Yaeyama Islands

The Yaeyama Islands are a subtropical island group in the southwestern part of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, consisting of several inhabited islands and many small islets. They are known for coral reefs, mangrove forests and a warm climate.

Major islands include Ishigaki, Iriomote and Yonaguni, each offering different experiences - from transport hubs and beaches to dense interior wilderness and diving sites. The region is popular for snorkeling, diving, kayaking through mangroves and island-hopping by ferry.

Settlement patterns and infrastructure vary widely across the islands, with Ishigaki serving as the main transport hub while some islands remain sparsely developed and protected for their natural environments. Local economies rely on tourism, fishing and agriculture.

The archipelago lies roughly 400-700 kilometres southwest of Okinawa’s main island, closer to Taiwan than to the Japanese mainland, set in the East China Sea with warm oceanic currents and coral reef systems.

• Marine life: The islands form a subtropical archipelago with coral reefs, mangroves and rich marine biodiversity; snorkeling and diving are major activities.
• Best time to visit: Typhoon season runs roughly from late summer into autumn, which affects ferry services and outdoor plans; the main visitor season is spring to early summer and autumn shoulder months.

What to See #

• Ishigaki: Ishigaki Island is the commercial and transport hub of the group, hosting the main airport and ferry connections and serving as the usual gateway for visitors.
• Iriomote: Iriomote is largely covered by subtropical forest and mangroves and is known for its rivers, waterfalls and low-density settlements with limited road access.
• Yonaguni: Yonaguni lies at the western edge of the archipelago and is notable for deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and submerged rock formations off its coast.