New Keelung–Ishigaki Ferry Gives Travelers Another Route Between Taiwan and Japan

A new international ferry route has started between Keelung, Taiwan and Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, giving travelers a direct sea option between northern Taiwan and Japan’s Yaeyama Islands.

The service, branded Yaima Line, launched on May 28, 2026. It is operated by Uniwagon Shipping / Wagon Group on the ferry YAIMAMARU, according to the official Yaima Line website and reporting from Focus Taiwan, Reuters and The Japan Times.

What travelers can use the route for

For visitors, the route is most useful as a slower, overnight alternative to flying between Taiwan and Japan. It may be especially interesting for travelers planning a combined Taiwan–Okinawa itinerary, or for visitors already heading to Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands.

Ishigaki is a major base for trips to nearby islands such as Taketomi, Iriomote and other Yaeyama destinations. The new ferry does not replace domestic ferry connections inside Okinawa, but it creates a direct international arrival point on Ishigaki itself.

Initial timetable

According to Yaima Line’s published timetable, the early service runs in stages:

• May 28 to June 29: one round trip per week.
• Keelung to Ishigaki: Thursday 23:00 departure, Friday 08:00 arrival.
• Ishigaki to Keelung: Sunday 21:00 departure, Monday 08:00 arrival.
• July 2 to July 31: Yaima Line lists a planned increase to two round trips per week.

Times are local. Taiwan is one hour behind Japan, so travelers should check the exact departure and arrival times carefully when connecting to flights, hotels or onward ferries.

The operator notes that some Ishigaki terminal details are still under revision for later departures. Travelers should verify the terminal and check-in instructions shortly before travel.

Booking rules to know

Yaima Line says reservations and ticketing are handled through designated travel agencies rather than direct booking on the Yaima Line website. Bookings are available from three months before departure until one day before departure.

The operator also states that there are no same-day reservations or same-day ticket purchases, and passengers may not board without a prior reservation. This is important for backpackers and flexible travelers who might otherwise expect to buy ferry tickets at the port.

Entry paperwork and border formalities

This is an international ferry route, so normal immigration and customs procedures apply in both directions. Travelers should make sure their passport, visa status or visa-free eligibility is valid for Japan and Taiwan before booking.

Yaima Line’s travel notes highlight two practical points:

• For travel to Taiwan, the Taiwan Arrival Card is online only from October 2025 and is free.
• For arrival at Ishigaki, the operator says Visit Japan Web is not supported for customs declaration at Ishigaki Port, so travelers should prepare a paper customs declaration form before boarding.

Because port procedures can change, travelers should check the operator’s latest instructions and official immigration/customs guidance before departure.

Onboard setup

The YAIMAMARU is listed by Yaima Line as a 160-meter vessel with a passenger capacity of about 545 people. The official site lists several cabin types, including suites, family rooms and shared standard cabins, plus onboard facilities such as a restaurant, café, shop, duty-free shop and shared bathroom facilities.

Travelers should confirm available cabin categories, fares, baggage rules and meal arrangements with the designated booking agency before purchase, as these details may vary by sailing and cabin class.

What is still uncertain

The route is new, and some operational details are still settling. Yaima Line lists later Ishigaki terminal information as under revision, and the July schedule is described as planned. Travelers should treat the route as useful but still developing, and should avoid tight same-day onward connections until operations become more established.

Reuters and The Japan Times also reported that the ship has been listed for possible emergency evacuation use by Japan in a regional crisis. For ordinary travelers, the immediate practical impact is the new ferry connection itself; any security-related use is contingency planning, not a routine travel rule.