17 remote island tours that can be taken from Ishigaki Island!

Hello everyone!

Ishigaki Island is known as the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands.

Each island has its own characteristics and charms in the outlying islands that can be reached from Ishigaki Island, so be sure to check them out.

In this article, we will introduce the remote island tours that can be taken from Ishigaki Island.

 

Features of Remote Island Tours from Ishigaki Island

There is an outlying island terminal from Ishigaki Island, and regular boats operate to each outlying island.

Tours to each of the outlying islands basically use this terminal.

We recommend that you visit Panari Island and other islands that are not served by regular boats by tour!

The remote island tours introduced in this article cover Taketomi Island, Kohama Island, Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, and Panari Island.

We are sure you will find the perfect tour for you!

 

Four Taketomi Island Tours

Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour

The remote islands of Yaeyama from Ishigaki IslandEfficient SightseeingFor those who want to do so, a tour around the islands is recommended.

This tour allows you to fully enjoy the charms of Yaeyama's remote islands such as Iriomote Island, where 90% of the island is covered by jungle, Taketomi Island, where traditional townscapes remain, and Yubu Island, which is reached by a buffalo crossing the sea from Iriomote Island.

Unlike marine activities,Basically, it never gets wet.Therefore, it is also recommended for those who do not like the sea.

Click here to make a reservation.

Check out more Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour Plans from Ishigaki Island!

 

Taketomi Island Sightseeing & Snorkeling 1 Day Tour with Lunch

This one-day plan is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy Taketomi Island with sightseeing and snorkeling.

Colorful coral and tropical fish can be observed from the crystal clear waters of Taketomi Island, and the island's villages retain the original landscape of Okinawa, a traditional architecture preservation district.

Taketomi Island is a small island and can be explored at a leisurely pace by renting a bicycle or riding a buffalo cart.

At the beginning of the tour, you will enjoy a fantastic space while snorkeling in the pristine, colorful coral and creature-rich waters.

The waters around Taketomi Island are designated as Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, where you can enjoy a natural aquarium with an abundance of life.

The contrast between Taketomi blue, which is so clear that you can see the seabed even from the boat on the way to Taketomi Island, and the blue sky is very beautiful.

It is very beautiful because of the different hues of the ocean between the shallows and the offshore areas.

After enjoying the sea of Taketomi Island to the fullest, we are waiting for k root lunch!

The lunch menu varies depending on availability, but basically you can choose from Soki Soba Set, Hu Chanpuru Set, Goya Chanpuru Set, Vegetable Curry, and Ishigaki Beef Croquette Curry! All of them use ingredients from the island, so you can feel Yaeyama in your stomach as well!

After lunch, we will take a leisurely stroll around Taketomi Island.

It is basically free time, so please look around at your own pace.

You can ride around the island in about an hour by renting a bicycle.

You can also go around the island, stopping at popular tourist spots such as Sand Beach, Kondoi Beach, and the West Pier.

Another popular activity is to ride on a buffalo cart while enjoying the typical Okinawan scenery of red-tiled old houses and hibiscus flowers!

It is a popular spot to enjoy the typical Okinawan atmosphere, so be sure to take advantage of the buffalo cart.

 

Phantom Island Premium Experience Diving & Taketomi Island Sightseeing Tour

The next tour we introduce is a set plan of diving in Phantom Island and sightseeing in Taketomi Island.

A staple of Ishigaki Island travel, Hamashima, also known as Phantom Island, is an uninhabited crescent-shaped island between Ishigaki Island and Kohama Island that does not appear on any maps.

It is called a phantom island because it appears and disappears in the sea depending on the difference in tidal levels.

Such a phantom island is white sand with no vegetation at all and offers a 360-degree ocean view.

It is a place where the sparkling white beach contrasts with the emerald green sea.

It is also used for commercial and music video shoots and photo weddings, so it is a great spot to take many commemorative photos.

After landing on the island, visitors will enter the surrounding sea to experience dubbing.

Offshore is Shihsi lagoon, the largest coral colony in the northern hemisphere.

More than 400 species of corals and abundant marine life can be observed.

The experience diving is a safe and enjoyable way to explore underwater at depths of around 3 to 4 meters.

After diving, we will enjoy lunch. Choose from five different menus at Kanafu, a popular eatery.

Let's have a good time talking about your diving experience and exploring Taketomi Island afterwards.

The tour experience includes unlimited rides on rental bicycles and buffalo carts for sightseeing on Taketomi Island.

During this free time, you will receive a ferry ticket to Ishigaki and a cab ticket to each hotel (city center only) so that you can return home at your own time.

Since you are here, please take a leisurely stroll.

