A list of means of transportation in Yaeyama convenient for sightseeing & complete guide to remote islands from Ishigaki-jima Island

A list of means of transportation in Yaeyama convenient for sightseeing & complete guide to remote islands from Ishigaki-jima Island
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Complete guide to enjoy the Yaeyama Islands! Learn more about how to access popular remote islands from Ishigaki-jima Island to Taketomijima and Iriomote Island. It covers the services of 10 local transportation companies, including buses, ferries, and buffalo cars. We have a wide selection of different companies! It is full of information on how to get to sightseeing spots and discount tickets. Even beginners have a question collection. It is full of information to enjoy the charm of Yaeyama to the fullest!

Journey to the Yaeyama Islands starting from Ishigaki-jima Island

Ishigaki-jima Island, the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands

Access to Ishigaki-jima Island is surprisingly convenient! From Tokyo, it takes 3 hours and 25 minutes by direct flight from Haneda Airport and 2 hours and 55 minutes from Kansai International Airport. It's even closer to Naha on Okinawa Island, and it's 55 minutes! However, depending on where you live, there may be no direct flights. You don't have to worry about it! It's okay if you go through Naha Airport. Naha Airport has a large number of flights and routes, so I recommend connecting to Ishijima Island. No matter where you come from, a wonderful island trip is waiting for you.

Ishigaki-jima Island's islands in the emerald green sea are all unique and attractive. There are plenty of highlights from beautiful beaches, rich nature, and unique culture! Based in Ishigaki-jima Island, if you visit the surrounding remote islands, you can feel the charm of Yaeyama more deeply.

Let's look forward to your trip to Ishigaki-jima Island!

 

Means of transportation within Ishigaki-jima Island

If you're traveling around Ishigaki Shimauchi, rental cars and buses are recommended. If you're going to a remote island, think about a means of transportation at the end of the crossing. If you rent a rental car from Shin Ishigaki Airport to Ishigaki City or the remote island terminal, you can reach it in about 30 minutes. It is recommended for those who are good at driving or want to visit Shimauchi freely. But I'm not good at driving.…That's okay! It's also convenient to take a bus. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes. It takes about 30 minutes by rental car to get to Kawahira. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus. It takes a little time, but it would be nice to be able to relax and enjoy the view from the train window. No matter which one you choose. Enjoy the beginning of the island trip with a fun feeling!

A bus company that is indispensable for walking around the city of Ishigaki-jima Island! "East Transportation"

Everyone, buses are very useful for sightseeing in Ishigaki-jima Island! It's a reliable ally that connects all over the island, from the city to the popular beaches. Access from the airport to the city is also perfect! It is nice to have easy-to-understand route maps and timetables so that even first-timers can use them with peace of mind. If you want to fully enjoy the charm of Ishigaki-jima Island, be sure to take the East Transport bus. There is also a regular sightseeing bus that operates daily, so it is perfect for those who want to travel around the island efficiently. (Application deadline at 17:00 the day before)

If you are having trouble traveling in Ishigaki-jima Island or getting access to remote islands, take a sightseeing taxi efficiently.

■"Akaishima Kotsu"

It's a strong ally for those who want to travel efficiently. There are several types of sightseeing plans to visit major tourist spots in Shimauchi, so you can enjoy the charm of Ishigaki-jima Island efficiently. Even those who are new to Ishigaki-jima Island can use it with confidence. In addition, there is a jumbo taxi that can accommodate up to nine families and groups, so you don't have to drive yourself, so you can feel comfortable traveling in Ishigaki-jima Island.

■Tokai Kotsu

A local driver will guide you to every corner of the island. Not only famous spots, but also secrets and local gourmets can be introduced! You can go sightseeing at your own pace, and there are various price plans from 2 hours or courses to 1 day courses, so I'm glad that you can choose according to your schedule. Both first-timers and repeaters will surely discover the new charm of Ishigaki-jima Island!

Access to remote islands: Sea means of transportation

What kind of place is the Ishigaki-jima Island remote island terminal?

