Day Trips in Ishigaki

Discover a different side of Japan on a full-day tour to three Okinawa Islands: Iriomote, Yubu and Taketomi islands. Part of the Ryukyu Islands chain, the Okinawan islands inspire comparisons to Hawaii or Southeast Asia due to their subtropical climate, natural beauty and distinct culture. Your tour includes a cruise through the mangroves of the Nakama River, a ride in a buffalo cart, tours of a well-preserved Ryukyu village and botanical garden, listening to traditional Okinawan songs and a stop at the famous Star Sand beach on Taketomi.

Discover the delights of subtropical Japan on a day trip to Iriomote and Yubu islands. After leaving Ishigaki by ferry, dock on Iriomote, the jungle-covered island with dense mangrove forests, ringed by sandy bays. See it all on a cruise along Nakama River, and then cross the shallow waters to neighboring Yubu by water buffalo cart. Here, you'll visit a botanical garden to learn about the island's plant life. Lunch and ferry transport are both included.

Check off three of the far-flung Yaeyama islands during a day-long trip from Ishigaki. Visiting the remote outpost of Iriomote plus Yubu and Kohama islands, the experience includes different activities on each isle. Cruise through Iriomote's mangroves; ride on a water buffalo cart through Yubu, with local 'sanshin' music ringing in your ears; and enjoy lunch and a quick island tour of Kohama. Want to see even more? Upgrade to visit nearby Taketomi, where Ryūkyū houses and coral beaches beckon.

Experience Okinawa-style beach bliss with this independent day trip to Taketomi, a tiny isle in the Yaeyama island chain. Festooned with Ryūkyū relics and culture, Taketomi also boasts some of the most seductive beaches in Japan, making it an ideal spot for a day trip. Use your time on the island to kick back on Kondoi Beach, or scout out Taketomi's artisan shops and eateries by bike - motor vehicles are rare on this idyllic atoll. Round-trip ferry transport from Ishigaki is included.