When does the Keelung ⇔ Ishigaki ferry start?

The route has been announced with a launch window around September 2025. Initial sailings were signaled for mid-September, with some reports indicating a possible slip into October. Exact start date is TBA.

How often will it run?

Frequency is not yet finalized. Announcements have referenced either ~3 sailings per month or a Tue/Thu/Sun pattern (3 per week). Treat the schedule as tentative until official timetables are published.

What are the planned departure and arrival times?

Provisional guidance suggests late-night departures around 23:00–00:00 from Keelung with arrival in Ishigaki around 07:30 the next morning (about 5 hours). Final times may change.

What ship is used and how many passengers can it carry?

The service is planned with YAIMA MARU (by YaimaLine). The vessel is expected to accommodate roughly 545 passengers based on reported specs.

Can I bring a car or motorcycle on board?

Reports indicate vehicles can be loaded. Vehicle deck capacity, height limits, and booking rules have not been formally published yet—please wait for the official notice.

Are tickets and prices available?

Ticket sales and pricing have not been released. Fares, cabin types, and vehicle fees will be confirmed by the operator closer to launch.

How do I check the latest status and timetable?

Until tickets go on sale, follow the operator’s official announcements and reputable local media updates. This guide will be updated when the official timetable is published.

Is there entertainment on this overnight sailing?

There have been mentions of onboard live music or magic shows, but these are unconfirmed for this short overnight route. Assume standard overnight ferry service unless otherwise announced.

What about immigration and visas?

This is an international route. Ensure your passport validity, visas, and entry requirements for Japan and Taiwan are in order before travel. Immigration procedures occur at the respective ports.

Any seasickness tips for the crossing?

Crossing time is relatively short (about 5 hours), and modern ferries use stabilizers, but conditions vary. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider medication and choose a mid-ship cabin if available.

What should I do after arriving in Ishigaki?

Popular first stops include Kabira Bay and quick side trips to nearby islands like Taketomi and Iriomote by local ferry. See our linked island-hopping guide for maps and tips.

Taiwan to Ishigaki Ferry 2025｜YaimaLine Keelung & Tainan Routes, Status and Travel Guide

The long-awaited ferry trip from Taiwan to Ishigaki Island (Okinawa) is about to start in mid-September! The ship, called YAIMA MARU, will operate about three times a month, bringing Taiwan and Ishigaki closer than ever.

What Was Announced
Quick Status Check
Experiences on board?
Arrival Tips
Local Food
1. Yaeyama soba
2. Onisasa (オニササ)
Ishigaki beef
Wrap-up
Source

What Was Announced

	What Was Reported
Route	Keelung ⇔ Ishigaki
Operator	YaimaLine (YAIMA MARU)
Frequency	Planned 3 times per week (Tue / Thu / Sun)
Schedule	Departures around 23:00–00:00, arrival ~07:30 next morning (approx. 7 hrs)
Launch Window	September 2025

The vessel can carry about 545 passengers, and vehicles can also be loaded on board.

The schedule and ticket prices have not yet been finalized.
Based on the announcement and other ferry operations, sailings are expected to depart late at night and arrive in Ishigaki the following morning.

Quick Status Check

Route	Status (Sept 2025)
Keelung ⇔ Ishigaki	Announced, launch delayed to mid-Sept / Oct 2025
Keelung ⇔ Ishigaki	Announced, planned 3 sailings/month from Sept 2025

Experiences on board?

There’s even talk of **live music and magic shows** on the ferry.

It’s probably just empty talk to make the route seem more appealing—so don’t expect it to actually happen on the short overnight voyage.

That said, this new route doesn’t need any extra gimmicks. The very fact you can sail overnight from Taiwan to Ishigaki Island is already an exciting enough experience.

Arrival Tips

When you arrive on Ishigaki Island, it’s time to start exploring! Here are a few great places to check out first.

Please also see our article introducing the small islands around Ishigaki Island.

Islands You Can Visit by Ferry from Ishigaki｜Guide to Iriomote, Taketomi, Kohama, Kuroshima & Hatoma

Kabira Bay

Famous for turquoise waters and glass-bottom boats. A UNESCO World Heritage candidate and one of Japan’s top scenic bays. GoogleMap

Taketomi Island

Just 10 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki. Known for traditional red-roof houses, buffalo carts, and quiet sandy lanes. Google Map

Iriomote Island

A paradise for eco-tourism. Dense mangroves, waterfalls, and the chance to spot the rare Iriomote wildcat. Google Map

Local Food

Yaeyama soba

lighter and softer than Okinawa soba. Google Map

Onisasa (オニササ)

Ishigaki’s quirky snack—fried chicken fillet pressed onto a rice ball. Google Map

Ishigaki beef

premium wagyu, often served grilled or in sushi. Google Map

Wrap-up

While flights from Tainan are convenient, taking the ferry offers a unique travel experience.

From Ishigaki, you can easily explore the outlying islands, continue on to Okinawa’s main island, and then travel north through Kagoshima before reaching Osaka or Tokyo by land.

For the return, flying back to Taiwan provides a fast and comfortable finish.

To discover more about the YAIMA MARU ferry, check out the article below:
👉 Ishigaki–Taiwan Ferry “YAIMA MARU”｜Route & Travel Guide

Taiwan to Ishigaki (Okinawa) Ferry 2025｜Keelung Route Status & Travel Guide