It's not just Iriomote Island! Taketomijima, Yufujima, Kohamajima…A trip around the islands of Yaeyama

It's not just Iriomote Island! Taketomijima, Yufujima, Kohamajima…A trip around the islands of Yaeyama
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"It's not just Iriomote Island! Taketomijima, Yufujima, Kohamajima… The unique Yaeyama islands is packed with useful information to prepare for your trip, such as how to access the Yaeyama Islands, how to travel in Shimauchi, and how to choose accommodations. Those who visit the Yaeyama Islands for the first time are also safe!

1. Iriomote Island: To the Adventure of Nature

An adventure island woven by untouched nature
Iriomote Island is home to subtropical jungles and a variety of flora and fauna. Although it is the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture, most of it is left untouched and untouched. Proceed by canoe through the Urauchi River, where mangrove forests spread, trek in the jungle to aim for a waterfall. At night, the starry sky shines, and the sound of nature heals the heart. Iriomote Island is a special place that gives visitors adventure and healing.

Explore the unexplored Urauchi River by canoe! Meet the Forest of mangrove
The longest Urauchi River in Okinawa Prefecture is one of the leading scenic spots on Iriomote Island. As you slowly go through a canoe through the river where mangrove forests continue, it looks like a jungle exploration. The green reflected on the surface of the water, the birdsong, and the creatures that occasionally appear. You can feel the breath of nature that you can't taste in the city.

Jungle exploration! Cool down in a waterhole
If you go further down the Urauchi River, you will see beautiful waterfalls such as Mariyudu Falls and Kanbile Falls. Walking through the jungle, I arrived at the waterfall basin, just a natural cooler. It is the best rest spot that cools down the lighted body.

I am impressed by the night sky of the starry sky sanctuary! Observation of the starry sky
Iriomote Island is one of the places designated as Japan's first starry sky sanctuary. Because there is little artificial light, countless stars shine in the night sky. Let's spend a romantic night looking for Milky Way and shooting stars. If you look up at the sky, you will surely be impressed by the vastness of the universe.

Luxury island time spent at the Iriomote Island Hotel
After enjoying the great nature, you want to spend a luxurious time at the resort hotel. There are various types of hotels on Iriomote Island. Choose a hotel that suits you, such as an ocean view room or Vila with a private pool, and spend a blissful time.

Hotel recommended by Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island Hotel by Hoshino Resorts

Iriomote Island Hotel by Hoshino Resorts
Iriomote Island Hotel by Hoshino Resorts - Rooms
Iriomote Island Hotel by Hoshino Resorts
Iriomote Island Hotel by Hoshino Resorts - Rooms

Iriomote Island, a World Natural Heritage Site. On this island where untouched nature remains, Iriomote Island Hotel by Hoshino Resorts offers a blissful stay. The hotel is located in front of Tudu Mali Beach, which has long been said to be the "place where God stays." While listening to the gentle sound of waves, you can entrust yourself to the slowly flowing island time. From the ocean view guest rooms, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea and sky that changes its expression every moment. The time spent on the private terrace while being wrapped in the sound of waves is exceptional.

There are also plenty of activities where you can enjoy the charm of Iriomote Island. Explore the mysterious forest on the mangrove Canoe or aim for a waterfall with jungle trekking. In the evening, it is recommended to observe the full starry sky on Iriomote Island, which has been certified as a starry sky reserve.

The dishes made with plenty of ingredients that are popular locally are also attractive. While enjoying the blessings of the island, enjoy a moment when your heart is filled. "Iriomote Island Hotel by Hoshino Resort" where you can forget your daily life and become one with nature. Why don't you visit to find a special island time for you?

Iriomote Island Hotel by Hoshino Resorts - Pool

Hotel Information
Name: Iriomote Island Hotel by Hoshino Resorts
Location 2-2, Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access From Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal, take a high-speed boat to Uehara Port (approximately 45 minutes)
About 10 minutes by hotel shuttle bus from Uehara Port
Number of guest rooms: 139 rooms
Check-in/check-out: 15:00 / 11:00
Facilities: Restaurants, bars, pools, spas, shops, etc.
Activity: mangrove canoe, jungle trekking, snorkeling, starry sky observation, etc.

