Okinawa High-Speed Ferry Comparison [2026] — Routes, Fares & Timetables

Overview of High-Speed Ferries in Okinawa

Okinawa’s island-hopping culture relies heavily on maritime transport, and high-speed ferries (jet boats) have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional ferries and flights. This guide compares every major high-speed ferry route in Okinawa Prefecture, including the Kumejima Ocean Jet, Zamami/Tokashiki Queen services, and Miyako/Yaeyama connections.

Kumejima Ocean Jet (KOJ) — Naha–Kumejima Route

The Kumejima Ocean Jet connects Naha Tomari Port and Kumejima’s Kanegusuku Port in approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. It operates daily with 1–2 departures depending on the season. One-way adult fare is approximately ¥4,830, making it about 30% cheaper than flying.

KOJ Key Specifications

• Route: Naha Tomari Port → (Tonakijima) → Kumejima Kanegusuku Port
• Travel time: Approx. 3 hours 10 minutes (direct), 3 hours 40 minutes (via Tonaki)
• Frequency: 1–2 round trips per day
• Operator: Kumejima Shipping (久米商船)
• Adult one-way fare: ¥4,830

Kerama Route — Queen Zamami & Ferry Zamami

The Kerama Islands (Zamami, Tokashiki, Aka) are serviced by Zamami Village’s Queen Zamami high-speed boat and Ferry Zamami from Naha Tomari Port. The Queen Zamami reaches Zamami in about 60 minutes — the fastest inter-island service in Okinawa.

Queen Zamami Specifications

• Route: Naha Tomari Port → Zamami / Aka Island
• Travel time: Approx. 50–82 minutes
• Frequency: 2–3 round trips per day
• Operator: Zamami Village Office
• Adult one-way fare: ¥3,950

Marine Liner Tokashiki

Tokashiki Island is served by the Marine Liner Tokashiki high-speed boat (about 35 minutes) and the regular Ferry Tokashiki (about 82 minutes).

• Route: Naha Tomari Port → Tokashiki Island
• Travel time: Approx. 35 minutes (high-speed), 82 minutes (ferry)
• Adult one-way fare: ¥2,530 (high-speed), ¥1,690 (ferry)

Miyako & Yaeyama — Inter-Island Ferries

In the Miyako and Yaeyama regions, Anei Kanko and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry operate high-speed boats connecting Ishigaki to surrounding islands (Taketomi, Iriomote, Kohama, Kuroshima, Hatoma).

Ishigaki — Taketomi Route

• Travel time: Approx. 10–15 minutes
• Frequency: 20+ departures per day
• Adult one-way fare: ¥730

Ishigaki — Iriomote Route

• Travel time: Approx. 40–45 minutes (Uehara), 35 minutes (Ohara)
• Frequency: 8–12 departures per day
• Adult one-way fare: ¥2,750 (Uehara), ¥1,800 (Ohara)

Comprehensive Comparison Table

Route	Vessel	Travel Time	One-Way Fare	Departures/Day
Naha → Kumejima	Kumejima Ocean Jet	3h 10min	¥4,830	1–2
Naha → Zamami	Queen Zamami	50min	¥3,950	2–3
Naha → Tokashiki	Marine Liner Tokashiki	35min	¥2,530	2–3
Ishigaki → Taketomi	High-speed boat	10–15min	¥730	20+
Ishigaki → Iriomote	High-speed boat	40–45min	¥2,750	8–12

Choosing the Right Service

Budget travelers should consider the regular ferries, which are significantly cheaper than high-speed services. However, for travelers prone to seasickness, the shorter ride time of high-speed vessels is worth the premium.

Day-trippers from Naha will benefit most from the Kerama routes — Zamami and Tokashiki are easily accessible within an hour.

For Kumejima, the Ocean Jet is the best value proposition compared to flights (¥4,830 vs. ¥10,000+), though the 3-hour journey is considerably longer than the 30-minute flight.

Booking & Reservations

Most Okinawa high-speed ferries accept walk-up tickets, but reservations are strongly recommended during peak seasons.

• Kumejima Ocean Jet: Online reservations via Kumejima Shipping website
• Queen Zamami: Online reservations via Zamami Village website
• Yaeyama ferries: Walk-up or online via Anei Kanko / Yaeyama Kanko Ferry

Cancellation Policies & Weather

All high-speed ferry services are subject to weather-related cancellations, particularly during typhoon season (June–October). Full refunds are generally provided.

FAQ

Q. What is the fastest high-speed ferry in Okinawa?

A. The Ishigaki–Taketomi route is the shortest at just 10–15 minutes. For routes departing from Naha, the Marine Liner Tokashiki is fastest at approximately 35 minutes to Tokashiki Island.

Q. Can I bring a car on Okinawa’s high-speed ferries?

A. No, high-speed ferries in Okinawa are passenger-only vessels. To transport a vehicle, you must use regular car ferries such as Ferry Zamami, Ferry Tokashiki, or Ferry Kumejima.

Q. How far in advance should I book during peak season?

A. For Kerama routes (Zamami/Tokashiki), book as soon as reservations open (2 months before departure). For Kumejima Ocean Jet, booking 2–4 weeks ahead during Golden Week and summer is advisable.

Q. What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?

A. Full refunds are typically provided for weather-related cancellations. Check if regular ferry services are still operating, or consider rebooking flights. Travel insurance is recommended during typhoon season.

Q. Are there any discount passes for island-hopping?

A. In the Yaeyama region, both Anei Kanko and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry offer multi-island passes (3-day, 4-day, and 5-day options) for unlimited rides between Ishigaki and surrounding islands. No similar pass exists for Naha-based routes.