Let's go to remote islands around Ishigaki Island! List of remote islands in Yaeyama!
Table of Contents
- 1 Let's tour the remote islands starting from Ishigaki Island!
- 2 List of Remote Islands in Yaeyama Archipelago
- 3 3 Spectacular Spots on Yubu Island
- 4 3 Spectacular Spots on Hatoma Island
- 4.1 Hatoma Island's most scenic spots (1) Yara Beach
- 4.2 Spectacular Spots on Hatoma Island (2) Hatoma Lighthouse
- 4.3 Hatoma Island's most scenic spot (3) Bushi Nuya Ato (Bushiya Ato)
- 4.4 islets of Ogasawara (islands)
- 4.5 Yonaguni Island
- 4.6 Spectacular Spots on Yonaguni Island (1) Japan's westernmost monument
- 4.7 Spectacular Spots on Yonaguni Island (2) Kita Ranch
- 4.8 Hateruma Island
- 5 3 Spectacular Spots on Hateruma Island
- 6 Remote islands with no people
- 7 summary
Surrounded by the endless sea and sky, we will go to Ishigaki Island and further south....
A trip to the remote islands to encounter the spectacular scenery created by the nature of the Yaeyama Islands awaits you there!
Click here for ferry reservations to remote islands
Let's tour the remote islands starting from Ishigaki Island!
Ishigaki Island is located approximately 2,000 km from Tokyo, 400 km from the main island of Okinawa, and 280 km from Taiwan.
The Yaeyama Islands, located further south than Okinawa Island and Miyako Island, have 12 inhabited islands among about 23 islands of various sizes.
Starting with "Ishigaki Island," the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands, "Taketomi Island," with its traditional Okinawan scenery, "Iriomote Island," the Galapagos of the East, and "Yubu Island," famous for its buffalo cart.
Kohama Island" with its sugarcane fields and resorts, and "Kayama Island" where rabbits live all over the island.
Kuroshima" where you can see cows and sea turtles, "Hatoma Island" which is a leisurely one-hour walk, and "Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)" which consists of two islands without regular boats.
Japan's southernmost inhabited island "Hateruma Island". Japan's westernmost border island, Yonaguni Island.
Each of the remote islands of the Yaeyama Archipelago has its own unique charm.
All of the islands are surrounded by coral reefs, and are popular for their natural treasures, including natural scenery unique to the subtropical zone and many national natural monuments.
Click here for popular island tours↓arrow (mark or symbol)
Inter-island transportation
Ishigaki Island, the starting point to go to each remote island of the Yaeyama Islands.Take the ferry (high speed boat) that departs from Ishigaki Port Ritojima TerminalI will do so.
In addition, some islands are inter-island traveled by air to Hateruma Island and Yonaguni Island.
Since some islands can be easily reached by day trip, while others are difficult to reach by day due to few ferry services, it is advisable to check the transportation to each island in advance!
The following six islands are available for individual day trips.
Except for Panari Island, you can board the boat by purchasing a ferry ticket, but we recommend joining a tour to enjoy an efficient & active tour.
- Taketomi Island
- islets of Ogasawara (islands)
- Iriomote Island (Okinawa)
- Yubu Island (Hiroshima-Nagoya Island)
- Kurushima
- Panari Island (island)
From the remote island terminal to the ferry
To cross to each island, you can take a high-speed boat from Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal.
However, when using a ferry to Hateruma Island and Yonaguni Island, boarding is from the opposite shore.
Paid parking is conveniently available around the terminal.
Yonaguni Island and Hateruma Island in the Yaeyama Islands can also be reached by air in addition to ferry.
How to purchase a boat ticket
Click here for ferry reservations to remote islands
List of Remote Islands in Yaeyama Archipelago
Iriomote Island (Okinawa)
Iriomote Island is a remote island where the overwhelming natural beauty of the tropical rainforest is a highlight.
Ninety percent of the island is covered by subtropical virgin forest, which is home to rare species.
Many nature tours are offered, including tours to mysterious waterfalls, mangrove forests, and coral reefs in the sea.
There are two ports: Ohara Port in the east and Uehara Port in the west, and Uehara Port is recommended for day-trip tour participation.
Ishigaki Island-Iriomotejima Ferry" and "Iriomotejima Activities" are included in the package.Cheap Tour (Set Plan)Then, you can enjoy Iriomote Island sightseeing easily.
Rather than booking each ferry and activity separatelyeconomicalIt is!
Attractions: Pinaisara Falls, Nadala River, Nakama River Mangrove, Barasu Island
Click here for popular Iriomote Island tours
Check out more details about Iriomote Island tours from Ishigaki Island!
Click here for popular island tours↓arrow (mark or symbol)
All the fun of Iriomote Island is here↓.
