Day trip to remote islands from Ishigaki Island! Introducing 9 recommended islands & model courses!
Table of Contents
- 1 Day trip to remote islands from Ishigaki Island! 9 recommended islands and island hopping
- 2 1. Taketomi Island
- 3 2. Iriomote Island
- 4 3. Yubujima Island
- 5 4. Kohama Island
- 6 5. Panari Island (Aragusuku Island)
- 7 6. Hatoma Island
- 8 7. Kuroshima
- 9 8. Hateruma Island
- 10 9. Yonaguni Island
- 11 Popular uninhabited island that can only be landed on by tours.
- 12 Departure from Ishigaki Island! Model Course for Touring Remote Islands
- 13 Ishigaki Port Terminal Access and Ferry Ride
- 14 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about touring the remote islands of Ishigakijima
- 15 summary
Day trip from Ishigaki Island to the outlying islands!
9 recommended islands and island hopping
Ishigaki Island is located further south from the main island of Okinawa and is a popular resort tourist destination.Yaeyama Islands (Okinawa)It is called "the
Ishigaki Island is an access point to various remote islands, and you can easily enjoy a day trip to the islands by ferry!
By visiting the remote islands around Ishigaki Island, you will be able to experience the charms of Okinawa and Yaeyama more deeply.
In this article, we will introduce 9 recommended remote islands to visit during your trip to Ishigaki Island, how to get there by ferry, and a model course for touring the islands.
Those who want to visit remote islands in a day trip or half a day from Ishigaki Island.
◆To those who want to know how to take a ferry to each remote island and how to get there.
◆If you want to know the model course of island hopping departing from Ishigaki Island.
The first time in the year, the number of visitors to Ishigaki Island was about 1,000!Recommended Remote Island ToursCheck now for the
Click here for tours of the surrounding islands from Ishigaki Island.
1. Taketomi Island
Taketomi Island is from Ishigaki IslandOnly 10 minutes by ferryThe island is a remote island located at a distance of about 1.5 kilometers from the mainland. It is a small island with a circumference of about 9 km, so you can visit the main spots in half a day.
The area still retains its old-fashioned landscape of red-tiled houses,Rocking on a buffalo cartTouring the villages is like stepping back in time to the old days of Okinawa.
Located in the western part of the islandKondoi Beachis a beautiful, shallow beach with excellent transparency, where small children can play safely.
Learn more about Taketomi Island
Access to Taketomi Island
Taketomi Island can be reached by ferry from Ishigaki Port Terminal.
As this is a popular remote island, the ferry counter is very crowded during the on-season, so simply show your reservation QR code to board!Advance purchase recommended.It is!
Time required: approx. 10 to 15 minutes
Number of services: about 1 per hour
Approximate fare: about 800 yen one-way
Subject to change depending on fuel surcharge.
Click here to book a ferry to Taketomi Island
2. Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island is the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture, and itsApproximately 90% is subtropical primary forestIt is covered with
This lush green island is home to 15 species of national monuments, including the Iriomote wildcat and crested serpent eagle, and is still untouched by nature.
In addition, about 40 rivers flow in Iriomote Island, and many estuaries havemangroveThe area is also home to a wide range of activities, such as canyoning and trekking. You can also enjoy canyoning and trekking in the great outdoors.
Learn more about Iriomote Island
Access to Iriomote Island
It takes about 40 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Port Terminal to Iriomote Island. There is no airport.
There are two ports, Uehara Port and Ohara Port. Uehara Port is located in the northern part of the island and is convenient for participating in activities and sightseeing. Ohara Port is often used by people who stay at hotels in the eastern part of Iriomote Island and local people.
Time required: approx. 40-50 min.
Number of services: 4 to 6 per day
Approximate one-way fare: 2,000 yen to 3,000 yen
Subject to change depending on fuel surcharge.
Click here to book a ferry to Iriomote Island.
3. Yubujima Island
Yubu Island is a remote island accessible via Iriomote Island, and is a small island formed by sand deposits with a circumference of 2 km and an area of 0.15 km.The entire island is a subtropical botanical gardenThe company is now in the process of
It takes less than about 30 minutes to go around the island, but you can see colorful plants unique to the subtropical zone, a buffalo pond that is a resting place for buffaloes, and the largest butterfly in the country.tree nymph butterfly (Idea leuconoe)There are many attractions, including a butterfly garden that breeds
Learn more about Yubu Island
Access to Yubu Island
To get to Yubu Island, you can take a buffalo cart from "Yubu Island Buffalo Cart Boarding Area (Tabi-no-Eki)" located about 35 minutes by car from Uehara Port in Iriomote Island. It is also possible to go there by local bus.
