Enjoy a Tropical Paradise in the Yaeyama Islands

Choose from a number of tour itineraries featuring Japan’s southernmost islands

Visitors can enjoy tours in and around the Yaeyama Islands, the southernmost archipelago of Japan, led by Hirata Tourism. The tours range from marine activities to trekking to just relaxing at a spectacular white sand beach.

Each of the Yaeyama islands is unique, with its own charms and unusual sights. Taketomi Island, for example, is known for its charming village of traditional houses or red tiled roofs and coral sand roads—as well as the seemingly endless lagoon of Kondoi Beach. Iriomote Island is known for its mangrove forests—great for kayaking or paddle boarding. Barasu Island is for snorkeling or just soaking in the sun, and other tours offer rides on the traditional buffalo-drawn carriages, or trekking the unspoiled jungle paths.

Ishigaki Island’s Kabira Bay is celebrated for the underwater views from its glass-bottomed boats. Pottery lovers can explore local kilns, where the shiisa, the fierce lion-god figures that stand guard over the island’s homes, are made. Local sake distilleries accept visitors, as do many traditional artisans, like the local weavers.

Visitors can arrange tours from the time of arrival, including taxi services and English-speaking guides. Besides regularly scheduled tours there are also tailor-made itineraries to meet any special interests.

From Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, there are regularly scheduled flights by several airlines to Ishigaki Island 3.5 hours.

HIRATA TOURISM, Inc