Island Hopping from Ishigaki Island♪ What are the remote islands of the Yaeyama Islands?
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What are the Yaeyama Islands?
The Yaeyama Islands, located further south than the main island of Okinawa, consist of the main island of Ishigaki, Japan's southernmost inhabited island of Hateruma, Japan's westernmost island of Yonaguni, and the inhabited islands of Iriomote, Kuroshima, Kohama, Taketomi, Hatoma, Aragusuku (Kamiji and Shimoji), Yubu, and many uninhabited islands such as Senkaku Is. The Senkaku Islands are the largest uninhabited islands in Japan.
Each island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and is blessed with jungles and other natural landscapes unique to the subtropics, making it ideal for nature activities! The islands are a treasure trove of nature, with many national monuments designated as natural treasures.
To get to the outlying islands, use the ferries that leave from Ishigaki Island's outlying island terminal. Some timetables change depending on the time of year, so be sure to check in advance.
Island Characteristics and Tourist Attractions
Ishigaki Island
This is the central island of the Yaeyama Islands, which can be reached in 3 hours and 10 minutes from Haneda Airport and 2 hours and 35 minutes from Kansai International Airport. It is the most developed of the Yaeyama Islands and is a "tropical resort" where nature and artifice are harmonized. In addition to hotels and guest houses, there are many stores such as McDonald's, Max Value, and Family Mart where you can quickly purchase anything you need for your trip even if you forget something. There are also many souvenir stores, and the Euglena Mall has over 100 stores.
Activities have also developed, and there are many different types of fun to be had. The latest popular celebrity activity is SUP (stand up paddle boat), a celebrity activity that originated in Hawaii and is famous for being fashionable and fun.
For details and a list of SUP tours in Ishigaki Island, click here↓.
Ferries from Ishigaki Island to each of the Yaeyama Islands depart from Ishigakijima Remote Island Terminal and are operated by Ishigakijima Dream Kanko, An-ei Kanko, and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry. However, the price is the same no matter which boat you take, so you may not pay much attention to the operating company! LOL!
Related columns are here↓.
Taketomi Island
Taketomi Island has not only beautiful scenery such as Kondoi Beach, red-tiled streets, and buffalo carts, but also a deep history and culture. The Kihoin Shushukan on the island exhibits many valuable materials such as daily utensils and arts and crafts that cannot be missed when talking about the island's history. You may enjoy Taketomi Island even more if you deepen your knowledge of the island's festivals and events by visiting historical sites and talking with islanders!
Places of interest on Taketomi Island
- West Pier: A spot to watch a beautiful sunset, registered as a national tangible cultural property in 2005.
- Kondoi Beach: A beach with shallow waters and gentle waves. The contrast between the blue ocean and pure white sand is beautiful.
- Kaiji beach: also known as "star sand beach," press your palm against the sand to look for star-shaped sand.
- Red tile townscape: Taketomi Island retains its good old Okinawan appearance with red tile-roofed streets and white beach paths.
- Nagomi no To (Tower of Nagomi): An observation deck with a panoramic view of the city with red-tiled roofs. *No climbing down due to aging (as of September 2016).
Access to Taketomi Island
Approx. 10-15 minutes from the remote island terminal
Click here for popular island tours
Activities in Taketomi Island are here↓.
Taketomi Island Sightseeing Tour
Iriomote Island (Okinawa)
The Iriomote wildcat and many other wild creatures inhabit the island, and the subtropical wilderness remains strong, with humans and the wild coexisting. Natural activities are available in the mountains, ocean, and rivers.
A popular remote island registered as a World Natural Heritage site, Iriomote Island offers a variety of activities.
Such Iriomote Island can only be reached by ferry from Ishigaki Island.
Ishigaki Island-Iriomotejima Ferry" and "Iriomotejima Activities" are included in the package.Cheap Tour (Set Plan)and enjoy sightseeing in Iriomote Island!
This is a better deal than booking each ferry and activity separately!
If you want to know more about Iriomote Island and its activities, check here.
Access to Iriomote Island (Uehara Port)
Approximately 50 minutes by ferry from the remote island terminal
Click here for popular Iriomote Island tours (set plan)
Check out more details about Iriomote Island tours from Ishigaki Island!
