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.