[Okinawa Ishigaki Island] Iriomote Island Yubu Island Half-Day Tour (Lunch Included)

Journey to the remote islands of Ishigaki Island in Okinawa and experience scenery not found on the main islands of Japan. Admire the pristine, unspoiled scenery of Ishigaki Island. Depart from Ishigaki Island, take a boat tour of the Nakama River mangroves on Iriomote Island to experience the natural beauty of the island. Then, take a water buffalo cart to Yubu Island for a transportation option not found in big cities. This half-day itinerary includes lunch and free transfers from Ishigaki Island hotels to the port, making it the perfect way to relax and unwind in Ishigaki Island.

– About the Attractions | Half-Day Itinerary of Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island, and Yubu Island in Okinawa –

▲ Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island is the largest island in the Yaeyama Islands of the Ryukyu Islands and the second largest island in the Ryukyu Islands. It is often called the Amazon of the East. Iriomote Island is covered in subtropical pristine jungle, covering over nine-tenths of the island's area. Rare animals such as the Iriomote cat and the scutellaria scabra are found here, along with rare plants such as the natural monuments Sakishima satsuma and palm trees.

▲Nakama River Mangrove Scenic Area
The lower reaches of the Nakama River are designated natural monuments by both the national government and Okinawa Prefecture, while the upper reaches are designated an ecologically protected area. Heading upstream, the first thing you see is Japan's largest mangrove forest. Continuing upstream, you'll see the Sakishima satsuma, said to be 400 years old. The scenery from the estuary to the lower reaches changes dramatically with the tide.

▲Yubu Island
Located in the Yaeyama Islands of the Ryukyu Islands, just east of Iriomote Island, between Iriomote Island and Kohama Island, Yubu Island was formed by the accumulation of sea sand. Its highest point is only 1.5 meters above sea level, and its circumference is 2.15 kilometers. The sea between Yubu Island and Iriomote Island is about one meter deep at high tide and less than one meter at normal times. Therefore, water buffalo carts are often used for transportation between the two islands, making them a popular tourist attraction. A trip to Uehara Port on Iriomote Island by oxcart takes about 20 minutes.

▲Yubu Botanical Garden
Originally, Yubu Island's inhabitants migrated from Taketomi Island and Kuroshima Island, and most of them cultivated rice paddies on Iriomote Island. However, the 1969 typhoon devastated the island, killing many residents. The remaining residents relocated to Iriomote Island. While the residents relocated to Iriomote Island, Iriomote Masaharu and his wife remained on the island and continued to cultivate numerous plants, creating what is now Yubu Island's "subtropical natural flora and fauna paradise."

– Transfer Information | Okinawa Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island, and Yubu Island Half-Day Itinerary –

▲ Departure: From your Ishigaki Island hotel to Ishigaki Port. If you require transfers, please ensure you provide the correct transfer information after booking.

・Okinawa EXES Ishigakijima
　Departs at 7:45 AM - Arrives at Ishigaki Port at 8:10 AM

・ANA InterContinental ISHIGAKI RESORT
　Departs at 7:55 AM - Arrives at Ishigaki Port at 8:10 AM

・Best Inn ISHIGAKIJIMA
　Departs at 7:58 AM - Arrives at Ishigaki Port at 8:10 AM

・Hotel Nikko Yaeyama
　Departs at 8:05 AM - Arrives at Ishigaki Port at 8:10 AM

・Fusaki Resort Village
　Departs at 8:00 AM - Arrives at Ishigaki Port at 8:20 AM

・Beach Hotel Sunshine
　Departs at 8:05 AM - Arrives at Ishigaki Port at 8:20 AM

・ISHIGAKI RESORT GRANDVRIO HOTEL
　Departs at 8:08 AM - Arrived at Ishigaki Port at 08:20

・HOTEL ROYAL MARINE PALACE ISHIGAKIJIMA
Departed at 08:10 - Arrived at Ishigaki Port at 08:20

▲Return: From Ishigaki Port to your hotel in Ishigakijima. Please ensure you provide the correct pick-up information and time in the "Notes" section after booking.
①3:45 PM ②5:15 PM ③6:15 PM