JAPAN → TAIWAN · INTERNATIONAL FERRY
The Ishigaki to Keelung ferry is an international passenger route connecting Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, Japan with Keelung in northern Taiwan. Operated as Yaima Line, the route uses YAIMAMARU and is currently planned to operate twice a week. It provides a rare direct sea connection between Japan’s Yaeyama Islands and Taiwan.
01 · ROUTE & SCHEDULE
Ishigaki to Keelung Ferry Schedule
Yaima Line’s August–September 2026 timetable plans two round trips per week. Ishigaki departures are scheduled for Wednesday and Sunday evenings, arriving in Keelung the following morning.
Planned frequency: 2 round trips per week
Times are shown in local time. Taiwan is one hour behind Japan.
Arrival times may change due to weather and sea conditions.
Scheduled arrival in Keelung at 08:00 on Thursday.
Scheduled arrival in Keelung at 08:00 on Monday.
Current August–September 2026 planned operating pattern.
Taiwan local time is one hour behind Japan Standard Time.
Typhoons and rough seas can cause cancellations or changes.
02 · FERRY INFORMATION
Travel aboard YAIMAMARU
YAIMAMARU is the passenger ferry used on the Ishigaki–Keelung international route. The vessel has multiple cabin categories, restaurants and passenger facilities for the overnight crossing.
The international passenger ferry operating the route.
A large international passenger and cargo ferry.
Published vessel length from Yaima Line.
Published approximate passenger capacity.
Published approximate cargo capacity.
03 · FARES & CABINS
Ishigaki to Keelung Ferry 2026 Fares
The following one-way fares apply to the published August– September 2026 period. Adult and child fares are the same. Taxes are charged separately.
15-person room with mattresses. The lowest published cabin fare.
Available with twin beds or bunk-bed configurations.
Six-person room with mattresses.
Published configurations include bunk beds and mattresses.
Twin-bed cabin for two passengers.
Four-person room with four mattresses.
Two-person cabin with a double bed and private facilities.
Separate from the passenger fare. Infants under two are exempt.
04 · BOOKING
How to Book the Ishigaki to Keelung Ferry
Yaima Line does not sell tickets directly through its own website. Reservations and ticketing are handled through designated travel agencies. Passengers are asked to book at least 10 days before departure.
Booking Steps
Same-day reservations and ticket purchases are not available, and passengers cannot board without an advance reservation.
- Check the latest Ishigaki → Keelung sailing date.
- Choose a cabin such as Standard, Family, Deluxe or Royal Suite.
- Contact an authorized travel agency for availability.
- Book at least 10 days before departure.
- Confirm the passenger name and passport information.
- Recheck the sailing status before traveling to Ishigaki Port.
Where to Book
In Ishigaki, Yaima Line lists CHUOU TOURIST as an authorized travel agency. Several designated agencies are also available in Taiwan.
Authorized Travel Agency in Ishigaki Island
TEL: +81-980-83-5454
No same-day reservations or ticket purchases are available. Boarding is not permitted without a prior reservation.
05 · FERRY TERMINALS
Ishigaki & Keelung Passenger Terminals
The Ishigaki boarding terminal can vary by sailing. Check the latest timetable to confirm whether your departure uses Ishigaki Port Terminal or Ishigaki Port International Terminal.
Ishigaki
- Terminal Ishigaki Port Terminal or Ishigaki Port International Terminal
- Port Terminal No. 4, 3-chome, Hamasakicho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa
- International Painu-hama-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa
- Check-in 18:00–20:00
- Documents Ticket and passport
Keelung
- Dock Keelung Port Pier 19
- Terminal Normally E2 Terminal; W2 may be used depending on conditions
- E2 Address No. 1, Zhongzheng Rd., Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan
- Shuttle Shuttle bus operates between the ship and passenger terminal
- Return Check-in 20:00–21:30
06 · BEFORE YOU BOARD
Ishigaki to Keelung Ferry Travel Checklist
Yaima Line recommends booking at least 10 days before departure. Same-day ticket purchases are not available.
Bring both your ticket and passport for international check-in, security and immigration procedures.
Ishigaki reception begins at 18:00 and closes at 20:00. Late passengers cannot be processed.
Taiwan’s Arrival Card is online only. Complete the free application within seven days before arrival.
The ferry timetable uses local time at each port, so remember the one-hour difference when planning onward transportation.
The route can be affected by typhoons, high waves and strong winds. Sailing cancellations are possible.
07 · RETURN ROUTE
Keelung to Ishigaki Ferry Schedule
The return service from Taiwan is also planned twice a week. YAIMAMARU departs Keelung late in the evening and arrives at Ishigaki the following morning.
Scheduled Ishigaki arrival at 08:00 on Wednesday.
Scheduled Ishigaki arrival at 08:00 on Friday.
Late arrivals at Keelung cannot be accepted.
The terminal can change depending on port conditions.
Ishigaki Port does not support Visit Japan Web for customs declaration.
08 · FAQ
Ishigaki to Keelung Ferry FAQ
Is there a ferry from Ishigaki to Keelung?
Yes. Yaima Line operates the international passenger ferry YAIMAMARU between Ishigaki Island in Japan and Keelung in Taiwan.
How often does the Ishigaki to Keelung ferry operate?
The August–September 2026 timetable plans two round trips per week. Ishigaki departures are scheduled on Wednesday and Sunday.
What time does the ferry leave Ishigaki?
The current timetable lists Ishigaki departures at 21:00 on Wednesday and Sunday.
What time does the ferry arrive in Keelung?
The ferry is scheduled to arrive in Keelung at 08:00 the following morning. All times are local, and Taiwan is one hour behind Japan.
How much is the Ishigaki to Keelung ferry?
For August–September 2026, published one-way fares start from ¥14,560 per person for Standard G. Standard B is ¥21,840, Standard A is ¥25,480, Deluxe Suite and Family Room are ¥29,120, and Royal Suite is ¥54,600 per person.
Are taxes included in the ferry fare?
No. For Ishigaki → Keelung, the published additional tax is ¥3,000 per passenger. Infants under two years old are exempt.
Can I buy a ticket on the day of departure?
No. Yaima Line states that same-day reservations and ticket purchases are not available. Passengers without an advance reservation cannot board.
How early should I book the ferry?
Yaima Line asks passengers to make reservations at least 10 days before departure.
What time is check-in at Ishigaki?
Passenger reception starts at 18:00 and closes at 20:00. Passengers arriving after the deadline cannot be processed.
Which terminal does the ferry use in Ishigaki?
Depending on the sailing, YAIMAMARU may use either Ishigaki Port Terminal or Ishigaki Port International Terminal. Check the latest timetable before traveling to the port.
Which terminal does the ferry use in Keelung?
YAIMAMARU docks at Keelung Port Pier 19. Passenger processing normally uses E2 Terminal, although W2 Terminal may be used depending on port conditions.
Can the Ishigaki to Keelung ferry be cancelled?
Yes. Typhoons, high waves and other adverse sea conditions can lead to cancellations or schedule changes. Check the latest Yaima Line operation notice before traveling.