Summary
・Two ferry companies operate the route.
・Advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.
・Round-trip tickets offer better value than one-way fares.
・There are no trash cans on the remote islands—please take your trash with you.
Contents
♦ Ferries from Ishigaki to Nearby Islands
♦ Comparing Ferry Companies
♦ Taking a Ferry from Ishigaki Port: A Step-by-Step Guide
♦ Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal: Facilities and Services
♦ How to Take a Ferry from Ports on Islands Other Than Ishigaki
♦ Ferry Seats
♦ Discounted Ferry Tickets
♦ How to Check Ferry Operations
♦ Important Ferry Travel Tips
Ferries from Ishigaki to Nearby Islands
A major highlight of visiting Ishigaki Island is the opportunity to explore nearby islands like Iriomote and Taketomi, which can only be accessed by ferry from Ishigaki.
Ishigaki Island is surrounded by several beautiful islands, including:
・Iriomote Island
・Taketomi Island
・Hateruma Island
・Kohama Island
・Kuroshima Island
Together with Yonaguni Island, these islands form the Yaeyama Islands.
Ferries to these remote islands are a vital mode of transportation, not only for tourists but also for the local residents. They also carry mail and baggage for the islanders. As a result, residents’ baggage is loaded and unloaded first, followed by passengers boarding. When you witness this process, you’ll truly feel like you’ve arrived on a remote island.
Ferries to these remote islands (excluding Yonaguni Island) depart daily from Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal.
Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal
・Approximately 30 minutes by car from the airport.
・Located in the city center of Ishigaki Island.
This area is home to many hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and several convenience stores. Additionally, the bus terminal, serving as the departure and arrival point for Ishigaki Island’s route buses, is just a 1-minute walk from the ferry terminal.
If you’re unsure about where to stay, choosing a hotel in this area will ensure a convenient and comfortable stay.
Transportation options from Ishigaki Airport to the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal are outlined in the section “How to get from Ishigaki Airport to Ishigaki Port.”
Comparing Ferry Companies
Two ferry companies, Anei Kanko Ferry and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry, operate services to the remote islands. Each company has its own tickets, schedules, and cancellation policies.
The number of ferries operated by each company varies depending on the destination island. Be sure to choose the appropriate ferry based on where you’re going.
*Information as of July 2023
Taking a Ferry from Ishigaki Port: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are two ferry companies, but the boarding procedure is the same for both.
・Buy at the ferry company ticket office
・Buy in advance online (E-Ticket Boarding)
We recommend purchasing your ticket online in advance. Without a reservation, you may not be able to board if the ferry is full.
How to board using (E-Ticket Boarding) is explained on a separate page.
Here, we explain how to board the ferry by purchasing a same-day ticket at the ferry company’s counter.
Purchase your ticket at the ticket office of your chosen ferry company (Anei Kanko Ferry or Yaeyama Kanko Ferry).
Both ferry companies accept credit cards and various electronic payment methods.
Anei Kanko Ferry Ticket Office
Yaeyama Kanko Ferry Ticket Office
During the summer, when there are many tourists, ferries can get crowded. As a result, you may need to wait in line to purchase a ticket. To avoid this, it’s recommended to arrive at the ferry terminal early and buy your ticket. The ferry company suggests arriving at least 20–30 minutes before the departure time.
Anei Kanko Ferry has a ticket vending machine, which we recommend using. It supports both English and Chinese.
Both companies offer E-Ticket Boarding, a system that lets you board with your smartphone. It’s convenient because you don’t have to wait in line at the ticket office.
2. To the Boarding Area
Please arrive at the ferry boarding area at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Each boarding point at Ishigaki Port is clearly numbered.
If you’re traveling with Anei Kanko Ferry, your boarding point number will be written on your ticket.
If you’re using Yaeyama Kanko Ferry, the boarding point number will be displayed on the monitor near the ticket counter.
Anei Kanko Ferry – Boarding Point Information
Yaeyama Kanko Ferry – Boarding Point Information
In addition, boarding point information for each ferry company is also displayed on the monitor near the ferry boarding entrance.
You can check your boarding point number there as well.
The monitor located near the ferry boarding entrance
You can begin boarding the ferry 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Please be mindful of the departure time — ferries leave on time and will not wait.
All seats are non-reserved, so we recommend arriving early to secure your preferred spot.
3. Boarding the Ferry
Boarding begins 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Please hand your ticket to the staff at the boarding point.
If you have a round-trip ticket, the staff will collect the outbound portion and return the return ticket to you.
If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend sitting at the back of the ferry, where the movement is generally milder.
Non-alcoholic drinks are allowed on board, but eating is not permitted.
Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal: Facilities and Services
Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal is home not only to ferry companies, but also to travel agencies, restaurants, souvenir shops, and even a planetarium.
In addition, you’ll find ATMs, luggage lockers for storing suitcases, and shops that sell motion sickness medicine.
Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal Map
Travel Agency
The travel agency and ferry company offer tours to remote islands like Iriomote Island and Taketomi Island.
