Yaeyama Islands: Okinawa from £1225

Each of these fascinating Islands are unique in character, flora and wildlife. Trek through unspoilt jungle & tropical rain forests, relax on unspoilt sandy beaches, enjoy outdoor 'onsen' hot spring spa and experience some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world.

We staying in luxury resort hotel accommodation that are all respectful of their rural surroundings.

See our Yaeyama Islands Guide ...

View Itinerary

Price & Departure dates

The Yaeyama Island are located 500km south west of Okinawa main island, closer to Taiwan than Okinawa and located over 1200 miles south from Tokyo. Yaeyama Islands are the ultimate tropical hideaway.

Each of the fascinating Yaeyama Islands are unique in character, flora and wildlife from each other. If you want to relax on a quiet unspoilt sandy beach, find hidden coves, explore rain forests and jungles, Yaeyama has it all. Offshore the eco nature of the region is just as spectacular and you can experience some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world.

See our Yaeyama Island Guide for further details.

Day 1 Ishigaki Island (Dinner)

Upon your arrival at Ishigaki Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check into your hotel and the rest of the day is free to enjoy the hotel amenities and explore the sights of Ishigaki.

You will stay in the Fusaki Resort village in Ishigaki which is situated on Fusaki Beach on the west coast of Ishigaki Island, with marine sports and beautiful sunsets on our doorstep, this resort's cottages feature traditional red Okinawan roof tiles.

Day 2 Ishigaki - Taketomi Island tour - Ishigaki (Breakfast, Dinner)

Free time to relax before we depart Kohama. We take a Shuttle Bus to the main Ferry terminal, where we board our ferry Boat to Taketomi Island (about 10 minutes). This island has become one of the most well known among the Yaeyama Islands, due its preservation of historical Okinawan culture. The island has a circumference of 9.2 km with a population of about 329.

Upon arrival on Taketomi island we have a leisurely mini bus tour of the island. We also enjoy an exotic ride in a water buffalo cart (Suigyusha) wandering through the narrow lanes of the local villages with their traditional red tiled roofs characteristics of traditional Okinawan houses. Travel by Buffalo cart was once the only transportation available on the island.

Later you have an opportunity to explore the peaceful island on your own by bicycle. Taketomi many unique sights include the magical 'Star Sand Beach', where as the name implies has star sand, which is actually formed from skeletons of tiny marine creatures. Another beautiful location is Kondoi beach, which has unspoilt white sand in contrast to the multi shades of blue ocean. The vegetation surrounding the beach is also a favourite spot for many species of butterfly and depending upon the season you may see a multitude of them eating and frolicking on the sand. Other places of interest include the Folkart Centre where you can see the beautiful Minsa weaving of Taketomi Island as well as other textiles unique to the culture of the Yaeyama Islands.

Return by ferry back to Ishigaki and your resort hotel.

Stay in the Fusaki Resort village in Ishigaki

Day 3 Ishigaki - Funauki - Iriomote Island (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

In the morning we depart your hotel by Shuttle Bus to the Port where we take a ferry boat across crystal waters to the jungle island of Iriomote. Upon arrival at Iriomote Uehara Port we take a bus to Shirahama Port and take a Cruise on "Tsim Don Don" boat to see Uchibanare Island, Mizuochi Waterfall and the Black Pearl cultivation farms. When we arrival at Funauki Port we take a historical walking tour of the small community and visit the Black Pearl cultivation facilities to understand this unique pearl cultivating process. After lunch we have some free time on the idilic Ida beach.

After the tour we return by boat to Iriomote and stay in the 4 star Painumaya Resort Hotel in Iriomote. The Painumaya resort hotel is a new luxury 'eco hotel' with onsen hot spring spa facilities surrounded by tropical jungle and designed specifically to coincide with the spectacular surrounding nature. Enjoy outdoor hot spring spar facilities whilst overlooking the magnificent jungle surroundings.

Stay in Painumaya resort hotel in Iriomote

Day 4 Iriomote Jungle adventure - Kohama Island (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today we depart from our hotel in the morning and take the shuttle bus to the river docking point and get ready for our exciting day canoeing and trekking through the spectacular jungles & mangroves of Iriomote (bring swimsuit, towel and change of clothes). Iriomotes untouched rain forests and unique wildlife is home to many rare species only found on this small island (including the Iriomote Wildcat). It is for this reason that a growing interest from Eco-tourists and nature lovers are choosing to explore the Galapagos of Asia.