Iriomotejima Tours
Related columns are here↓.
Click here to book a ferry to Iriomote Island.
Taketomi Island
Taketomi Island is famous for its old-fashioned townscape and buffalo carts.
The sight of red-tiled roofs and bright pink bougainvillea blooming on the pure white coral sand road is unique to Taketomi Island.
Visitors can enjoy exploring the tranquil town by buffalo cart, renting a bicycle, or on foot.
Although Taketomi Island has a remote island atmosphere, there are various ways to enjoy the island, such as stylish cafes and glass boat rides to observe the ocean floor.
It is the remote island with the least travel time, only 10-15 minutes by high-speed boat from Ishigaki Island.
Sightseeing spot: Kondoi Beach, West Pier, Nagomi Tower, buffalo sightseeing, glass boat
Click here for popular island tours↓arrow (mark or symbol)
Click here for fun on Taketomi Island↓.
Taketomi Island Sightseeing Tour
Click here to book a ferry to Taketomi Island
Yubu Island (Hiroshima-Nagoya Island)
Yubu Island is the only miraculous paradise in Japan where visitors cross the sea by buffalo cart.
Take a short trip across the shallows to a floral paradise!
From Iriomote Island, a buffalo cart will take you across the sea (mud flats at low tide) to Yubu Island.
A buffalo cart slowly travels through the 400-meter strait amidst the tranquil scenery of sky and sea.
On Yubu Island, where about 50 buffaloes live, you can enjoy time flowing slowly like a buffalo.
The small island of Yubu, with a circumference of about 2 km, is entirely a botanical garden.
The island is lush with palm trees and flowers all year round, and is dotted with attractions such as bougainvillea gardens and butterfly gardens, creating a tropical atmosphere!
It is a very compact island full of attractions that can be visited in 30 minutes even if you walk slowly around the island.
Attractions: Bougainvillea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Buffalo Pond, Yubu Island Tea House
Click here for popular island tours↓arrow (mark or symbol)
Click here to play on Yubu Island↓.
Yubu Island Sightseeing
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3 Spectacular Spots on Yubu Island
Spectacular Spots on Yubu Island (1) Buffalo Pond
Buffalo carts are used to access Yubu Island.
The buffalo that pull the buffalo carts rest at the buffalo pond, where many buffaloes rest.
On hot days, you can see them bathing or eating.
If you are lucky, you will be able to see adorable baby buffaloes.
Spectacular Spots on Yubu Island (2) Butterfly Garden
The largest butterfly in Japan, the Oogomadara, breeds actively on Yubu Island.
The chrysalis of the giant tiger butterfly is said to glow with a golden light, and just looking at its mysterious visuals is enough to make one swoon.
You can see these chrysalis of the giant tiger butterflies all year round, so please stop by when you visit Yubu Island.
Spectacular Spots on Yubu Island (3) Manta Beach
There is a beach near a tea shop on Yubu Island.
From there, going in the direction of Kohama Island, you will find a strait called Yonara Channel.
This waterway is said to be the pathway of manta rays because of the extremely high rate of manta ray encounters in this waterway.
It is also a popular diving spot.
Hatoma Island
With a population of only about 40 people, it is a quiet and relaxing remote island with unspoiled nature and the beautiful "Hatoma Blue" sea.
Surrounded by coral reefs, this small island can be walked around in about an hour.
Spending time on Hatoma Island, which is not a tourist destination and is therefore surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere, will make you feel the happiest of all.
Let's enjoy the coral reefs of Hatoma Island's beaches all to yourself.
It is also the island where the drama "Ruri no Shima" was set.
Since there are few tours available in the area, tours are available from Iriomote Island (Uehara Port).
Tourist Attractions: Hatoma Nakamori, Shimanaka Beach, Tachihara Beach, Hatoma Island Music Festival
Click here to book a ferry to Hatoma Island
3 Spectacular Spots on Hatoma Island
Hatoma Island's most scenic spots (1) Yara Beach
Yara Beach is one of the beaches on Hatoma Island with a wide sandy beach and calm waters.
During the hot season, it is more crowded than other beaches.
Visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkeling, and in the evening they can enjoy beautiful sunsets.
Tours from Iriomote Island are also available, so please feel free to join.
Address: Hatoma, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 10 minutes by boat from Iriomote Island
Parking: -
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Spectacular Spots on Hatoma Island (2) Hatoma Lighthouse
Hatoma Lighthouse is located in Hatoma Nakamori, the highest point on Hatoma Island.
From the lighthouse, you can see not only Hatoma Island, but also Iriomote Island and Kohama Island.
The lighthouse is white in color and can be seen prominently from the surrounding islands and among the islands.