Click here for popular island tours
Related columns are here↓.
islets of Ogasawara (islands)
Located in the center of the Yaeyama Islands, it is a peaceful island with emerald green sea and sugar cane fields. Many people go on a tour around the islands from Ishigaki Island. It is recommended to climb up to see the beautiful view of the constrast of the sea and sugar cane fields from Ohdake. Other than that, relaxing at Tumar Beach or watching the sunset and starry sky at Kainin Park where there is a big manta ray observatory is also recommended.
Places of Interest on Kohama Island
- Datake: 99 meters above sea level, with a 360-degree panoramic view from the observatory at the top.
- Hosozaki Beach: A quiet beach where Iriomote Island can be seen very close by, and there is a large manta viewing platform in Kainin Park.
- Kohagura-so: A private house where the drama "Churasan" was filmed
- Sugar Road: A peaceful stretch of road with sugar cane fields on both sides
- Nishiodake: A well-known lookout point. There is a pavilion and a pleasant breeze.
- Katle Observatory: The sunset over Iriomote Island can be seen.
Access to Kohama Island
Approximately 30 minutes by ferry from the remote island terminal
Click here for activities on Kohama Island.
Kohama Island Tours
Hatoma Island
A small island with a population of about 50 people, it is an island of lush greenery surrounded by a beautiful sea, where traditional culture and history are respected. You can take a small boat from the remote island terminal or Iriomote Island, or take a ferry to Iriomote Island via Hatoma Island.
There are few man-made structures, and in many places nature remains untouched. Residents live in harmony with sheep, so much so that they give away prizes at elementary school athletic meets, such as sheep for breeding, as a celebration for winning first prize! Sheep droppings are often found on the roadside (lol).
The island is so large that you can go around it in about an hour, and it is perfect for strolling...♪ Feel the power of nature and the richness of the sea in the silence and be healed...
Places of interest on Hatoma Island
- Hatoma Island Lighthouse: Located in Hatoma Nakamori, the highest point of the island, rather than on the coast so that it can be seen from a distance.
- Yara Beach: A great spot to watch the sunset, and is featured in BEGIN's song "Koi no shima Hatoma-jima" (Island of Love).
- Maehama Beach: The beach stretches just in front of the village. The high transparency and shallow waters make it ideal for playing with children.
Access to Hatoma Island
Approximately 40 minutes by ferry from the remote island terminal *Only one ferry service per day
Hateruma Island
Hateruma Island is the southernmost inhabited island in Japan, and its sea is one of the most beautiful in the Yaeyama Islands! The highlight of the island is the beautiful beach called Nishi Beach (written as "Kitahama"!). The other recommended beaches are Coral Beach, Bemuchi Beach, and Takana-zaki. The color of the sea and the scenery are different from each other, so it is fun to look around.
At night, the stars are full of light, and depending on the time of year, the Southern Cross can be seen. Enjoy yourself and spend as much time as you want on the southernmost island with its traditional scenery and nature!
Places of Interest on Hateruma Island
- Nishi Beach: One of the cleanest ocean and white sand beaches in Yaeyama. Sunset is also recommended.
- Hamashitan community: Some of the large trees are several hundred years old and are designated as natural monuments by Taketomi Town.
- Coral beach: A beach formed by many piles of branch corals. Not well known.
- Sokina Tameike Observatory: Great place to see the stars because there is nothing around.
- Japan's southernmost monument: Hateruma Island is the southernmost inhabited island in Japan! A stone monument has been erected to prove it, and at the entrance is a serpentine path made of stones from all over Japan.
- Stargazing tower: There are telescopes and a planetarium, and detailed explanations of the stars are provided at night.
- Takana-zaki: A powerful cape with wild waves crashing on the precipitous cliffs
- Court Morimori: A fire guard station in the Ryukyu Dynasty era. Iriomote Island can be seen from here.
Access to Hateruma Island
Approximately 75 minutes by ferry from the remote island terminal
Kurushima
Surrounded by beautiful sea, Kuroshima is a small island with a population of just over 200 people. On such a small island, there are a whopping 3,000 cows! Since there are more cows than people on the island, it is also called "Cow Island.
Some of the national brand cows spend their childhood on Kuroshima, and you can meet many of them as you walk around the island. A "cow festival" is held once a year, and the first prize winner is presented with a cow.
Places of interest in Kuroshima
- Nishi-no-hama: Beautiful sandy beach where sea turtles come to lay eggs. A large shadow of Iriomote Island spreads out in front of you.
- Puzumari: This was built in the Ryukyu Dynasty era as a high platform from which government officials monitored the sea. Although it is now dilapidated and no longer accessible, it is famous as a place where one can feel the history of Kuroshima.