 

Super Value! Phantom Island Landing & Tropical Snorkeling & Taketomi Island Sightseeing

If you have a free day, we recommend this Phantom Island Landing & Tropical Snorkeling & Taketomi Island Sightseeing Plan.

This is a set tour that combines the landing on Hamashima Island, a sightseeing spot that cannot be missed in Ishigaki Island trip, and activities and sightseeing in Taketomi Island to make a full day tour.

First, take a 30-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island to the phantom island. We will land on Hamashima Island and enjoy the spectacular view from the uninhabited white crescent-shaped island.

We will take pictures and stroll in fashionable spots that are also used for media shoots and locations.

Just going ashore can be enjoyable.

After walking around the island, we will go snorkeling in the sea around Taketomi Island.

Entering the crystal clear waters, you can enjoy a spectacular underwater view like a dragon's palace inhabited by colorful corals and multicolored tropical fish.

Beginners can enjoy snorkeling in shallow water with a lecture by an instructor.

After snorkeling, you will have complete free time.

Lunch will be served at a place of your choice.

Check out the article below for more information on dining options on Taketomi Island!

Take a ride on a buffalo cart and leisurely tour around the typical Okinawan village, which is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

You are free to return at your own time when you are done exploring.

 

Three tours of Kohama Island

Tour around Kohama Island! Island Walking Tour

Kohama Island is home to a jungle of plants unique to the subtropical zone. Mangroves grow in the brackish water area at the mouth of the river, creating a subtropical atmosphere. The brackish water is rich in nutrients, so you can see young fish, shellfish, and crabs swimming around. There are tidal flats nearby, so the animal Taichi, which hides in the sand, can be seen. At low tide, you can observe the whole mangrove roots with unusual shapes which cannot be seen at high tide. Compared to Iriomote Island and Ishigaki Island, it is a compact jungle and can be easily accessed. You can experience a different atmosphere depending on the day, so you can repeat several times.

Click here to book your Kohama Island trekking tour.

Kohama Island Sunset Kayak

The sunset view from Kohama Island is one of the most beautiful in Japan. The clear blue ocean and the clear sky gradually fade to an azure color, making for a wonderful sight. Seeing the beautiful spectacular view at the end of the day makes you feel that you have experienced the best day of your life. Why don't you spend the evening twilight watching the sunset slowly sinking? The waves around Kohama Island are calm and very suitable for activities. Enjoy cruising in a sea kayak until sunset, and when the sun goes down, put down your paddle and let the waves wash over you as you watch the sunset. Enjoy the tranquility of the field and the sound of the waves as background music as you relax and experience the spectacular view. It is a very relaxing experience. By the way, if you take pictures of canoe cruising with the sunset in the background, you can take beautiful pictures that look like they were taken from a scene in a TV drama or movie. Since you are going to be there, it is a good idea to tell your guide to take pictures at sunset! The entire tour is very popular because the plan is compact, only 1.5 hours, so you can easily join the tour before dinner. Why don't you experience the best relaxing time?

Click here to book Kohama Island Sunset SUP

Beach Yoga Experience to Feel the Sun Power - Daytime Course

The last tour we will introduce is a beach yoga experience. Compared to other islands, there are fewer tourists, so you can do yoga in a relaxed atmosphere on the beach with a high degree of freedom. Active beach yoga under the tropical sun will stimulate your sympathetic nervous system and energize your body from the inside out! Yoga is a detoxifying activity for the body and mind, and it is very effective when you are surrounded by beautiful surroundings such as clear air, clear blue ocean, and sparkling white beaches.
Although there are experienced participants in the beach yoga tours, most of the participants are beginners, so first-timers should feel free to join the tour.
Experience a detoxification of the whole body, freeing you from your busy daily environment of work, housework, and study!

Click here to book Kohama Island Beach Yoga

 

5 plans for Iriomote Island

Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour

The remote islands of Yaeyama from Ishigaki IslandEfficient SightseeingFor those who want to do so, a tour around the islands is recommended.

This tour allows you to fully enjoy the charms of Yaeyama's remote islands such as Iriomote Island, where 90% of the island is covered by jungle, Taketomi Island, where traditional townscapes remain, and Yubu Island, which is reached by a buffalo crossing the sea from Iriomote Island.

Unlike marine activities,Basically, it never gets wet.Therefore, it is also recommended for those who do not like the sea.

Click here to make a reservation.

Check out more Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour Plans from Ishigaki Island!

 

Iriomote Island Sightseeing Tour (Set Plan)

Iriomote Island can only be reached by ferry from Ishigaki Island.

The package includes "Ferry ticket from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island" and "Iriomote Island Activities".Cheap Tour (Set Plan)If you are a tourist, you can enjoy Iriomote Island sightseeing easily without the hassle of purchasing a separate ferry ticket!

Rather than booking each ferry and activity separatelyeconomicalIt is!