2. Taketomijima: The island of tradition and beauty

A nostalgic landscape with red roofs and white sand roads
About 10 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki-jima Island. Taketomijima is a beautiful island where the original scenery of Okinawa still remains. Red roof houses, coral reef stone walls, white sand roads. The entire island is designated as the Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings of the country, and just walking makes you feel nostalgic as if you were back in time.

Swayed by a buffalo car, relaxed island time
One of the classic sightseeing spots in Taketomijima is a buffalo car. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, drawn by a buffalo. Let's spend a relaxing island time while listening to the sound of Sanshin and the story of the guide.

A blissful moment on the healing beach
There are many beautiful beaches on Taketomijima. Condoy Beach is attractive for its white sandy beach and its highly transparent sea. Because it is shallow, even small children can play with confidence. At dusk, you can also enjoy a romantic sunset.

A luxurious resort experience at Hoshi no Ya Taketomijima
In Taketomijima, there is a luxury resort hotel called Hoshi no Ya Taketomijima. In Vila, which recreates traditional houses, you can spend a luxurious time in a private space. There are plenty of spas and activities, so you can refresh your mind and body.

3. Yufu Island: Paradise of subtropical plants

An extraordinary experience of crossing the sea by a buffalo car
Yufu Island is a small island close to Iriomote Island. There is a unique way to cross this island. It's about crossing the sea in a buffalo car! The scenery that crosses the shallow sea while swinging on the back of a buffalo car slowly is truly extraordinary. The sound of Sanshin and the guide's Shima-uta will make your journey even more exciting.

A subtropical plant paradise surrounded by colorful flowers
The whole Yufu Island is a subtropical botanical paradise. The garden, which is full of colorful flowers such as bougainvillea and hibiscus, looks like a paradise. You can also enjoy encountering rare plants, butterflies, and birds.

Refresh your mind and body with a slow flowing island time.
Yufu Island also has cafes, restaurants, hammocks and rest spaces.
Enjoy the leisurely flowing island time in a space surrounded by subtropical plants.
There is no doubt that you can refresh your mind and body.

4. Kohamajima: Go around the stage of the drama

The stage of NHK morning drama "Churasan"
Kohamajima is an island known as the stage of the NHK morning TV series Chura-san. The peaceful scenery of sugarcane fields and the villages lined with red-roofed houses are the world of drama itself. Traveling around places related to the drama, such as the house where the main character Eri Kohagura (nickname: Elly) grew up and places of memories with childhood friends, will be a special experience for fans.

Superb view from Otake in the center of the island
Ufudaki, located in the center of Kohamajima Island, is the highest place on the island at an altitude of 99m. From the top of the mountain, you can see the whole island and the surrounding islands. The spectacular view of sugarcane fields, the sea, and the village attracts visitors.

Resort area extending southeast of the island
Resort hotels are dotted to the southeast of the island. You can enjoy a luxurious resort stay with a variety of facilities such as beautiful beaches, pools, and spas. There are plenty of activities and you can enjoy the nature of the island, such as diving, snorkeling, and canoeing.

Hotel recommended by Kohamajima Island

Haimurubushi

Haimurubushi
Yes, the guest room
Yesmurubushi _electric cart
Yes, the starry sky
Haimurubushi
Yesmurubushi - Restaurant "The Steak & Grill"
Haimurubushi
Yes, the guest room
Yesmurubushi _electric cart
Yes, the starry sky
Haimurubushi
Yesmurubushi - Restaurant "The Steak & Grill"

Located on Kohamajima Island in the Yaeyama Islands, "Haimurubushi" is a resort hotel with a wide variety of facilities on a vast site of 8.4 Tokyo Dome. Reopened on July 15, 2025!

