A New Alternative! You Can Now Travel from Taiwan to Japan by Ferry

Have you ever imagined vacationing in two Asian countries at once in a single trip without constantly flying?

For those who love adventure and a relaxed traveling style, there is good news that must be included in your next holiday plans.

Now, traveling from Taiwan to Japan can be enjoyed in a completely new and much more exciting way: cruising the open sea using an international ferry.

Introducing the Newest Ferry Route Connecting Taiwan and Japan

After being inactive for over a decade, the international sea route connecting Taiwan and Japan has finally officially resumed regular operations.

This new transportation alternative is ready to provide a unique and different vacation experience for travelers. The ship route specifically connects Keelung Port, located in northern Taiwan, with Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

The vessel serving this Taiwan-Japan sea route is named the Yaima Maru, a large and highly comfortable passenger and cargo ship.

The presence of this fleet creates a new bridge that eases the mobility of travelers who want to explore the natural beauty of both countries. It is also predicted that traveling to Okinawa by ship will become an increasingly popular holiday trend in the near future.

Departure Schedules, Duration, and Estimated Ticket Prices

Traveling with the Keelung-Ishigaki ferry features an overnight trip concept that is highly efficient. The 270-kilometer distance between Taiwan and Japan takes about 7 to 8 hours of sailing time.

You can board the ship at night, rest comfortably in your cabin, and wake up just as the ship docks in Japan.

For the initial trial phase, the departure schedule for this ferry is only available once a week. The ship is scheduled to depart from Keelung Port every Thursday night and will return from Ishigaki, Japan, on Sunday night.

Starting mid-year, the departure frequency is planned to increase to twice a week to accommodate tourist enthusiasm.

Note: The estimated prices above do not include local port taxes.

Advantages of Choosing the Sea Route Over Flying

One of the biggest advantages of taking the Taiwan-Japan ferry is that you can save on accommodation budgets for one night.

Since the journey takes place overnight, you don’t need to book a hotel room and can sleep peacefully inside the ship.This travel style is perfect for practitioners of slow travel who want to fully enjoy the essence of adventure.

In addition to saving on lodging, another benefit is the much more generous baggage allowance compared to commercial airlines. Each passenger is allowed to bring large pieces of luggage, and bicycles are even permitted for those who want to cycle around Okinawa.

During the journey, you will also be treated to beautiful ocean views alongside cafe facilities and snack shops on the ship's deck.

Mandatory Documents to Prepare Before Boarding an International Ferry

Even though the mode of transportation you are using is a sea vessel, it is important to remember that this is a cross-border journey.

Passport and immigration inspection procedures at the port remain strict, just as they would be at an international airport. Therefore, no travel documents should be missed to ensure your vacation runs smoothly without any obstacles.

The main document you must bring is, of course, your original passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.

Don't forget to also prepare your printed ferry ticket along with a visitor visa that complies with your destination country's regulations. You are still required to fill out the official electronic immigration arrival forms mandated by both the Japanese and Taiwanese governments.

Hassle-Free Cross-Border Holidays with Global Komunika!

Exploring Taiwan's tourist attractions and then crossing over to Japan by ferry will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. However, moving between countries in one trip often causes headaches when it comes to internet connections due to swapping SIM cards.

To keep your holiday in Taiwan and Japan practical and budget-friendly, make sure you use the eSIM Asia 10 from Global Komunika, which features coverage across 10 Asian countries including Taiwan and Japan.

By using just this one global internet solution, you can immediately connect to the best internet networks in various countries without any hassle!