List of recommended places to visit and things to do in Yonaguni Island!

What is Yonaguni Island, the westernmost point of Japan?

Yonaguni Island (Yonaguni Island) is,Japan's westernmost "border islandIt is called

Although it belongs to the Yaeyama Islands, it has a completely different atmosphere from the other islands and became famous as a location for the drama "Dr. Koto Clinic.

Taiwan is about 111 km away, and on a clear and sunny day a few times a year, it is on the horizon.Taiwan Island Shadowis sometimes visible.

Among the Yaeyama Islands, Yonaguni Island is a little more remote and still retains its own unique culture.Population is about 1,700The island is a bit rugged, but it is possible to cycle around the island in three to four hours.

Undersea ruins and strange rocks whose mysteries have not been solved even 30 years after their discovery,The sun sets later than any other place in JapanThere are many sights that stir up romance, such as

This article introduces how to get to Yonaguni Island, which is full of attractions and recommended sightseeing spots!

 

How to get to Yonaguni Island

Yonaguni Island can be reached by ferry or airplane.Day trips are also possible.However, if you want to relax and enjoy the island time, we recommend staying one night.

Here are some more details!

 

From Ishigaki Island to Yonaguni Island by ferry

A ferry ride from Ishigaki Island to Yonaguni Island takes about 4 hours one way.

Ferry Yonakuni" from Yashima Ferry Terminal to Kubura Port in western Yonaguni IslandOnly 2 flights per weekThe company is doing so.

Buses depart from Kubura, but only once every hour or two, so advance reservations for rental cars or cabs are essential.

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Fly to Yonaguni Island

There are no direct flights from the mainland to Yonaguni Island, with one flight a day from Naha and three flights a day from Ishigaki Island.

If time is limited and you want to arrive quickly, flying is recommended. The Yaeyama islands seen from the sky are also breathtaking!

 

Fly from Naha Airport to Yonaguni Island

There is one flight per day from Naha Airport.

It is important to note that the flight will be an early morning flight (e.g., 7:15 a.m. departure)Need to stay in Naha the night beforeThere are

 

Fly from Shin-Ishigaki Airport to Yonaguni Island

There are three flights a day from Shin-Ishigaki Airport.

From Ishigaki Island, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Yonaguni Island in no time.

 

Recommended Activities in Yonaguni Island

Here are some recommended activities on Yonaguni Island♪

Click here for recommended tour ranking of Yonaguni Island

 

snorkeling

Why not try snorkeling adventure in the beautiful sea of Yonaguni Island?

The waters of Yonaguni Island are extremely clear, and coral can be clearly seen from the sea surface.

This is a recommended activity that will surely fascinate you with its fantastic underwater world!

Held in Yonaguni Island! Click here for snorkeling tours

 

diving

Diving is recommended to experience the dynamic nature of Yonaguni Island, as well as its long-standing history.

Decades after its discovery, the underwater ruins are still shrouded in mystery and attract divers from all over the world.

Winter and spring are a diver's dreamhammerhead sharkalso appear in the sea of Yonaguni Island!

Held in Yonaguni Island! Click here for diving tours

 

canoe

Without entering the water, canoes allow visitors to observe colorful fish and marine life in the crystal clear waters from the water.

It is also a relatively easy activity, and even beginners can enjoy it right away.â

Held in Yonaguni Island! Click here for canoe tour

 

Night Tour

Yonaguni Island is located at the westernmost tip of Japan, and its low latitude makes it possible to observe constellations and stars at night that cannot be seen on Honshu.

Also, because there are few artificial lights, when you leave the village, you can observe the stars in the sky and enjoy the feeling as if you are in a planetarium.

Held in Yonaguni Island! Click here for Night Tour

 

Horseback Riding Experience

This is a horseback riding experience with Yonaguni horses, one of the eight native horse breeds in Japan. The horses are small in stature and quiet in disposition, and there are about 130 of them living on the island.

Riding out to the ocean or mountains on a Yonaguni horse is also a unique experience on Yonaguni Island!

 

glass boat

For those who are not good at diving or those who are not good at swimming but would like to see undersea ruins, we recommend glass boats and snorkeling, which are easy and enjoyable.

You will surely be enthralled by the many colorful coral reefs and tropical fish!

 

fishing

Fifteen minutes offshore from the harbor, there is a large point where you can target marlin, giant trevally, and isomargin tuna, in addition to swordfish.