Popular Iriomote Island set plan is here↓.

Check out more details about Iriomote Island tours from Ishigaki Island!

 

Great Nature Experience! Canoeing & Trekking at the Upper Pinaisara Waterfalls -One Day Course (Lunch Included)

Iriomote Island is called the Galapagos of the East, so the island has a great nature. You will experience canoe cruising in the jungle river of Iriomote Island, playing in the water at the waterfall, and trekking. The mangrove canoe will take you to Pinaisara Falls, the highest waterfall in Okinawa Prefecture with a drop of 55 meters. Pinaisara Falls is one of the most popular tourist spots in Iriomote Island. Pinaisara Falls is one of the most popular tourist spots in Iriomote Island. "Pinaisara" means "beard" and "Saara" means "down", and the waterfall looks like an old man with a down beard. Canoe cruising to Pinaisara Falls. Canoes are easier to paddle than they look, and the speed is very fast, so you can paddle easily. The canoes used in the tour are highly stable and can accommodate two people, so those with children can ride in peace.

After canoe cruising, we will trek to Pinaisara Falls. We will observe subtropical flora and fauna while weaving our way through the vegetation to reach the waterfall. The Pinaisara Falls, which appear at the end of the trek while using your whole body, are very majestic and powerful. After lunch near the basin of the waterfall, we will trek back to the top of the waterfall. Of course, those who still have energy left can swim and play in the waterfall basin. Once you reach the top of the waterfall, you will have a panoramic view of the green world of Iriomote Island. It is very thrilling to see the 55m waterfall right below. From here, you can see the cobalt blue sea and Barasu Island, a miraculous island. If you want to experience the great nature with your whole body, this plan is recommended!

Click here to book your Pinaisara Falls tour

No.1 Plan] SUP or Canoe & Limestone Cave Exploration & "Miracle Island" Landing Tour

This plan is the most popular tour in Iriomote Island tour. This plan includes SUP/Canoe cruising on the mangrove or beach, caving in limestone caves, and landing on the Miracle Island.
After the cruising experience, experience canoeing/SUP in the unexplored land! Anyone can easily operate it and casually experience the World Heritage Iriomote Island.

There are three stalactite caves in the interior of Iriomote Island, which are filled with stalactites of various sizes, fossils, stone pillars, and icicles. It is said that it takes two to three years to form one millimeter of stalactite, so you can experience how the dynamic stalactite caves of Iriomote Island have been created over a long period of time.

After a cool caving experience in these limestone caves, we will head to Barasu Island, a miraculous island, which is the end of the tour. Like Hama Island, Barasu Island appears and disappears depending on the tide level, so it is only possible to land there when the leaves are in full bloom. There is one more feature of Barasu Island. It is that the entire island is made entirely of coral fragments. That is right. Hama Island was made of sand, but Barasu Island is made of coral fragments only. It is truly a miraculous island. Barras is the only island in the northern hemisphere and the only two in the southern hemisphere that are made entirely of coral fragments. The contrast between the blue of the surrounding ocean and the white of the island is so striking that it has become a popular spot on social networking sites! However, since the island is made of coral fragments, bare feet may cause injuries to the soles of your feet, so be sure to wear flip-flops or other footwear. Make the best memories with the most popular plan!

Click here to book the Lucky Falls SUP or Canoeing & Stalactite Cave Exploration & "Miracle Island" Landing Tour

Meet the Mysterious Waterfall! Gator Falls Shower Climbing - Half Day Course

The last tour we will introduce is the Gator Falls Shower Climb! In other islands, there are few big rivers and waterfalls, and you cannot experience canyoning and shower climbing. So, when you visit Iriomote Island, we would like you to experience shower climbing.
While viewing the huge flora and fauna unique to the subtropical zone, we will follow the mountain stream to the mysterious Geeta Falls. Although there is a bit of trekking in between, shower climbing is a more strenuous and fulfilling activity since it takes more energy to climb in the river.

This is a serious trekking and shower climbing tour, but with the support of a guide, you can participate without worry. The Gheta Falls, located at the end of the river climb, is truly a beautiful sight and a must-see. While gazing at the beautiful Geeta Falls, enjoy a moment of relaxation with sweetmeats and tea prepared by the guide. You can take a dip in the basin of the waterfall and have fun!

Click here to book your Geeta Falls shower trek.

 

Four Yubu Island Tours

Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour

The remote islands of Yaeyama from Ishigaki IslandEfficient SightseeingFor those who want to do so, a tour around the islands is recommended.

This tour allows you to fully enjoy the charms of Yaeyama's remote islands such as Iriomote Island, where 90% of the island is covered by jungle, Taketomi Island, where traditional townscapes remain, and Yubu Island, which is reached by a buffalo crossing the sea from Iriomote Island.