Time required: 35 minutes by car from Uehara Port in Iriomote Island to Tabijin no Eki.
20 minutes by car from Ohara Port in Iriomote Island to the buffalo cart terminal
4. Kohama Island
Kohama Island is located in the center of the Yaeyama Islands and is a peaceful island of sugar cane fields.Stage for "ChurasanIt also became a
The waters around Kohama Island are called "Ishinishi Reef Coral,Over 400 species of precious coralsThe island is located in the middle of the Yaeyama Sea. This island is recommended for those who want to enjoy the beautiful underwater world of Yaeyama.
Learn more about Kohama Island
Access to Kohama Island
From Ishigaki Island to Kohama IslandApproximately 25 minutes by ferryYou can access it at
Restaurants and bike rental stores are clustered at Kohama Port, and shuttle buses are available for those staying at resort hotels such as Haimurubushi.
Time required: approximately 25 to 30 minutes
Number of services: approximately 6 per day
Approximate fare: 1,500 yen (one way)
Subject to change depending on fuel surcharge.
Click here to book a ferry to Kohama Island
5. Panari Island (Aragusuku Island)
The official name of Panari Island is Aragusuku Island, but it is called "Panari," which means "away" in the Yaeyama dialect, because it consists of two adjacent islands, Kamiji Island and Shimoji Island.
Panari Island is calledpanary blueThe northwestern part of the island is known for its beautiful ocean and white sand beaches, and the northwestern part of the island is one of the best snorkeling spots in Okinawa.
Learn more about Panari Island
6. Hatoma Island
Hatoma Island is a small island with an area of about 1 km² and a population of about 40 people.The setting of "Ruri no Shima" (The Island of Ruri)It is known for being the first place in Japan to become a tourist destination. Because the area has not become much of a tourist destination, the original landscape of Okinawa as it used to be still remains.
Hatoma BlueThe sea, known as "the sea of the Yaeyama Islands," offers one of the most spectacular views of the Yaeyama Islands, and is ideal for enjoying the passage of time while feeling the gentle sea breeze.
Learn more about Hatoma Island
Access to Hatoma Island
Ferries run to Hatoma Island from Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands.
Time required: approx. 45-50 minutes
Approximate one-way fare: approximately 3,000 yen
Subject to change depending on fuel surcharge.
Click here to book a ferry to Hatoma Island
7. Kuroshima
Kuroshima Island is about a 30-minute ferry ride from Ishigaki Island and is also called "Heart Island" because of its island shape.
Kuroshima has a population of about 210 people and about 2,800 cows, mostly on pasture. The annual FebruaryKuroshima Beef Festivalis a big hit, and the raffle to win a cow is the highlight of the event.
Learn more about Kuroshima
Access to Kuroshima
Kuroshima Island is about 30 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island. Please note that there are only 2 services a day in winter.
Time required: approximately 25 to 30 minutes
Number of services: approximately 3 per day
Approximate fare: 1,500 yen (one way)
Subject to change depending on fuel surcharge.
Click here to book a ferry to Kuroshima
8. Hateruma Island
Hateruma Island issouthernmost tip of Japanand is characterized by extremely clear waters compared to other remote islands. The name of this island is derived from "coral (uruma) at the end of theHateruma BlueThe unique bright blue color, known as "blue," is symbolic of this.
Learn more about Hateruma Island
Access to Hateruma Island
Hateruma Island is about 2 hours away from Ishigaki Island by ferry. It is a little farther than the other islands we have introduced so far, and there are fewer services, but it is one of the islands that you should definitely visit.
Time required: approx. 80 min.
Number of services: approximately 3 per day
Approximate one-way fare: approx. 4,000 yen
Subject to change depending on fuel surcharge.
Click here to book a ferry to Hateruma Island
9. Yonaguni Island
Yonaguni Island is located at the westernmost tip of Japan and is the site of the TV dramaLocation of "Dr. Koto ClinicIt is also known as
Around the island's rich natural surroundings are mysteriousUnderwater ruins (submarine landforms) and warship rocksThere is an abundance of spots that inspire exploration, such as
Learn more about Yonaguni Island
Access to Yonaguni Island
To Yonaguni Island via Ishigaki IslandAirplane or Ferrywill be.
By plane, it takes about 30 minutes from Ishigaki Airport to Yonaguni Airport, with about three flights daily. Ferry services run twice a week from Ishigaki Island and take about 4 hours.
○Airplane: about 30 minutes, about 3 flights daily
Popular uninhabited island that can only be landed on by tours.
In addition to the outlying islands served by regular ferry services, Yaeyama also has other attractive islands. You cannot go there on your own, though,Special uninhabited island where you can go ashore by joining a local optional plantwo of them.
