Yaeyama Islands - The last paradiseEco-tourism around the beautiful islands2013.03.

Positioned at the southern-most point of Japan are the beautiful Yaeyama Islands. Scattered around the central Ishigaki Island are a number of beautiful coral reefs that rival the best in the world. The people of the islands continue to lead a simple lifestyle while keeping their traditions from long ago. In addition, the unique ecosystem is home to a number of exotic plants and animals starting with the protected “Iriomote Yamaneko (Iriomote Mountain Cat)”. The Yaeyama Islands truly are Japan’s last paradise.

The eco-tourism island – Iriomote Island

Covered by subtropical jungle for up to 90% of its area is Iriomote Island. Fascinated by the magnificence of the environment unchanged since ancient times, many people come to visit. “A long time ago, this island was unsuitable for people to live on. My father’s generation came from the main Okinawa Island and other smaller islands, and worked hard to develop the land.” This story was told to us by Mr. Takemori, who is the manager of Iriomote Island’s oldest ryokan. Starting with the Special Natural Treasure “Iriomote Yamaneko”, the large mangrove forests house many exotic plants and animals which have led to the island being called “the Oriental Galapagos.” In order for the islanders to help preserve and co-exist with the precious environment, they established Japan’s first eco-tourism association. Mr. Takemori is one of the founding members. “While protecting the island culture and lifestyle handed down by our forefathers, connect with future generations” is the ideal that the association operates on. In addition, the “Takemori Inn” serves as a base for tourists visiting the island as well as people who come to study the plants and animals. If you stay here, while enjoying the hand-made food and hospitality, you may be able to hear stories about the island’s history and nature.

Takemori Inn

Address: 36-5 Haiminaka, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama, Okinawa
TEL: 0980-85-5357
Access: Welcome bus service from Iriomote Island’s Ohara Port

Living together with water buffaloes on Yubu Island

Yubu Island is a tiny island of around 2 km in circumference, located just a few hundred meters offshore from Iriomote Island. On this island, the locals live a half self-sufficient life together with water buffaloes. The shoals between the two islands are shallow enough that water buffalo attached to carts are used to make crossings. Passengers can slowly ride in the gently bobbling water buffalo cart to cross in around 10-15 minutes. During this time, the driver will talk about the history of the islands and sing Okinawan folk songs while playing the sanshin (a three stringed instrument). In that history, many people once lived on the island, but due to damage from typhoons, most of them left. However, the only three groups of families who stayed planted coconut trees and flowers, raised animals such as water buffaloes, and presently continue to live on the island. Riding in the water buffalo cart and briefly getting in touch with the beautiful nature of the southern seas would surely be a precious experience.

A biological miracle – the Iriomote Yamaneko

(C)Iriomote wildlife conservation center

(C)Iriomote wildlife conservation center

The symbol of Iriomote Island’s environment is the precious “Iriomote Yamaneko”. Discovered in 1965, and registered as a new species of the cat family in 1967, it has been dubbed “20th century’s greatest discovery.” Presently it is said that there are only 100 or less of these cats living on the island, so in order to prevent their extinction, the island works hard to protect them. The focus of these efforts occurs at the “Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center” where various Yamaneko biological research and study activities are carried out in order to preserve the species. To the Yamaneko, the most serious problem is falling victim to road accidents caused by cars. In response, measures are employed such as having the speed limited to 40 km/h on the Iriomote-jima roads and installing warning signs. Also, at the same center, starting with the Iriomote Yamaneko, there is an exhibition on wild flora and fauna where you can learn all about their ecology and special characteristics. And if you’re really really lucky, you just might be able to see an Iriomote Yamaneko in the wild.

Set out on a remote jungle tour

On Iriomote Island, various interactive eco-tourism programs have been prepared. The best representatives of this are cruise, boat and canoe river tours on the Nakama-gawa River, which possesses Japan’s largest mangrove forest, and the Urauchi-gawa River, which is Okinawa’s largest river. With plentiful reserves of water resources, Iriomote Island features many waterfalls. Tours that go through the jungle to view these waterfalls are also very popular. There are hiking courses ranging from simple enough for a beginner wearing sneakers to serious steep mountain paths that require guides, so you can participate according to your level. At night, you can observe the wonderful night sky filled up with stars. And, you can also enjoy marine activities such as diving and snorkeling in the beautiful waters around the coral reefs, which you’ll never grow tired of.

Islands floating on the coral reef like beautiful pearls

Stretching between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island is an area of ocean known as the “Sekisei Reef”, which is Japan’s largest coral reef. In these waters lie a number of beautiful little pearl-like islands. On Taketomi Island, the red tiled roofs built in the traditional Okinawan way still remain due to the conservation efforts of the islanders. As a store of various traditional cultural elements such as singing of folk songs, performing arts, handicraft and other customs, you can really feel the roots of the Okinawan region here. Kohama Island has become famous nationally as the location setting for the early 00’s drama “Churasan”. In the center of the island is a small mountain about 100m tall called Mt. Ufudaki which serves as a fantastic viewpoint from which you can cast your eyes across the beautiful coral reef waters and the Yaeyama Islands.

Appealing to the world with the spirit of good service – The New Ishigaki Airport

On March 7th 2013, the newly built New Ishigaki Airport commenced service. Compared to the previous airport, the runway is extended to allow mid-sized jets to land, markedly improving the access to Ishigaki Island, gateway to the Yaeyama Islands. In the near future, it is expected that low cost carriers and international flights to Asia will also make use of the airport, which will further advance the acceptance of international visitors.
In line with the opening of the New Ishigaki Airport, local PR activities are in effect, and are also gaining attention through the internet. The popular music groups “BEGIN” and “Kiiyama Shoten” from Ishigaki have written PR songs with accompanying music videos featuring islanders dancing and singing which have become big hits on the internet and a hot topic. Starting with Ishigaki Island, the people of the Yaeyama Islands are waiting to receive international visitors with their generous spirit.

Access to the Yaeyama Islands

Ishigaki Island: Approx. 60 minutes flight from Naha Airport
Iriomote Island: Approx. 35-40 minutes by boat from Ishigaki port
Taketomi Island: Approx. 10 minutes by boat from Ishigaki port
Kohama Island: Approx. 25 minutes by boat from Ishigaki port