A new international ferry began operating between Taiwan and Japan. Yaima Maru made its first trip at the end of May 2026. The ship connects the port of Keelung, in Taiwan, directly to Ishigaki Island, in the Okinawa archipelago. The crossing takes around eight hours and covers 270 kilometers.
The night service allows passengers to sleep on board and wake up at their destination. The 21,000-ton vessel offers different types of cabins, a sauna, karaoke room and café on deck. The initiative seeks to attract travelers looking for an experience different from conventional flights.
Geographic distance makes Ishigaki more accessible from Taiwan
Ishigaki Island is much closer to Taiwan than Tokyo. The Japanese capital is about 2 thousand kilometers away. The sea route of the new ferry measures just 270 kilometers. This factor surprises many travelers.
Currently, direct flights between the two points are still limited. Most air connections require a stopover in Naha. Yaima Maru, operated by Wagon Group in partnership with Shosen Yaima, aims to fill this gap for those who prefer quieter trips.
- The ferry leaves Keelung in the evening and arrives in Ishigaki in the morning.
- Prices start at around 10,000 yen for basic cabins in low season.
- In June, the operation foresees one trip per week. From July onwards, they increase to two.
The vessel received an inauguration ceremony in Taiwan with drums and traditional lion dancing. Ishigaki officials celebrated the arrival with welcome flags and banners.
Regional security aspect marks route planning
The Japanese government has designated Yaima Maru as a support option for evacuating residents in the event of an escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The Nansei Islands region, where Ishigaki is located, gains strategic relevance.
Experts note that the route can complicate calculations in conflict scenarios. Service representatives and authorities, however, highlight the purely tourist and commercial nature of the operation. The declared focus continues on promoting exchange between territories.
Ishigaki Island is part of the archipelago that stretches from Kyushu to Taiwan. Its beaches, crystal clear waters and local beef attract visitors. The new maritime connection facilitates access for Taiwanese, one of the main tourist groups in Japan.
Tourism growth in Ishigaki raises local concerns
The increase in visitors worries some residents. Ishigaki has seen a record number of about 1.5 million tourists in 2025. Some residents fear additional pressure on infrastructure and the environment.
Posts on local social networks express fears of overtourism, a phenomenon already seen in other Japanese destinations. The city hall and operators, however, claim that the ferry was received with initial support from the authorities.
Passengers interviewed highlight the affordable price and unique experience. A traveler from San Francisco mentioned the practicality of sleeping and waking up in Japan. Others cited the desire to experience something different from conventional flights.
Historic ties between Japan and Taiwan drive new route
Taiwan and Japan maintain deep economic, cultural and historical relations. The period between 1895 and 1945, when Taiwan was under Japanese administration, left its mark on communities in Ishigaki and neighboring islands. Many descendants still live in the region.
In 2025, Taiwan will send around 6.7 million visitors to Japan. The new ferry aims to reinforce these links through tourism and, eventually, cargo transportation. The operator’s president, Tiger Hong, reinforces the expectation of stays of three to four days in Ishigaki.
Yaima Maru emerged after planning that faced delays due to renovations, inspections and documentation. The vessel, previously used on other routes, was adapted for the new service. Initial bookings recorded good demand. The first trip to Taiwan was packed.
