Yonaguni Island

The westernmost island of Japan

#4 of 4 most visited in Yaeyama Islands

Yonaguni Island (�^�ߍ��, Yonaguni-jima) is the westernmost island of Japan. It is located in Okinawa Prefecture and is a part of the Yaeyama Islands. The small island has a circumference of about 30 kilometers and a population of under 2000 people. It is known for marine activities like scuba diving and its native fauna, which includes the Atlas moth and Yonaguni horse.

The main attractions for scuba divers are large numbers of migrating hammerhead sharks that can be seen around the island between late November and May, and the unique "underwater ruins", known as the Yonaguni Monument. The underwater stone formations appear geometrically so perfect that there is a debate to whether they are natural or man-made.

Prices for single dives for certified divers start from about 12,000 yen and typically include a guide, transport, tank and weights. Trial dives are available for non-certified divers, and the prices typically start from 20,000 yen including all equipment and gear. Note that trial dives to the underwater monument cost around 30,000 yen but are not recommended for beginners due to strong currents.

Numerous beaches can be found along the island's coast, offering clear waters for swimming. Unlike the other Yaeyama Islands, Yonaguni does not have much coral reef, but is exposed to the sea and its currents. Swimmers enter at their own risk.

Yonaguni is home to the Yonaguni horse, a native Japanese breed. These pony-sized horses have brown hair and were originally used for riding. Today they are protected and allowed to roam freely in the three pastures near the villages. Texas gates, a grid of slates above a depression on the road, act as a barrier and deter the horses from leaving the pastures.

There are three villages on the island: Sonai in the north, Kubura in the west and Higawa in the south. The most populous village is Sonai, followed by the fishing village of Kubura. Higawa has only around 100 inhabitants.

Below are some of the attractions on Yonaguni:

Westernmost Point and Irizaki Lighthouse

The western cape of Yonaguni and some stones in the water off the cape make up Japan's westernmost point. As such, it is also the last place in the country to see the sunset. Irizaki Lighthouse and a monument celebrating the extreme point can be found at the cape. Taiwan can be seen just over 100 kilometers across the sea in the distance when visibility is good.
Agarizaki Lighthouse

The Agarizaki Lighthouse stands at the opposite end of the island, at the eastern cape of Yonaguni. It is surrounded by spectacular, high sea cliffs. Iriomote Island can be seen in the distance when visibility is good. The pony-sized, native Yonaguni horses are often seen roaming the pastures around the Agarizaki Lighthouse.
Gunkan and Tategami rocks

The coast southeast of Yonaguni's western cape continues to offer a spectacular scenery with rugged terrain, high sea cliffs and numerous notable rock formations. Of interest are the Gunkan-iwa, a stout and imposing rock named after a warship, and Tategami-iwa, a tall candle-shaped rock. There are multiple lookout points along the road.
Tindabana Viewpoint

Tindabana is rock outcrop that towers about 85 meters above the village of Sonai. A lookout point in the outcrop offers panoramic views of the village, the nearby Nanta Beach and the East China Sea. The viewpoint is reached via a 200 meter long walking trail along the cliff from the nearest parking lot.
Atlas Moth Museum

Hours: 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: 500 yen
Closed: Tuesdays, national holidays and New Year holidays

The Atlas Moth Museum (Ayamibabiru-kan) is located in the middle of the eastern half of Yonaguni. The museum showcases the Atlas Moth - or Ayamibabiru as it is known locally - which is the largest moth in the world. The museum introduces the habitat of the tropical moth, and visitors will be able to see them up close as well.
Dr. Koto Clinic

Hours: 9:00 to 18:00
Admission: 300 yen
Closed: No closing days

The Dr. Koto Clinic served as the location setting for a highly popular TV drama of the same name that ran from 2003 to 2006. The small building stands near the beach on the eastern end of Higawa village. Visitors can see props and material used in the drama.

Yonaguni is about equally close to Taiwan as to Ishigaki; however, the only way to access Yonaguni is from Naha or Ishigaki, the main transportation hubs of the Okinawa Islands and the Yaeyama Islands respectively.

