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  7. Okinawa, Japan Island Hopping Day Tour｜Iriomote Island & Yubu Island｜Depart from Ishigaki Island
Product #38531
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A blue and white high-speed ferry cruises through the emerald waters near Okinawa's Iriomote Island, showcasing the transportation for the Ishigaki Island hopping day tour.
A pebble-strewn path winds through lush tropical plants and vibrant pink bougainvillea on Yubu Island, showcasing the island's pristine natural scenery.
Colorful water buffalo carts are parked on Yubu Island's sandy beach, set against majestic mountains and a cloudy sky, ready to offer visitors a unique sea-crossing experience.
A white ferry, marked "Southern Paradise," sails across the clear blue waters between Okinawa's Iriomote and Yubu Islands, offering a comfortable island-hopping transport experience.
A large blue and white sightseeing ferry is docked at Okinawa's Ishigaki Island port, ready to transport tourists to Iriomote and Yubu Islands for an exciting island hopping day tour.

Okinawa, Japan Island Hopping Day Tour｜Iriomote Island & Yubu Island｜Depart from Ishigaki Island

Japan-Okinawa , Okinawa Islands , Iriomote Island , Ishigaki Island , Yubushima Island , Nakama River
4.8Excellent
Sold 100+
Booking confirmation: within 4 days before the departure
Duration:6 hour(s) 50 min(s)
Guided language: 日本語
Free cancellation 6 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site
  • Departing from Ishigaki Island, we offer tours all year round regardless of season.
  • Popular route for everyone from children to the elderly to explore Iriomote Island and Yubu Island
  • Round trip ferry tickets, mobile car, lunch, buffalo cart price are all included
  • Experience the unique charm of Okinawa's outlying islands, a relaxing and healing island hopping trip that you can't miss
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Package Options

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Sightseeing Tours

Tour TypeShared tour
Transportation methodGet there on your own
Minimum participant requirement2 travelers
Meal arrangementArrange yourself
Sightseeing typeNatural sights, Eco-tourism
TransportSightseeing cruise

Product Info

The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.

- Itinerary Introduction -

  • Iriomote Island is the largest island in the Yaeyama Islands of the Ryukyu Islands, and the second largest in the group. Known as the "Amazon of the East," Iriomote Island experiences a tropical monsoon maritime climate with an average annual temperature of 23.4°C. Subtropical virgin jungle covers over nine-tenths of the island's area. With luck, you can spot rare animals like the Iriomote cat, as well as rare plants like the natural monument Sakimasu and palm trees.
  • The lower reaches of the Nakama River are designated as natural monuments by both the national government and Okinawa Prefecture, while the upper reaches are designated as an ecologically protected area. Heading upstream, the first thing you'll see is Japan's largest mangrove forest. Continuing upstream, you'll see the Sakishima Soboki, a tree said to be 400 years old. The scenery from the estuary to the lower reaches changes dramatically with the ebb and flow of the tide.
  • Yubu Island is located between Iriomote Island and Kohama Island, just east of Iriomote Island. Formed by the accumulation of sea sand, the sea between Yubu and Iriomote Island is only about one meter deep at high tide. Therefore, buffalo carts are often used for transportation between the two islands, making them a popular tourist attraction. Crossing the sea to the other side by oxcart takes only about 20 minutes.
  • Yufu Botanical Garden: Yufu Island suffered devastating damage from a typhoon in 1969, resulting in the deaths of many residents. The remaining residents relocated to Iriomote Island. While most residents moved to Iriomote Island, Iriomote Masaharu and his wife remained on the island and continued to cultivate plants, creating what is now Yufu Island's "Subtropical Natural Flora and Fauna Paradise."
  • Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center

The Wildlife Conservation Center is the base for Iriomote Island's wild cat conservation activities! You can see specimens of the rare Iriomote wild cat and other creatures of Iriomote Island, as well as video footage.

* The Wildlife Conservation Center may be closed on closed days, during crowded hours, during local events, or during taxidermy. In these cases, the tour will proceed directly to the pier. Please understand. The Wildlife Conservation Center is closed on Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, it will be the following Tuesday), June 23rd (Memorial Day), and the year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th to January 3rd). * It may also be closed temporarily due to local events or taxidermy.


