The easiest way to get around on the Yaeyama Islands is by ferry, as the island group consists of multiple smaller islands for which you need to take a ferry to travel between them. The larger islands amongst the group can be difficult to explore without a car, so it is advised to hire a taxi. Though, most major sights and attractions are accessible by bus on the larger islands. 

 

Travelers arrive from Ishigaki airport. From there, there is a bus network that connects most of the island as well as the ferry ports to the other islands. 

Ferry Services between islands:

• From Ishigaki Island
  • Ishigaki Island - Taketomi Island
  • Ishigaki Island - Kohama Island
  • Ishigaki Island - Kuroshima Island
  • Ishigaki Island - Iriomote Island
  • Ishigaki Island - Hateruma Island
     
• From Iriomote Island
  • Iriomote Island - Taketomi Island
  • Iriomote Island - Kuroshima Island
  • Iriomote Island - Kohama Island
  • Iriomote Island - Hateruma Island
     
• From Taketomi Island
  • Taketomi Island - Kuroshima Island
  • Taketomi Island - Kohama Island
  • Taketomi Island - Hateruma Island
     
• From Kuroshima Island
  • Kuroshima Island - Kohama Island
  • Kuroshima Island - Hateruma Island
     
• From Kohama Island
  • Kohama Island - Hateruma Island

Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport is Ishigaki airport.

We recommend staying here between two and three days.
 

Beaches:

The swimming season in Okinawa is usually between March and October.
 

Hiking:

Because of the tropical climate, hiking in Okinawa is possible througout the entire year. Travelers should be cautious not to become dehydrated when hiking during the summer. 

Scenic rides:

• Water buffalo for Yubu island: click here for the most up-to-date information.

• Kabira Marine Service: click here for the most up-to-date information.

There is one famous festival in this area. Please be advised that the following info is based upon previous entries of the festival and that the dates might have changed for the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
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For the exact location of the festival, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

• Orion Beer Festival

  • Date: July 6th

  • Time: 15:30 - 21:00

We recommend the following options for staying connected in Japan:

• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data only)
• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data + voice)
• Sakura Mobile Unlimited Wifi / Pocket Wifi