You reach Tobishima by boat from Sakata Port (Ferry Tobishima terminal). The car ferry from Sakata Port (Ferry Tobishima terminal) takes 1 h 15 min and costs ¥2,140 one way for an adult.
Yamagata Prefecture's only inhabited outlying island, in the Sea of Japan 39 km northwest of Sakata. About 10 km around, the whole island is part of Chokai Quasi-National Park. It is a stopover for migratory birds, and about 300 bird species can be seen.
Every way to get there
- Travel time
- 1 h 15 min
- Adult one-way
- ¥2,140
- Sailings
- 1 round trip a day (October - March). 2 round trips on some days from April to September
- First boat
- 09:30
- Last boat there
- 09:30
- Last boat back
- 13:45
- Cars
- Allowed
Ferry Tobishima. Figures are for the October-March one-round-trip schedule in the FY2026 timetable (from Apr 1, 2026): Sakata 9:30 -> Tobishima 10:45, Tobishima 13:45 -> Sakata 15:00. On two-round-trip days, departures are 9:30 and 13:45 from Sakata and 11:30 and 15:45 from Tobishima. Reservations are required for all sailings (online or by phone 0234-22-3911). Same-day operating status is posted on the Sakata Tourism and Products Association's page. A substitute ship ran while engine parts were repaired; the Tobishima resumed service on Sep 30, 2026. Car transport currently gives priority to islanders' everyday vehicles and similar (reservation required).
Sources (7 pages): www.city.sakata.lg.jp・sakata-kankou.com
Common questions
How do I get to Tobishima?
You reach Tobishima by boat from Sakata Port (Ferry Tobishima terminal). The car ferry from Sakata Port (Ferry Tobishima terminal) takes 1 h 15 min and costs ¥2,140 one way for an adult.
Can I take my car to Tobishima?
The ferry from Sakata Port (Ferry Tobishima terminal) carries cars. Whether you can drive on the island itself depends on local rules, so check the island’s guidance.
What time is the last boat to and from Tobishima?
Sakata Port (Ferry Tobishima terminal): last boat to the island 09:30, last boat back 13:45. Times change by season, so check the official timetable.
Can I visit Tobishima as a day trip?
On the timetable, yes. Take the 09:30 from Sakata Port (Ferry Tobishima terminal), arrive around 10:45, and the last boat back leaves at 13:45: up to about 3 hours on the island. Some days have fewer sailings.