Yonaguni Island (与那国島, 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:
Getting there and around
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
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Yaeyama Islands
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The Ubufuru IshigakiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
The Ubufuru Ishigaki in Ishigaki Island offers family rooms with sea views, private bathrooms, and balconies. Each room includes air-conditioning, a work desk, and free WiFi.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can enjoy a sauna, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and tennis court. Additional amenities include a fitness centre, tennis equipment hire, and free on-site private parking.Dining Experience
The resort serves American and Asian breakfast with local specialities, juice, and fruits. Lunch is available at the restaurant, offering Japanese, local, Asian, and European cuisines.Convenient Location
Located 8 km from New Ishigaki Airport, the resort provides easy access to local attractions. Highly rated by guests for its excellent service and facilities. -
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Beach Village NosokoView on Booking.comBeachfront Location
Beach Village Nosoko in Ishigaki Island offers direct access to the beach and stunning sea views. Guests can relax on the terrace or swim in the pool with a view.Comfortable Accommodations
The lodge features adults-only rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies. Each room includes a kitchen, washing machine, and free WiFi, ensuring a comfortable stay.Leisure Facilities
Guests can enjoy a swimming pool with a view, a hot tub, and an outdoor seating area. The property also provides a pool bar, laundry service, and free on-site private parking.Nearby Attractions
Idona Beach is 2.6 km away, and New Ishigaki Airport is 15 km from the lodge. Highly rated for its beach access, terrace, and swimming pool. -
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Seven Colors IshigakijimaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Seven Colors Ishigakijima in Ishigaki Island offers family rooms with sea views, balconies, and terraces. Each room includes air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and modern amenities.Dining Experience
The traditional restaurant serves Japanese cuisine for dinner. Guests can enjoy meals in the outdoor seating area or relax in the hot tub.Leisure Facilities
The hotel features a sun terrace, garden, and private beach area. Additional amenities include yoga classes, a hot tub, and free WiFi.Convenient Location
Located 27 km from New Ishigaki Airport, the property provides free on-site private parking and a tour desk. Highly rated for beach access, hot tub, and attentive staff. -
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Nata Beach VillaView on Booking.comBeautiful Facilities
Nata Beach Villa in Ishigaki Island offers a private beach area, lush garden, terrace, and restaurant. Guests enjoy free WiFi, air-conditioning, balconies with garden views, and free on-site parking.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms include private bathrooms with bidets, refrigerators, work desks, and TVs. Additional amenities feature a beauty salon, family rooms, tour desk, and luggage storage.Delicious Dining
The restaurant serves Japanese, local, Asian, and barbecue grill cuisines. Breakfast options include American and Asian styles. Dinner is available for guests.Prime Location
Located a few steps from Nata Beach, the hotel is 15 km from New Ishigaki Airport. Nearby attractions include Kabira Bay and Taketomi Island. Highly rated for breakfast, staff, and beach access. -
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Ishigaki Sunset CoveSituated on the secluded West Coast of Central Ishigaki Island, 18km from Ishigaki City, 5km from Yonehara Beach, Ishigaki Sunset Cove is set along the beach and rooms with free WiFi access. Among the various facilities of this property are an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. We have rental cars at the hotel. Our airport transfers are free until 6pm. A car is essential to explore the island. Please inquire after booking for rates and availability. Parking charges are expensive for outside rentals; parking for our cars is free. At the resort, the rooms come with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Selected rooms here will provide you with a kitchen with a microwave, a toaster and a fridge. The units at Ishigaki Sunset Cove come with a seating area. Tamatorizaki Observation Point is 5 km from the resort, while Kabira Bay is 10 km away. The nearest airport is New Ishigaki Airport, 10 km from Ishigaki Sunset Cove. A Western breakfast is available daily at the property. A rental car is essential for mobility on the island. We have rentals available at the hotel, please inquire.View on Booking.com -
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LulaliyaSet 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.View on Booking.com -
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Little Mermaid Hotel IshigakijimaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Little Mermaid Hotel Ishigakijima in Ishigaki Island offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and sea or mountain views. Each room includes a balcony or terrace, walk-in shower, and free WiFi.Convenient Facilities
Guests can enjoy a garden, terrace, and free on-site private parking. Additional amenities include bicycle parking, luggage storage, and free WiFi.Local Attractions
Fusaki Beach is a 5-minute walk away, while New Ishigaki Airport lies 18 km from the hotel. Activities such as fishing are available nearby.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its attentive staff, child-friendly environment, and comfortable rooms. -
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HOTEL Ishigakijima 2020View on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
HOTEL Ishigakijima 2020 in Ishigaki Island offers aparthotel-style rooms with air-conditioning, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, laundry service, family rooms, full-day security, bicycle parking, and express check-in and check-out services.Modern Amenities
Each room includes a washing machine, refrigerator, microwave, TV, soundproofing, and free toiletries. Additional features include a sofa, bidet, hairdryer, and electric kettle. Free on-site private parking is available.Prime Location
Maezato Beach is a 12-minute walk away, while New Ishigaki Airport lies 10 km from the property. Guests appreciate the room cleanliness, comfort, and well-equipped kitchens. -
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Hotel Patina IshigakijimaA 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.View on Booking.com -
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Guest House Chura Cucule IshigakijimaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima in Ishigaki Island offers adults-only hostel accommodation with free WiFi. Each ground-floor unit features air-conditioning, a bidet, hairdryer, and slippers.Convenient Facilities
The property includes a lounge, shared kitchen, daily housekeeping service, bicycle parking, bike hire, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a shower and shared bathroom.Local Attractions
Painuhama Artificial Beach is 2.4 km away, and New Ishigaki Airport is 15 km from the hostel.
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