The sea of Yonaguni Island is for somewhat advanced anglers because of the fast current. If you are new to fishing,Experience in Ishigaki Island and then try it.We recommend that you do the following

Ishigaki Island is well fished,Tours that even children can participate inThere are many Okinawa's finest fish, such as the reddish-brown sea bream, can also be caught!

 

Recommended Transportation on Yonaguni Island

Yonaguni Island is 28 km in circumference, and its interior is a bit rugged. Since sightseeing spots are scattered on the east and west sides of the island, it is recommended to tour around the island by renting a car or a bike (bicycle).

Rental cars can be rented right in front of the airport, which is very convenient.â

Learn more about car rentals on Yonaguni Island.

 

You should definitely go there when you come to Yonaguni Island!
Recommended Popular Tourist Spots

Yonaguni Island is located at the westernmost tip of Japan, and its natural beauty and culture are attractive.

Here are some sightseeing spots where you can fully enjoy the charms of Yonaguni Island♪

 

Shikinajima Clinic

The drama "Dr. Koto Clinic" was filmed on Yonaguni Island. Even today, the sets (waiting rooms, hospital rooms, etc.) used in the drama remain as they were during filming, and can be visited.

When you actually witness it on site, you will be surprised at how much more elaborate it is than you can imagine. Hikawahama beach right in front of the site is also a natural beach that has appeared in dramas many times, so be sure to check it out!

↓ Learn more about the Shikinajima Clinic ↓

 

Popular sightseeing spots on Yonaguni Island that you should not miss
submarine ruins

　Source:ZEKKEI Japan

One day in 1986, a large rock was discovered by local divers. What exactly this large rock is, and some believe it was artificially created and processed, is still unknown to this day.

The rocks, which only deepened in mystery, became known as "underwater ruins,Popular Tourist Spots in Yonaguni IslandThe company is now in the process of

The area around the underwater ruins is suitable for advanced divers due to the strong currents, but the mysterious sight that looms before your eyes is breathtaking. Please visit the site!

↓ Learn more about the underwater ruins ↓.

↓ Ishigaki Island is recommended for your first diving! ↓↓ Diving

 

Popular sightseeing spots on Yonaguni Island that you should not miss
Sakimoto Sake Brewery

　Source:Sakimoto Sake Brewery

It is a brewery established in 1927 that makes "Yonaguni Kubamaki," a 60% alcohol Hanazake.

Sakimoto Sake Brewery is located inThe oldest brewery in Yonaguni IslandYou will be able to During the factory tour, you can enjoy tasting and the factory staff will carefully explain the process of making Awamori!

 

Popular sightseeing spots on Yonaguni Island that you should not miss
Tachigami Rock

Tategami Rock is located on the southeastern coast of the island.Symbol of Yonaguni IslandIt is famous as a

Legend has it that a young man who climbed this rock to retrieve seabird eggs in the past and was unable to climb down prayed to the gods and fell asleep.

The observatory has a parking lot and restrooms, and can be reached by car from Yonaguni Airport in about 30 minutes.

↓ Learn more about Tategami Rock.

 

Popular sightseeing spots on Yonaguni Island that you should not miss
Tindavana (Tindahanata)

The erosion caves near the top of theNature ObservatoryThe view of the Sonai settlement, Nanta Beach, and the azure sea can be seen from the top of the mountain.

It is said that the legendary female chief San'ai Isoba, who ruled Yonaguni around the 16th century, lived there.

↓ Learn more about Tindavana ↓

 

Popular sightseeing spots on Yonaguni Island that you should not miss
Nanta Beach

The beautiful Nanta Beach facing Sonai village, the center of Yonaguni Island, has a beautiful gradation of the sea,A beach you'll want to watch foreverIt is.

Written in Chinese characters, it is "Hata-hama. It is also known as the place sung in the Okinawan folk song "Nanta Beach.

The area near the beach is calm, but a little further out, the tide is fast, so care should be taken when playing in the ocean!

↓ Learn more about Nanta Beach ↓.

 

Popular sightseeing spots on Yonaguni Island that you should not miss
Irizaki, Japan's westernmost monument

Nishizaki (Irizaki) is the westernmost point of Japan, which meansThe last place in Japan where the sun setsIt is.

Below the small hill on which the westernmost monument of Japan stands is a precipitous cliff! You can see the great ocean and the village of Kubura, which is about 111 km from here to Taiwan.

It was also the subject of a visit by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress (now Emperor and Empress) in 2018.

