Ferries

At a Glance: Navigating Okinawa’s Island Ferries

Introduction to Okinawa’s Ferry Network

Exploring the stunning remote islands of Okinawa is a highlight for many visitors, and the extensive network of okinawa ferries makes island hopping an accessible and memorable experience. From the vibrant coral reefs of the Kerama Islands to the lush, wild landscapes of the Yaeyamas, ferries are your gateway to these tropical paradises. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Okinawa’s inter-island ferry connections, helping you plan your journey.

Okinawa Prefecture’s ferry system operates from several main hubs, primarily Naha’s Tomari Port for the central islands and Ishigaki Port for the southern Yaeyama chain. Understanding these distinct networks, along with booking procedures, schedules, and potential weather impacts, is crucial for a smooth island adventure.

Quick Facts About Okinawa Ferries

  • Main Hubs: Naha (Tomari Port), Ishigaki (Remote Island Terminal), Motobu Port.
  • Ferry Types: High-speed (passenger-only, faster, more prone to cancellation) and Car Ferry (slower, carries vehicles, more stable).
  • Kerama Islands Booking: Highly recommended, often essential, especially during peak season.
  • Yaeyama Islands Booking: Generally not required for individual travelers; tickets bought at terminal.
  • Car Transport: Possible on “Ferry” type vessels to some islands (e.g., Keramas, Ie, Kume), but expensive and requires advance booking. Not practical for Yaeyamas.
  • Weather Impact: Ferries are frequently cancelled due to typhoons (June-October) and strong winter winds (December-February).
  • Naha-Ishigaki Ferry: No regular passenger ferry service; travel between these two is by flight.
  • Environmental Tax: A 100 JPY environmental tax is collected at Tomari Port for Kerama Islands travel.

Key Ferry Ports and Access

Tomari Port (Tomarin), Naha

Tomari Port, or “Tomarin,” is the main gateway from Naha to the Kerama Islands (Zamami, Tokashiki, Aka), Kumejima, Aguni, and Tonaki.

  • Address: 3-25-1 Maejima, Naha, Okinawa 900-0016
  • Access:
    • Monorail: ~15-20 min walk from Miebashi Station.
    • Bus: Tomarin-mae bus stop nearby.
    • Car: Paid parking available in Tomarin building.
    • Taxi: Short ride from Kokusai Dori (~1,000 JPY) or Naha Airport (~2,000 JPY).

Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal

This terminal is the hub for all ferries connecting Ishigaki to the Yaeyama Islands (excluding Yonaguni).

  • Address: 1 Misakicho, Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0012
  • Access:
    • From New Ishigaki Airport (ISG): ~30 min by bus (540 JPY) or ~25-30 min by taxi (~3,000 JPY). Bus terminal is across from ferry terminal.
    • Car: Large paid parking lots nearby.

Other Key Ports

  • Motobu Port: Access to Ie Island (northern Okinawa Main Island).
  • Azama Port: Access to Kudaka Island (southern Okinawa Main Island).

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Practical Information: Routes, Schedules, and Booking

Ferry services vary by region and operator. Schedules and prices change, so always verify with official operator websites.

1. Naha (Tomari Port) → Kerama Islands

a) To Zamami Island & Aka Island

  • Operator: Zamami Village
  • Vessels & Times: Queen Zamami (High-Speed): ~50-70 min, 2-3 daily. Ferry Zamami (Car Ferry): ~120 min, 1 daily.
  • Prices (One-Way Adult, early 2024): Queen Zamami: 3,200 JPY; Ferry Zamami: 2,150 JPY. Plus 100 JPY environmental tax.
  • Reservation: **Highly recommended, often essential** during peak season. Online booking in English available 2 months in advance.
  • Car Transport: Only on Ferry Zamami. Mandatory, expensive (starts ~15,000 JPY one-way), requires reservation.
  • Contact: Zamami Village Naha Office: 098-868-4567

b) To Tokashiki Island (Aharen Port)

  • Operator: Tokashiki Village
  • Vessels & Times: Marine Liner Tokashiki (High-Speed): ~35 min, 2-3 daily. Ferry Tokashiki (Car Ferry): ~70 min, 1 daily.
  • Prices (One-Way Adult, early 2024): Marine Liner Tokashiki: 2,530 JPY; Ferry Tokashiki: 1,690 JPY.
  • Reservation: **Highly recommended.** Primarily via phone (Japanese language may be required). Booking opens 2 months in advance.
  • Car Transport: Only on Ferry Tokashiki. Reservation required.
  • Contact: Tokashiki Village Naha Office: 098-868-7541