Purchase Notice

  • One adult can bring one child aged 0-6 years old for free (no seat occupied, no lunch included). However, if one adult brings two children, the second child will need to purchase a separate child ticket. Please note.
  • If entry to the island is prohibited due to special festivals, the trip will be cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.
  • If the itinerary is canceled due to force majeure such as sea conditions, we will notify you in advance via your email address. Please check your spam folder and confirm the "Operation Status" on the official website before departure.

Reminders

  • A minimum of 2 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date

  • In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 16:00). Notifications will then be sent via email

  • Please arrive at the designated location 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time

  • Meals are not included for children under the age of 6

  • For those who wish to go to the meeting point on their own, please arrive 20 minutes before the departure time.

  • If there are special festivals on the island and entry is prohibited, the trip will be cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.

  • Please note that the itinerary content and sequence may be changed depending on the weather and sea conditions on the day of the experience.

  • If you are unable to arrive at the meeting point on time due to personal reasons, no refund will be provided. Please note.

  • Please arrive at the Yaeyama Tourist Forum counter at the Ishigaki Port terminal in advance. Please do not be late. If you are unable to participate in this tour due to personal reasons, you will not be able to cancel or change the tour. Please understand. Yaeyama Tourist Forum Address: 1 Misaki-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture

  • The itinerary includes a visit to the Iriomote Island Wildlife Conservation Center. Due to unforeseen circumstances, such as when the center is closed, crowded, hosting an event, or taxidermy, admission may be unavailable and the tour will proceed directly to the pier.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 6 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–5 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

FAQ

1. What are the main attractions and activities included when visiting Iriomote Island on a day tour?

The day tour to Iriomote Island primarily focuses on exploring its rich natural environment. A key highlight is the cruise along the Nakama River, where you can admire vast mangrove forests, which are a designated national natural monument. Visitors also experience a unique buffalo cart ride across the shallow sea to Yubu Island, enjoying the serene island atmosphere and distinct ecosystem.

2. How do visitors travel between Iriomote Island and Yubu Island during the tour?

A distinctive and memorable part of the tour is the journey between Iriomote Island and Yubu Island. Visitors transfer via a traditional buffalo cart, which crosses a shallow stretch of sea. This unique mode of transportation allows for a leisurely, picturesque ride, offering a charming experience distinct from typical city travel.

3. From which island does the Iriomote and Yubu Island day tour primarily depart?

The island hopping day tour to Iriomote Island and Yubu Island conveniently departs from Ishigaki Island. Participants typically gather at Ishigaki Port, from where a ferry takes them directly to Iriomote Island, marking the start of their exploration of Okinawa's southern outlying islands.

4. Is the Iriomote Island and Yubu Island day tour suitable for families with children or elderly participants?

Yes, this island hopping tour is designed to be enjoyable for a wide range of visitors, including families with children and elderly participants. The pace is generally relaxing, and the activities, such as the Nakama River cruise and the buffalo cart ride, are popular and accessible, making it a comfortable and healing experience for all ages.

5. Can visitors expect to stay overnight on Iriomote Island or Yubu Island after completing the day tour?

This specific offering is a day tour designed for round-trip travel from Ishigaki Island. While both Iriomote Island and Yubu Island do have limited accommodation options, staying overnight is not included in this particular day tour package. Visitors wishing to stay longer would need to arrange separate accommodation and transportation.

6. What kind of natural scenery can be observed during the Nakama River mangrove cruise on Iriomote Island?

The Nakama River mangrove cruise on Iriomote Island offers a captivating journey through one of Japan's largest mangrove ecosystems. You can observe dense forests of various mangrove species, rich with unique flora and fauna. The tranquil river environment provides opportunities to spot diverse birdlife and appreciate the untouched natural beauty of the sub-tropical landscape.

7. What are the typical inclusions provided in the Iriomote Island and Yubu Island day tour package?

The day tour package for Iriomote Island and Yubu Island is comprehensive. It generally includes round-trip ferry tickets between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island, local mobile car transportation on Iriomote, lunch, and the buffalo cart ride fare for the transfer to Yubu Island. These inclusions ensure a seamless and worry-free island hopping experience.

8. During which seasons is the Iriomote Island and Yubu Island day tour available for booking?

The Iriomote Island and Yubu Island day tour is available throughout the year, regardless of the specific season. Its popularity stems from the ability to enjoy the unique charm of Okinawa's outlying islands and their natural beauty year-round. This allows for flexible travel planning to experience this relaxing island hopping trip.

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