Day trip to remote islands from Ishigaki Island! Introducing 9 recommended islands & model courses!

Day trip from Ishigaki Island to the outlying islands!
Recommend 9 recommended remote islands & model courses.

Ishigaki Island is a popular tourist spot in Okinawa blessed with nature, such as its beautiful sea and vast mangrove forests. Ishigaki Island is also the center of the Yaeyama Islands,Access point to many remote islandsThe first two are the following.

From the Ishigakijima Remote Island Terminal, located about 40 minutes by bus from the New Ishigakijima Airport, it is possible to easily visit the surrounding islands for a day trip by ferry or highway boat.

When you visit Ishigaki Island, you can experience the charm of Okinawa more deeply by exploring the surrounding islands as well.

In this article, we will introduce 9 recommended remote islands to visit during your trip to Ishigaki Island and a model course for touring the remote islands of Ishigaki Island.

1. Taketomi Island

Taketomi Island is a remote island only 15 minutes away from Ishigaki Island by ferry. It is close to Ishigaki Island and is a small island with a circumference of about 9 km, so you can take a day trip from Ishigaki Island.

The traditional village with its rows of old houses still remains,National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional BuildingsThe name is designated in the

Particularly popular is a tour of the town by buffalo cart, which allows visitors to enjoy the scenery of the island at a leisurely pace, including red-tiled roofs and hibiscus flowers blooming everywhere along the road.

Located in the western part of the island, Kondoi Beach is beautiful with its clear blue waters and white sands, and is a shallow beach that is safe for families.

Learn more about Taketomi Island

Taketomi Island, only 10 minutes from Ishigaki Island, is thoroughly explained!Contents1 What is Taketomi Island? 2 How to get to Taketomi Island from Ishigaki Island (Ferry) 3 Ten Sightseeing Spots on Taketomi Island3.1 1) Homes and Villages on Taketomi Island (Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings)3.2) Nagomi no To 3.3) Star Sand Beach (Kaiji Beach)3.4) Kondoi [...].

Access to Taketomi Island

It can be reached by ferry from Ishigakijima Remote Island Terminal.

Taketomi Island is the easiest to get to from Ishigaki Island, and during summer vacation and GW, you may not be able to take your desired flight because it is fully booked.

The ferry counter is very crowded, so simply show your reservation QR code to board the ship.Advance reservations recommended.is ↓

Click here to book a ferry to Taketomi Island

Recommended ways to spend time on Taketomi Island

Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful old-fashioned Okinawan streets lined with red-tiled roofs.

You can walk around the area, but renting a bicycle or a buffalo cart is also a great way to enjoy the area.

andTour that includes snorkeling and diving in Ishigaki Island and sightseeing in Taketomi Islandis also popular. While enjoying the activities in Ishigaki Island, please also try to incorporate sightseeing in Taketomi Island into your itinerary efficiently♪.

Click here for the popular tour ranking of 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 through Iriomote Island, and mangroves spread at the mouths of many of them. Not only the greenery, but also the beautiful sea, such as Barasu Island made of coral pieces and Star Sand Beach where star-shaped sands can be seen, are attractive.

Learn more about Iriomote Island

List of recommended places to visit and play in Iriomote Island!Iriomote Island is the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture. Iriomote Island is home to the Iriomote wildcat, a rare wild animal, and is also called the "Galapagos of the East" because of the large number of rare wild animals that live there.

Access to Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island is located a little west of Ishigaki Island and takes about 40 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal.

There are two ports in Iriomote Island, Uehara Port and Ohara Port. Uehara Port is located in the northern part of Iriomote Island, near the fields where snorkeling, canoeing and trekking are held,Often a meeting place for tours.It is.

On the other hand, Ohara Port is often used by hotel guests and locals in the eastern part of Iriomote Island. It is characterized by low cancellation rate even in winter.

Click here to book a ferry to Iriomote Island.

Recommended ways to spend time in Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island isworld natural heritage siteThe area is registered as a To enjoy its rich natural environment, we recommend taking a tour.

