[Japan] Ishigaki (Yaeyama Islands)
Ishigaki is the main island of the Yaeyama islands. While not as famous as nearby Okinawa, it is a great destination to visit to escape off the beaten track away from the hubbub of metropolitan life. You can swap your work suit for a wetsuit and switch out your crammed subway commute for a ride on a water buffalo.
It is not as developed as nearby Okinawa and so while this gives the island a relaxed feel it also means getting around and booking places to stay requires a bit more planning ahead.
How to get there
The only way to get to the Yaeyama islands is to fly. The airport is located on the main island of Ishigaki-jima and there are domestic flights to Okinawa, Osaka, Tokyo and international flights to Taiwan and Hong Kong.
For budget travellers, it is worth looking into flying with Peach, who offer low cost flights between Ishigaki and Osaka (KIX)
How to get around
Yaeyama islands are made up of group of several islands which are all connected by regular boats/flights. On Ishigaki island itself there are public buses which go through the major points of the island and also connect with the airport. Depending on your budget and plans I would recommend to rent a motorbike or car to explore this island more easily since the bus schedule was not so convenient. For the bus, there is a pass you can buy which gives you unlimited usage of the bus for a period of 5 days.
Where to go
Ishigaki
There are a few popular sights around the island, one of the popular stops is Kabira Bay. Here you can enjoy the views of the turquoise water and white sandy beaches. The currents are very strong however so it is not safe for swimming however you can go out on a small cruise around the bay.
Taketomi
Where to stay?
Camping
Camp sites are available on Ishigaki and Iriomote islands.
What to do
Scuba Diving/Snorkelling
It is not as developed as nearby Okinawa and so while this gives the island a relaxed feel it also means getting around and booking places to stay requires a bit more planning ahead.
How to get there
The only way to get to the Yaeyama islands is to fly. The airport is located on the main island of Ishigaki-jima and there are domestic flights to Okinawa, Osaka, Tokyo and international flights to Taiwan and Hong Kong.
For budget travellers, it is worth looking into flying with Peach, who offer low cost flights between Ishigaki and Osaka (KIX)
How to get around
Yaeyama islands are made up of group of several islands which are all connected by regular boats/flights. On Ishigaki island itself there are public buses which go through the major points of the island and also connect with the airport. Depending on your budget and plans I would recommend to rent a motorbike or car to explore this island more easily since the bus schedule was not so convenient. For the bus, there is a pass you can buy which gives you unlimited usage of the bus for a period of 5 days.
Where to go
Ishigaki
There are a few popular sights around the island, one of the popular stops is Kabira Bay. Here you can enjoy the views of the turquoise water and white sandy beaches. The currents are very strong however so it is not safe for swimming however you can go out on a small cruise around the bay.
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| Kabira Bay |
Taketomi
This quiet island is super close to Ishigaki but is so different and well worth the short hop across on the regular ferry services linked the two islands. This island is small enough to walk around on foot and you can explore the small town in the centre of the island and also check out Kondoi beach.
Hateruma
This is the southern most island in the Yaeyama islands and features a monument in the south dedicated to being the most southern point in Japan.
Iriomote
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Southernmost point on Hateruma
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Iriomote
Iriomote is the largest island but also the wildest. The main sights on the island are the wild nature including dense forest including
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| Yuba-jima Water buffalo taxis! |
Where to stay?
Camping
Camp sites are available on Ishigaki and Iriomote islands.
What to do
Scuba Diving/Snorkelling
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| Scuba Diving |
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