YAEYAMA – Japan’s Tropical Edge

YAEYAMA – Japan’s Tropical Edge

[Music] In the last video, we took you to the frozen landscapes of Hokkaido. But this time, it’s the complete opposite. These are the Yayyama Islands, remote subtropical group of islands closer to Taiwan than to mainland Japan. Over 5 days, we explored the Ishigaki, Iliamote, and Hatuma, the southern most inhabited island of Japan. The trip came with its share of hiccups and challenges, but also unforgettable encounters. So, join us on this journey through Japan’s tropical edge. [Music] To reach the Yayyama Islands, we took a flight from Tokyo to Ishigaki. We landed a bit later in the day around 5:30 p.m. We checked in into our hotel, the Advance Hotel Ishigaki, and headed out for dinner, walking about 10 minutes to a local isizakaya called Kaya. [Music] We had fresh sashimi and a variety of Okinawan specialties. But the highlight, the bino tempura. Crispy, slightly sweet, and made from Okinawa’s famous proper sweet potatoes. A must try. [Music] Today’s big plan, diving. We got picked up at 8:00 a.m. and headed straight out to see near Ishigaki. Ishigaki is the most developed island of the Yayyama chain. Often used as a gateway to the region, it’s known for its stunning coral reefs, white sand beaches, and vibrant local culture. Blending Okinawan traditions with a more tropical, laid-back vibe. We booked with diving shop Ryan. The instructor gave clear explanations and everything felt safe and relaxed. The goal was to visit the famous Mont race spot, but unfortunately strong winds meant we couldn’t get there. A bit disappointing, but that’s part of the adventure. [Music] Oh, there’s like a diving. In the afternoon, we switched gears and joined the Mongra kayaking tour. We were hoping to catch the sunset and maybe even do some stargazing. But the weather had other plans. Still, quietly paddling through the mangroves was peaceful and calming. A different kind of beauty. By the end, it got really dark. We could barely see where we were going. A little sketchy, but kind of fun in its own way. For dinner, we went back to Kaya because it was that good and tried some different dishes. On the third day of our adventure, we headed to Yugina Ishigaki port to catch the morning ferry to Iomote Island. It was a beautiful 40 to 50 minute ride. Iliomote is the second largest island in Okinawa, but over 19% of it is covered in dense jungle and mangroves. It’s often called Japan’s last frontier because of its untouched nature, hidden waterfalls, and rare wildlife, most famously the critically endangered ilomote wildcat found nowhere else on Earth. Once we arrived, we were supposed to have a charter boat waiting to explore some of the island’s highlights. But surprise, the reservation had been forgotten. While we were looking for a solution at the tourist center, the receptionist overheard our situation and mentioned that her husband is a local trekking guide. Just like that, we had a plan B. We quickly changed clothes and set off into the jungle with our guide. Our guide, Mr. Holinoi of Slow Tempo, was very knowledgeable and made the hike pleasant and instructive. After approximately an hour and a half, we reached Gault, a beautiful street tiered waterfall hidden deep in the jungle and accessible only by foot. [Music] [Music] We spotted some insects, frogs, and lizards. But of course, not the illusive white cat. [Music] Oh my god. Waiting through rivers, scrambling up bendy slopes, and being completely immersed in the raw and touched nature of Idiomote was both refreshing and grounding. Massive thanks to Slow Tempo for turning the day around. We couldn’t have asked for a better recovery. After the hike, we made our way to Luanaote, our accommodation for the night. We seemed to have arrived a bit early. The room was spacious and comfortable with a lovely view of the sea. The place even had a pet goat named Choco. She’s adorable. But don’t let her looks fool you. She can get feisty, so approach with caution. After spending some time with Chako, we headed to the beach just behind the hotel, Hoshuna Beach, for a quick snorkel. [Music] This beach is actually famous for its star sand, tiny star- shaped grains formed by microscopic marine organisms. Miyuki had visited in the past and