Perfect guide for Yaeyama Islands and Must-See Spots!

400km (≒248.5 miles) southwest of Okinawa Main Island lies Ishigaki Island, an island which is part of many surrounding islands that are collectively called the ‘Yaeyama Islands’.
Ishigaki Island is one of 10 other inhabited islands in the Yaeyama Island chain, and acts as the gateway to all the other surrounding islands.

All of the surrounding islands (except Yonaguni Island) in the Yaeyama Island chain can be reached by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Island.

We will give an overview including the highlights of each of the islands.

We hope that this information will help you understand tthe Yaeyama Island more.

＜Overview＞
1.Taketomi Island
2.Kohama Island
3.Kuroshima Island
4.Iriomote Island・Yufu Island
5.Hatoma Island
6.Hateruma Island
7.Yonaguni Island
8.Organizing the Trip
9.How to Access each remote island
Summary

1.Taketomi Island

First Island to visit in Yaeyama Island!

Taketomi Island is only 10 minutes far from Ishigaki Island by ferry. And, with ferry departing every 30 minutes, it is even possible to visit the island in a half-day trip.

Taketomi Island is the nearest island to Ishigaki that still has the appearance of a traditional Okinawan town.

Means of transportation on the island include rental bicycles, the loop-line bus, and walking. We would highly recommend getting the bus from the port into town, and then exploring the town via rental bicycle or on foot.

As the beach is situated quite a way away from the town, we would recommend renting a bicycle to ensure that you enjoy the island to the max!

Taketomi Island’s Appealing Point!

The ‘Water Buffalo Cart’ is a very popular tourist attraction on Taketomi Island. Other recommended highlights include ‘Nagomi Tower’, ‘Kondoi Beach’ and ‘Nishi Pier’.

If you are accompanied by children, then searching for star-shaped sand on the appropriately named ‘Star Sand Beach’ is also a popular tourist attraction.
You are able to view the surrounding Taketomi Island from ‘Nagomi Tower’. It is a popular photography spot.

‘Kondoi Beach’ is renowned in Taketomi Island.

As this is one of the best beaches in the Yaeyama Island chain, you really shouldn’t miss it!

Breathtaking View from Nishi Pier!

The most popular attraction in Taketomi Island after Kondoi Beach has to be Nishi Pier.

Watching the sunset from Nishi Pier is an absolutely amazing experience, however it unfortunately happens after the last ferry back to Ishigaki Island. Please stay overnight on Taketomi Island if you wish to see this spectacle.

As most of the tourists who come to Taketomi Island visit during the day, the island comes into its own after the last boat back to Ishigaki Island departs.

People naturally gather around Nishi Pier around sunset time. You can experience the true atmosphere of the island during this time.

2.Kohama Island

Stage for NHK Drama “Chura San

Kohama Island is a 30 minute ferry ride away from Ishigaki Island. It is an island that kept to fame as the island where the Japanese television drama, ‘Chura-san’ was filmed.

*’Chura-san’ is a domestic drama aired on Japanese television in 2001. Set on Kohama Island, the drama depicts the troubles and progressions of the heroin.

Kohama Island is quite hilly, so we would recommend renting a car or a motorcycle to get around. Bicycles are also available for rent, but we don’t recommend it as it would be quite tiresome and hardwork.

Taketomi Island’s Appealing Point!

When you come to Kohama Island, first head straight to ‘Mt. Ufudaki’ in the center of the island. You can enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the island from here!

As Kohama Island is situated in the center of the Yaeyama Island chain, you can also see other islands from the top of Mt. Ufudaki.
Other highlights include the ‘*Sugar Road’.

*Sugar Road…the sugar cane field.

Kuroshima Island

“Cow Island”

Kuro Island (Or sometimes more popularly known as ‘Kuroshima Island’), is also 30 minutes away from Ishigaki Island by ferry.
It is also sometimes called ‘The Island of Cows’, as there are more cows than people on the island.

Although Kuro Island isn’t one of the major islands in the Yaeyama Island chain, there are lots of people who just keep coming back. A vast proportion of the island is made up of pasture land.

As Kuro Island is predominately a flat island, we would recommend getting around the island via rental cycle.
Riding through the the grand meadows on a bicycle surely is an exhilarating experience!

Taketomi Island’s Appealing Point!

The number one highlight of Kuro Island has to be ‘Nakamoto Beach’.
Nakamoto Beach is an extremely popular snorkeling spot. The reef becomes a kind of natural pool during low-tide, and colorful tropical fish can be seen swimming around.

Other highlights include ‘Iko Pier’, and the view from the ‘Kuro Island Observatory’.

4.Iriomote Island・Yufu Island

Enjoy the Vast Nature!

Iriomote Island is a 40 minute ferry ride from Ishigaki Island.
It is the second biggest island in Okinawa after Okinawa Main Island, and has two ports – Ohara Port and Uehara Port.

Due to the large size of the island, renting a car is necessary for moving around in the island.

There are buses, but there aren’t many that run in a day. You should be careful if you plan to move around by bus.

Taketomi Island’s Appealing Point!

Photo Credit by Okinawa Story Media Library

The main highlight of Iriomote Island has to be the vast amounts of nature. There is a wide variety of tours available to show you the more secluded areas. We highly recommend participating in a tour to enjoy Iriomote Island to the full.

Famous attractions of Iriomote Island include the Pinaisara Falls and Mariudo Falls, cruises along the Nakama River and Urauchi River, the Star Beach, and the water buffalo cart ride to Yubu Island.

Some tours start in Iriomote Island itself, other tours depart from Ishigaki Island.