If you’re interested in joining a tour, you can sign up and get more information here.
We recommend Hirata Tourism because they always have English-speaking staff available.
Travel agency at Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal
Hirata Tourism
Ishigaki Dream Tours
Ishigaki Island Travel Center (In Japanese only)
Shops
The souvenir shop sells not just souvenirs, but also a variety of items like sunscreen, sandals, and even bread.If you’re heading to a remote island like Iriomote, keep in mind that some items may not be available once you arrive. It’s a good idea to stock up on anything you might need before you go. Sunscreen, in particular, is a must-have!
Motion sickness medicine is available at a shop called “Sagaribana” and at pharmacies.
At the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal, you’ll find a popular drink among Japanese travelers: Mariya Shake. It has a creamy, rich milk flavor that you have to try! You can buy it at a shop called Nanapito Hompo.
Lockers
The Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal has six lockers, as shown in the photo above. They’re large enough to fit a suitcase. It’s a great idea to store your luggage here after checking out of your hotel. Additionally, you can also leave your baggage at a ferry company or travel agency.
How to Take a Ferry from Ports on Islands Other Than Ishigaki
When taking the ferry back to Ishigaki Island from remote islands such as Iriomote Island there are a few things you should be aware of.
1. Buy Your Ticket
You can purchase your ferry ticket at the ticket office of your ferry company (Anei Kanko Ferry or Yaeyama Kanko Ferry).
Ticket Office on Kuroshima Island
Please note that the ticket office may not always be staffed, and some offices only accept cash.
We recommend buying a round-trip ticket at Ishigaki Port — it’s more affordable and convenient!
2. Head to the Ferry Boarding Area
Be sure to arrive at the ferry boarding area at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. There are no boarding announcements, so you’ll need to go to the boarding point on your own by departure time.
Taketomi Island ferry boarding point
At ports outside of Ishigaki Island, boarding areas are not numbered, so it’s best to ask the ferry company staff where to board.
Sometimes, ferries from two different companies depart around the same time. In such cases, similar-looking ferries may be docked side by side at the pier. While the company name and logo are written on each ferry, it can be hard to tell them apart.
Anei Kanko Ferry
Yaeyama Kanko Ferry
We’ve seen people accidentally line up for the wrong ferry, so double-check with the staff to make sure you’re at the correct boarding point.
Also, a ferry departing at the same time may be heading to a different island, not Ishigaki. Always confirm your destination.
Each ferry company uses a different ticket. If you miss your ferry, you’ll need to buy a new ticket, and refunds are not available.
3. Boarding the Ferry
Boarding starts about 15 minutes before departure. Please hand your ticket to the staff when you board.
Port Facilities on the Outer Islands
The ports on the smaller islands surrounding Ishigaki are much smaller than the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal, and facilities are limited.
The photo above shows the Kuroshima Island Ferry Terminal — it’s roughly the size of two cars.
When visiting, information about lockers and restrooms can be especially helpful.
Please note that there are no public trash cans on the outer islands, so be sure to bring a bag and take your trash back to Ishigaki Island with you.
Comparing Port Facilities on Each Island
Ferry Seats
Seats on the ferry are non-reserved. Depending on the ferry, there are both indoor and outdoor seating options.
We strongly recommend choosing an indoor seat. While sitting outside might seem appealing because of the fresh breeze, it’s not ideal.
The engine noise is quite loud, and because these are high-speed ferries, you might get splashed by seawater.
If you choose an outdoor seat, be prepared to endure this for anywhere from a few tens of minutes up to about an hour.
Outdoor Seating
Indoor Seating
If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking motion sickness medicine and choosing a seat near the back of the ferry.
The back seats are more stable because the front of the ferry tends to move up and down much more.
Depending on the sea conditions, the ferry can get quite bumpy — sometimes it even feels like a roller coaster, lifting you slightly out of your seat!
You can purchase motion sickness medicine at a shop called “Sagaribana” and at a pharmacy inside the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal. Additionally, you can also find it at drugstores around the city.
Discounted Ferry Tickets
There are great deals available on ferry tickets! Both ferry companies offer discounted tickets.
Our top recommendation is to book a tour. It’s the most affordable way to travel. On these tours, you can explore independently without needing to stay with a group, and you’re free to choose which ferry you take.
Each tour package includes a round-trip ferry ticket, plus a rental bicycle or buffalo cart ticket for a remote island — all at a great value. There are different tours available for each island.
You can find detailed tour information for each island (Iriomote Island, Taketomi Island, Hateruma Island, Kuroshima Island, and Kohama Island) on separate pages.
Round-Trip Tickets
Ticket offices on islands other than Ishigaki Island may have limited hours or only accept cash. For this reason, we recommend purchasing a round-trip ticket while you’re still on Ishigaki Island.
Both ferry companies offer round-trip tickets with a 5% discount. Please note that you must use the same ferry company for your return trip.
Tickets are valid for 14 days with either company.