How to get to Yonaguni Island

By air from Naha (how to get to Naha)

Ryukyu Air Commuter (RAC), a member of the JAL Group, operates one daily flight between Naha Airport and Yonaguni Airport. Flight duration is around 75 minutes. The regular one way fare is about 45,000 yen, while discount fares are usually available for around 20,000 yen.

By air from Ishigaki (how to get to Ishigaki)

Ryukyu Air Commuter (RAC), a member of the JAL Group, operates three daily flights between Ishigaki Airport and Yonaguni Airport. Flight duration is around 30 minutes. The regular one way fare costs about 17,000 yen, while discount fares are usually available for about 13,000 yen.

By ferry from Ishigaki (how to get to Ishigaki)

Twice weekly, a car ferry makes the journey between Ishigaki and Kubura Port on the western end of Yonaguni Island. The one way journey takes about 4 hours and costs 3610 yen. A round trip fare is available for 6860 yen and must be used within 14 days. The cost for bringing an average sized car onto the ferry is about 30,000 yen one way.

How to get around Yonaguni Island

There is one road that runs along the perimeter of Yonaguni Island and connects Yonaguni Airport, the three villages and most of the island's attractions with each other, as well as a few roads that cross the island.

A free community bus runs about once every two hours along the western half of the island and serves the three villages. Besides the public bus, rental vehicles like cars and mopeds are available on the island. A compact car costs about 5000 yen per day, while a moped costs about 3000 yen. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Rental bicycles are available from the rental shops or from your accommodation. It takes about three to four hours to cycle around the island, and an electric-assisted bicycle is recommended due to the distance and hilly terrain in some parts of the island. It costs between 2000 and 3500 yen to rent a bicycle for 24 hours.

How to get to and around the Yaeyama Islands

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- Lulaliya
  Budget-friendly
  
  Set in Ishigaki Island, 300 metres from Kabira Bay, Lulaliya features air-conditioned rooms and free private parking. The bed and breakfast has a barbecue and sun terrace, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Some units feature a seating area for your convenience. Extras include slippers, free toiletries and a hair dryer. Lulaliya features free WiFi throughout the property. There is a shared lounge at the property. Sukuji Beach is 1.9 km from Lulaliya, while Yonehara Beach is 5 km away. The nearest airport is New Ishigaki Airport, 13 km from Lulaliya.
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- Joya
  Mid-range
  
  Set in Ishigaki Island in the Ishigaki Region, 200 metres from Kabira Bay, Joya features a sun terrace. Free private parking is available on site. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a bath. Joya features free WiFi. There is a shared lounge at the property. Sukuji Beach is 1.9 km from Joya, while Yonehara Beach is 5 km away. New Ishigaki Airport is 13 km from the property.
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- Beach Village Nosoko
  Budget-friendly
  
  Set 2.6 km from Idona Beach, Beach Village Nosoko offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The accommodation features a hot tub. Each unit is fitted with a terrace offering sea views, a satellite flat-screen TV, a dining area, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. A fridge, a microwave and stovetop are also featured, as well as a kettle. At the lodge you will find a restaurant serving Mexican and European cuisine. Vegetarian and vegan options can also be requested. A car rental service is available at Beach Village Nosoko. Tamatorizaki Observation Point is 8.1 km from the accommodation, while Yaeyama Museum is 28 km away. New Ishigaki Airport is 15 km from the property.
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- Glamping Resort Yokabushi
  Luxury
  
  Featuring free WiFi and a restaurant, Glamping Resort Yokabushi offers accommodation in Ishigaki Island, 400 metres from Tamatorizaki Observation Point. Free private parking is available on site. A flat-screen TV is offered. Enjoy a cup of tea while looking out at the mountain or pool. Rooms have a private bathroom fitted with a bath. Extras include slippers and a hairdryer. The resort also offers free use of bicycles. Ishigaki Sunset Beach is 9 km from Glamping Resort Yokabushi, while Yonehara Beach is 10 km from the property. New Ishigaki Airport is 11 km away.
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- HOSTEL SunTerrace Ishigaki
  Budget-friendly
  