Unlike marine activities,Basically, it never gets wet.Therefore, it is also recommended for those who do not like the sea.

Click here to make a reservation.

Check out more Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour Plans from Ishigaki Island!

 

Very popular set! Pinaisara Falls & Mangrove Canoeing & Yubu Island Buffalo Car Tour (with lunch)

Yubu Island was formed when river sand in Iriomote Island was washed away by the tide and deposited. Therefore, you can enjoy activities in Iriomote Island and sightseeing in Yubu Island together. This plan includes canoe cruising and trekking to Pinaisara Falls, followed by sightseeing in Yubu Island. In the morning, you will cruise a canoe in the river where mangroves grow thickly. Surrounded by greenery, you will paddle the canoe while enjoying forest bathing. The sounds of animals and rustling leaves will soothe you.

After cruising, we will trek to Pinaisara Falls. There is a crystal clear stream flowing through the water, and you can experience the spray full of negative ions. After feeling the great nature of Iriomote Island, we will head for Yubu Island. To get to Yubu Island, you will cross the sea on a buffalo. The driver, Ojie, will play the shamisen and sing folk songs for you. You can feel the Okinawan atmosphere while listening to the songs and sounds as you ride in the buffalo cart. After arriving at Yubu Island, you can go sightseeing by buffalo cart or visit tourist attractions such as the botanical garden, buffalo pond, and butterfly garden. The island is small, so you will be able to visit all of them. There is also a teahouse, so you can use it while waiting for the buffalo car to return.

Click here to book Pinaisara Falls & Yubu Island Tour

Canoeing & Yubu Island Sightseeing Tour

The next Yubu Island Tour is a set plan of canoe cruising and sightseeing in Yubu Island. The guide will take into account the weather conditions on the day of the canoeing and show you the best spots for the canoeing.

From mangroves to spectacular beaches, we will take you to unexplored areas of the World Heritage Iriomote Island. There are many photo spots, so take many commemorative photos.

After enjoying the nature of Iriomote Island, we will head for Yubu Island. There are many sightseeing spots on Yubu Island, which is across the sea on a buffalo cart. Since Yubu Island is a small island, you can get around the island in about 30 minutes. Let's enjoy activities and sightseeing in Iriomote Island and Yubu Island!

Click here to book Canoe & Yubu Island Tour

Star Sand Snorkeling & Yubu Island Buffalo Car Sightseeing for ages 3 and up

The last tour we introduce is a plan that includes snorkeling at Hoshisuna Beach, the No.1 beach in Iriomote Island, and sightseeing in Yubu Island. Hoshi-suna Beach is very popular because of its abundant corals and tropical fishes. You can enjoy snorkeling without worries because tropical fish are swimming around even below your knees. This plan allows snorkeling for ages 3 and up, so it is a great activity for those with young children. This beach has shallow waters and an uninhabited island that blocks wind and waves, making it a safe activity experience. The popular tropical fish, clownfish, also live here, so you can observe them closely.

Also, as the name suggests, Star Sand Beach has small star-shaped sand here and there on the beach. You can pick up a few for your memories. After enjoying the activities, we will cross over to Yubu Island. You can enjoy a leisurely tour of the island while viewing bougainvillea, hibiscus, and other Okinawan plants, as well as Japan's largest butterfly, the Oogomadara (Giant Gray Butterfly). You can also take a buffalo cart to explore the island.

Click here to book Star Sand Snorkeling & Yubu Island Tour

 

Panari Island Tour

Leisurely Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) Walking Tour - 1 Day Course

Aragusuku Island, also known as Panari Island, is one of the Yaeyama Islands with only about a dozen residents and a natural atmosphere. There are no regular flights to the island, so it is recommended to visit the island by tour. Panari Island is a combination of Kamiji Island and Shimoji Island. The island's name, Panari, means "remote," and was probably chosen because of the distance between Kamiji and Shimoji islands. After landing on Panari Island, we will enjoy the privacy and beach atmosphere of the pristine natural beach of Kita-nohama. Snorkeling and swimming are also available upon request.

After enjoying the sea of Panari Island, you will taste lunch at a beach house. Compared to other tourist islands, there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy lunch while feeling tropical. After lunch, you can visit the national historic site of Hibanzori, which is a national historic site, or the Quinupana name for "flower of love," which means "distant viewing platform. There are many sightseeing spots on Panari Island, and you will be well taken care of by a guide from Panari Island, so you can enjoy them to the fullest.

summary

We introduced Ishigaki Island's remote island tours. How was it? There are many remote islands you can visit from Ishigaki Island. Each island has its own characteristics and charms. Please conquer all the islands and experience the goodness of Yaeyama. Thank you for reading to the end.