- Iko Pier: A long pier used for the Iriomote Island route when Kuroshima used to be prosperous in the fishing industry. The city of Ishigaki Island can be seen far beyond. It is a national tangible cultural property.
- Kuroshima Research Institute: Research institute for marine life. Visitors can see an exhibition room and sea turtles in captivity.
- Nakamoto Beach: A famous beach on Kuroshima. Be careful as there have been many accidents while swimming in recent years. For your safety, Sun Marine Kuroshima and Kuroshima Research Institute rent life jackets for free.
Access to Kuroshima
Approximately 25-30 minutes from the remote island terminal
Yonaguni Island
Yonaguni Island is the westernmost border island of Japan! The masculine and magnificent scenery, including the island's symbol, Tachigami Rock, which is not found on any other island in Yaeyama, is overwhelming! The history of the island is very old, and you can experience the culture and traditions that have been carefully passed down from generation to generation! Please enjoy the border scenery!
Places of interest on Yonaguni Island
- Japan's westernmost monument: From here, the last sunset in Japan can be seen.
- Dr. Koto Clinic: Open set used in the TV drama "Dr. Koto Clinic". Tour is available.
- Nanda Beach: Located in Sonai Village, this beautiful beach is sung in the folk song "Nanda Beach.
- Ayamihabiru Museum: Museum of the world's largest moth, Yonagunisan (Ayamihabiru)
- Tategami Iwa: Rising out of the rough sea, the rock is a symbol of Yonaguni Island. It is worshipped as a sacred place.
Access to Yonaguni Island
Approximately 270 minutes from the remote island terminal
New Castle Island
Aragusuku Island is divided into Kamiji Island and Shimoji Island, also known as Panari Island. Surrounded by coral reefs and completely undeveloped, the island is home to nature and traditional culture.
Aragusuku Island is also famous for its mermaid legends that have been handed down since the time of the Ryukyu Dynasty.
Places of interest on Aragusuku Island
- Quinupana: A hill with a great view. Ascending the stone steps, you can see Iriomote Island and the sunset is spectacular.
- Koirogahama beach: Located right next to Quinupana, surrounded by rocks and trees
- Takanik: One of the fire-banzan mounds of the Sakishima Islands, it has also been selected as a national historic site.
- North beach: full of beautiful shells and pieces of coral! Sea turtles also come to lay eggs.
Access to Aragusuku Island
Approximately 60 minutes from the remote island terminal
No regular ferry service
Click here for a detailed list of activities and plans for Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) ↓↓ Click here for a list of activities and plans for Panari Island (Aragusuku Island)
Yubu Island (Hiroshima-Nagoya Island)
Yubu Island is located across the sea from Iriomote Island and is reached from "Yubu Island Buffalo Car Stop" in Iriomote Island. The buffalo cart takes you through the knee-deep shallows.
Riding on a buffalo cart itself is a unique experience, and with a dedicated guide playing the shamisen and singing songs for you, you can feel the relaxing Okinawan time.
⇒ Yubu IslandLearn more about
Access to Yubu Island
About 10 minutes from Iriomote Island by buffalo car
Round-trip fee 1,400 yen (includes admission fee and drink ticket)
Click here for popular island tours
Related columns are here↓.
islets of Lakeshore
Located between Kohama Island and Taketomi Island is a mysterious "phantom island" that disappears and appears in the sea. The size of the island changes from moment to moment according to the ebb and flow of the tide. As the tide recedes, the contrast between the pure white sandy beach and the bright blue ocean gradually appears, creating a spectacular view. When the tide is at its lowest, the island is about 200 meters long.
It is a popular spot for marine stores that come to the island at low tide when it is possible to go ashore! This is the ultimate deserted island, where gravure photo shoots for magazines and even weddings are sometimes held. Be careful not to get sunburned as there is no shade when relaxing in the perfect location.
There are also popular spots to view colorful fish and coral reefs around Hamashima.
It only takes about 30 minutes from Ishigaki Island, and there are various tours available, so why not join one?
Access to Hamashima
Travel from Ishigaki Island by various tours
For more information and a list of tours and plans to Hamashima, click here↓.
summary
Did you know about the Yaeyama Islands? Some islands are not easy to visit normally, but if you come all the way to Ishigaki Island, island hopping is a good idea in addition to the activities!
All the fun in Ishigaki Island is here↓.
Ishigaki Island Tours
