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 8500 yen and typically include a guide, transport, tank and wetsuit. Trial dives are available for non-certified divers, and the prices typically start from 15,000 yen including all equipment and gear. Note that trial dives to the underwater monument cost around 25,000 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 a 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
  • Agarizaki Lighthouse
  • Gunkan and Tategami rocks
  • Tindabana Viewpoint
  • Atlas Moth Museum
    Hours: 10:00 to 16:00
    Admission: 500 yen
    Closed: Tuesdays, national holidays and New Year holidays
  • Dr. Koto Clinic
    Hours: 10:00 to 18:00
    Admission: 300 yen
    Closed: No closing days

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 35,000 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 13,000 yen, while discount fares are usually available for about 8000 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 4.5 hours and costs 3550 yen. A round trip fare is available for 6750 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 1500 and 3000 yen to rent a bicycle for 24 hours.

How to get to and around the Yaeyama Islands

Hotels around Yaeyama Islands

Top rated on the Yaeyama Islands
Budget:
    • 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. The hotel offers some rooms with sea views, and rooms are equipped with a balcony. All units have a private bathroom, a hairdryer and bed linen. Guests at Little Mermaid Hotel Ishigakijima will be able to enjoy activities in and around Ishigaki Island, like fishing. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Nei Museum of Art, Tojinbaka and Kannonzaki Lighthouse. New Ishigaki Airport is 18 km from the property.
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    • Guesthouse Asibina
      Budget-friendly
      Located 1.1 km from Painuhama Artificial Beach, 2.6 km from Tadahama Beach and 400 metres from Yaeyama Museum, Guesthouse Asibina offers accommodation set in Ishigaki Island. With a shared lounge, the 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and linens for a supplement. The units include a safety deposit box. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Nantominzoku Museum, Euglena Mall and 730 Monument. New Ishigaki Airport is 13 km away.
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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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    • 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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    • 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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    • 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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    • Guest House Yun Terrace
      Budget-friendly
      Located within 1.1 km of Painuhama Artificial Beach and 2.2 km of Tadahama Beach, Guest House Yun Terrace provides rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Ishigaki Island. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property and private parking is available on site. Maezato Beach is 3 km from the guest house and Tamatorizaki Observation Point is 25 km away. At the guest house, all units have a shared bathroom. Guests can also relax on the sun terrace. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Yaeyama Museum, Maezato Park and Euglena Mall. New Ishigaki Airport is 13 km away.
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    • Matsukaze The Guest House Ishigaki
      Budget-friendly
      Set 1.8 km from Painuhama Artificial Beach, 1.8 km from Tadahama Beach and 2.3 km from Maezato Beach, Matsukaze The Guest House Ishigaki provides accommodation located in Ishigaki Island. Featuring a terrace, the 2-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and a shared lounge for guests. A bicycle rental service is available at the guest house. Popular points of interest near Matsukaze The Guest House Ishigaki include Yaeyama Museum, Maezato Park and Euglena Mall. New Ishigaki Airport is 12 km away.
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Experiences around Yaeyama Islands