Trekking, canoeing, snorkeling, etc., experience the nature of Iriomote Island firsthand and savor the spectacular scenery.

Pinaisara Falls, which boasts the highest drop in Okinawa at approximately 54 meters, is best visited on a tour, as entry to the mountain is restricted from the viewpoint of nature conservation and there are many spots with poor footing where the nature remains intact.

For those who are not confident in their physical strength, sightseeing boats on the Nakama River, which is a wide river, are also a good option.

Iriomote Island can be visited as a day trip from Ishigaki Island.Ferry Ticket and Activity PlanYou can enjoy a hassle-free and economical trip by using the

Includes ferry ticket to/from Ishigaki Island!
Iriomote Island one-day tour is here↓.

Iriomote Island Tour (with ferry ticket) Great Deal★Set Plan with Round-trip Ferry Ticket from Ishigaki Island to Uehara Port in Iriomote Island Ishigaki Island Tours is now offering a very popular plan that includes a round-trip ferry ticket from Ishigaki Island to Uehara Port in Iriomote Island and activities! You can enjoy your trip more cheaply and economically [...]. (13 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Ranking of popular tours in Iriomote Island
(Iriomote Island specialized site) is here.

3. Yubujima Island

Yubu Island is a small island with a circumference of about 2 km and 1.5 m above sea level, formed by the accumulation of sand that flowed out of the river in Iriomote Island. It has an unusual topography in that fresh water wells up when the ground is dug.

It takes only about 30 minutes to go around the island, but there are many attractions such as the Botanical Garden, which is rich in subtropical plants, the Buffalo Pond, a resting place for buffaloes, and the Butterfly Garden, where the largest butterfly in Japan, the giant sargassum butterfly, is kept.

Visitors can cross to Yubu Island by buffalo cart, and during the trip, the buffalo cart driver will play the shamisen and sing songs for you, so you can relax and enjoy the Okinawan atmosphere while listening to the music.

Learn more about Yubu Island

How to get to Yubujima (Yubu Island), how to enjoy it, and recommended places! Charm of remote islands crossed by buffalo cartThe island is 2 km in circumference, 1.5 m above sea level, and surrounded by the sea, but if you dig the ground, you will find fresh water.

Access to Yubu Island

To get to Yubu Island, you can take a buffalo cart from Iriomote Island. It takes about 35 minutes from Uehara Port of Iriomote Island to the buffalo cart stop by car, and about 20 minutes from Ohara Port by car.

If you do not plan to rent a car in Iriomote Island or if you are planning a day trip to Iriomote Island from Ishigaki Island,Booking a tour is recommended.It is.

If you take a one-day tour that includes a waterfall tour and snorkeling in the Uehara area of Iriomote Island and sightseeing in Yubu Island, you can enjoy both Iriomote Island and Yubu Island in one day without worrying about transportation.

Click here to book a ferry to Iriomote Island.

Suggested Spending on Yubu Island

Take your time to observe the subtropical botanical garden, or enjoy Yaeyama soba noodles, peach pineapple, or gelato at a stylish cafe or restaurant.

Buffalo goods only available on Yubu Islandare sold and you can buy them as souvenirs!

Click here for the popular tour ranking of Yubu Island

4. Kohama Island

Kohama Island is located in the center of the Yaeyama Islands and is a peaceful island of sugar cane fields, and was the setting for NHK's morning drama series "Churasan.

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

List of recommended places to visit and things to do in Kohama Island!Kohama Island is a 16-km circumference island in the Yaeyama Islands, but boasts excellent facilities and offers a private atmosphere. Access from Ishigaki Island and the main areas are all listed here.

Access to Kohama Island

Kohama Island can be reached by ferry from Ishigaki Island in about 25 minutes.

Restaurants and bike rental stores are clustered at Kohama Port, and shuttle buses are available for those staying at resort hotels such as Haimurubushi.

