Ferries connecting remote islands of Yaeyama

The remote islands of Yaeyama are connected by ferry between Ishigaki Island, which has an airport.

Ishigaki City <Ishigaki Island> has commercial facilities such as shopping centers, government offices, and hospitals. However the islands of Taketomi Town <Taketomi Island, Kohama Island, Kuroshima, Shinshiro Island (Kamiji Island, Shimojima Island), Iriomote Island, Yufu. Island, Hatomajima, Haterumajima> has a small number of small shops run by small family of islanders.

Therefore, we go to Ishigaki by ferry for daily shopping, including going to the hospital, procedures related to government offices, and activity.

The ferries are currently co-operated by Anei Kanko and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry.
Due to the Covid-19 of this spring, the ferry schedule changed frequently.

Reduced route started from April 9, 2020

Normally, the time of the last ship changes slightly in summer and winter. Also, due to typhoons and sea conditions, route may be reduced or canceled.

However, the situation was a little different this spring.

While ensuring the number of ways for the islanders’ lives, the virus was not allowed to enter the island, so that the movement of people would be minimal.

Ferry schedule connecting the remote islands of Yaeyama (usually in winter)

Normal timetable from October to March.
Since the sun sets early in the winter season, the last ships on the Taketomi and Kohama routes are earlier than in the summer.
Many tourists were still visiting during the spring vacations.

Ferry timetable connecting remote islands of Yaeyama (usually in summer)

Summer (April-September) service began on April 1st of this year as well. After the spring vacations, the number of tourists has decreased.

Ferry timetable connecting remote islands of Yaeyama (April 9-)

To prevent the spread of Covid-19, routes have been reduced since April 9.
Many of the major tourism shops were closed, and the number of shops has been secured as a way for the lives of the islanders.

Ferry timetable connecting remote islands of Yaeyama (April 20-)

The number of routes has been reduced more since April 20.

Even if you go out to Ishigaki for something, you have to wait a long time before returning to the ship.

Basically, there was a guide so that people other than the islanders could refrain from using it.

All routes were canceled from May 1st to 6th, but a chartered boat operated according to this schedule for the islanders.

Ferry timetable connecting remote islands of Yaeyama (May 18-)

Starting May 18, the reduction in routes has been alleviated, making it easier to commute and shop.

Ferry timetable connecting remote islands of Yaeyama (june 1st-)

Starting June 1st.

Tourist acceptance will be declared from June 1st.
Ferries are essential for our daily life, so I would like to thank you for their continued service even in these days.

Ferry timetable connecting remote islands of Yaeyama (june 16-)

Starting June 16.

We have a minimum number of ships to go to Ishigaki for shopping and errands and to Taketomi for commuting.

Ferry timetable connecting remote islands of Yaeyama (july 1st-)

Starting July 1st.

We would like to thank all the shipping companies and Taketomi-cho government offices who dispatched ships depending on the situation for three months.

Last updated June 29, 2020