can cost up to NT$10,500 during peak holidays.
Getting to the ferry is also very easy for international and local travelers. The ship docks at Keelung Port, which is highly accessible from Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei.
- By Train:A direct train from Taipei Main Station to Keelung takes just 45 minutes. From the Keelung train station, the passenger terminal is only a short five-minute walk away.
- By Bus:Intercity buses offer a comfortable 50-minute ride from Taipei directly to the port area.
Travelers are advised to arrive at the terminal between 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to complete customs and check-in procedures before the late-night departure.
A Bright Future for Ocean Travel
The restart of the Taiwan-Japan passenger ferry service is more than just a new travel option. It is a celebration of the strong, lasting ties between the two regions. After 18 years without a direct passenger sea link, the Yaima Maru offers a refreshing, romantic, and highly practical way to cross the ocean.
Whether you are a budget traveler looking for a cheap ticket to Okinawa or a family seeking a slow-paced adventure, this new route delivers. As operations expand to twice a week in July, and with cargo services on the horizon, the Yaima Maru is set to become a busy and beloved fixture in the waters between Taiwan and Japan.