Click here to book a ferry to Kohama Island

Suggested Spending on Kohama Island

Kohama Island includes snorkeling and SUP,Tour to enjoy the beautiful oceanand participate in theRent a bicycle and explore the islandIt is recommended to do so.

Sugar Road, which was used as a filming location for a TV drama, is a one-kilometer stretch of road surrounded by sugar cane fields and is an exhilarating ride on a bicycle. On the way, you may see cows grazing in the pasture.

Located in the center of the island, Mt. Odake is the only mountain on Kohama Island at an elevation of 99 meters and is called "the observatory of Yaeyama. From the top of the mountain, you can see all the surrounding islands such as Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island, Kuroshima, Iriomote Island, and Hatoma Island.

Popular Tour Ranking in Kohama Island
(Kohama Island's specialized website) click here

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 known for its beautiful "Panari Blue" ocean and white sand beaches, and the northwestern part of the island is one of the best snorkeling spots in Okinawa. The waters of Panari Island are so clear that visitors can see coral and colorful tropical fish.

Also, the area around Panari Island isGreat spot for fishingThe area is also popular as a fishing spot for beginners. If you join a fishing tour, a guide who knows Panari's waters well will take you to the best spots to catch fish.

In the Panari Sea, you can catch akajinmibai, a high-end fish known as "the best fish in Okinawa," and you can get a big one.

Learn more about Panari Island

Let's go to Okinawa's most unexplored island, Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)! How to get there, what to do, and recommended tours!Kamiji Island and Shimoji Island of Aragusuku Island are called Panari (separated), and the distance between the two islands is about 400 m. The beauty of the sea with its coral reefs is said to be the best in Yaeyama. There is no regular boat service, so a tour with a local guide is recommended.

Click here for Panari Island Fishing Tours

The legend of mermaid remains in "Panari Island"☆Beginners are welcome! Fishing & Diving Tour ★ Izakaya Cooking Available (No.550)開始時間9:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 7.5 hours18,000 yen

Fishing & Snorkeling Tour with a Mermaid Legend on "Panari Island"★Popular Set! Fishing & Snorkeling Tour ★ Izakaya cooking available (No.549)開始時間9:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 7.5 hours14,000 yen

Access to Panari Island

There is no regular boat service to Panari Island, so sign up for a tour and take a tour boat.

Click here for recommended Panari Island tours

Snorkeling Tour with Lunch (No.547)開始時間9:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 7.5 hours11,000 yen

Ishigaki Island / Aragusuku Island / 1 Day] A special experience at "Panari Island" where the legend of mermaid remains! Experience Diving Tour with Lunch (No.548)開始時間9:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 7.5 hours15,000 yen

A guide from Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) will lead you on a walking & snorkeling tour to "Panari Island" where a mermaid legend remains (No.386)開始時間8:30-16:30所要時間Approx. 8 hours12,500 yen

Suggested Spending on Panari Island

Marine activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing are recommended.

Also, there are many sacred Utaki (sacred sites) on Panari Island, some of which are off-limits to visitors. If you join a tour, please ask your guide about ancient legends.

Click here to see the ranking of popular Panari Island tours.

6. Hatoma Island

Hatoma Island is a small island with an area of about 1 km² and a population of about 40 people, and is best known for being the setting of the TV drama "Ruri-iro no Shima" that was broadcast in 2005.

Hatoma Island is less touristy than other remote islands, so the original landscape of old Okinawa 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

A list of places to go, things to do, and recommendations for Hatoma Island!Hatoma Island, located north of Iriomote Island, has an area of about 1 square kilometer and a population of about 40 people. The lapis lazuli-colored sea, also called Hatoma blue, is one of the clearest in Yaeyama. Enjoy the coral reefs and ancient Okinawan culture on an island that can be explored on foot.

Access to Hatoma Island

Ferries run to Hatoma Island from Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island. It is also possible to go to Hatoma Island by tour from Iriomote Island.

Click here to book a ferry to Hatoma Island

Recommended ways to spend time on Hatoma Island

Hatoma Island can be circled on foot in one to two hours. Touring the locations where Ruri (Riko Narumi), the heroine of Ruri no Shima, transfers from the mainland to her new school and other locations is also popular.

