*This article is based on our experience using the service in 2023.
You can take a ferry from Ishigaki Island to nearby remote islands such as Iriomote Island and Taketomi Island.
There are two ferry companies, Yaeyama Kanko Ferry and Anei Kanko Ferry, and the boarding process is the same for both.
Two Ways to Board the Ferry
・Book and Purchase Tickets Online (E-Ticket Boarding)
・Purchase a Same-Day Ticket at the Ferry Ticket Counter
This page explains how to board a ferry using an e-ticket, which you can book and purchase online.
There are two ways to board the ferry, but we recommend this method as it allows you to secure your ticket in advance.
If you buy a ticket on the day of departure, the ferry may be fully booked, and you might not be able to board.
For information about the ferry terminal and an overview of ferries in Ishigaki, please refer to the separate page, “How to Take a Ferry from Ishigaki to Other Islands.”
Contents
♦ E-Ticket Reservation and Boarding
♦ How to Board Anei Kanko Ferry
♦ How to Board Yaeyama Kanko Ferry
E-Ticket Reservation and Boarding
E-ticket reservation allows you to purchase your ferry ticket online in advance and board by simply showing your smartphone screen when you board.
During busy periods, like the summer season, long lines often form at the ferry ticket counters. With e-ticketing, you can skip the lines, making it much more convenient. Additionally, ferries can sometimes sell out, so we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance.
Both Anei Kanko Ferry and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry offer this smartphone boarding system. While both companies have different names for the system, we refer to it as “E-ticket boarding” on this site, using the term from Yaeyama Kanko Ferry.
We’ve tested the e-ticket boarding system for both companies, and in the following sections, we’ll explain how to use it. From our experience, we found Yaeyama Kanko Ferry’s system to be easier to use.
What Makes Yaeyama Kanko Ferry Better?
・Same-Day Reservations Available
・No Membership Required
・Simply Show Your Smartphone Screen for a Smooth Boarding Experience
How to Board Anei Kanko Ferry
Anei Kanko Ferry refers to e-ticket boarding as ‘Smart Boarding’, but on this website, we will use the term ‘E-Ticket Boarding’ for consistency.
How to Use
- Member Registration
- Ferry Ticket Reservation
- Payment Methods
- Reservation Confirmed
- Boarding
Membership registration is required to use E-ticket boarding.
After logging in, you can make a reservation for your ferry ticket.
For the outbound trip, you will need to specify the date and ferry time. For the return trip, only the date needs to be specified.
If you miss the ferry you’ve reserved, don’t worry. There is no change fee, and you can board a later ferry. In that case, please complete the procedure at the ticket counter.
For the return trip, you can board any ferry at your convenience.
The only payment method available is credit card. Other payment options are not available.
Once the payment is complete, your reservation is confirmed. You will receive a confirmation email once your reservation is complete.
You can view the QR codes on your My Page on the Anei Kanko Ferry website. Two QR codes will be issued, one for the outbound trip and one for the return trip.
Please arrive at the ferry terminal by 15 minutes before the departure time. There is no need to stop by the ticket counter.
You can board the ferry by showing your QR code to the staff at the ferry terminal.
Thoughts on Using It
It’s convenient not having to line up at the ticket office. However, at the ferry boarding point, handing over a paper ticket was smoother, while scanning the QR code took longer.
Membership registration is required. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could use it without having to register?
If you make a reservation online, Anei Kanko Ferry will not confirm it until your payment is completed. If you only want to reserve a spot without paying, you need to do so by phone.
How to Board Yaeyama Kanko Ferry
How to Use
- Ferry Ticket Reservation
- Payment Methods
- Reservation Confirmed
- Boarding
You can book your boarding ticket on the Yaeyama Kanko Ferry website.
Please select the date and time for your outbound trip. A return date and time are not required.
Payment can be made by credit card only. Other payment methods are not available.
Your reservation will be confirmed once your payment is complete. You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly.
In the email, tap the “View Ticket” button to access your ticket.
Please go directly to the ferry boarding point at least 15 minutes before departure. There’s no need to stop at the ticket office.
When boarding, show your smartphone screen to the staff and tap the “Start Using” button to display your ticket.
Thoughts on Using It
Yaeyama Kanko Ferry is convenient because you can make same-day reservations. In contrast, Anei Kanko Ferry requires bookings to be made at least one day in advance.
It’s convenient because you don’t need to register for an account to use it.
You can board the ferry by simply showing your smartphone screen to the staff at the boarding point, making the process smoother than with Anei Kanko Ferry.
When you make a reservation online, the system will not confirm your booking until your payment is complete. If you only want to make a reservation, you will need to do so by phone.
