New Direct Ferry Route Between Keelung and Ishigaki Officially Sets Sail
A new direct link between Taiwan and Japan opens, with the Yaimamaru ferry launching services between Keelung and the island of Ishigaki. The overnight sailing takes seven to eight hours, offering a relaxed, cost-effective alternative to flying. Initial trial operations feature one weekly sailing, with the operator planning to expand the schedule starting in July.
Accompanied by the blare of a ship’s horn, Keelung in northern Taiwan and Ishigaki in Japan are celebrating the opening of an exclusive ferry route linking the two port cities.
Each year, more than 200 thousand travelers from Taiwan board cruise ships and planes bound for Ishigaki, a beloved tourist destination.
Officials in Keelung say a direct, convenient route between the two destinations has been a long time in the making.
Chiu Pey-lin (KEELUNG DEPUTY MAYOR):
"This is a rare and meaningful opportunity. People have been looking forward to this ferry route for a very long time. We also very much hope that the people of Miyako-jima can use this connection to go from Japan to Miyako-jima to Ishigaki and finally to Keelung. Keelung is also ready to welcome them."
Ishigaki is one of Japan’s closest islands to Taiwan, taking just seven to eight hours to reach Keelung by boat.
The mayor of Ishigaki has come to Keelung to witness the grand opening, saying he hopes to boost future two-way tourism.
Nakayama Yoshitaka (ISHIGAKI MAYOR):
"Ishigaki Island is a famous tourist destination in Japan. While 1.2 million Japanese tourists visit it annually, we believe the launch of this new ship will allow Japanese tourists to extend their trips even further and visit Taiwan's Keelung. We also believe that while Taiwanese visitors have previously arrived by cruise ship, this new ferry will allow them to travel even further too."
The new ferry departs Keelung in the late evening and arrives in Ishigaki in the early morning. That’s why it offers guest rooms ranging from basic 15-person, Japanese-style rooms to luxury family suites.
Tiger Hong (GENERAL MANAGER, WAGON GROUP):
The vessel allows for a slower-paced, relaxed travel style. You can go to sleep and wake up in Ishigaki. There was only one sailing a week while the route was being tested. The journey takes about seven to eight hours from Keelung to Ishigaki. We will increase the number of services starting in July.
With plans to add more sailings each week, officials hope this new maritime route will turn the commute into a gateway of its own.
While flying to Ishigaki takes only an hour, the new Yaima Maru ferry offers a cheaper, more scenic route — turning the journey itself into part of the vacation.
