Ishigaki to Uehara (Iriomote)
石垣港〜上原港FerryYaeyama IslandsTakes bikes
Anei Kanko and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry each run four high-speed boats a day from Ishigaki to Uehara on Iriomote's north coast in winter 2026/27; the 45–55 minute crossing costs ¥3,290 one way and cancels often in winter north wind, when both companies send passengers through Ohara by bus.
Uehara serves the north coast of Iriomote. Each company runs four boats a day in winter 2026/27, and one of them in each direction calls at Hatoma. The fare is ¥3,290 one way with either company.
The harbour faces the northerly monsoon, and Anei says winter cancellations often run on for days. Both companies then send Uehara passengers to Ohara on the south-east coast and bus them across the island. Bus seats are limited, and each company carries only its own ticket holders.
A rider's best bet is Anei. Its high-speed boats take a non-electric bike when there's room, and its cargo ferry Paikaji runs three afternoons a week in winter for ¥730 a bike. Nobody we read says whether the connecting buses carry bikes.
Services
| Service | Time | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yaeyama Kanko Ferry high-speed | 50 min | 4 a day each way (1 October 2026 to 28 February 2027)8:00, 11:00, 13:30 and 15:45 (via Hatoma) from Ishigaki; 9:00 (via Hatoma), 12:00, 14:30 and 17:05 from Uehara | – |
| Anei Kanko high-speed | 55 min | 4 a day each way (1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027)7:30, 8:30, 13:30 and 16:00 (via Hatoma) from Ishigaki; 8:30, 9:30 (via Hatoma), 14:30 and 17:15 from Uehara | Anei's Uehara–Shirahama connecting bus ended on 31 May 2026. |
| Anei Kanko cargo ferry Paikaji (via Hatoma) | 100 min | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays12:30 from Ishigaki in January–April and September–December; back from Uehara at 15:30 (Monday, Friday) or 15:00 via Hatoma (Wednesday), Ishigaki 17:10 | Summer sailings leave Ishigaki at 8:30. |
Fares
- Adult one-wayAnei Kanko and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry charge the same; Anei's table from 1 April 2026 includes the fuel adjustment¥3,290
- Adult returnAnei Kanko and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry charge the same; Anei's table from 1 April 2026 includes the fuel adjustment¥6,370
- Child one-wayElementary school age¥1,650
- Adult one-way, Anei cargo ferryAnei Kanko¥2,650
- Bicycle, Anei cargo ferryOne way¥730
Weather and cancellations
Anei Kanko says the Uehara route crosses open sea on the north side of Iriomote, so a strong northerly cancels it more often than Ohara, and in the winter monsoon cancellations often run for days. On 9 October 2026 both companies cancelled every Uehara and Hatoma sailing for rough seas. When Uehara is cancelled, Yaeyama Kanko Ferry carries Uehara ticket holders to Ohara and on by free bus with a bus voucher (buses meet the 8:30, 11:30, 15:00 and 17:10 arrivals at Ohara in winter 2026/27). Anei refunds web-booked Uehara tickets, sells Ohara tickets instead and runs a connecting bus for its own passengers on marked sailings, with limited seats.
Worth knowing
- Book accommodation in the north knowing you may arrive through Ohara by bus; Yaeyama Kanko Ferry's bus voucher comes with the Uehara ticket.
- Anei's web-booked Uehara tickets are refunded automatically on a cancellation, and you'll need to buy an Ohara ticket at the counter.
- Check both companies' status pages early; Anei had posted its decision by 5:50 on 9 October 2026.
FAQ
Quick answers about Ishigaki to Uehara (Iriomote)よくある質問
How long is the ferry from Ishigaki to Uehara?
45 to 55 minutes on the high-speed boats of Anei Kanko or Yaeyama Kanko Ferry. Each company runs four a day in winter 2026/27. Sailings via Hatoma take longer.
Is the Uehara ferry cancelled in winter?
Often, yes. Anei Kanko says the north-coast route cancels in strong northerlies and that in the winter monsoon cancellations frequently last several days. Both companies then route passengers to Ohara and run connecting buses to Uehara.
Can you take a bike on the ferry to Iriomote?
Yes, with Anei Kanko. Its high-speed boats take non-electric bikes for an extra charge when there's room, and its cargo ferry carries bikes for ¥730 to Uehara or Ohara. Yaeyama Kanko Ferry takes a bike only dismantled in a rinko bag.
How long does Ishigaki to Uehara (Iriomote) take?
Yaeyama Kanko Ferry high-speed takes about 50 minutes, 4 a day each way (1 October 2026 to 28 February 2027).
How much is Ishigaki to Uehara (Iriomote)?
Adult one-way on Ishigaki to Uehara (Iriomote) costs ¥3,290.
Does weather cancel Ishigaki to Uehara (Iriomote)?
Anei Kanko says the Uehara route crosses open sea on the north side of Iriomote, so a strong northerly cancels it more often than Ohara, and in the winter monsoon cancellations often run for days. On 9 October 2026 both companies cancelled every Uehara and Hatoma sailing for rough seas. When Uehara is cancelled, Yaeyama Kanko Ferry carries Uehara ticket holders to Ohara and on by free bus with a bus voucher (buses meet the 8:30, 11:30, 15:00 and 17:10 arrivals at Ohara in winter 2026/27). Anei refunds web-booked Uehara tickets, sells Ohara tickets instead and runs a connecting bus for its own passengers on marked sailings, with limited seats.
Book it
Line up the trip around Ishigaki to Uehara (Iriomote)
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