A number of spectacular views in front of you 
The beach has rich and beautiful nature and a coastline of about 1.9 km in length surrounded by the largest coral reefs in the Northern Hemisphere, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the sea and sunsets of Yaeyama.

A variety of guest rooms and facilities 
In the accommodation building characterized by Ryukyu red tiles scattered on the premises, a new guest room with a 40m2 private garden "Garden Terrace Premium" is now available. The restaurant "The Buffet", a buffet restaurant where you can enjoy Western, Japanese and Okinawan cuisine, and the grill restaurant "The Steak & Grill" where you can enjoy meat and fresh seafood from the prefecture will be born in conjunction with the renewal opening.

 

Yesmurubushi_Main Pool (Image)
Yesmurubushi_Quiet Pool Quiet Pool (Image)
The interior image of "SAUNA BLOCK (Sauna Block)"
Yesmurubushi_Main Pool (Image)
Yesmurubushi_Quiet Pool Quiet Pool (Image)
The interior image of "SAUNA BLOCK (Sauna Block)"

Enhance activities 
In the beach area, there are two infinity pools and a wellness area that can be enjoyed in winter. In the two-stage infinity "Main Pool" where you can enjoy the feeling of being connected to the sea, five Cavanna and Sun Ra Unja are set up by the pool, and you can relax while feeling the shallow laurious sea and the islands and wind of Yaeyama. You can spend a relaxing time. There is also a kids area with a depth of about 60 cm in the main pool, so even small children can use it. In addition, a new "Cwiet pool" for adults, a sauna building and a spa building will be established.

You can also enjoy a variety of activities, including a canoeing experience traveling through the mangrove, a phantom island landing tour that only emerges at low tide, and a starry sky observation tour that is the first in Japan to be recognized as a starry sky sanctuary and shines like jewels.

 

Name: Haimurubushi
Location 2930, Kohama, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access From Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal, take a ferry to Kohama Port (about 30 minutes)
Approximately 5 minutes by hotel shuttle bus from Kohama Port (* No reservation required)
Number of guest rooms: 148 rooms (7 accommodation buildings)
Check-in/check-out: 15:00 / 11:00
Facilities: Restaurants, bars, pools, beaches, spas, shops, etc.

Risonale Kohamajima Island

Risonale Kohamajima Island
Risonale Kohamajima_In the guest room
Risonale Kohamajima Island - Superb View Marine Beer Garden
Risonale Kohamajima Island
Risonale Kohamajima Island
Risonale Kohamajima_In the guest room
Risonale Kohamajima Island - Superb View Marine Beer Garden
Risonale Kohamajima Island

A superb resort with superb views, activities, and healing. "Risonale Kohamajima" is embraced by the beautiful sea and sky of Kohamajima. All guest rooms offer a panoramic view of the sea of coral reef.

Risonale Kohamajima - Sauna Activities
Risonale Kohamajima - Sauna Activities

Enjoy the charm of the island with abundant activities
At the hotel, you can enjoy a variety of experiences, such as beach activities exclusively for guests, snorkeling around coral reefs and cycling Shimauchi. In particular, night tours with a view of the full stars are romantic and popular.

Enjoy the finest healing and gastronomy
At the spa, you can refresh your mind and body with treatment using island materials. At the restaurant, you can enjoy dishes that feel the blessings of the island, using plenty of local ingredients.

Based on the concept of "Yukuru Exotic Resort"
You can enjoy a stay that entrusts yourself to the relaxed flow of Okinawa remote islands.

 

Name: Risonale Kohamajima Island
Location 2954, Kohama, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access From Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal, take a high-speed boat to Kohama Port (about 25 minutes)
About 10 minutes by hotel shuttle bus from Kohama Port
Number of guest rooms: 60 rooms (all suites)
Check-in/check-out: 15:00 / 11:00
Major facilities: Restaurants, cafes, pools, beaches, spas, shops, golf courses
Main activities: Marine activities (snorkeling, diving, etc.)
Starry sky viewing, cycling, stretching

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