[Okinawa Ishigaki Island] Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, Taketomi Island Day Trip

Journey to the remote islands of Ishigaki Island in Okinawa and experience scenery not found on the main islands of Japan. Visit Okinawa's three remote islands and marvel at the pristine, unspoiled island scenery. Departing from Ishigaki Island, take a boat trip to Iriomote Island to explore the Nakama River mangroves and experience the natural beauty. Then, take a water buffalo cart to Yubu Island and Taketomi Island to experience unique cultural experiences and transportation options not found in big cities. This one-day itinerary to Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, and Taketomi Island in Okinawa includes lunch and free transfers from Ishigaki Island hotels to the port, making it the perfect itinerary for a relaxing day in Ishigaki Island.

– About the Attractions | One-Day Itinerary to Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, and Taketomi 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.

▲Yufu Botanical Garden

Originally, Yubu Island's inhabitants migrated from Taketomi Island and Kuroshima Island, and most of the islanders 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 islanders relocated to Iriomote Island, Iriomote Masaharu and his wife remained on the island and continued to cultivate plants, creating what is now Yubu Island's "Subtropical Natural Flora and Fauna Paradise."

▲Taketomi Island

Located in the Yaeyama Islands of the Ryukyu Islands, Yubu Island is approximately 6 kilometers southwest of Ishigaki Island and is a 10-15 minute high-speed ferry ride from Ishigaki Island. The village is located in the northern part of the central part of the island. Most houses are wooden, and the roads are paved with white sand, preserving the appearance of early Okinawa. Besides the well-preserved streets, the island is also known for the beaches and star sand on its west side. However, due to the constant removal of star sand by tourists, the sand has been greatly reduced. Several large-scale shrimp farms are located in the southern part of the island.

▲ Taketomi Island Water Buffalo Cart
The island's main industry is tourism, with many guesthouses offering accommodations. Enjoy a water buffalo cart ride through the island's old streets while listening to a tour guide and shamisen music.

– Transfer Information | Okinawa Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, and Taketomi Island Day Trip –

▲ Departure: From your Ishigaki Island hotel to Ishigaki Port. 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.
①5:15 PM ②6:15 PM