Guide to bringing pets on Okinawa ferries and high-speed boats. Maruei Ferry (Kagoshima-Naha) has pet room (¥1,570, small dogs/cats/birds, air-conditioned). Yaeyama high-speed boats allow small pets in carriers on deck. Kerama ferries allow small pets in carriers on deck. Most island high-speed boats have limited pet policies — always call ahead. Large dogs can only travel as cargo on Maruei Ferry. Service dogs are legally permitted on all vessels. No veterinary clinics on most small islands. Summer heat on deck can be dangerous for pets.
Traveling to Okinawa’s islands with your pet? The rules vary dramatically by route — from dedicated pet rooms on long-distance ferries to a flat “no” on some high-speed boats. This guide covers every route so you can plan with confidence.
Route-by-Route Pet Policy
Kagoshima ⇔ Okinawa (Long-distance)
Maruei Ferry: PET FRIENDLY. Air-conditioned pet room on “Ferry Akebono” and “Ferry Naminoue.” ¥1,570 flat rate (Kagoshima-Naha). Small dogs, cats, birds in carrier/cage only. No cabin access (except service dogs). Visit pet room anytime. Large dogs: cargo handling, contact 099-224-2121.
Yaeyama (from Ishigaki)
Anei Kankou / YKF: Small pets in carriers permitted on rear deck. Tell the counter when buying tickets. Generally free. May be refused during peak season. Same rules for all 7 island routes.
Kerama (from Naha Tomari)
Ferry Zamami / Ferry Tokashiki: Small pets in carriers on deck. No cabin access. Queen Zamami (fast boat) — limited space, confirm beforehand. Call Zamami Village (098-868-4567).
Other Routes
Kumejima: Possible with carrier, varies by vessel. Call Kume Shosen (098-868-2686).
Ie Island: Small pets in carriers accepted. Confirm (0980-49-2255).
Other small routes: Always call the operator directly. Many don’t have published pet rules.
Important Notes
No vets on small islands: Zamami, Tokashiki, Taketomi, Kuroshima — no animal hospitals. Nearest vet may require a boat ride back to the main island.
Summer heat: Deck temperatures can exceed 40°C. Bring water and shade for your pet.
Rabies vaccination: Dogs may need to show proof of vaccination within 1 year. Always carry the certificate.
Service dogs: Legally permitted on all passenger vessels in Japan, including cabin access.
- Q. Can I bring a large dog to Okinawa’s islands?
Only via Maruei Ferry (Kagoshima-Naha) as cargo. Yaeyama and Kerama boats are small-pet only. Flights also restrict large/brachycephalic breeds in summer.
- Q. How much does it cost to bring a pet on a ferry?
Maruei Ferry: ¥1,570. Most island ferries: free (carrier as hand luggage). Always confirm with the operator.
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