Which Yaeyama Islands are the best? Thorough explanation of recommended sightseeing spots, tours, and how to choose an island!
Table of Contents
- 1 Where are the Yaeyama Islands?
- 2 Where are the Yaeyama Islands?
- 3 Introduction to the remote islands of the Yaeyama Islands by purpose
- 4 Features and Attractions of the Main Remote Islands of the Yaeyama Archipelago
- 5 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in the Yaeyama Islands
- 5.1 Pinaisara Falls, Iriomote Island
- 5.2 Hirakubozaki, Ishigaki Island
- 5.3 Taketomi Island, Kondoi Beach
- 5.4 Yubu Island, buffalo cart
- 5.5 Sugar Road, Kohama Island
- 5.6 Dr. Koto Clinic, Yonaguni Island
- 5.7 Hatoma Island, Yara Beach
- 5.8 Iko Pier, Kuroshima
- 5.9 Aragusuku Island, Quinupana
- 5.10 Hateruma Island, Japan's southernmost monument
- 6 Model Tourist Routes in the Yaeyama Islands
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions about the Yaeyama Islands FAQ
- 8 summary
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Where are the Yaeyama Islands?

The Yaeyama Islands is the collective name for a group of islands located in the southwesternmost part of Okinawa Prefecture, with Ishigaki Island at its center, dotted with a variety of small and large remote islands of rich individuality.
There is no "correct island" in the Yaeyama Islands,Purpose of the trip and how to spend itThe optimal island will vary depending on the
This article provides detailed information on everything from tourist attractions to popular tours, model courses, and how to choose an island!
◆If you are wondering where is the best place in the Yaeyama Islands
◆Those who want to sightsee efficiently by referring to a model course
Those who do not want to make a mistake in choosing remote islands such as Ishigaki, Iriomote and Taketomi.
◆For those who want to know about sightseeing spots and tour information of the Yaeyama Islands in one place.
Where are the Yaeyama Islands?

The Yaeyama Islands are located approximately 400 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa and close to Taiwan.
Administratively, it belongs to Ishigaki City, Taketomi Town, and Yonaguni Town in Okinawa Prefecture,There are 11 inhabited islandsYes, there is.
The gateway is Ishigaki Island, with direct flights from Shin-Ishigaki Airport (Minanujima Ishigaki Airport) to major cities throughout Japan.
High-speed boats are commonly used to access each of the outlying islands from Ishigaki Island, and the trip takes about 30 minutes to one hour.
The Yaeyama Islands are surrounded by coral reefs and clear waters,Subtropical virgin forestThe area has received high acclaim both in Japan and abroad as a place where traditional village scenery remains.
Introduction to the remote islands of the Yaeyama Islands by purpose

The charm of the Yaeyama Islands lies in the fact that each island has a very different atmosphere and way of enjoying itself. Here are some of themBy Travel PurposeThe following is a list of islands recommended for
Recommended for your first trip to the Yaeyama Islands

If you are visiting the Yaeyama Islands for the first time,Ishigaki Island is recommended as a base.It is.
It has a wide range of accommodations and restaurants,A wide variety of tours to remote islands.The following is provided in the following table.
There are many remote islands that can be visited in a day, such as Taketomi Island and Kohama Island, for efficient sightseeing.
An island for those who want to have active fun.

Mangrove kayaking, trekking, snorkeling, etc.Iriomote Island is recommended for those who want to experience nature to the fullest.It is.
A large part of the island is designated as a national park,Nature remains strongIt is known as an island.
An island for those who want to spend a relaxing time.

Relatively few tourists,Hatoma Island and Kuroshima Island are recommended for those who want to spend a quiet time.It is.
Unspoiled beachesThe scenery of the village and its rustic villages will make you forget about the time you spend there.
Island for couples, women's travel, and family trips

Kohama Island and Taketomi Island have many photo-worthy scenery,Couples and women's travelIt is popular for
On the other hand, Ishigaki Island is easy to get around and provides a safe environment for families to visit.
Features and Attractions of the Main Remote Islands of the Yaeyama Archipelago

From here, we will start to look at some of the most remote islands representing the Yaeyama Islands.Learn more about our featuresIntroduction.
Iriomote Island (Okinawa)

About 90% of Iriomote Island is covered with subtropical virgin forest,The most nature-rich island in the Yaeyama IslandsIt is.
Active nature experiences such as mangrove kayaking and trekking to waterfalls are popular, and the area is also known for being home to the Iriomote wildcat.
Access: 40-50 minutes from Ishigaki Island by high-speed boat
Click here to see the popularity ranking of Iriomote Island tours.
Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island is the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands and the center of sightseeing, lodging, dining, and transportation.
There are many scenic spots such as Kabira Bay and Hirakubozaki, which are ideal for first-time visitors to Yaeyama.
There is a new Ishigaki Airport, accessible by direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities in Japan.First Yaeyama SightseeingThe island is ideal for
Access: 1 hour by plane from Naha
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Ishigaki Island.
Taketomi Island