Our jungle adventure starts by canoeing down the river for about 20 minutes to our landing point, where we start our jungle trek seeing the fantastic wildlife and natural scenery along the way. Eventually we arrive at the spectacular Sangara waterfall where we have a Bento box lunch and some free time to enjoy the natural surroundings. Later we begin trekking back to where we moored our canoes and return by canoe to the river docking point. We then transfer to the port for our ferry ride to Kohama Island at about 16:55. Upon arrival at Kohama, we transfer we to our luxury resort hotel.

Haimurubushi Resort Hotel in Kohama.

Day 5 Kohama Island (Breakfast, Dinner)

Today is a free day to enjoy the many amenities at the Haimurubushi Resort Hotel, which is located near to a beautiful sandy beach in large grounds where you can see water buffalo bathing, rare wild flowers, tropical plants and unique wildlife. You can also enjoy a onsen spa in the evening to relax. The grounds are so big you can hire a bicycle or golf cart to explore. Optional Activities include marine activities including snorkelling & diving.

The island is famous for diving with Manta Rays who frequent the area. However Snorkeling amongst the islands extensive tropical coral reefs is a must. The wide variety of different types of corals living close together is unique and they are home to an abundance of colourful tropical fish species.

In the evenings another surprise awaits! As on all the Yaeyama Islands the night sky is literally filled with stars. This is due to the remote location of the Islands and their geographic location making seeing distance constellations possible. Bats and fire fly's also dance around in the night sky. Optional ecotours can be arranged for guided daytime and evening walks around the well maintained hotel grounds which are lovingly maintained and full of wildlife,wild flowers and spectacular nature.

Stay in the Haimurubushi resort Hotel in Kohama

Day 6 Kohama - Ishigaki Island (Breakfast)

Today you have free time to enjoy the coastal areas of Kohama until taking the ferry boat back to Ishigaki. Upon arrival at Ishigaki port you will be transferred to the Ishigaki airport by our guide ready for your onward flight. Numerous flights are available from Ishigaki direct to Naha in Okinawa, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai or Osaka and many other destinations. Therefore tour extensions can be provided to suit your requirements.

Day 1 Ishigaki Island

Upon your arrival at Ishigaki Airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to the car rental office where you will pick up your hire car (included in your tour price). Check into your hotel and the rest of the day is free to enjoy the hotel amenities and explore the sights of Ishigaki.

You will stay in the Fusaki Resort village in Ishigaki which is situated on Fusaki Beach on the west coast of Ishigaki Island, with marine sports and beautiful sunsets on our doorstep, this resort's cottages feature traditional red Okinawan roof tiles.

Stay in the Fusaki Resort village in Ishigaki

Day 2 Ishigaki (Breakfast, Dinner)

A free day to explore the small island of Ishigaki by yourself in your rental car. We recommend visiting the beautiful sandy beach at Kabira Bay and taking a Glass bottom boat to see the fantastic variety of coral and tropical fish species. We also recommend visiting a traditional textile weavers where you can try traditional Yaeyama weaving yourself. Other options include Diving or Snorkelling. We can help you book any of the above optional activities if you require.

Your rental car is to be return before 19:00.

Stay in the Fusaki Resort village in Ishigaki

Day 3 Ishigaki - Iriomote Island Jungle adventure- Kohama Island (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

In the morning we depart your hotel by Shuttle Bus to the Port where we take a ferry boat across crystal waters to the jungle island of Iriomote. Upon arrival we transfers to the river docking point and get ready for our exciting day canoeing and trekking through the spectacular jungles of Iriomote (bring swimsuit, towel and change of clothes). Iriomotes untouched rain forests and unique wildlife is home to many rare species only found on this small island (including the Iriomote Wildcat). It is for this reason that a growing interest from Eco-tourists and nature lovers are choosing to explore the Galapagos of Asia.

Our jungle adventure starts by canoeing down the river for about 20 minutes to our landing point, where we start our jungle trek seeing the fantastic wildlife and natural scenery along the way. Eventually we arrive at the spectacular Sangara waterfall where we have a Bento box lunch and some free time to enjoy the natural surroundings. Later we begin trekking back to where we moored our canoes and return by canoe to the river docking point.

After the tour transfer to the port and take a ferry boat to Kohama Island and transfer to our hotel in the evening

Stay in Haimurubushi Resort Hotel in Kohama.

Day 4 Iriomote Jungle adventure - Kohama Island (Breakfast, Dinner)

Today is a free day to enjoy the many amenities at the Haimurubushi Resort Hotel, which is located near to a beautiful sandy beach in large grounds where you can see water buffalo bathing, rare wild flowers, tropical plants and unique wildlife. You can also enjoy a onsen spa in the evening to relax. The grounds are so big you can hire a bicycle or golf cart to explore. Optional Activities include marine activities including snorkelling & diving.