There are a number of courses with differing lengths and activities. We are sure you will be able to find the one that suits your schedule the best. The vast amounts of nature will most likely overwhelm you!

5.Hatoma Island

Less-Known Island in Yaeyama Island!

Hatoma Island is also 40 minutes away from Ishigaki Island by ferry.
Not many visitors make the journey over to Hatoma Island, but those who do are amazed by how beautiful the sea is. We recommend a visit for those who wish to take it easy.

Taketomi Island’s Appealing Point!

Hatoma Island is very small and can be walked around in an hour.

Relax at your own pace and enjoy the small beached sprinkled around the island.
The island is best suited towards people who wish to relax and see an island with fewer tourists.

The main tourist attractions of Hatoma Island are ‘Hatoma Nakamori’ and ‘Hatoma Lighthouse’. Hatoma Lighthouse offers fantastic views and is the symbol of Hatoma Island.

We would also recommend a visit to Hatoma Elementary and Junior High School along the sea front. The island is so small that just walking around the town can be enjoyable.
It is possible to visit Hatoma Island on a day trip from Ishigaki Island.

6.Hateruma Island

NO.1 Popularity! THe “Hateruma Blue” Colored Ocean

Photo Credit by Okinawa Story Media Library

Hateruma Island is an hour away from Ishigaki Island by high-speed ferry.
Despite its distance from Ishigaki Island, there are lots of people who visit this island again and again.

Hateruma Island is Japan’s southernmost inhabited island.
The main means of transport are rental bicycles, rental cars, and rental motorcycles.

Taketomi Island’s Appealing Point!

Photo Credit by Okinawa Story Media Library

The first thing that springs to mind when one says Hateruma Island has to be ‘Nishihama Beach’.
The sea itself is very beautiful, but the main reason why this is our most recommended beach in the Yaeyama Island chain has to be for the atmosphere and scenery you can experience on the way to Nishihama Beach.

Other recommended attractions include ‘Japan’s Southernmost Point Monument’, and the ‘Star Observatory Tower’ at night. Hateruma Island is famous for being an island where you can see the Southern Cross star. If you make the visit to Hateruma Island, then the night starry sky is something not to be missed.
Hateruma Island is also famous for rare ‘Awanami’ sake.

While it is possible to visit Hateruma Island from Ishigaki Island in a day trip, we wouldn’t recommend it due to the distance and the large number of cancelled ferries. If you plan to visit Hateruma Island, please plan your time here with lots of time to spare.
Hateruma Island doesn’t offer anything special, but it is an island where you can enjoy nature to the max.

7.Yonaguni Island

The contrast between Yonaguni Horse,Vast Farm and Sunset in westernmost part of Japan!

Photo Credit by Okinawa Story Media Library

There are 2 ferries a week to Yonaguni Island from Ishigaki Island, however due to the roughness of the sea in this area, we would recommend traveling there by airplane.
Both JTA and RAC fly to the island. The flight time is approximately 30 minutes.

Yonaguni Island is Japan’s westernmost island. It is where the sun sets last in Japan.

Taketomi Island’s Appealing Point!

Photo Credit by Okinawa Story Media Library

Yonaguni Island is a popular destination for its ‘Japan’s Westernmost Point Monument’, diving around the ‘Underwater Ruins’, and the ‘Yonaguni Horse’.

While it is possible to visit the island from Ishigaki Island in a day trip, we would recommend staying at least one night due to all the things the island has to offer.
The island itself is quite big, so renting a car or motorcycle is recommended.

8.Organizing the Trip

The above islands are the main islands of the Yaeyama Island chain which can all be accessed via Ishigaki Island. All of them can be visited in a day trip.

For first time visitors to Ishigaki Island, we highly recommend visits to Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island and Kohama Island! If it is your first visit here, start exploring via visiting these three islands.

For second-time visitors to the area who wish to explore little-known areas, then we would highly recommend you to visit Kuro Island or Hatoma Island! These islands have a slightly different feel about them as not many tourists go there.

Please take the trip to Iriomote Island if you wish to experience vast amounts of nature! There are plenty of tours for you to choose from.

There are even tours from Ishigaki Island itself. Both half-day tours and full-day tours are available. If you wish to experience the vast nature of Iriomote Island to the full, then we would recommend staying on the island for around two days.

If you have the time, please also make a visit to Hateruma Island! It is a paradise island that everyone should visit at least once.

Taketomi Island, Kohama Island and Kuro Island are all very close to Ishigaki Island, with frequent ferry services. It is possible to join a tour of both the islands in half a day. Full day tours are also available.

Please be aware that as the sea is quite rough on the routes to Hateruma Island and Hatoma Island, ferries are often cancelled.

Cancellations occur most frequently during the winter season. Please plan your time with lots of time to spare.

＜Reference＞
・Japan Trance Ocean Airlines
・Ryukyu Air Commuter

9.How to Access each remote island

Anei Kanko, Yaeyama Kanko Ferry and Ishigaki Dream Kanko are ferry services which all operate in this area. Anei Kanko and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry are jointly run and have a common ticket for boarding.
Please endeavor to refer to each companies’ website for ferry timetables.

The 2, 3 and 4 day ferry pass is recommended for those who wish to island hop in the area. All of the aforementioned companies sell the pass, please check each of their websites for further information.

＜Reference＞
・Anei Kanko
・Yaeyama Kanko Ferry
・Ishigaki Dream Kanko

Summary

How did you find our quick introduction to each of the islands in the Yaeyama Island chain?
Please enjoy your island vacation at your own pace with the time you have at hand.
Why don’t you aim to visit all the islands one day!