Also, Hatoma Island has beautiful coral reefs filled with Hatoma blue, so be sure to try snorkeling and other marine activities!Vivid Underwater WorldWe hope that you will enjoy the

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours to Hatoma Island.

7. Kuroshima

Kuroshima Island is about a 30-minute ferry ride from Ishigaki Island and is also called "Heart Island" because the island's shape looks like a heart.

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

List of places to go, things to do and places to visit in Kuroshima!Kuroshima is also called "Heart Island" because the island's shape looks like a heart. The island is popular among couples, with a population of about 200 people and about 3,000 cows grazing on the island.

Access to Kuroshima

Kuroshima Island is about 30 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island. There are only a few services a day in the morning, noon, and evening, so plan your itinerary carefully.

Click here to book a ferry to Kuroshima

Suggested Spending on Kuroshima

The island's terrain is flat and has few ups and downs, so renting a bicycle is recommended for sightseeing. With bicycles, it takes about 2 hours to go around the island.

The west beach isSea turtle spawning groundsThe Kuroshima Research Institute is a popular spot for families with children, where they can see and touch sea turtles being raised in a breeding room.

Kuroshima also offers many other sightseeing spots, such as Nakamoto Beach and Nishi-no-hama Beach, but the gourmet spots are not to be missed. In particular, the Yashigani Soba at Undo-ya is a gem containing a whole coconut crab, and the broth is made from coconut crab meat, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavor (reservations required).

8. Hateruma Island

Hateruma Island issouthernmost tip of Japanis located in a remote area, far from other remote islands, with little development, and features extremely clear waters compared to other islands. The island's name is derived from "coral of the end (Uruma)," symbolized by the unique bright blue color known as "Hateruma blue.

At night, enjoy a natural planetarium with a star-filled sky and enjoy a quiet and magical moment.The following is an example of a product that can be used in this way.

Learn more about Hateruma Island

List of recommended places to visit and things to do in Hateruma Island!Hateruma Island, named after the "coral at the end of the sea," is the southernmost island in Japan. It is famous for its beautiful sea and star-filled sky, and is also known as the Island of Stars. Why don't you come and experience the excitement of the sea and stars?

Access to Hateruma Island

Hateruma Island is about a two-hour ferry ride from Ishigaki Island.

Although the island is a little farther away and has fewer flights than the other islands we have introduced so far, we hope you will enjoy the wonderful nature on Hateruma Island.

Click here to book a ferry to Hateruma Island

Suggested Spending on Hateruma Island

On Hateruma Island, take a leisurely stroll along beautiful beaches such as Nishi Beach and villages with traditional houses.

Some stores on the island rent bicycles, so renting a bicycle to get around is also recommended!

9. Yonaguni Island

Yonaguni Island is located at the westernmost tip of Japan and is also known as the location for the TV drama "Dr. Koto Clinic.

Mysterious underwater ruins and oddly shaped rocks surround the island, which is rich in nature,Plenty of spots to inspire exploration.The following is located in the

At Higashizaki, the southernmost point of Yonaguni Island, you can enjoy a great view of the entire island, experience riding a Yonaguni horse, and visit the ruins.

Also,From Agari Beach at the westernmost tip of the island, you can watch the slowest sunset in Japan.It is the perfect way to end a romantic day.

Learn more about Yonaguni Island

List of recommended places to visit and things to do in Yonaguni Island!Yonaguni Island is full of underwater ruins as well as strange and mysterious rocks. It is also full of fascinating experiences, such as the slowest sunset time in Japan and the sight of Taiwan's island shadows.

Access to Yonaguni Island

From Ishigaki Island to Yonaguni Island,Airplane or FerryAccessible via

By plane, it takes about 30 minutes from Ishigaki Airport to Yonaguni Airport, with about three flights daily.

