A 3-Island Tour Departing from Ishigaki Island! Highlights of Iriomote, Yubu, and Taketomi, and How to Choose Your Itinerary
If you're starting from Ishigaki Island and want to visit three islands, what's the best route to take?
Iriomote Island and Yubu Island: a sightseeing tour that includes boat tickets,TaketomiI recommend taking a high-speed boat across and enjoying a ride on a water buffalo cart and a stroll. If you spread it out over a few days, you can take your time and fully enjoy all three islands!
For a three-island tour departing from Ishigaki Island, we recommend combining a tour of Iriomote Island and Yubu Island with a visit to Taketomi Island!
If you're departing from Ishigaki Island to visit the three islands of Iriomote, Yubu, and Taketomi, then Iriomote and Yubu areIncludes boat ticketFor a tour of the area, we recommend visiting Taketomi Island by high-speed ferry and enjoying a ride on a water buffalo cart and a stroll around the island!
In this column, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide covering how to tour the three islands, how to plan your itinerary, the highlights of each island, what to wear, and important points to keep in mind in case of canceled sailings.
◆For those who want to efficiently tour the outlying islands without booking a ferry
◆For those who are unsure about the best itinerary for visiting the three islands
◆For those who want to enjoy sightseeing on the remote islands of the Yaeyama archipelago without renting a car
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Ishigaki Island.
If you're not sure, go with this!
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How to Tour Three Islands Starting from Ishigaki Island
The ferries departing from the Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal have different destinations for Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, and Taketomi Island.
For Iriomote Island and Yubu Island, there are sightseeing tours, while for Taketomi Island, there are high-speed ferries—it varies by island.Classifying the Ways to Go AroundThat way, you can enjoy all three islands at a comfortable pace.
Peace of mind with a boat ticket included☆
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Take a sightseeing tour of Iriomote Island and Yubu Island that includes boat tickets
It's most efficient to visit both Iriomote Island and Yubu Island together on a tour that departs from Ishigaki Island.
For exampleNo. 580This sightseeing tour includes round-trip ferry fare, a sightseeing bus on Iriomote Island, a boat ride on the Nakama River, admission to Yubu Island (including a water buffalo cart ride), and lunch.
Since the boat ticket is included, take the ferryYou don't really need to make a reservationThere is no
Since all you have to do is meet at the reception desk at the Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal, it’s easy to join even if you don’t have a rental car—that’s one of the great things about this tour!
No. 580With 67 reviews and an overall rating of 4.8 (as of November 2026), this tour has received high praise from people who have actually participated.
Click here for tours of the Yaeyama Islands departing from Ishigaki Island
Take a high-speed ferry to Taketomi Island to enjoy water buffalo cart rides and a leisurely stroll
Taketomi Island is one of the most accessible islands in the Yaeyama archipelago; you can reach it by high-speed ferry from the Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal.
Once you arrive on the island, you can enjoy exploring at your own pace—whether it’s taking a water buffalo cart ride through the red-tiled village or renting a bike to ride along the beach.
There are also activity packages that include a tour of Taketomi Island, so if you’d like to try snorkeling or stand-up paddleboarding, be sure to check those out as well.
How to Plan a Schedule for Visiting the Three Islands Without Overdoing It
If you want to take your time enjoying the three islands, plan your itinerary to include the day of the Iriomote Island and Yubu Island tour, as well as Taketomi Island,Separate by dayis recommended.
The sightseeing tour is a full-day itinerary that departs from Ishigaki Port in the morning and returns to Ishigaki Port in the evening.
If you absolutely want to visit three islands in one day, one option is to head to Taketomi Island after returning from the island-hopping tour, but the return ferry’sLast FlightBe sure to check this in advance.
If you don't have much time for your trip, we recommend enjoying a tour of Iriomote Island and Yubu Island first, and then spending half a day exploring Taketomi Island whenever you have some free time.