The place that serves as the starting point of the route connecting Yaeyama Islands. Inside the building, there are a waiting area, six shipping companies and travel counters, so you can purchase tickets and apply for tours. There are also planetariums and shops at the southernmost tip of Japan, so you can enjoy waiting time. Let's purchase tickets according to the tour or the desired remote island.

"Hirata Sightseeing" to enjoy the whole Yaeyama Islands

If you want to enjoy the Yaeyama Islands in every corner, sightseeing in Hirata is recommended! In Hirata sightseeing, we offer tours to nine islands, including Iriomote Island, Taketomijima Island, Kohamajima Island, Kuroshima Island, Hatomajima Island, Haterumajima Island, Yufu Island, Aragusukujima Island and Uchi Remote Island. Every island is full of charm, and you may be confused about choosing! From island cruises to snorkeling, diving, and starry sky observation, a variety of programs that are packed with the charm of Yaeyama are attractive. And the service is also substantial. During the tour, you can keep your baggage free of charge and rent a wheelchair free. There are also pamphlets in foreign languages, so it is safe to stay with friends from overseas. Of course, we also sell only boarding tickets. For more information, please feel free to call us or go directly to the counter. The staff are very kind and knowledgeable. I'm sure I'll suggest you a perfect trip for you.

Discover the charm of an unknown island! "Ishigaki-jima Island Dream Sightseeing"

Recommended for those who want to explore the hidden charms of Ishigaki-jima Island is Ishigaki-jima Island Dream Sightseeing! There is also a tour tour of the remote islands, and the most popular one is "Iriomote / Yufu / Taketomi"! It is also a nice point that you can participate by one person and have lunch, optional sightseeing on Taketomijima, and you can go around the standard sightseeing points efficiently.

There is also an activity tour where you can experience buggy running through the great nature of Iriomote Island and canoe mangrove. You can experience extraordinary life with plenty of forest bathing and negative air ion. If you want to discover a new one, please try it.

The Yaeyama Sightseeing Ferry, a sea road connecting the islands

Yaeyama sightseeing ferry is indispensable for visiting the islands of the Yaeyama Islands! It provides access to popular remote islands from Ishigaki-jima Island, such as Taketomijima, Kohamajima and Iriomote Island. The sea of Yaeyama seen from the deck is the best view. The ferry journey between the island and the island is a wonderful memory. Since it operates regularly, it is also attractive that you can enjoy traveling around the island at your own pace. There are plenty of day-trip sightseeing tours, and it is a sightseeing course that includes boarding tickets to each remote island, so it is also advantageous and easy to understand. You can fully enjoy the charm of the islands while enjoying a leisurely cruise.

"Mifune seal", which is attracting attention, is on sale! "Mifune-in" is an arrangement of the shrines and temples "vermilion seal stamp" on a boat trip, and as many as 113 shipping companies nationwide participate. The Yaeyama sightseeing ferry has a gorgeous pattern with an image of a red shape. By all means, please collect the boat seal to commemorate the trip to the remote island!

Comfortable cruising "Anei sightseeing" to the islands of Yaeyama

Speaking of sightseeing in Anei, a strong ally when crossing from Ishigaki-jima Island to the surrounding remote islands! We operate regular routes to almost all remote islands. The high-speed boat is fast and comfortable, and the ferry offers a relaxing island time, so it is attractive that you can choose according to the mood of the day. The sea of Yaeyama seen from inside the boat is the best! In addition, there are many tours that can be enjoyed on each remote island, and there are plenty of marine activities. 。 With sea kayaking and snorkeling, you can also enjoy the world of the sea and forest, such as canoeing. If you want to fully enjoy the real pleasure of visiting the island, be sure to check out the sightseeing of Anei.

The hot topic "Mifune seal" is also on sale! The ship's seal is a ship version of "vermilion seal stamp" that can be obtained at shrines and temples, and 113 ship companies nationwide participate, so let's get the original ship's seal here.