Easy to move around! Click here for a summary of remote island tours from Ishigaki Island.
Phantom Island (Hamashima)
It is an uninhabited island with a pure white sandy beach that appears in the ocean only at low tide, depending on the tide.
The spectacular view of the emerald green ocean stretching as far as the eye can see in a 360-degree angle is sure to be a SNS hit! The surrounding area is one of the largest coral reef areas in Japan, Seokuseijoko,Mecca for snorkelingIt is also very popular as a
Learn more about Phantom Island (Hamashima)
Barras Island (Miracle Island)
Barras Island is a very rare island formed by the accumulation of only pure white coral fragments, and is said to be the only island of its kind in the northern hemisphere.
This is another "miracle island" that is not on the map and changes its shape with the tide. It is also famous as a snorkeling spot where you have a high chance of seeing sea turtles.
Learn more about Barras Island
Departure from Ishigaki Island! Model Course for Touring Remote Islands
Here is a model course for island hopping on your own to as many islands as possible in 3 days. We hope you will find it useful!
Day 1] To Kohama Island & Taketomi Island
Enjoy the beautiful ocean and the original landscape of Okinawa!
In the morning, head to Kohama Island. Rent a bicycle at Kohama Port and explore the island's cafes and spots.
In the afternoon, we will go to Taketomi Island. It is the closest from Ishigaki Island and has many ferry services, so it is easy to adjust your time. Enjoy the evening of traditional scenery and take the last flight back to Ishigaki Island.
Day 2] To Iriomote Island & Yubu Island
More than 90% enjoy untouched nature
On the second day, we crossed to Iriomote Island by ferry, and then took a bus and a buffalo cart to Yubu Island for sightseeing.
After relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere of the remote islands on Yubu Island, take a walk in the jungle and enjoy the natural scenery of Iriomote Island. You can experience the World Natural Heritage at your own pace.
Day 3] To Hatoma Island
Enjoy the underwater world of coral reefs!
On the third day, you will take a ferry to Hatoma Island. Please experience the relaxing island time with your whole body while gazing at the beautiful Hatoma blue sea!
Ishigaki Port Terminal Access and Ferry Ride
Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal" is the starting point for touring the remote islands of Yaeyama. If you know how to get to each island by yourself and how to take a ferry, your transportation on the day will be very smooth.
Directions to the terminal and parking
Ishigaki Port Terminal is located in the center of downtown Ishigaki Island, with many restaurants and souvenir shops gathered in the vicinity. It is accessible from Shin-Ishigaki Airport by direct bus or cab.
Paid parking is available in the vicinity of the facility, but it tends to be full during the on-season, so if you are going by rental car, we recommend that you allow plenty of time to get there.
1, Misaki Town, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
◆Access from Shin-Ishigaki Airport
Local bus: about 30-45 minutes (estimated fare: 500-550 yen)
Cab: about 30 minutes (estimated fare: 3,000-3,500 yen)
Learn more about the island terminal
How to choose a ferry company and purchase tickets
The two main companies that operate high-speed boats from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal are An-ei Kanko and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry.
Whichever company you choose.Fares are basically the sameIt is. The key is to choose a company that operates a ship with a departure time that fits your schedule. Note, however, that the ticket you purchase can only be used on "that company's ship.
Also, the counter is often crowded, so you can board smoothly without standing in line on the day of embarkation.Advance Ticket Purchase (Web Reservations)is by far the best choice!
Click here to book ferry tickets to the islands
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about touring the remote islands of Ishigakijima
Yes, day trips are possible. Some remote islands like Taketomi Island can be reached in 10-15 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island, and are easy to organize in a half to full day.
Taketomi Island has an introduction to shallow-shallow beaches and is easy to incorporate as a playful spot for small children. Kuroshima Island also has sea turtle-related spots and is a candidate for a family trip.
Walking or renting a bicycle is the standard way to visit smaller islands. Islands with few ups and downs, such as Kuroshima, can be easily circumnavigated by bicycle, and the guidebook states that it takes approximately two hours to circumnavigate the island.
summary
We have introduced 9 remote islands around Ishigaki Island, but there are still more fascinating islands dotted around Ishigaki Island such as Barasu Island and Phantom Island (Hamajima).
From Ishigaki IslandCan be easily visited by ferry for a day trip.is also a major attraction.
You can arrange your own boat and enjoy touring the islands at your own pace, or you can take a tour that includes the troublesome transportation arrangements. Please enjoy the Yaeyama islands according to your own style!
If you want to tour the island efficiently, click here.
Summary of recommended remote island tours from Ishigaki Island
↓Click here to read the article.
