Fly into Ishigaki, hop between the islands by high-speed ferry from one terminal downtown, and fly home from Ishigaki. That is the shape of every Yaeyama trip. This English edition of 八重山たび (Yaeyama Tabi) carries the parts of our Japanese guide that overseas visitors ask about most: how to get here, how the ferries work, how many nights you need, when to come, where to stay, and 51 hotels, guesthouses and restaurants with photos, prices and reviews.
Okinawa, Japan
The Yaeyama Islands八重山
Ishigaki and the islands you reach from it by ferry: Taketomi, Iriomote, Kohama, Kuroshima, Hateruma. Ferry times, fares, where to stay and what things cost, from the official sources, checked in October 2026.
Islands
Choose an island
Ishigaki Island石垣島
The hub island with direct flights. Every ferry to the other islands leaves from here.
Taketomi Island竹富島
10–20 minutes by ferry. A red-tile village, white sand lanes and Kondoi Beach.
Iriomote Island西表島
Two ports, Ohara and Uehara, lead to different sights. The largest and wildest island in Yaeyama.
Yubu Island由布島
Cross the shallows by water-buffalo cart. The whole island is a botanical garden.
Kohama Island小浜島
A straight road through sugarcane fields and the view from Mt. Ufudake. A resort island you can circle in half a day.
Hateruma Island波照間島
The blue of Nishi Beach and the Southern Cross. The far south, where you plan for cancelled boats.
Kuroshima Island黒島
More cattle than people, and flat. Circle it slowly by bicycle.
Guides
Plan the trip
Guide
How to Get to Ishigaki Island: Flights, Airport Transfers and Timing
Guide
Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal: Ferry Times, Fares and Tickets to the Yaeyama Islands
Guide
How Many Nights Do You Need in the Yaeyama Islands? Itineraries for 2 to 5 Days
Guide
Best Time to Visit Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands: Sea, Typhoons and Crowds by Month
Guide
Where to Stay on Ishigaki: Downtown, Beach Resorts, Kabira or an Outer Island
Guide
Cash, ATMs, Payments and Island Etiquette in the Yaeyama Islands
Guide
Ishigaki Ferry Timetable 2026–27 (Winter): Every Departure to Taketomi, Kohama, Kuroshima, Iriomote, Hatoma and Hateruma
Guide
Ishigaki vs Miyakojima: Which Okinawa Island Should You Choose?
Guide
Ishigaki Without a Car: Buses, Ferries and Which Islands Work on Foot or by Bike
Stay
Where to stay
A large resort close to downtown Ishigaki and the ferry terminal. Easy to use as a base for island hopping.
★4.4(4,776)Google reviews
- “There are two wings of this hotel. The main wing is the older one which we stayed in the presidential suite it was reall…”Paula · ★5
- “We had an absolutely incredible stay at the ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort. From the moment we arrived, the servic…”Adriana Ado · ★5
- “Very comfortable rooms. Modern and well appointed. Staff very helpful. Only downside was the beach which isn’t very nice…”Jessica Cutrera · ★4
Checked October 2026
A beachfront resort facing Taketomi and Iriomote. Marine activities are available at the hotel.
★4.3(4,227)Google reviews
- “Came by looking for Fusaki beach but didn’t know it was via this resort until I spoke with the staff who guided me on th…”Rimmel Choong · ★5
- “Amazing location, perfectly situated on Fusaki beach, rooms are basically clean and decent (there were a bunch of scratc…”cory condiotti · ★4
- “The resort itself was beautiful. The location is quite close to the city so it’s easy to drive around from the resort. W…”Anna Dionisio · ★2
Checked October 2026
A large downtown hotel that works as a base for island hopping.
★4.1(2,528)Google reviews
- “We really enjoyed our stay. The hotel staff are so friendly and polite. The room is very clean. I like how they have pro…”Ha Phan · ★5
- “great for families. The hotel is big with many rooms. We are a family of 4 and we have a massive room with 4 single beds…”Vicky Chu · ★4
- “The rooms at this place are nothing special, but I’m giving it 5 stars anyway because: the price is totally reasonable, …”Alison S. Hayward · ★5
Checked October 2026
Japan's southernmost island beach resort.
★4.5(2,284)Google reviews
- “A wonderful stay on Kohama Island. The setting is peaceful and beautiful, making it the perfect place to disconnect and …”Alvin M · ★5
- “We have been here 2 times before the renovation, after having read a few unhappy reviews we had some minor concerns. How…”Alvy74 · ★5
- “This resort is amazing! The rooms are comfortable and clean, the shared baths have everything you need, the main facilit…”Myriam Lepire · ★5
Checked October 2026
A long-established hotel 1 minute on foot from the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal. For people who put island hopping first.
★4(1,703)Google reviews
- “Wonderful Stay & Excellent Service! We had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The hotel was very comfortable, and all the s…”Hung Pao Hui · ★5
- “Our stay at Hotel Miyahira was wonderful! A special thank you to Khiet, Ingyin and Hirata for their exceptional hospital…”Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Zafar · ★5
- “I stayed at this hotel for three nights. The hotel's design and atmosphere were beautiful, and the welcome drink was a l…”Wang Chang Qing · ★3
Checked October 2026
A downtown hotel. Most plans include breakfast.