↓ Learn more about Japan's westernmost monument ↓

 

Popular sightseeing spots on Yonaguni Island that you should not miss
Agarizaki

Higashizaki, a white lighthouse stands at the easternmost tip of the island. It is a spectacular viewpoint with a grazing area spread out on a precipitous cape.

On a clear day, Iriomote Island can be seen on the sea. The area around the cape with its magnificent scenery is a pastureland, where you can see Jonaguni horses and cows.

↓ Learn more about Azuma ↓

 

Popular sightseeing spots on Yonaguni Island that you should not miss
Yonaguniuma Fureai Hiroba

There are only about 130 native horses in Yonaguni Island, and they are designated as a natural treasure of Yonaguni Town.JonagneumaIt is a place where you can interact with

Activities such as horseback riding experiences are also available as an activity to let people know how fun and wonderful it is to play with Jonagni horses.

↓ Learn more about the Yonaguni Horse Petting Plaza ↓.

 

Activities are also safe and secure♪
Babysitting Plan in Yonaguni Island

The "Babysitter" plan provides professional support during your trip to Yonaguni Island with small children!

Childcare or nursing staff will assist you at the hotel, beach, wedding, or other location of your choice.

Please consider us if you have any problems... ♪

Click here for babysitting plans in Yonaguni Island

 

I would like to stay at least once on Yonaguni Island!
Seven recommended hotels

Yonaguni Island Hotel Munbustay Airport

The hotel is a 2-minute walk from the airport. You can check in immediately and enjoy Yonaguni Island for a full day.

The hotel is clean with new rooms opening in 2024.

Also, rental cars can be rented at the front desk, which is very convenient. The common area is also equipped with a washing machine and dryer!

 

Yonaguni Island Hotel Mumbu Stay Sonai

The hotel is located in Sonai, the largest settlement on Yonaguni Island. There are many restaurants within walking distance, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Washing machines and dryers are also available for longer stays.

 

Guest House Sakihara-so

The homey atmosphere of the guest house Sakihara-so, where you are always welcomed by the smiling proprietress, is so bright and open that it even makes you feel nostalgic.

There is also tourist information and maps of Yonaguni Island in the common lobby, and if you ask the Okami-san about sightseeing, she will kindly tell you.

 

4) Yoshimaru Villa

Yoshimaru-so is right in front of Kubura Port and has a dive store attached.Japan's westernmost guest houseIt is.

A friendly guest house with free Wi-Fi, parking, and a large public bath to relieve travel fatigue. A diving store is also attached to the inn, which is used by many divers.

 

5) Island Hotel Yonaguni

Island Hotel Yonaguni is located approximately 3 minutes by car from Yonaguni Airport.The only resort hotel on the islandIt is.

Rooms are equipped with separate bath and toilet facilities, refrigerators, and other amenities for your comfort.

 

6) Irifuku Ryokan

The last hotel we will introduce is Irufuku Ryokan, which was used for the filming of the drama "Dr. Coto Clinic.

It is a quaint building dating back 100 years.National Tangible Cultural Propertiesregistered in the

It is located in the center of Sonai district on Yonaguni Island, making it very suitable for sightseeing and getting around. In addition, you can taste fried fish from Yonaguni Island, island salads, and other foods that are made from island ingredients.

 

7) Yonaguni Guest House Fiesta

Yonaguni Guest House Fiesta, with its distinctive white exterior, is handmade by the owner!

Located on a hill in Sonai village on Yonaguni Island, the rooftop terrace overlooks the ocean. It is nice to drink Orion beer while admiring the spectacular view.

Rooms are separated for men and women with private rooms available, and there is also a shared kitchen so that you can cook your own meals. This guesthouse is a great place for travelers to socialize with other travelers.

 

The Yaeyama Islands are full of charm!
Ferry ride is required to islands other than Yonaguni Island.

In addition to Yonaguni Island, the Yaeyama Islands include Iriomote, Taketomi, Kohama, Kuroshima, Iriomote, and Hatoma Islands, all of which are attractive islands with culture and history still preserved, and can be reached by ferry from Ishigaki Island.

At Ishigaki Island Tours, you can purchase ferry tickets in advance and check the operation status! Let's check before your trip!

Click here to book ferry tickets.

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summary

The land on Yonaguni Island is rugged, but it is a fascinating spot where the scenery and culture created by nature still remain.

If time is limited, we recommend flying in and renting a car!

Why don't you create wonderful memories in Yonaguni Island, which you can visit a little further from Ishigaki Island?