How to Buy
You can purchase tickets at the ticket office in Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal. In addition, with the E-Ticket Boarding System, you can also buy them online through the website.
How to Use
For Anei Kanko Ferry, the ticket comes as a set of two, as shown in the photo above. When you hand the ticket to the staff at the boarding area, they will keep the outbound ticket and return the return ticket to you.
For Yaeyama Kanko Ferry, you will receive two separate tickets, as shown in the photo below:
one for traveling to the remote island, and another for returning to Ishigaki Island.
Reservation Discount
If you book through the website, you will receive a 5% discount. This special offer is available only for Anei Kanko Ferry. You can make a reservation directly on their website.
Anei Kanko Ferry Reservation
If you miss the ferry you booked, don’t worry — you can change to another ferry without any cancellation fees. For this reason, we recommend making a reservation in advance.
Please note that you must complete your reservation and credit card payment online at the same time.
Unlimited-Ride Ferry Tickets
These tickets allow you to ride the ferry as many times as you like within the validity period. They are a great option for travelers planning to visit multiple islands.
Both ferry companies offer unlimited-ride tickets, but their prices are different. The difference comes from whether or not the fuel surcharge is included.
Anei Kanko Ferry offers a lower base price, but the fuel surcharge is not included, so you will need to pay an additional fee for each trip.
On the other hand, Yaeyama Kanko Ferry’s ticket price includes the fuel surcharge.
You might be wondering which one is better.
If you plan to visit Hateruma Island, you must use Anei Kanko Ferry, as Yaeyama Kanko Ferry does not operate service to Hateruma.
Also, the ticket price varies significantly depending on whether travel to Hateruma Island is included.
Anei Kanko Ferry Ticket Information
Yaeyama Kanko Ferry Ticket Information
How to Buy
You can purchase this ticket at the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal ticket office. Please note that it is not available at ticket offices on the other islands.
You must use the ticket continuously starting from the first day of use.
Please note that if ferry services are canceled due to bad weather, the validity period will not be extended.
At each island’s port, please show your unlimited-ride ticket at the ticket office to receive a boarding ticket.
You will need this boarding ticket to board the ferry — you cannot board by simply showing your unlimited-ride ticket.
You can board the ferry simply by showing this ticket.
Anei Kanko Ferry Discount Ticket
If you take the Azuma Bus (Route No. 4 or 10) from Ishigaki Airport, you can receive a coupon for 10% off a round-trip ticket with Anei Kanko Ferry. Ask the bus driver for the coupon when you board.
Sometimes, coupons are also available at the bus terminal or in the leaflet stands at the airport, so be sure to check there as well.
You can find more information about Anei Kanko Ferry discount coupons on another page.
Brochure Stand at the Bus Terminal
How to Check Ferry Operations
You can check the current ferry operation status on each company’s website:
Anei Kanko Ferry – Operation Status
Yaeyama Kanko Ferry – Operation Status
The operation status may show as “Undecided” in addition to “Normal Operation” or “Canceled.”
Please be cautious if the status is “Undecided,” as it may later be changed to “Canceled” depending on the weather conditions.
Even if you are able to travel to a remote island, in the worst case, you may not be able to return to Ishigaki Island.
Ferries may be canceled not only when a typhoon is approaching, but also during the winter months (December to February).
While typhoons can usually be anticipated by checking the weather forecast, winter cancellations are harder to predict. In winter, some routes are often canceled due to strong winds.
These two routes have about a 50% chance of being canceled in winter. However, other routes are rarely canceled throughout the year.
Iriomote Island is home to both Uehara Port, which can sometimes suspend operations, and Ohara Port, which stays open even during the winter months. Thanks to this, you can visit Iriomote Island year-round. If ferries to Uehara Port are canceled, each ferry company provides a free shuttle bus from Ohara Port to Uehara Port.
Important Ferry Travel Tips
You can’t bring a car or motorbike onto the ferry. Instead, we recommend renting a car or motorbike once you arrive on each island.
You can bring your bicycle onto the ferry for an additional fee. However, certain conditions may apply, so please check with the ferry company in advance. Each island also has rental bicycle shops, so we recommend renting a bicycle after you arrive.
There is a restroom on the ferry. However, since the ferry can be quite shaky, we recommend using the restroom before boarding.
Eating on the ferry is not allowed. You can bring drinks (except alcohol), but there are no vending machines or shops onboard.
Some islands do not have lockers. We recommend leaving large baggage at the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal, where you’ll find several lockers big enough to fit a suitcase. In addition, you can also leave your baggage with a ferry company or a travel agency.
You cannot board the ferry in wet clothing. If you plan to swim or enter the sea on the island, be sure to bring a change of clothes.
There are no trash cans on the remote islands. We recommend bringing a trash bag and taking your trash back to Ishigaki Island. You’ll find several trash cans at the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal.
Some ferries are wheelchair accessible, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing on the remote islands with a wheelchair. Please check with the ferry company in advance to confirm availability.
