Japan’s spectacular Yaeyama Islands lie at the southwestern tip of the country's island chain.
A world away from the capital city, here you'll discover pristine beaches, crystal clear aquamarine seas surrounding islands of jungles and mountains that uniquely define the character of these sparsely-populated outposts.
A visit to the Yaeyama Islands offers an experience unlike any other.
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The Ryukyu archipelago
You might not be familiar with the Yaeyama Islands. They're part of the Ryukyu archipelago of islands stretching southwest from Kyushu, all the way down to Taiwan.
The better-known Okinawa is part of the Ryukyu chain. Well, the Yaeyama Islands lie beyond that. Ishigaki, the main administrative island for the group, is a 1 hour flight from Okinawa.
VIDEO: Okinawan Folk Music, Ishigaki Island
The 12 Yaeyama Islands
12 main islands make up the group:
See: Iriomote, Yubujima and Taketomi Triple Island Tour HERE
A 3-hour flight from Tokyo
To give you some idea of just how remote these subtropical islands are, Tokyo is a 3 hour flight away at best. While on a clear day Taiwan is visible from Yonaguni Island.
Or, to put it another way, Taiwan is just 67 miles from Yonaguni Island, whilst Tokyo is more than 1,200 miles away.
Ishigaki island makes a great base for explaoring the rest of the Yaeyama Islands
Unspoilt isolation
If you're looking for unspoilt isolation, beaches, waterfalls, crystal clear seas, mangrove forests, water buffalo pulling wooden carts, tradition, and a culture that's barely changed for hundreds of years, then this is the place for you.
Swimming or diving in the coral reefs found here you'll come across dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays and white sharks.
See: Mangrove Canoeing and Jungle Trekking on Iriomote HERE
The seas around the Yaeyama Islands are stunning
Guided tour: Scuba Diving Tour on Ishigaki Island
A different language
They even have their own languages - Yonaguni and Yaeyama. Around these parts, Japanese is the second language.
They even have their own languages - Yonaguni and Yaeyama
Yaeyama Islands Tours
Step Into Ishigaki's Underwater Paradise HERE
Iriomote, Yubujima and Taketomi Triple Island Tour HERE
Ishigaki Diving and Snorkeling on a Chartered Boat on Ishigaki Island HERE
Iriomote Mangrove SUP or Canoe Tour HERE
Full Day Private Tour of Ishigaki Island HERE
Discover more about the Yaeyama Islands HERE
Browse accommodation in Yaeyama on Booking.com HERE
Where to stay in the Yaeyama Islands
Here are some of my picks for best places to stay on the main islands...
Iriomote
Iriomote Hotel by Hoshino Resorts
Ishigaki
ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort by IHG
Beach Hotel Sunshine Ishigakijima
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas
Grandvrio Resort Iishigakijima Ocean's Wing & Villa Garden
Kohama
Taketomi
VIDEO: Water Buffalo Cart Crossing to Yubu Island
Yaeyama Islands Travel Planning Services
Have some questions about exploring Japan's Yaeyama Islands? Want help planning a Yaeyama itinerary? I offer some Travel Planning Services that you might like to take a look at.
My popular Travel Planning Calls are ideal if you have a few unanswered questions about a trip you are planning, or would like feedback and suggestions on an itinerary you are building. Learn More HERE.
Further Japan travel guides, books and checklists are available in The Real Japan Travel Store.
Location Map
Have you been to the Yaeyama Islands? If so please leave a comment below.
Travelling In Japan When You Don't Speak The Language
If you want to travel in Japan but don't speak the language, check out my guide book How To Travel In Japan Without Speaking Japanese.
About the Author
A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan’s islands since 2000. He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities. He’s the founder of TheRealJapan.com.
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Resources
Further Reading
12 Must-Try Outdoor Activities In Japan
Discover Okinawa: Japan's Subtropical Paradise Unveiled
Discover Okinawan Food: Japan’s Life-Giving Diet
Driving in Japan: Kyushu or Okinawa?
Kayaking and Trekking on Iriomote Island
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