A major milestone in maritime travel between Taiwan and Japan is about to unfold. Starting in September 2025, regular direct passenger and cargo ferry service connecting the Port of Keelung in northern Taiwan and Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture (the hub of the Yaeyama Islands) will officially set sail, injecting vibrant new energy into regional tourism.
Operated by Yaima Line, the route will be serviced by the newly commissioned passenger-cargo vessel 「YAIMAMARU (やいま丸)」. Offering three round-trip voyages per week with a one-way sailing time of approximately 7 hours, the line provides travelers with a scenic, slow-travel alternative to reach Ishigaki’s azure waters and island culture.
”YAIMAMARU”: Modern Comfort on the Open Ocean
The YAIMAMARU is a purpose-built modern Ro-Ro passenger ferry measuring 160 meters in length and 25 meters in beam, with a gross tonnage of 21,535 tons and a top cruising speed of 25.16 knots.
Designed to accommodate approximately 545 passengers alongside 180 TEUs of cargo containers, the vessel integrates international leisure travel with essential bilateral logistics. With spacious cabin lounges, observation decks, and modern amenities, the vessel offers a serene cruise experience whether embarking on a weekend getaway or an extended island-hopping vacation.
A Direct 7-Hour Voyage: Streamlined Island Access
Reaching the Yaeyama archipelago from Taiwan has historically required convoluted flight transfers through Naha Airport on mainland Okinawa, typically demanding 4 to 5 hours of total transit, airport security queues, and domestic gate changes.
The direct Keelung-Ishigaki sea route dramatically simplifies this journey:
- Boarding directly at Keelung Port allows passengers to bypass airport runway delays and restrictive luggage weight caps.
- Travelers arrive directly at Ishigaki Port in approximately 7 hours, offering an ideal option for travelers with flight anxiety, slow-travel enthusiasts, and families traveling with bulky sports equipment like diving gear or bicycles.
The Allure of Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands
As one of Okinawa Prefecture’s premier subtropical destinations, Ishigaki is renowned for its crystal-clear emerald seas, vibrant coral reefs, and unique Ryukyu-Yaeyama heritage:
- Stroll along the white sands of scenic Kabira Bay.
- Take a quick 10-minute water shuttle to Taketomi Island to admire preserved traditional red-tiled Ryukyuan homesteads and buffalo carts.
- Savor world-famous Ishigaki wagyu beef, fresh sashimi, and artisanal Yaeyama soba noodles.
- Utilize Ishigaki Airport’s domestic flight connections as an affordable hopping point into mainland Japanese destinations.
Maiden Voyage and Booking Information
According to official operator announcements, regular operations are slated to commence in September 2025, maintaining a three-voyage weekly schedule.
Fare schedules, cabin tier pricing, and ticketing availability will be released via the official Yaima Line portal (https://yaimaline.com). Travelers interested in experiencing the historic inaugural voyage are encouraged to monitor announcements closely.
A New Era of Maritime Connectivity
The inauguration of the Keelung–Ishigaki direct ferry marks a momentous advancement in transportation, tourism, and cultural ties between Taiwan and Japan. By bridging the narrow sea passage with a comfortable, accessible cruise ferry, this route stands as one of the most exciting travel developments of 2025.
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