2. Ishigaki Port → Yaeyama Islands

  • Operators: Anei Kankō, Yaeyama Kankō Ferry, Ishigaki Dream Kankō. Joint services common between Anei and Yaeyama Kankō.
  • Reservation: Generally not required for individuals on popular routes. Buy tickets at terminal.
  • Island Passes: Multi-day passes available (e.g., 3-day pass for ~6,000 JPY).
  • Car Transport: Not practical for tourists.

Key Routes from Ishigaki:

  • Taketomi Island: ~10-15 min, very frequent.
  • Iriomote Island: Ohara Port (~35-45 min, south) and Uehara Port (~45-55 min, north). Uehara is prone to cancellation; shuttle connects Ohara to Uehara area.
  • Kohama Island: ~30 min.
  • Kuroshima Island: ~30 min.
  • Hateruma Island: ~60-90 min, 2-3 daily. **Frequently cancelled** due to open sea.
  • Hatoma Island: Via Uehara Port.
  • Yonaguni Island: Fukuyama Kaiun from different pier. 4.5-hour journey, twice weekly. Very rough; most fly.

3. Other Important Ferry Routes

  • Motobu Port → Ie Island: 30-minute car ferry, multiple daily. Easy for rental cars.
  • Azama Port → Kudaka Island: High-speed boat (~15 min) and ferry (~25 min), multiple daily.
  • Tomari Port → Kume Island: One car ferry daily, ~3-4 hours.

Overnight/Long-Haul Ferries:

  • Naha ↔ Daito Islands (Minami/Kita Daito): Cargo-heavy, few times a week, 15+ hours. Extremely weather-dependent; crane basket boarding possible.
  • Naha ↔ Mainland Japan: Marix Line and A-Line Ferry operate large, multi-night services to Kagoshima, Kobe, and Tokyo.

Key Features and Highlights of Okinawa’s Ferry System

  • Hub-and-Spoke Model & Competition: Okinawa’s ferry system operates with distinct hubs (Naha, Ishigaki, Motobu) serving specific island groups. The Yaeyama network features multiple companies that compete but also cooperate on ticketing, ensuring high frequency. The Kerama network is operated by the destination villages themselves, with no competition.
  • Booking is Crucial for Keramas: Kerama ferries, especially during high season, can sell out weeks or months in advance. Yaeyama ferries are typically a walk-up service.
  • Car Transport: While possible on larger “Ferry” type vessels to islands like the Keramas, Ie, and Kume, it is costly and often requires advance booking. It is generally not recommended for short tourist trips.

Seasonality and Weather Impacts on Ferries

  • Peak Season (Late April/Early May, Mid-August, July-August): Golden Week, Obon, and summer holidays see extremely high demand. Booking Kerama ferries the day they become available is often necessary.
  • Typhoon Season (June-October, peak August-September): This is the biggest risk. Ferries will be cancelled for 1-3 days (or more) when a typhoon is nearby, potentially leaving travelers stranded or unable to reach their destination. Always have a flexible travel plan.
  • Winter (December-February): Strong northerly winds can cause high waves, leading to cancellations, particularly for high-speed boats and exposed routes like Ishigaki-Hateruma and the Uehara route to Iriomote. Services may also be less frequent due to winter schedules.

Insider Tips and Common Mistakes

  • Check Ferry Status Daily: All operators post the operational status of their ferries on their websites early each morning (around 6-7 AM). Always check this on your day of travel, especially if the weather is questionable.
  • Tomari vs. Naha Port: Tourists sometimes confuse Tomari Port (for Keramas, Kume) with the main Naha Port (for mainland ferries) or Naha New Port (for cargo). Tomarin is the correct place for the Kerama ferries.
  • Motion Sickness: High-speed boats can be very bumpy. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication beforehand or opt for the slower, more stable car ferry.
  • Iriomote Port Choice: For activities in the northern part of Iriomote (e.g., canoeing in the Urauchi River), Uehara is the correct port. For the south (e.g., Yubu Island), Ohara is better. Check your tour or destination before booking.
  • Last Ferry: Be mindful of the last ferry back to your base (Naha/Ishigaki). Missing it means an unplanned overnight stay.

