Ishigaki & Yaeyama Island Hopping in 4 Days

Kabira Bay, a water-buffalo ride on Taketomi, mangrove jungle on Iriomote and some of Japan's best snorkelling.

  • 4 days
  • 17 stops
  • Active pace
  • Best for: Island hoppers, snorkellers and nature lovers

Ishigaki is the hub for the Yaeyama Islands, and the ferries make hopping easy: Taketomi is 15 minutes away, Iriomote about 45. Stay in Ishigaki city for all three nights, near the ferry terminal, and you never have to repack.

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  1. Day 1 Β· Arrive: Ishigaki's northern coast

    • 11:00–11:30

      Arrive at New Ishigaki Airport

      Travel

      Rent a car for today and day four; you won't need it on the island days.

    • 12:30–13:30

      Tamatorizaki Observatory

      Do

      A hilltop view of two seas meeting, with hibiscus in bloom most of the year.

    • 14:30–17:00

      Kabira Bay glass-bottom boat

      Do

      Swimming is not allowed here, but the boat shows off coral and sea turtles.

    • 18:30–20:00

      Dinner in Ishigaki city

      Eat

      Ishigaki beef is the island's pride. Yakiniku or a steak house.

    • Stay in Ishigaki city

      Stay

      Close to the port terminal for the next two days.

  2. Day 2 Β· Taketomi Island

    • 08:30–09:00

      Ferry to Taketomi

      Travel

      15 minutes, every 30 minutes or so. No need to book.

    • 09:30–11:00

      Taketomi village by water-buffalo cart

      Do

      Red-tiled houses, coral walls and a guide who sings to the buffalo.

    • 11:00–14:00

      Kondoi Beach

      Do

      Shallow turquoise water that goes on for ever. Rent a bicycle to get there.

    • 17:30–18:30

      Sunset at Nishi Sanbashi Pier

      Do

      Catch a late ferry back after the sun goes down.

    • Stay in Ishigaki city

      Stay

  3. Day 3 Β· Iriomote jungle and Yubu Island

    • 08:00–08:45

      Ferry to Iriomote

      Travel

      Ohara or Uehara port depending on the tour. Book a day package for the easiest logistics.

    • 09:30–12:00

      Mangrove river cruise

      Do

      Or kayak it with a guide. Iriomote is 90% jungle and home to the rare Iriomote cat.

    • 13:30–15:30

      Yubu Island by water buffalo

      Do

      Cross the shallows to a tiny botanical island.

    • Stay in Ishigaki city

      Stay

  4. Day 4 Β· Morning snorkel and home

    • 09:00–11:00

      Snorkel at Yonehara Beach

      Do

      Coral starts a few metres from shore. Mind the currents and go at mid to high tide.

    • 11:30–12:30

      Lunch in Ishigaki city

      Eat

      Yaeyama soba has thinner, round noodles than the main island's.

    • 13:30–14:00

      Fly home

      Travel

Good to know

  • Typhoon season (Aug to Oct) can cancel ferries. Keep the Iriomote day flexible.
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen; the Yaeyama reefs are among Japan's most protected.
  • Ferry day passes covering Taketomi and Iriomote save money.

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