The Charms of Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island is covered mostly by subtropical jungle,world natural heritage siteIt's an island.
On a sightseeing tour, you can view the mangrove forests from the boat, and if you're looking for activities, you can paddle out into the river on a SUP or in a canoe.
Includes ferry ticket☆
▼Click here for recommended Iriomote Island tours▼
Take the Nakama River Mangrove Cruise to One of Japan's Largest Mangrove Forests
The Nakama River flows between its two banks,Japan's Largest AreaIt is a river lined with mangrove forests that are a source of pride.
The mangrove forest has been designated as a National Natural Monument, and you can observe various species of mangroves—such as the Yaeyama mangrove and the black mangrove—from the boat.
Since you can enjoy the great outdoors of Iriomote Island while sitting down, it’s a great experience that even families with young children and seniors can enjoy with peace of mind.
No. 580On this tour, we’ll also stop at the “Wildlife Conservation Center,” a hub for Iriomote cat conservation efforts (we won’t stop there on days the center is closed or when it’s crowded).
◆Access: Take a ferry from Ishigaki Port to Ohara Port on Iriomote Island, then take a sightseeing cruise on a tour boat
For those who love outdoor activities, there’s mangrove SUP, canoeing, and a trip to Baras Island
If you're looking to do more than just sightsee—and want to get active—we recommend the mangrove SUP and canoe tour on Iriomote Island.
Paddling through the mangrove forest on your own is a truly thrilling experience—it’s a whole different kind of excitement from just looking at it from a boat!
"Made from pieces of coral,"Miracle Island"There are also packages that include a visit to Baras Island and snorkeling."
If you choose a package that includes a ferry ticket, it’s convenient because the ferry from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island is arranged for you as well.
Click here for Iriomote Island tour with ferry ticket
The Charms of Yufu Island
Yufu Island is a small island with a circumference of about 2 km, located right next to Iriomote Island.
From Iriomote Island, we crossed the sea by water buffalo cart, andThe entire island is a botanical gardenYou can spend a relaxing time at the “Yufu Island Subtropical Botanical Garden.”
Crossing by Water Buffalo Cart☆
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Crossing the sea on a water buffalo cart
There are no direct ferries from Ishigaki Island to Yubu Island; instead, you must cross the shallow waters from Iriomote Island by water buffalo cart or on foot.
Since the water buffalo cart moves at a leisurely pace, one of its charms is that you can take your time enjoying the ocean views!
While on the move,Sanshin PerformanceYou might even get to hear some traditional music, so it’s sure to be a memorable trip that captures the true spirit of the Yaeyama Islands.
Lunch and a Stroll at Yufushima Botanical Garden
The entire island of Yufu is a botanical garden known as the “Yufu Island Subtropical Botanical Garden.”
Tropical plants such as palm trees and hibiscus are grown here, and the butterfly garden is home to one of Japan’s largest collections of butterflies—tree nymph butterfly (Idea leuconoe)You can see the golden chrysalis.
No. 580On this tour, you can enjoy a lunch made with local Yaeyama ingredients at a restaurant inside the park.
We also recommend looking for Yufu Island-exclusive merchandise at the souvenir shops!
◆Access: Take a water buffalo cart across from the water buffalo cart boarding area on Iriomote Island
If you'd like to learn more about things to do on Yufu Island,A Column on How to Get to Yufu Island and What to Do ThereBe sure to check this out, too.
Attractions of Taketomi Island
Taketomi Island is,Red-tiled roofIt is an island where traditional villages still remain, with paths of white sand stretching out from them.
You can enjoy the island's laid-back pace by touring the village on a water buffalo cart or biking to the beach.
Enjoy a tour of Taketomi Island as part of the package☆
▼Click here for recommended Taketomi Island tours▼
Take a water buffalo cart ride from the Taketomi Tourist Center to tour the red-tiled village
One experience you definitely won't want to miss when you visit Taketomi Island is the water buffalo cart tour at the Taketomi Tourist Center.