To access the island, it takes about 10-15 minutes on foot from Hatoma Port toward the center of the island.
Please stop by the lighthouse during your walk and enjoy the most spectacular view of Hateruma Island.
Address: Hatoma, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 10 minutes by boat from Uehara Port, 15 minutes on foot from Hatoma Port
Parking: No
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: No
Hatoma Island's most scenic spot (3) Bushi Nuya Ato (Bushiya Ato)
BUSHINUYA-ATO is a stone watchtower that was built to monitor ships traveling between the islands and enemy ships.
The stones were no longer used for reclamation to build a pier in the harbor in the 1960s.
However, it was rebuilt by volunteers in 2010.
The surrounding area is surrounded by native vegetation, and the stone ruins of a samurai house create a very atmospheric atmosphere.
Address: Hatoma, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 10 minutes by boat from Uehara Port, 20 minutes on foot from Hatoma Port
Parking: No
Dining (vicinity)
Toilet: -
islets of Ogasawara (islands)
Located almost in the center of the Yaeyama Islands, this beautiful resort island overlooks the Yaeyama islands from a mountaintop in the center of the island.
Visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the crystal clear ocean and sugar cane fields.
On the east side of the island, there are sophisticated hotels and golf courses, and there are many activities to enjoy your holiday to the fullest.
It is also famous as a filming location for the NHK television series "Churasan.
It is a remote island where you can feel the fusion of resort and nature.
Tourist Attractions: Oodake, Sugar Road, Ishinagata Coast Mangrove Community
All the fun of Kohama Island is here↓.
Kohama Island Tours
Click here to book a ferry to Kohama Island
Yonaguni Island
This remote island is located at the westernmost tip of Japan, about 111 km from Taiwan. It is the farthest island from Ishigaki Island in Yaeyama.
The dynamic landscape is characterized by rugged terrain with sheer precipitous cliffs, and the dynamic scenery is inspiring.
On a clear day, Taiwan can sometimes be seen!
Don't miss the vast pasture where Jonaguni horses play, and the "Undersea Ruins," a huge mysterious formation discovered in 1986 that fascinates divers.
He is also famous for the TV drama "Dr. Coto Clinic.
Sightseeing spot: Underwater ruins, Nishizaki, Tindavana, Higashizaki
Spectacular Spots on Yonaguni Island (1) Japan's westernmost monument
Just as there is the southernmost monument on Hateruma Island, the southernmost island in Japan, there is also the westernmost monument on Yonaguni Island, the westernmost island in Japan (24°26'58" N, 122°56'01" E).
Taiwan is closer than the mainland, and on a clear day, Taiwan can be seen visually.
The distance to each city is inscribed on the westernmost monument, so you can feel that you have come to the westernmost point.
From the westernmost island, you can watch the slowest sunset in Japan.
Location: Yonaguni, Yonaguni Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes by car from Yonaguni Airport, 3 minutes by car from Kubura Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Spectacular Spots on Yonaguni Island (2) Kita Ranch
Kita Ranch is a pastureland that stretches to the west of Yonaguni Airport.
Compared to the South Ranch, the number of horses is smaller, but that makes the sight of horses running on the magnificent green land very relaxing and pleasant.
Umabasaki, located at the northern end of the ranch, offers a beautiful view of the East China Sea from the precipitous cliffs battered by the Kuroshio Current.
Location: 278 Aza Yonaguni, Yonaguni Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 10 minutes by car from Yonaguni Airport
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Hateruma Island
Japan's southernmost inhabited island, located at the southernmost tip of Yaeyama.A simple island surrounded by the sea known as "Hateruma Blue.
The "Nishi Beach," called the most beautiful in the Yaeyama Islands, and the starry sky at the southernmost tip of Japan are well worth seeing.
It is possible to manage a day trip, but if possible, please stay overnight and return to view the starlit sky of Hateruma Island♪.
We recommend Hateruma Island, which is full of the charms of a remote island.
Tourist Attractions: Hateruma Island Starry Sky Observation Tower in Taketomi Town, Japan's southernmost monument, Coral Beach, Nishi Beach
3 Spectacular Spots on Hateruma Island
Spectacular Spots on Hateruma Island (1) Nishi Beach
Nishi Beach is a representative beach of Hateruma Island, the southernmost island in Japan.
Nishi Beach was ranked #3 in Japan in TripAdvisor's 2018 Best Beaches in Japan.
Once you visit, there is a beauty that you will always want to repeat.
The beach is very attractive, where you can see Hateruma blue rippling and powdery white sand dancing in the air.
It is very comfortable to relax and feel the sea breeze on the pure white powdery white sand just like in the movies.
The colorful coral and tropical fish make it a great place to enjoy marine activities such as snorkeling, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Location: Hateruma, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 min. walk from Hateruma Port.
