Take a direct ferry to Japan for fun！Lina Ferry’s trial run on the Hualien–Ishigaki route on May 14

▲Lina Ferry (Photo provided by Huagang Group)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

Want to visit Japan in the future? Just hop on a ferry. Lina Ferry has announced on its official website that it will conduct a trial run of the Hualien–Ishigaki Island route between May 14 and May 15.

Ishigaki Island, which belongs to Okinawa Prefecture, is about 410 kilometers from Naha City in Okinawa and just over 200 kilometers from Taiwan. There were previously charter flights operating on the Hualien–Ishigaki route. To accommodate the Hualien–Ishigaki route, the Lina Ferry’s May 14 flight from Su’ao to Hualien will run as scheduled, but the return trip from Hualien to Su’ao will be canceled. On May 15, all round-trip flights between Su’ao and Hualien will be suspended. Passengers who have already booked tickets can contact the original ticketing office to change their travel date or request a full refund without any cancellation fee.

Compared to flying, traveling by ship allows unlimited luggage weight, easier transport of liquids, and the option to bring bicycles or motorcycles on board. If the Hualien–Ishigaki Island route becomes officially established, it could help create new ways to experience travel in Japan. However, detailed information regarding the sailing schedule, fares, and other related details still await announcement by Donglian Shipping.

No weight limit on cruise luggage—Passengers can literally bring half a kitchen back home with them to Japan＜＜＜ Extended reading