Yonaguni Island (^ί, 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
-
-
![]()
The Ubufuru IshigakiView on Booking.comExceptional Facilities
The Ubufuru Ishigaki in Ishigaki Island offers an infinity swimming pool, fitness centre, garden, terrace, restaurant, tennis court, and free WiFi. Private check-in and check-out, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping ensure a comfortable stay.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature sea views, air-conditioning, balcony, washing machine, private bathroom, kitchen, and free toiletries. Additional amenities include a fitness room, lift, laundry service, family rooms, and free on-site private parking.Dining Experience
Guests can enjoy American and Asian breakfast with local specialities, juice, and fruits. The restaurant serves Japanese, local, Asian, and European cuisines for lunch.Prime Location
Located 8 km from New Ishigaki Airport, the resort is near attractions such as Yaeyama Museum (7 km) and Ishigaki Dam (7 km). Highly rated by guests for its excellent facilities and services. -
![]()
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 -
![]()
Seven Colors IshigakijimaView on Booking.comBeachfront Location
Seven Colors Ishigakijima in Ishigaki Island offers a private beach area, beachfront, sun terrace, and lush garden. Guests enjoy sea views and direct access to the beach.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, balconies, and private bathrooms with free WiFi. Additional amenities include a hot tub, sauna, and yoga classes.Dining Experience
The traditional restaurant serves Japanese cuisine for dinner. Outdoor seating areas provide relaxing spaces.Nearby Attractions
Located 27 km from New Ishigaki Airport, the hotel is close to attractions such as Tamatorizaki Observation Point (14 km) and Kabira Bay (37 km). -
![]()
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 -
![]()
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.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Mexican and European cuisines with vegetarian and vegan options. Guests can enjoy lunch and dinner in a modern and romantic ambience.Local Attractions
Located 15 km from New Ishigaki Airport, the property is near attractions such as the Rhizophoraceae Plant Community of Fukidogawa River (2 km) and Idona Beach (2.6 km). -
![]()
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 Hotelfs restaurant serves breakfast daily.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Little Mermaid Hotel IshigakijimaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Little Mermaid Hotel Ishigakijima in Ishigaki offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and sea or mountain views. Each room includes a balcony, terrace, and free WiFi.Leisure Facilities
Guests can relax in the garden or on the terrace, enjoy free WiFi, and take advantage of bicycle parking and luggage storage. Free on-site private parking is available.Local Attractions
Fusaki Beach is a 5-minute walk away, while Nei Museum of Art lies 1.1 km nearby. Other attractions include Kannonzaki Lighthouse (1.4 km) and Fusaki Kannondo (1.8 km). New Ishigaki Airport is 18 km from the hotel.Guest Services
The hotel staff provide excellent service support, ensuring a pleasant stay for all guests. Child-friendly amenities and comfortable rooms enhance the overall experience. -
![]()
Guest House SuntoruView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Guest House Suntoru in Ishigaki Island offers a 1-star guest house experience with a garden, terrace, and free WiFi. Each ground-floor unit features a work desk, shared bathroom, slippers, and free on-site private parking.Convenient Facilities
The property includes a lounge, shared kitchen, and luggage storage. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a work desk, shared bathroom, slippers, and free on-site private parking.Local Attractions
Located 7 km from New Ishigaki Airport, the guest house is near Yaeyama Museum (8 km), Tamatorizaki Observation Point (20 km), and Ishigaki Dam (7 km). Other attractions include Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave and Euglena Mall, each 8 km away.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated by guests for its convenience for nature trips, friendly host, and availability of bicycles. -
![]()
Guest House Chura Cucule IshigakijimaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima in Ishigaki Island offers adults-only hostel accommodations with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and shared bathrooms. Each room includes a bidet, shower, and slippers.Convenient Facilities
The property features a lounge, shared kitchen, daily housekeeping service, bicycle parking, bike hire, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a hairdryer and ground-floor units.Prime Location
Located 15 km from New Ishigaki Airport, the hostel is near attractions such as Yaeyama Museum (less than 1 km), Euglena Mall (700 metres), and Painuhama Artificial Beach (2.4 km). Guests appreciate the friendly staff and excellent service. -
![]()
HOSTEL SunTerrace IshigakiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
HOSTEL SunTerrace Ishigaki in Ishigaki offers adults-only rooms with air-conditioning, soundproofing, and tiled floors. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free WiFi.Essential Facilities
Guests can enjoy a garden, terrace, and outdoor seating area. The property features a lounge, shared kitchen, games room, and full-day security. Additional amenities include a washing machine, dining area, and paid on-site private parking.Prime Location
Located 13 km from New Ishigaki Airport, the hostel is near attractions such as Painuhama Artificial Beach (15-minute walk), Yaeyama Museum (300 metres), and Euglena Mall (500 metres). Guests appreciate the room cleanliness, staff support, and comfort.
-