  Situated in Ishigaki Island, 1.3 km from Painuhama Artificial Beach, HOSTEL SunTerrace Ishigaki features accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. This 1-star hostel offers a shared kitchen, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 2.7 km from Tadahama Beach. A shared bathroom is provided in the rooms, while certain rooms are equipped with a game console. Popular points of interest near the hostel include Yaeyama Museum, Nantominzoku Museum and Euglena Mall. New Ishigaki Airport is 13 km from the property.
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- Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima
  Budget-friendly
  
  Situated within 2.3 km of Painuhama Artificial Beach and less than 1 km of Yaeyama Museum, Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima features rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Ishigaki Island. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Rooms are fitted with a shared bathroom, a bidet and a hairdryer, and some rooms at the hostel have a safety deposit box. At Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima every room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include 730 Monument, Euglena Mall and Nantominzoku Museum. The nearest airport is New Ishigaki Airport, 15 km from Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima.
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- Hotel Patina Ishigakijima
  Mid-range
  
  A 7-minute walk from Ishigaki Port Ricoh Ferry Terminal and a 3-minute drive from the beach, Hotel Patina Ishigakijima offers cosy rooms with hardwood floors, free internet and a private balcony. Free parking is available on site. The air-conditioned rooms at Patina Hotel include a private bathroom and refrigerator. Guests can enjoy watching the flat-screen TV with a fresh cup of tea. A free-use washing machine and coin-operated dryer are provided, as are free-use bicycles. Free wireless internet and 2 computers with free internet access are offered in the lobby. Massages can be requested for an extra cost. Ishigakijima Patina Hotel�fs restaurant serves breakfast daily.
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- FUSAKI BEACH RESORT HOTEL & VILLAS
  Luxury
  
  Just a minute's walk from Fusaki Beach, FUSAKI BEACH RESORT HOTEL & VILLAS features pools, 4 restaurants and aroma healing spa treatments. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The resort provides yoga lessons and various marine activities, such as snorkelling and canoeing, at a surcharge. An on-site gift shop and market is available for guest's convenience. The hotel offers airport shuttle service to and from New Ishigaki Airport free of charge, while free public parking is available at the resort. Rooms at FUSAKI BEACH RESORT HOTEL & VILLAS come with an en suite bathroom with a hairdryer, toothbrush sets and free toiletries. Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a fridge and electric kettle. Restaurant ISHIGAKI BOLD KITCHEN serves buffet dishes including local specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ryukyu SHINTENCHI is a fusion restaurant that combines the roots of the traditional Ryukyu (Okinawa) cuisine with a fresh new feeling. BEACHSIDE GRILL Kachi-bai offers all-you-can-eat American style barbeque. All items will be brought out to you one after another. Ishigaki Airport is a 35-minute drive from the property, while Ishigaki Harbour is located within a 15-minute driving distance. Kannonzaki Lighthouse can be found within a 6-minute walk.
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- Comfort Hotel Ishigaki Island
  Mid-range
  
  Set in Ishigaki Island, within 500 metres of Maezato Beach and 500 metres of Tadahama Beach, Comfort Hotel Ishigaki Island offers accommodation with free bikes and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is situated 3.1 km from Yaeyama Museum. All guest rooms at the hotel feature air conditioning and a desk. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at Comfort Hotel Ishigaki Island. The accommodation offers a sun terrace. Tamatorizaki Observation Point is 23 km from Comfort Hotel Ishigaki Island, while Maezato Park is 2 km from the property. New Ishigaki Airport is 11 km away.
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- Little Mermaid Hotel Ishigakijima
  Mid-range
  
  Situated in Ishigaki Island, 400 metres from Fusaki Beach, Little Mermaid Hotel Ishigakijima features accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a terrace. This 3-star hotel offers luggage storage space and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is set 2.3 km from Shanishani Beach. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a wardrobe. Rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a hairdryer, while some boast sea views. Guests at the hotel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Ishigaki Island, like fishing. Popular points of interest near Little Mermaid Hotel Ishigakijima include Nei Museum of Art, Tojinbaka and Kannonzaki Lighthouse. New Ishigaki Airport is 18 km from the property.
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