Yonaguni
Island Far-western Ryukyu island with submerged ruins
Japan’s westernmost inhabited island, Yonaguni offers subtropical seas and acclaimed dive sites, including the submerged Yonaguni Monument. Visitors come for scuba, boat trips to coral reefs, local Ryukyuan-influenced food and quiet village roads.
Yonaguni is the westernmost inhabited island of Japan, part of the Yaeyama group in Okinawa Prefecture, and is known for distinctive coastal topography and underwater features. The island is small and sparsely populated compared with other Okinawan islands.
A main attraction is the underwater Yonaguni Monument, a series of submerged terraces and large rock faces frequented by divers. The island also offers rugged coastal scenery and local fishing ports that serve visiting dive boats.
The island has long been inhabited by Ryukyuan peoples and later came under the administrative control of modern Okinawa Prefecture. Its underwater formations were first widely publicized by divers in the late 20th century and since then have attracted scientific and recreational attention.
Yonaguni sits at the far western end of the Ryukyu (Nansei) island chain, close to the Taiwan coast, and is reached by air or ferry from other islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
- Diving access: Diving operations run from the island's small harbors; many dive sites are suitable for experienced divers due to currents and depth.
What to See #
- Yonaguni Monument: A submerged rock formation off the island's west coast featuring terraces, straight-edged steps and large flat surfaces that are a popular dive site and subject of debate over natural versus man-made origin.
How to Get to Yonaguni #
Yonaguni is reached primarily by air from Ishigaki (New Ishigaki Airport). Flight time is about 30-40 minutes; airlines include Ryukyu Air Commuter and Japan Air Commuter (schedules vary seasonally). A slower alternative is the ferry from Ishigaki, which can take several hours and runs less frequently.
Once on the island, dive operators typically meet visitors at Yonaguni Port (Yonaguni-mura). There is a single main road; most dive shops will arrange local transfers to the harbor.
Tips for Visiting Yonaguni #
- Book a dive or snorkel with a Yonaguni-certified operator from Ishigaki - local captains know the currents and the best approach to the Monument.
- Plan for early-morning departures: winds typically pick up in the afternoon and can cancel dives.
- Bring a waterproof camera and a good torch; the stone faces and terraces of the submerged formations resolve best in oblique light.
- Ask your operator about tide and current schedules - some dives require brief drift segments and a surface pickup.
Best Time to Visit Yonaguni #
Best visited in the cooler months (December-April) when underwater visibility is highest and day boats are most reliable.
Weather & Climate near Yonaguni #
Yonaguni's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 16°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2422 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (193 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (175 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (221 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (185 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (215 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (284 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (257 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (254 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
