How to get to Watakanojima

The timetable is the "Ferry Timetable" PDF (made March 2026) on the Shima City Tourism Association's Watakanojima page. From Kou: 6:55, 9:05, 9:35, 10:05, 10:35, 11:05, 11:35, 12:15, 13:20, 13:50, 14:20, 14:50, 15:20, 15:50, 16:20, 16:50, 17:20, 17:50, 18:25, 19:20, 19:50, 20:20, 20:50, 21:20, 21:55. Sailings from Watakano leave 5 minutes earlier (the one matching the 18:25 leaves Watakano at 18:15). *Extra sailings may run depending on conditions. The landing is the "Watakanojima Ferry Landing on the Opposite Shore (3584 Kou, Ago-cho, Shima City)"; the crossing takes about 3 minutes. Fares: adult (junior high and older) ¥200 one way, child (elementary school) ¥100 one way, preschoolers free; pay the crew in cash when boarding (have the exact amount). Board the boat flying the red "ferry flag" (both from Shima City pages updated Sep 1, 2025). Shima City's transport map (made in 2022) gives ¥200 for 6:50–19:00 and ¥300 for 19:00–22:00, so the night fare needs checking. By public transport, take the bus bound for Anori from Kintetsu Ugata Station, about 18 minutes, and get off at "Watakano Tosenba" (Mie Tourism Federation). Parking: the Watakano Pearl Beach information says there is a free lot just before the ferry landing (Shima City), and the inns on the island have their parking on the opposite shore (Mie Tourism Federation). Inquiries: Watakano District Office 0599-57-2590.

A Shima City scheduled passenger route (run by the city, free of charge). Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only; no service over the New Year (Dec 31–Jan 3). (1) 8:45 Watakano/Wada → 8:55 Sangasho → 9:00 Matoya → 9:05 Sangasho → 9:15 Watakano/Wada; (2) 9:15 Watakano/Wada → 9:25 Sangasho → 9:30 Matoya → 9:35 Sangasho → 9:45 Watakano/Wada. The 14:45 sailing was discontinued on Apr 1, 2026. Inquiries: Shima City Construction Department, Construction and Maintenance Division, 0599-44-0304. This is a service for local residents rather than for sightseeing.