okinawa remote island ferry

Ferries Between Islands

Ferries are a scenic and enjoyable way to travel between the islands of Okinawa

A vast network of ferries connects the many beautiful islands that make up Okinawa. Flights serve some of the larger islands, but for many of the smaller islands, access is by boat. Most major routes have both regular and express services, and fares are typically cheaper than flying (when flying is an option). Note that not all services operate daily, and service frequency can vary from season to season, so always check timetables in advance. It is also important to bear in mind that weather conditions can have a strong impact on ferry services and travel times. Treat all travel times as estimates and check for schedule changes during poor weather.

*As of September 2018

From Okinawa’s main island

Ports on the main island

Tomari Wharf Passenger Terminal (Tomarin), Naha City MAP

Naha Wharf, Naha City MAP

Heshikiya Port, Uruma City MAP

Azama Port, Nanjo City MAP

Motobu Port, Motobu Town MAP

Toguchi Port, Motobu Town MAP

Unten Port, Nakijin Village MAP

map ferries islands

Naha (“Tomarin” Tomari Wharf Passenger Terminal)

Island Port Service Type & Travel Time More Information
Tokashiki Island
Tokashiki Port Express ferry: 40 min
Regular ferry: 1 hr 10 min
Zamami Island
Zamami Port (via Aka Island) Express ferry: 50 min–1 hr 10 min
Regular ferry: 2 hr
Aka Island
Aka Port Express ferry: 50 min
Regular ferry: 1 hr 30 min
Kume Island
Kanegusuku Port Regular ferry: 3 hr
*3 hr 30 min if calling at Tonaki Island
Tonaki Island
Tonaki Port Regular ferry: 1 hr 55 min
Aguni Island
Aguni Port Regular ferry: 2 hr
Minami-Daito Island/Kita-Daito Island
N/A Regular ferry: 15 hr
*Between Kita-Daito Island and Minami-Daito Island: 1 hr

*View fees and schedules for travel Between Tokashiki Island, Zamami Island, and Aka Island here

Naha (Naha Wharf)

Ferries operate between Naha and Kagoshima from this port. Services call at Motobu, Yoron, Okinoerabu (Wadomari Port), Tokunoshima (Kametoku Port), and Amami (Naze Port). The total travel time is 25 hours.

A''LINE *only in Japanese

MARIX LINE *only in Japanese

Uruma (Heshikiya Port) to Tsuken Island (Tsuken Port)

Express ferry: 30 min
Regular ferry: 1 hr

View fees and schedule *only in Japanese

Nanjo (Azama Port) to Kudaka Island (Kudaka Port)

Express ferry: 15 min
Regular ferry: 25 min

View fees and schedule

Motobu (Motobu Port) to Ie Island (Ie Port)

Regular ferry: 30 min

View fees and schedule

Motobu (Toguchi Port) to Minna Island (Minna Port)

Express ferry: 15 min

View fees and schedule *only in Japanese

Nakijin (Unten Port)

Island Port Service Type & Travel Time More Information
Iheya Island
Maedomari Port Regular ferry: 1 hr 20 min
Izena Island
Nakata Port Regular ferry: 55 min

From Miyako Island

Ports on Miyako Island

Hirara Port MAP

Shimajiri Port MAP

map ferries islands miyako

Hirara Port to Tarama Island (Tarama Port)

Regular ferry: 2 hr 5 min

View fees and schedule *only in Japanese

Shimajiri Port to Ogami Island (Ogami Port)

Regular ferry: 15 min

View fees and schedule *only in Japanese

From Ishigaki Island

Ports on Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Port MAP

map ferries islands ishigaki

Ishigaki Port

Island Port Service Type & Travel Time More Information
Taketomi Island
Taketomi Port Express ferry: 15 min
Kohama Island
Kohama Port Express ferry: 30 min
Kuroshima Island
Kuroshima Port Express ferry: 30 min
Hateruma Island
Hateruma Port Express ferry: 1hr
Hatoma Island
Hatoma Port Express ferry: 45 min
Iriomote Island
Ohara Port Express ferry: 40 min
Iriomote Island
Uehara Port Express ferry: 50 min
Aragusuku Island
N/A N/A Tours to Aragusuku Island depart from Ishigaki Port, but no regular ferry service serves the island.
Yonaguni Island
Kubura Port Regular ferry: 4hr