Yaeyama Islands & Japan's Westernmost Frontier
Using Ishigaki as a base, stay on Taketomi and Iriomote islands, then fly to Yonaguni to see the westernmost cliffs.
Slower than a one-day island-hopping tour: stay one night on Taketomi to experience the village after sunset, stay two nights on Iriomote to explore forests and waterfalls, and finally spend two nights on Yonaguni. This itinerary involves multiple island transfers by ferry and small plane, making it ideal for those who are already familiar with Okinawa or want an in-depth island experience. Hateruma Island is excluded due to rough seas and high ferry cancellation rates, but you can add a night in Ishigaki to visit if you have extra time.
The Uehara ferry route is prone to cancellations from October to March. To see hammerhead sharks, you must visit in winter when water temperatures are low.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival in Ishigaki Downtown
Ishigaki & Yaeyama Islands（Ishigaki Public Market、Miyara Dunchi）
Take a bus from Painushima Ishigaki Airport to the port area (about 40 minutes). The downtown area is easily walkable.
Stay: Ishigaki Port Area
Day 2 · Ishigaki Island Northern Loop
Ishigaki & Yaeyama Islands（Tamatorizaki Observatory、Cape Hirakubo Lighthouse、Yonehara Beach、Kabira Bay）
Rent a car for a one-day island loop. It takes about 1 hour from downtown to Hirakubo, and about 3 hours in total returning via Yonehara and Kabira.
Stay: Ishigaki Port Area
Day 3 · Overnight on Taketomi Island
Ishigaki & Yaeyama Islands（Taketomi Island Village & Water Buffalo Cart、Kondoi Beach、Kaiji Beach (Star Sand Beach)）
Take a 10 to 15-minute ferry from Ishigaki Port to Taketomi. Explore the island on foot or rent a bicycle.
Accommodations on the island are limited and must be booked in advance. The island is quietest after day-trippers leave.
Stay: Taketomi Island
Day 4 · Transfer to Iriomote Island North Coast
Ishigaki & Yaeyama Islands（Urauchi River & Mariudu Falls、Hoshizuna Beach, Iriomote）
Return to Ishigaki Port and transfer to a ferry to Uehara (about 40 minutes). Take a bus or rent a car to Urauchi River upon arrival.
If the Uehara ferry is cancelled, travel to Ohara Port instead and take the free shuttle bus (about 1 hour).
Stay: Uehara, Iriomote Island
Day 5 · Pinaisara Falls Forest Day
Ishigaki & Yaeyama Islands（Pinaisara Falls）
Join a guided tour with pickup from Uehara. Kayak and hike to the waterfall, taking up most of the day.
The waterfall area requires a registered guide and has visitor limits; book as early as possible.
Stay: Uehara, Iriomote Island
Day 6 · Yubu Island & Nakama River to Ishigaki
Ishigaki & Yaeyama Islands（Yubu Island、Nakama River Mangroves, Iriomote）
Take a bus along the east coast to the Ohara area (about 1 hour). Take a ferry from Ohara Port back to Ishigaki in the afternoon (about 35 minutes).
Yubu Island water buffalo carts are affected by tides and weather; confirm before departure.
Stay: Ishigaki Port Area
Day 7 · Fly to Yonaguni & Explore the East
Yonaguni（Tindabana、Sanninudai & Gunkan-iwa、Tachigami Rock、Cape Agarizaki & Yonaguni Horses）
Fly from Ishigaki to Yonaguni (about 30 minutes, approx. 3 flights daily). Rent a car to explore the eastern half of the island.
Ferries are infrequent, prone to cancellations, and cause severe seasickness; this itinerary relies on flights.
Stay: Sonai
Day 8 · Underwater Ruins & South Coast
Yonaguni（Yonaguni Monument、Ayamihabiru-kan、Nanta Beach）
Drive about 10 minutes from Sonai to the port. Head out to sea in the morning, and enjoy a short tour on the island in the afternoon.
The underwater ruins can be visited by diving or semi-submersible boat. Booking in advance is required; tours are cancelled in strong winds.
Stay: Sonai
Day 9 · Westernmost Point & Fly back to Ishigaki
Yonaguni（Dr. Koto Clinic Set、Kubura Port & Kubura-bari、Cape Irizaki）
Explore the western part of the island for about half a day. Return the car and fly back to Painushima Ishigaki Airport (about 30 minutes) to connect to your next flight.
Small planes are easily affected by wind; do not book tight connections with the last flight of the day.