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: Yes
Spectacular Spots on Hateruma Island (2) Southernmost Monument
Hateruma Island, the southernmost island in Japan, has the southernmost monument at 123 degrees 47 minutes 12 seconds east longitude and 24 degrees 02 minutes 24 seconds north latitude.
As the name suggests, the monument stands at the southernmost point in Japan, and since the southernmost monument is located on a hill, it offers a panoramic view of the Hateruma blue seen from the precipitous cliffs.
The powerful scenery is inevitably impressive.
Location: Hateruma, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 22 minutes by bicycle from Hateruma Port
Parking: -
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Spectacular Spots on Hateruma Island (3) Pemuchihama Beach
Pemuchihama is the southernmost beach in Japan, located in the southern part of Hateruma Island.
The ocean seen from the beach has no outlying islands, so the horizon is clearly visible.
The beach of Pemuch Beach is packed with 300m pieces of coral, so it is better to wear marine shoes or shoes to avoid injury.
Because of the bare coral and rocky shore, beachcombing and enjoying the scenery are recommended instead of getting into the water.
Location: Hateruma, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 25 minute walk from Hateruma Passenger Boat Terminal at Hateruma Port along the round-the-island road toward Japan's southernmost monument.
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: Yes
Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)
A mysterious remote island without regular boats, rich in nature and untouched by tourism.
Aragusuku Island, also called "Panari" in dialect, consists of two islands, Kamiji Island and Shimoji Island.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
The two islands are only 400 meters apart.
Most of the inhabitants live on Kamiji Island, while Shimoji Island is a sprawling pasture.
Coral reefs spread out in the sea in front of the port and beach, and the beauty of the reefs is said to be the best in Yaeyama.
Since there are no regular boats, it is recommended to take a tour organized by a local guide to cross to this island.
You can enjoy the atmosphere of the remote islands more than Taketomi Island when you stroll around the village.
Tourist Attractions: Kita no Hama, Quinupana, Koijigahama Beach
Click here to play on Aragusuku Island↓.
Sightseeing in Panari, the "Mysterious Island
Kurushima
A remote island with vast pastureland and cows that soothe the landscape and a leisurely pace of time.
This heartwarming island is also known as "Heart Island" because of its heart-shaped shape.
The number of cows outnumber the number of islanders, and the landscape is idyllic.
The island is also famous for sea turtles, and all three species of turtles confirmed to lay eggs in Japan can be seen!
At the "Kuroshima Beef Festival" held in February, visitors can win a cow by drawing lots.
Tourist Attractions: Nakamoto Beach, Kuroshima Institute, Kuroshima Beef Festival, Iko Pier
Click here to book a ferry to Kuroshima
Remote islands with no people
Kayama Island
Source:LINE Travel
Located near Kohama Island, this remote island is surrounded by colorful tropical fish and coral.
An uninhabited island with a circumference of 2.5 km on the north side of Kohama Island. It is inhabited by about 500 hares.
Coral reefs and tropical fish can be observed by snorkeling in the surrounding ocean. Hermit crabs, a natural treasure, can also be seen.
Also known as "Rabbit Park".
Hamashima, the "Island of Illusions
The No. 1 most popular remote island around Ishigaki Island is Hamashima.
Hamashima, a "phantom island" that does not appear on any maps, has been introduced in various media and as a place with spectacular views.
The island appears only at low tide between Kohama Island and Taketomi Island.
It is said that the island is called "phantom island" because it appears and disappears depending on the height of the tide.
When you land on the sandy island collected by the tidal currents, you are greeted by a panoramic view of the emerald green sea all around!
Tours are offered to/from Ishigaki Island and Kohama Island.
⇒Ishigakijima Island】Phantom Island TourFor more information on
⇒Kohama Island TourFor more information on
Barasu Island, the "Miracle Island
A small island located a little offshore from Iriomote Island is a mysterious island made entirely of barasu (pieces of coral).
Its shape changes daily under the influence of wind and typhoons on the tidal currents.
The surrounding waters are a snorkeling point, and many tourists come ashore in mid-summer.
Diving, snorkeling, and other tours are popular â
For more information, click here↓.
Ishigaki] "Miracle Island" Barasu Island Tour
Barasu Island Tour: "Miracle Island" Barasu Island Tour
summary
Did you find any spots you would like to visit in the remote islands of the Yaeyama Archipelago?
When you consider a trip to Ishigaki Island, why not consider going to one of the remote islands?
All the fun of Ishigaki Island is here↓.
Ishigaki Island Tours
⇒Snorkeling in Ishigaki Island, Japan! List of recommended snorkeling spots
Enjoy a luxurious and relaxing experience after a day of activities.