Popular remote islands and their means of transportation

Taketomijima: Taketomijima Kotsu, a leisurely tour of the island

If you want to enjoy Taketomijima leisurely, the Shimauchi Bus is recommended. A route bus in Shimauchi that goes around the major spots of Taketomijima, and you can go around the tourist attractions smoothly. It's especially useful when hot days or when time is limited. It is attractive that the route bus can leisurely explore the island at your own pace. You can freely visit secret spots such as Hoshisuna Beach and the shallow sea to Yufu Island.
In addition, Taketomijima Kotsu also operates Shimauchi regular bus sightseeing. Even if you are visiting Taketomijima for the first time, if you combine these services well, you will surely be able to fully enjoy the charm of the island. Please enjoy Taketomijima's red tiled streets, beautiful beaches, and rich nature at your own pace.

Enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island "Iriomote Sightseeing"

Iriomote Island has limited public transportation. It's a good idea to rent a car, but if you're not confident about traveling with a large number of people or driving, a chartered bus is recommended. With a chartered bus, you can choose the best vehicle according to the number of people and carry luggage together, so you can greatly reduce the stress of movement.

Activities and Special Sightseeing Experience

An adventure to enjoy the waterside of Iriomote Island "Urauchi River Sightseeing"

If you want to enjoy playing in the water on Iriomote Island, sightseeing in Urauchi River is recommended! Cruises on the Urauchi River, the largest river on Iriomote Island, are very popular. The journey of a ship sewing through the forest of mangrove is like a movie scene. Of particular note are the Urauchi River Jungle Cruise and a subtropical forest trekking tour. Aiming for the waterfall, a veteran guide will tell you in detail, and an adventure that combines boat and trekking is waiting.
There are also canoes and kayaking tours, so you can enjoy exploring the river at your own pace. If you want to enjoy Iriomote Island with plenty of water, be sure to use the Urauchi River sightseeing.

Efficient Island Tour Tips

Combining multiple means of transportation

Do you want to know how to travel around the Yaeyama Islands efficiently? Actually, the point is to combine various means of transportation well! For example, it is recommended to take a ferry to the island and take a bicycle rental tour around Shimauchi. It's also fun to combine a bus and a buffalo car. Try different rides according to your travel style. There must be a new discovery!

Discount tickets and discount information

I will teach you how to enjoy a trip to the Yaeyama Islands at a great price! Actually, there are a lot of discount tickets. For example, we recommend a "island tour boarding ticket" that allows you to go around multiple islands. There is also a discount ticket that is set with tourist facilities. Also, depending on the season, there is a special discount campaign. Be sure to check it out before planning your trip. There is no doubt that if you travel at a reasonable price, you will be able to enjoy more!

For first-timers: Frequently Asked Questions and Precautions

Do you need a reservation? How to reserve each mode of transportation

I often ask, "Do you need to make a reservation?", But in fact, ferries and high-speed ships require reservations during the busy season. It's easy to make a reservation online or by phone. Buses are OK without reservation, but we recommend that you make a reservation in advance for sightseeing taxis. The buffalo car is often okay on the day, but it is safer to make a reservation when it is crowded. Please enjoy a smooth tour of the island with an early reservation!

 

Response to bad weather and alternative plans

Traveling to the Yaeyama Islands, you may be worried about the weather. In fact, it is also important to take measures in bad weather. Ferrys and high-speed boats can be canceled due to typhoons and strong winds. In such a case, it is recommended to enjoy sightseeing, experience and shopping in Ishigaki-jima Island. It is also important to have the flexibility to change destinations and change the itinerary so that you can enjoy it even on rainy days. Please check the weather forecast frequently and respond flexibly!

Oh! Everyone! Did you fully convey the charm of the Yaeyama Islands? Take a ferry connecting the islands, take a leisurely buffalo ride around Taketomijima and enjoy a mangrove cruise on Iriomote Island.…All of them are wonderful experiences. If you use transportation well, you will be able to enjoy the charm of Yaeyama even more. Please find your own Yaeyama trip by all means. We support the creation of wonderful memories.

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