mentioned that it’s becoming harder to find them these days. We ended the day with a nice dinner served at our accommodation featuring local ingredients and authentic island flavors. [Music] The next morning, we returned to Hoshisuna Beach to soak in the island’s slow pace of flight. [Music] Honestly, I could get used to this. We played with a few yadoki hermit crabs. I think not sure they enjoyed it as much as we did. [Music] [Music] After breakfast, we said goodbye to this beautiful place and to cho. It was finally time to reach the goal of this journey, Hateruma, the southernmost inhabited island of Japan. We took a bus back to Uhara and from there boarded a high-speed boat. The ride was bumpy, but we made it in just 60 to 90 minutes. And when we arrived, wow, the ocean was so vividly blue, it looked almost unreal. Our accommodation, Penion Santan, was located right in front of Nishihama, the island’s most famous beach. The view from our room was simply breathtaking. We rented a scooter and cruised around the island. With a circumference of just 14 kilometers, you can cross the whole island in about 15 minutes. Eventually, we reached the monument marking the southernmost point of Japan. [Music] Fun fact, the original monument was built in 1970 by a student traveler before Okinawa rejoined Japan. A second monument was added in 1995 to commemorate peace. [Music] In the afternoon, we went snorkeling at Nishihama. The water was incredibly clear, and even in the shadows, colorful fish swam right up to us. [Music] [Music] Sadly, the sky was partly cloudy, so we didn’t get to enjoy a full dramatic sunset. A bit disappointing, but the colors of the sea and sky were still beautiful. paradise. That evening, we had a delicious dinner and finally got to experience one of the things we were most looking forward to, stargazing. [Music] [Music] I only wish we had stayed on Hatuma one more night. It truly felt like a special place. Next time after saying our goodbyes, we took a much calmer fairy ride back to Ishigaki. [Music] For our final day in the Yayyama Islands, we explored Ishigaki by bike. First stop, lunch. [Music] We had Okinawa style sukisoba featuring tender pork ribs. Next, we stopped by Parlor Papaya, a small juice stand that makes everything fresh on the spot. It’s located right next to the Yayyama palm grove, which we unfortunately didn’t have time to explore. The Yayyama palm is unique to Ishigaki and Iliomote. It’s designated as a natural monument in Japan. We then rode out to Oanaki Lighthouse located on the western most tip of Ishigaki. It’s known as the best spot to watch the sunset. And we can imagine why. Not my photo. Our final stop was Yaima Village, an open air museum that recreates a traditional Okinawan village. You can try on local costumes, watch traditional crafts, and even listen to live performances of Sonin Okinawan Chamisen, depending on the time of day. [Music] The village is also home to several tropical animals, including squirrel monkeys. We arrived just in time for the monkeys feeding hour and they were absolutely adorable. It’s kak. [Music] And just like that, it was time to wrap up the trip and head back to the airport. This journey actually took place back in October 2023. At the time, I didn’t get around to editing the video, partly due to a busy schedule and partly because I felt I hadn’t done the locations justice. But revisiting the footage now felt like a welcome throwback, and I’m really glad I finally put it together. Thanks so much for watching, and see you in the next adventure. [Music]

This video is a throwback to our October 2023 trip to the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa. Over five days, we explored Ishigaki, trekked through the jungles of Iriomote, and made it all the way to Hateruma, the southernmost inhabited island of Japan. From diving with sea turtles to kayaking in mangroves, riding scooters along sugarcane fields, and stargazing under one of the clearest skies in Japan, the journey was full of unforgettable moments.

Accommodations:
– Luana Mele Iriomote: https://www.luanamele-iriomote.com/
– Pension Sainantan: https://pensionsainantan.wixsite.com/hateruma

0:00 – Intro
0:40 – Arrival in Ishigaki
4:39 – Iriomote
9:45 – Hateruma
13:20 – Exploring Ishigaki