Taketomi Island is an island with beautiful red tile-roofed houses and white sand roads, where the original landscape of Okinawa still remains. You can enjoy a relaxing time with buffalo cart sightseeing and Kondoi Beach.
It is close to Ishigaki Island, about 10 minutes by high-speed boat,Remote islands popular for day-trip sightseeingIt is.
Access: 10 minutes from Ishigaki Island by high-speed boat
Yubu Island (Hiroshima-Nagoya Island)

Yubu Island is a small island off the coast of Iriomote Island,The entire island is a botanical gardenIt is maintained as a
The experience of crossing the shallows on a buffalo cart is a unique attraction of the Yaeyama Islands.
From Ishigaki Island, cross to Iriomote Island, and from there access by buffalo car.
Access: about 30 minutes by buffalo car from Iriomote Island
islets of Ogasawara (islands)

Kohama Island has sugar cane fields and blue ocean,The island has a peaceful atmosphereIt is.
Sugar road and resort hotels are available for those who want to spend a relaxing time. It is only about 25 minutes from Ishigaki Island by high-speed boat.
Access: 25 minutes from Ishigaki Island by high-speed boat
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Kohama Island.
Yonaguni Island

Yonaguni Island is the westernmost island in Japan,Attracted by its unique culture and dynamic natural sceneryIt is.
It is famous for its underwater ruins and precipitous cliffs, which tickle the sense of adventure. It is accessible from Ishigaki Island by plane or ferry.
Access: 30 minutes by plane from Ishigaki Island
Click here for Yonaguni Island recommended tour ranking
Hatoma Island

Hatoma Island is a small, remote island characterized by clear waters and quiet settlements. It is not overly touristy,Popular with those who want to spend their time quietly.There are
It takes about 45 minutes from Ishigaki Island by high-speed boat and can be visited via Iriomote Island.
Access: 45 minutes from Ishigaki Island by high-speed boat
Kurushima

Kuroshima Faction (of the LDP)A tranquil island with pastures and a thriving cattle industry.It is also known for its beautiful sunset view from the Iko Pier. The evening view from Iko Pier is beautiful and a popular photo spot.
The island is only about 30 minutes from Ishigaki Island by high-speed boat, making it an easy one-day trip.
Access: 30 minutes from Ishigaki Island by high-speed boat
Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)

Aragusuku Island is a remote island with few regular boats and a sense of seclusion.
Tourist facilities are few and far between, though,Traditional Life and Natureis still strong in color.
Access by irregular boat from Ishigaki Island, so advance confirmation is required.
Access: Regular boat from Ishigaki Island (few services)
Hateruma Island

Hateruma Island is Japan's southernmost inhabited island,The starry sky visible on a clear night is one of the most beautiful in Japan.The company boasts a
Japan's southernmost monument is also a popular tourist attraction. It takes about 60 minutes from Ishigaki Island by high-speed boat, but be careful as many flights are cancelled due to weather conditions.
Access: 60 min. by high-speed boat from Ishigaki Island
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in the Yaeyama Islands

The Yaeyama Islands are dotted with unique sightseeing spots on each island.
From waterfalls and capes where you can experience the great outdoors, to traditional villages and beautiful beaches, you can enjoy completely different attractions on each island you visit.
Here are some of the classic and popular tourist attractions that represent each island.
Pinaisara Falls, Iriomote Island

Pinaisara Falls is,One of the most famous sights on Iriomote Island, boasting the largest drop in Okinawa PrefectureIt is.
The standard tour is to kayak through the mangrove forest and then trek to the waterfall, where you can experience the powerful waterfall basin and nature up close.
Recommended for those who want to experience the sense of adventure typical of the Yaeyama Islands.
Access: by canoe40 minutes one way plus trekking for approx.30 min.
Hirakubozaki, Ishigaki Island

Hirakubozaki is a cape located at the northernmost tip of Ishigaki Island,Spectacular spot with blue sea and skyIt is.
On a clear day, you can see as far as the horizon, and the area around the lighthouse is popular for photography.
It is accessible by car from the city center and is a standard stopover spot for driving around Ishigaki Island.
Access: 40 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Taketomi Island, Kondoi Beach

Kondoy beach has shallow, clear waters.The representative beach of Taketomi IslandIt is.
With its beautiful scenery of gentle waves and white sand, it is known not only for swimming but also for sunsets.
Accessible by bicycle from the village, visitors can enjoy a relaxing island time.
Access: 40 minutes on foot from Taketomi East Port, 15 minutes by rented bicycle
Yubu Island, buffalo cart

Yubu Island's buffalo carts are,A famous experience from Iriomote Island to Yubu Island across the shallows.It is.
The time spent swaying on a buffalo is nostalgic, and you can enjoy the scenery that is typical of Yaeyama.
On Yubu Island, visitors can stroll among tropical plants, which is highly popular among tourists.
Sugar Road, Kohama Island

Sugar Road is,A typical scenic spot on Kohama Island with a straight line of sugarcane fieldsIt is.
Known as a location for TV dramas, you can take pictures of the tranquil scenery that is typical of the island. A leisurely tour on a rented bicycle is recommended.
Feature: 20 minutes on foot from Obama Port
Dr. Koto Clinic, Yonaguni Island