There are two ferry services a week between Ishigaki Island and Yonaguni Island, and the trip takes about 4 hours. The weather conditions may affect the service to Yonaguni Island, so please check the schedule in advance.

Suggested Spending on Yonaguni Island

Diving experience to explore mysterious underwater ruins, horseback riding experience to enjoy the nature of the island on Yonaguni horses, visit to DiDi Yonaguni Exchange Center to learn about the history and culture of Yonaguni, and tour to Dr. Koto Clinic, a famous filming location, will give you an extraordinary time in Yonaguni Island, where nature and culture are blended.

Yonaguni Island, the most remote island from Ishigaki Island, has an interesting and unique culture unique to Yonaguni Island, so one day may not be enough.

Ranking in Popular Tours in Yonaguni Island
(Yonaguni Island specialized site) is here.

Departure from Ishigaki Island! Model Course for Touring Remote Islands

Here is a model course for island hopping on as many islands as possible in three days.

Please refer to this page!

Day 1] To Kohama Island & Taketomi Island
Enjoy the beautiful ocean and the original landscape of Okinawa!

In the morning, head to Kohama Island. You can take a snorkeling tour to and from Kohama Island, or you can explore the island's cafes and spots.

Taketomi Island is the closest from Ishigaki Island and has many ferry services, so it is easy to adjust even if your stay in Kohama Island is a little longer. You can do the popular buffalo cart sightseeing in Taketomi Island, but those who go to Yubu Island can take a buffalo cart to cross to the island, so you can go around by foot or bicycle.

Popular Tour Ranking in Kohama Island
(Kohama Island's specialized website) click here

Click here for the popular tour ranking of Taketomi Island

Day 2] To Iriomote Island & Yubu Island
More than 90% enjoy untouched nature

On the second day, take a one-day tour to Iriomotejima and Yubujima for sightseeing. Enjoy canoeing and canyoning at a waterfall spot, and relax and enjoy the remote island atmosphere at Yubu Island.

With a tour, you can experience the World Natural Heritage site without having to worry about transportation even in Iriomote Island, the largest island in Yaeyama.One-day tours to/from Ishigaki Islandis also recommended.

Click here for tour ranking of Iriomotejima Tour to/from Ishigaki Island

Day 3] To Iriomote Island & Hatoma Island
Enjoy the underwater world of coral reefs!

On the second day, you will stay at Iriomote Island, and on the third day, you will head for Hatoma Island. It is convenient to take a tour to/from Iriomote Island.Beautiful Hatoma BluePlease experience the "Mere Old Man" with your whole body!

A ferry runs from Hatoma Island to Ishigaki Island, so you can return to Ishigaki Island with it.

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours to Hatoma Island.

summary

We have introduced 9 islands around Ishigaki Island, how did you like them? There are many other fascinating islands around Ishigaki Island such as Barasu Island, which is not on the map, and Hamajima Island, which is called "Phantom Island".

Some people may have an image of "remote islands = far away and inconvenient access," but access from Ishigaki Island to the surrounding islands is very good, so it would be a waste to end with just sightseeing in Ishigaki Island♪.

Each remote island has its own unique characteristics, and there are many different ways to enjoy the islands, so be sure to experience the different charms of each island.

Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.

Ishigaki Island Ferry Congestion Situation and Forecast [The new normal is to book ferry tickets in advance!Table of Contents 1 You must make reservations in advance for the Ishigaki Island ferry! 2 Overview of the ferry connecting Ishigaki Island and the remote islands 2.1 The five remote islands that can be reached from Ishigaki Island 2.2 Operation schedule (timetable) 2.3 Fare 2.4 Ishigaki Island Remote Islands Terminal (Ferry [...]...

20 Popular Remote Islands for Okinawa Travel! Our staff who live in Okinawa thoroughly explains the recommended remote islands!Contents1 What are the remote islands of Okinawa? 2 Okinawa is divided into three main areas2.1 Okinawa Islands 2.2 Yaeyama Islands 2.3 Miyako Islands 2.4 It is difficult to travel between islands in one trip3 Okinawa Islands [...].