In the wider Yaeyama District region, very different island themes shape travel plans: Taketomi is known for its traditional landscape, Iriomote for its subtropical jungle and rivers, and Yonaguni for its underwater landscapes and western location. Kohama and Kuroshima are known, among other things, for cycling and pastoral landscapes. When looking for a vacation rental, it’s worth first deciding which of these islands and experiences you want your trip to focus on.
Taketomi: Village Paths, Coastline, and Culture
Taketomi has preserved Okinawa’s original landscape. Red-tiled houses, coral-stone walls, white sandy paths, shisa figures on rooftops, and colorful flowers define its traditional scenery. Visitors can leisurely explore the flat island on foot or by bicycle. If you’re looking for a designated route, the Taketomijima Island Natural Education Walking Path starts at the visitor center, is six kilometers long, and passes through villages and along the coast.
The Taketomijima Visitor Center, also known as Taketomi Yugafukan, introduces visitors to the island’s nature, traditional culture, and performing arts. Three large maps there show the nearby area, recommended routes, and places to observe local wildlife. Another way to explore the village is a 30-minute ride in a water buffalo cart: the cart travels through the villages while the guide plays the sanshin. Kondoi Beach is on Taketomi’s western side and, according to JNTO, is the island’s most popular beach. It’s a 15-minute walk from the central village; you can also get there by bicycle. The West Pier is considered a cultural asset and, according to JNTO, a popular place to enjoy the spectacular sunset.
The performing arts are also part of Taketomi’s identity. 種子取祭 is the island’s largest event and reflects the importance of these arts to island residents. The performing arts of Bon, 結願祭, and 種子取祭 were designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan in 2007.
Iriomote: Forest, Hiking Trails, and Rivers
Most of Iriomote is covered in subtropical jungle and is part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Hikes to waterfalls, kayaking through mangroves, and boat trips on rivers winding through the jungle offer different perspectives on this landscape. Pinaisara Falls has the greatest drop in Okinawa. In eastern Iriomote, there is also a stand of Sakishima-suo trees; the Iriomote cat lives on the island and is designated a natural monument.
The 大富歩道 runs through subtropical forest near the settlement of 大富 and offers peaceful walks and birdwatching. The 仲間川 flows between 大原 and 大富; you can take a sightseeing boat trip directly on the river from 大原 Port. The trail, forest walk, and river cruise offer different ways to experience Iriomote’s nature.
Yonaguni: Westernmost Island and Underwater World
Yonaguni is Okinawa’s westernmost island and the last place in Japan where the sun sets. Its dynamic underwater landscape draws many visitors for diving and underwater tours aboard a submarine sightseeing boat. Off the southern coast are underwater formations sometimes referred to as the Yonaguni Monument. Hammerhead sharks gather off Yonaguni in winter; you may be able to see them between December and February. Yonaguni ponies roam freely and are about one meter tall. The entire island is a protected area where a species of giant moth is found in large numbers.
Sea MAKANA offers drift snorkeling on Yonaguni: participants swim with the current without an anchored boat, while the boat follows them. The company also offers SUP experiences at white-sand beaches and in clear seas. Sea conditions vary. The Yonaguni Folklore Museum preserves household items used in daily life on Yonaguni. The DiDi Yonaguni Exchange Hall is organized around three visitor labs about wind, food, and song. Exhibits and materials there introduce Yonaguni’s history and culture, as well as its exchanges with surrounding regions, including Taiwan.
Kohama and Kuroshima: Cycling Routes and Island Culture
On Kohama, the シュガーロード, lined with sugarcane fields, winds through a landscape you can explore by bicycle. Kuroshima is flat, making it possible to cycle leisurely through green pastures. The 牛まつり on Kuroshima takes place every year in February. About 4,000 people visit the island that day; check the latest event dates before traveling for the festival. The hill プズマリ on Kuroshima was once used as a fire lookout: ship traffic was monitored from there, and smoke signals were used to send messages.
The collection at 喜宝院蒐集館 comprises 842 objects, including warazan, which offer insights into everyday life. 節祭 was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 1991. Explore Yaeyama District through specific island interests before looking for the right vacation rental.
Discover more destinations: Kunigami District, Nakagami District, Shimajiri District
For the broader travel overview: Okinawa Prefecture.