Dr. Coto Clinic is,Tourist attractions on Yonaguni Island, known as a location for popular TV dramasIt is.
The buildings that were actually used in the drama have been preserved, allowing visitors to experience the world of the drama.
The surrounding area offers sheer cliffs and magnificent nature, and you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of Yonaguni Island.
Access: 10 minutes by car from Yonaguni Airport
Hatoma Island, Yara Beach

Yara Beach is a beautiful beach representing Hatoma Island, with clear waters and white sand.
Fewer tourists,Quiet and serene atmosphere.is a feature of this product.
Recommended for those who want to feel unspoiled nature and seek a relaxing time.
Access: 10 minutes on foot from Hatoma Port
Iko Pier, Kuroshima

Iko Pier is located on Kuroshima Island, especiallyPopular sunset spotsIt is.
The evening view from the pier extending to the sea is beautiful, and you can enjoy the scenery that changes its expression depending on the time of day.
The island is flat and easy to navigate, and it is easy to stop by on a rented bicycle.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Kuroshima Port
Aragusuku Island, Quinupana

Quinupana is one of the sacred places on Aragusuku Island and is considered an important place for the islanders.
Because it is not a tourist attraction, it is important to visit quietly and respectfully.
Sacred and serene atmosphere unique to Aragusuku IslandYou can feel the
Access: Just a short walk from Kamiji Port
Hateruma Island, Japan's southernmost monument

The southernmost monument in Japan is,A classic spot to stop by to commemorate your visit to Hateruma Island.It is.
It has the special feeling of standing on the southernmost tip of the island, and is surrounded by grasslands and the sea. When the weather is fine, you can fully enjoy the open scenery of Hateruma Island.
Access: 3 minutes by car from Hateruma Airport
Model Tourist Routes in the Yaeyama Islands

Sightseeing in the Yaeyama Islands can be done efficiently by combining day trips and overnight stays based on Ishigaki Island.
The key to a satisfying trip is to make a reasonable plan according to the number of days you stay.
.
Model Course of Yaeyama Islands for 2 nights and 3 days
| schedule | area | Main itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ishigaki Island | Arrival at Shin-Ishigaki Airport / Sightseeing in the island by rental car (Kabira Bay, Hirakubozaki, etc.) / Dinner in the city center |
| 2nd day | Iriomote Island or Taketomi Island | Transfer to remote islands by high-speed boat / mangrove kayaking and waterfall sightseeing in Iriomote Island or village walking in Taketomi Island / return to Ishigaki Island in the evening |
| 3rd day | Ishigaki Island | Walk on the beach and buy souvenirs / Return from Shin-Ishigaki Airport |
On Day 1, after arriving at Ishigaki Island, we will enjoy walking around the city center and sightseeing at Kabira Bay.
On the second day, join a one-day sightseeing tour to Iriomote or Taketomi Island to experience nature and explore the villages.
On the third day, you will go back to Ishigaki Island to buy souvenirs and stroll on the beach, which is a royal plan recommended for first-timers.
3 nights 4 days model course for Yaeyama Islands
| schedule | area | Main itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ishigaki Island | Arrival at Shin-Ishigaki Airport / stroll in the city center, visit cafes / dinner of local cuisine |
| 2nd day | Iriomote Island (Okinawa) | Transfer to Iriomote Island by high-speed boat / Pinaisara Falls and mangrove kayaking / Overnight in Iriomote Island |
| 3rd day | Yubu Island/Taketomi Island | Sightseeing in Yubu Island by water buffalo cart / Afternoon walk in the village and beach in Taketomi Island |
| Day 4 | Ishigaki Island | Return to Ishigaki Island / Free time (market, beach) / Return |
On the first day, we will go sightseeing in Ishigaki Island, and on the second day, we will stay overnight in Iriomote Island to fully enjoy trekking and kayaking experience.
The plan is to visit Yubu Island and Taketomi Island on the third day and return to Ishigaki Island on the fourth day to go home.
You can spend more time on the islands and enjoy the charms of the Yaeyama Islands more deeply.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Yaeyama Islands FAQ
Taketomi Island, Kohama Island, and Kuroshima Island are available for day trips. They are easily accessible by high-speed boat.
The Yaeyama Islands are rich in unspoiled nature and activities. Miyako Island has many beautiful beaches and a strong resort atmosphere.
For snorkeling and swimming, July through September is recommended. For sightseeing, June, just after the end of the rainy season, and October through November are recommended.
summary

In the Yaeyama Islands, each island has a different charm, and by choosing the island that best suits your purposeSatisfaction tripscan be realized.
The question, "Which of the Yaeyama Islands is best?" the answer is that the island that best suits your travel style is the best.
A good combination of sightseeing, tours and model courses,Your own trip to the Yaeyama IslandsEnjoy the
Click here to book ferry tickets to Iriomote Island.
↓Click here to read the article.
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