Tourist Perspective: Navigating Challenges

  • Booking Difficulties: The biggest hurdle for foreign tourists can be booking, especially for Tokashiki, which relies on phone reservations. While Zamami’s website offers English booking, hotels can sometimes assist with phone reservations for other routes.
  • Information Overload in Ishigaki: The presence of three companies at the Ishigaki terminal can be confusing. For major routes, Anei Kankō and Yaeyama Kankō Ferry tickets are often interchangeable, so it’s usually best to buy a ticket for the next available departure from either counter.
  • Understanding Cancellations: Tourists often underestimate the frequency and impact of weather-related cancellations. It’s a common topic on travel forums, with advice consistently emphasizing flexible travel plans and insurance.
  • Cost: Inter-island travel can add up quickly. Tourists should budget carefully, especially for families, and consider ferry passes in the Yaeyamas if planning extensive island hopping.

Frequently Asked Questions About Okinawa Ferries

Q: Do I really need to book the ferry to Zamami/Tokashiki in advance?

A: Yes, absolutely. During any popular travel period, including weekends, holidays, and summer, both the high-speed and slow ferries can be fully booked weeks or even months ahead. Assuming you can buy a ticket on the day is a common mistake.

Q: Can I take my rental car to the Kerama Islands or the Yaeyama Islands?

A: You can take a car on the slow ferries to the Keramas (Ferry Zamami/Ferry Tokashiki), but it is expensive and must be booked well in advance. For the Yaeyamas, it is not practical or generally possible for tourists. Most islands are small enough for bicycles, scooters, or local buses.

Q: What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to a typhoon?

A: You will receive a refund for the ticket. However, the ferry company is not responsible for your accommodation or other travel costs. If you are on an island, you must wait until service resumes. If you are on the main island, you must change your plans. This is why flexible planning and travel insurance are crucial during typhoon season.

Q: Which is better, the high-speed boat or the slow ferry?

A: It depends on your priority. The high-speed boat is faster but more expensive and more likely to be cancelled or offer a rough ride. The slow ferry is cheaper, more stable (better for those with motion sickness), allows for car transport, and is less likely to be cancelled. It also often has open deck space to enjoy the view.

Q: Is there an overnight ferry from Naha to Ishigaki?

A: No, there are no longer any regular passenger ferry services connecting Naha and Ishigaki. The only way to travel between the two is by flying.

Do I really need to book the ferry to Zamami/Tokashiki in advance?

Yes, absolutely. During any popular travel period, including weekends, holidays, and summer, both the high-speed and slow ferries can be fully booked weeks or even months ahead. Assuming you can buy a ticket on the day is a common mistake.

Can I take my rental car to the Kerama Islands or the Yaeyama Islands?

You can take a car on the slow ferries to the Keramas (Ferry Zamami/Ferry Tokashiki), but it is expensive and must be booked well in advance. For the Yaeyamas, it is not practical or generally possible for tourists. Most islands are small enough for bicycles, scooters, or local buses.

What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to a typhoon?

You will receive a refund for the ticket. However, the ferry company is not responsible for your accommodation or other travel costs. If you are on an island, you must wait until service resumes. If you are on the main island, you must change your plans. This is why flexible planning and travel insurance are crucial during typhoon season.

Which is better, the high-speed boat or the slow ferry?

It depends on your priority. The high-speed boat is faster but more expensive and more likely to be cancelled or offer a rough ride. The slow ferry is cheaper, more stable (better for those with motion sickness), allows for car transport, and is less likely to be cancelled. It also often has open deck space to enjoy the view.

Is there an overnight ferry from Naha to Ishigaki?

No, there are no longer any regular passenger ferry services connecting Naha and Ishigaki. The only way to travel between the two is by flying.

Planning Your Okinawa Ferry Adventure

Okinawa’s ferries offer an incredible opportunity to explore the diverse beauty of its remote islands. By understanding the different networks, booking requirements, and potential weather impacts, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Remember to always check the latest schedules and operational status, especially during peak season or challenging weather.

With careful planning and an adventurous spirit, the okinawa ferries will transport you to unforgettable experiences, from the pristine beaches of the Keramas to the unique culture of the Yaeyamas.