A new direct ferry service between Keelung, Taiwan, and Ishigaki Island, Japan, officially began operations on Thursday.
The restoration of this maritime link is intended to boost two-way tourism exchanges between the two nations. By providing a direct sea route, officials said they hope to increase the flow of visitors and strengthen regional ties.
The inaugural launch ceremony took place at Keelung Port in northern Taiwan. The event was attended by local lawmakers, city officials, and representatives from Japan. The service is operated by the Taipei-based Wagon Group using the vessel Yaimamaru [1, 2, 3].
Following the ceremony, the Yaimamaru departed Thursday night. The vessel is scheduled to arrive at Ishigaki Island, located in Japan’s Okinawa region, early Friday morning [1, 3]. The voyage between the two ports takes approximately seven to eight hours [3].
This new service marks the return of a direct connection between the two locations after a gap of 18 years [2]. The route provides an alternative to air travel for passengers moving between northern Taiwan and the southern islands of Japan.
Officials from both governments said the service is a strategic move to encourage more travelers to explore the unique cultural and natural attractions of both destinations [3, 4].
“The Yaimamaru vessel restores a maritime link between Taiwan and Japan's Okinawa region after an 18-year hiatus.”
The revival of this route after nearly two decades suggests a renewed focus on diversifying transport infrastructure and regional tourism. By reducing reliance on air travel for the Okinawa-Taiwan corridor, both regions can potentially capture a broader demographic of leisure travelers and facilitate more flexible logistics for the tourism industry.
