Iriomote Island is the second largest island in the prefecture after Okinawa Main Island, and is part of the Yaeyama region, which is located 450 kilometers southeast from the mainland of Okinawa, and takes about one hour to reach by airplane. Ishigaki Island lies as the center of the Yaeyama region, and also includes Hateruma Island, Hatoma Island and Yufu Islands, and more islands, which together constitute the southernmost archipelago of Okinawa. In particular, Iriomote Island and Yonaguni Island are world famous. While Iriomote Island is covered by a dense ancient jungle and is home to many rare creatures, Yonaguni Island is famous for its mysterious seabed topography dubbed the “underwater ruins.” In addition, several other islands are renowned for their traditional Okinawan-style homes and these islands have continued their traditions of the past into the present. In Yaeyama, time passes slowly in its own way, unlike mainland Japan and Okinawa Main Island.
Okinawa Prefecture Wide Area Map
Yaeyama Region
-
Ishigaki IslandLook around and take in the sea and sky of cobalt blue, tropical mountains towering overhead, and a night sky full of stars. Ishigaki Island is rich in nature and musical tradition...Read More
-
Taketomi IslandAbout 15 minutes from the Ishigaki Port Outlying Island Terminal by the regularly scheduled ferry, Taketomi Island is easily accessible from Ishigaki Island. The traditional wooden...Read More
-
Kohama IslandWhile a popular resort destination, Kohama Island, located approximately 30 minutes by regularly scheduled ferry from the Ishigaki Port Outlying Island Terminal, is also a peaceful...Read More
-
Iriomote IslandIriomote Island is the second largest island after the main island of Okinawa, and a treasure trove of nature as more than 90% of the island is covered in jungle. The entire island...Read More
-
Hateruma IslandHateruma Island, with less than 500 residents, is the southernmost inhabited island of Japan and is located approximately 60 kilometers south of Ishigaki Island, about 60-80 minute...Read More
-
Yonaguni IslandYonaguni Island, located at the westernmost point of Japan, is an island where a unique culture and nature have taken root, a culture that is unlike other islands among the Yaeyama...Read More
-
Kuroshima IslandKuroshima Island, located 18.5 kilometers to the southwest of Ishigaki Island, approximately 30 minutes by regularly scheduled ferry from the Ishigaki Port Outlying Island Terminal...Read More
-
Hatoma IslandTo the north of Iriomote Island and surrounded by azure sea lies Hatoma Island. The island has a population of about 50, and can be reached in approximately 50 minutes by ferry fro...Read More
-
Yubu IslandYubu Island was formed by sediment deposited by sea currents as a result of sand flowing from the Yonara River on Iriomote Island. Located about 500 meters from the east coast of I...Read More
-
Kayama IslandLocated 2 kilometers to the northeast of Kohama Island, with a circumference of roughly 2.5 kilometers, Kayama Island is an uninhabited sitting only 19 meters above sea level. Whil...Read More
-
Aragusuku IslandThe Aragusuku Islands are comprised of two islands, Kamiji Island and Shimoji Island, and they are also known as the “Panari (Separated) Islands” due to their being set apart from ...Read More