The island is famous for diving with Manta Rays who frequent the area. However Snorkeling amongst the islands extensive tropical coral reefs is a must. The wide variety of different types of corals living close together is unique and they are home to an abundance of colourful tropical fish species.

In the evenings another surprise awaits! As on all the Yaeyama Islands the night sky is literally filled with stars. This is due to the remote location of the Islands being far away from polluted cities and streetlights, but also because of their geographic location making seeing distance constellations possible. It would also not be unusual for a parade of miniature crabs to be seen crossing your path as you stroll around the scenic and well maintained hotel grounds.

Stay in the Haimurubushi resort Hotel in Kohama

Day 5 Kohama Island - Taketomi Island (Breakfast, Dinner)

Free time to relax before we depart Kohama. We take a Shuttle Bus to the main Ferry terminal, where we board our ferry Boat to Taketomi Island (about 10 minutes). This island has become one of the most well known among the Yaeyama Islands, due its preservation of historical Okinawan culture. The island has a circumference of 9.2 km with a population of about 329.

Upon arrival on Taketomi island we have a leisurely mini bus tour of the island. We also enjoy an exotic ride in a water buffalo cart (Suigyusha) wandering through the narrow lanes of the local villages with their traditional red tiled roofs characteristics of traditional Okinawan houses. Travel by Buffalo cart was once the only transportation available on the island.

Later you have an opportunity to explore the peaceful island on your own by bicycle. Taketomi many unique sights include the magical 'Star Sand Beach', where as the name implies has star sand, which is actually formed from skeletons of tiny marine creatures. Another beautiful location is Kondoi beach, which has unspoilt white sand in contrast to the multi shades of blue ocean. The vegetation surrounding the beach is also a favourite spot for many species of butterfly and depending upon the season you may see a multitude of them eating and frolicking on the sand. Other places of interest include the Folkart Centre where you can see the beautiful Minsa weaving of Taketomi Island as well as other textiles unique to the culture of the Yaeyama Islands.

Stay in the Vila Taketomi on Taketomi Island

Day 6 Taketomi - Ishigaki Island (Breakfast)

Today you have free time to enjoy the coastal areas of Kohama until taking the ferry boat back to Ishigaki in time for your flight. Upon arrival at Ishigaki port you will be transferred to the Ishigaki airport by our guide ready for your onward flight. Numerous flights are available from Ishigaki direct to Naha in Okinawa, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai or Osaka and many other destinations. Therefore tour extensions can be provided to suit your requirements.

Tour is as Magical Yaeyama tour Option B, but staying at the Nirakanai Resort hotel in Kohama on day 3 and 4 (2 nights).

The Nirakanai Resort hotel is an Asian-style cottage resort and is a paradise of bliss and rejuvenation. It also offers an observatory with a beautiful view of Lake Sekiseisho and access to a beautiful seaside golf course nestled amidst natural surroundings.

Departure Dates & Prices (£)

Prices are based upon two people sharing. Prices can vary during high season / festival periods in Okinawa. Please contact us for price confirmation applicable to your preferred departure date.

We also arrange private tours or tailor made departures according to this itinerary, please contact us to discuss your requirement.

Price Includes (The prices shown above are 'per person')

• Ferry transfers to each island and all airport/hotel transfers.
• Car Hire (where stated)
• Small group sightseeing tours (including entrance fee) by professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Selections of luxury hotel accommodation in well furnished rooms with private facilities.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.

Price Does Not Include

• International Flight
• Optional Excursions
• Travel Insurance

Our Hotel Accommodation: We take a great deal of time and effort to source our hotel selection in each location. The hotels we have chosen are of luxury standard and provide both great amenities, with ecological ideals. Many also have Onsen hot spring facilities.

Flights: Direct flights to Ishigaki in Yaeyama are available from many international cities including Naha in Okinawa, Taipei, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai or Osaka and many other destinations. We can therefore help you arrange a longer tour if you require in any of these destinations.

As agents of airline consolidators, we can obtain international and domestic flights in various class seats with many reputable airlines. We can also provide flights from many UK regional airports and depends on availability we will try to arrange direct flight when possible, however allocation can be limited. If you wish to be booked on a particular airline, please specify at the time of booking (supplement may apply). Alternatively, for the cheapest deal we recommend you book your international flights at time of booking, as this can save you £££s off your final holiday price.

The itinerary is designed according to the most updated information of flights available, although on rare occasions the sequence in which cities are visited, duration of time spent can change due to local conditions which are out of our control. The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary, although we will act in your best interests to handle any amendments. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.