★4.3(1,456)Google reviews
- “This is a nice hotel with large rooms, especially by Japanese standards. It's not fancy, but it has well-thought out ame…”M Fricks · ★5
- “Excellent rooms, spacious and comfortable. Quality breakfast included. Service cannot be topped. It is outstanding and I…”Myriam Binder · ★5
- “This was my first hotel of my trip and I had an incredible time there. The staff are very friendly, the rooms are spacio…”Juan Ángel Hernández · ★5
Checked October 2026
All 31 hotels and guesthouses →
Compare hotel pricesTrip.com and Agoda list most hotels on Ishigaki and the resort islands. Small guesthouses usually take bookings by phone or on Japanese sites.
See hotels on Trip.comAlso compare:Agoda
Eat
Where to eat
Gelato made with milk from the island's Imori Farm. The airport branch is handy before a flight.
Summer (March-October) 10:00-19:00 / Winter (November-February) 10:00-18:30. Airport branch 7:30-20:00
★4.4(1,360)Google reviews
- “My girlfriend really wanted me to drive here for sunset. It was so worth the drive. We were awed by the view the moment …”Ha Phan · ★5
- “Amazing ice cream made from the milk of their own cows, came back multiple times. Their cheeseburger was also absolutely…”EN · ★5
- “Nice view of mountain and sea. If you go evening you can enjoy sunset as well. You can enjoy gelato outside terrace and …”Weeraratna Chandima · ★5
Checked October 2026
An Ishigaki specialty rice ball you assemble yourself. Eat it soon after buying.
Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM / Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM / Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM / Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM / Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM / Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM / Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
★4.3(1,292)Google reviews
- “Though prices have slightly risen from years ago, I think the quality and quantity have remained the same. They deserve …”ARBN · ★5
- “It's a popular shop in Ishigaki. I recommend trying their gourmet option where they put fried food and onigiri (rice bal…”Family Mori · ★4
- “THE place for Ishigaki local specialty - onisasa! So much fun assembling - onigiri, katsu, sauce - placed in a bag - and…”Andrea Chan · ★5
Checked October 2026
Yaeyama soba restaurant inside the village, with 895 Google reviews (October 2026). Jushi (seasoned rice) is ¥400, and shaved ice is also served. Hours change during island events.
10:30-15:00 (last order 14:30). Dinner service closed for now (official, October 2026). Google Maps shows closed on weekends
★4.4(895)Google reviews
- “🍜Pork Bone Buckwheat Noodles ¥1200/NT$240 🍜Three-Layer Pork Belly Buckwheat Noodles ¥1200/NT$240 There's often a queue; …”Xi Ling · ★5
- “This restaurant feels like stepping into a local families kitchen - the staff are very accommodating and friendly despit…”Chris Bryan · ★5
- “The best soba I've had! It is a popular place! I went at 2pm, and there were about 20 people ahead of me on the list - I…”Saige Sanchez · ★5
Checked October 2026
Thin, straight, round noodles with shredded pork and kamaboko (fish cake). A good place to try the standard Yaeyama soba.
Monday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM / Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM / Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM / Thursday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM / Friday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM / Saturday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM / Sunday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM
★4(842)Google reviews
- “Very tasty local dishes! Highly recommended!! Comforting food, warm atmosphere, very welcoming. Aside of the great noodl…”Ohad S. · ★5
- “We came here because the place got like 300plus reviews. Maybe its just me, I didnt feel the spark. The broth is quite s…”Thao Tanaka · ★3
- “The broth was not as thick as the one at the airport (which felt more of a tonkotsu ramen than a soba), and the meat ser…”Lost Filipina · ★5
Checked October 2026
Home-grown guava and island tropical fruit. Best for midday or early afternoon.
11:00-16:00 (last order 15:30). Irregular days off
★4.2(440)Google reviews
- “We were pretty excited to try out this local establishment but upon arrival at 9:40am, guava pies were sold out, many sm…”Danielle D · ★2
- “Drinks are very good. Back at the shop is a nice garden where you can enjoy the drinks. Better to go earlier as later ma…”Tieu Ky Luu · ★4
- “We saw this shop on Google map and it was open. Ordered guava smoothie and pineapple smoothie. The area was very relaxin…”tik tik chin · ★4
Checked October 2026
A casual restaurant known for its rafute (braised pork belly) set meal and island vegetable curry. 285 Google reviews (October 2026). Days off are irregular, so confirm by the day before.
11:30-15:00. Irregular days off
★4.5(285)Google reviews
- “Only serves lunch. It’s not fancy but this is a small island. It doesn’t have too many tables. There is English menu ava…”Jessy Cheng · ★4
- “This place is delicious. I’ve so far had very unimpressive okinawa food in Naha but this island knows cuisine. Please no…”daniii · ★4
- “Very nice lunch restaurant! Yesterday we had an amazing lunch here. There are not many restaurants at Hateruma and this …”Daan Versloot · ★5
Checked October 2026