Ride in a cart slowly pulled by a water buffalo as you tour the village, taking in the rows of red-tiled houses, stone walls, and white-sand paths.
From Taketomi Port,Free Shuttle BusSince you can get there by boat, it’s also great that you can join the tour right after getting off the boat.
Here are some tips on how to enjoy a water buffalo cart ride and how to make a reservation:A Column on Water Buffalo Cart Tours on Taketomi IslandIt's covered in detail there.
◆Directions: About 5 minutes by free shuttle bus from Taketomi Port
Click here for the Taketomi Island Sightseeing (Water Buffalo Cart) Tour
In my free time, I go to Kondoi Beach and Kaiji Beach.
After the water buffalo cart ride, why not head over to Kondoi Beach and Kaiji Beach on the western side of the island?
Kondo Beach is Taketomi Island’s most famous beach, featuring a gently sloping shoreline.
Kaiji Beach, located south of Kondoi Beach, features a star-shaped “stellar sandIt is known as a beach where you can find "".
Both are within biking distance of the village, so renting a bike is a great way to get around easily.
What to Wear and Things to Keep in Mind for the 3-Island Tour
The 3-Island Tour involves a lot of travel by boat and bus, and you'll spend a lot of time outdoors.
To make sure you have a comfortable day, be sure to check the dress code and any boat cancellations.
Wear comfortable clothing and take precautions against the sun
On the Three-Island Tour, there’s a lot of walking involved—getting on and off the boat and exploring the villages—so be sure to wear sneakers or similar footwear.comfortable shoesis recommended.
The sun in the Yaeyama Islands is strong year-round, so be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
It can sometimes feel a bit chilly on a boat or in an air-conditioned room, so it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket to wear over your clothes.
Be aware of boat cancellations due to weather conditions
Ferries traveling from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island and Taketomi Island may be canceled on days when waves are high due to typhoons or strong winds.
In particular, the route to Ohara Port on Iriomote Island is susceptible to weather conditions, so please exercise caution.
If you're planning activities during your trip, you might want to set aside a day with stable weather for a sightseeing tour, orReserve DayIt's reassuring to have one ready.
For information on ferry schedules and what to do in case of cancellations,A Column on the Ferry from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote IslandIt's covered in detail there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the 3-Island Tour Departing from Ishigaki Island
After returning to Ishigaki Port from the Iriomote and Yubu Islands tour, you can take a ferry to Taketomi Island. However, since this will shorten the time you can spend on Taketomi Island, be sure to check the departure time of the last ferry back in advance. If you’d like to take your time and enjoy the island, we recommend splitting your trip into two separate days: one for the island-hopping tour and another for Taketomi Island.
No. 580On this sightseeing tour, you can also disembark at Ohara Port or the water buffalo cart stop on Iriomote Island. Since the return ferry ticket has no specific date or time, you can use it on a day other than the tour date. If you wish to leave the group early, please let us know when you make your reservation.
If a tour cannot be held due to inclement weather or other reasons,No. 580There are no cancellation fees for this sightseeing tour. Since ferry routes to the remote islands of the Yaeyama archipelago are susceptible to weather conditions, it’s a good idea to include a buffer day in your travel itinerary.
summary
If you're departing from Ishigaki Island to visit three islands, we recommend taking a tour package that includes ferry tickets to Iriomote Island and Yubu Island, and taking a high-speed ferry to Taketomi Island to enjoy water buffalo cart rides and a stroll around the island.
From the mangrove cruise on Nakama River to crossing to Yubu Island by water buffalo cart and visiting Taketomi Island, where villages with red-tiled roofs still stand—you’ll encounter completely different scenery on each island.
In case of flight cancellations due to weatherWith plenty of room to spareWhy not plan your itinerary and enjoy a tour of the three Yaeyama Islands?
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