Let's check the location of Yonaguni Island
Yonaguni Island is located at the westernmost tip of Okinawa Prefecture, about 111 kilometers from Taiwan. It is known as the westernmost point of Japan, and is an island with unique natural scenery and culture. It has a population of about 1,700 and an area of 28.88 square kilometers.
What kind of island is Yonaguni Island?
There are so many scenic spots
Yonaguni Island has many scenic spots where you can enjoy the beauty of nature. The following three are particularly popular.
6 Tatami Beach
As the name suggests, "6 Tatami Beach" is a small beach that is only about 6 tatami mats in size. However, in reality, it feels a little larger.
Its beauty and tranquility are exceptional, allowing you to spend a special time in a very private atmosphere.
However, you have to go down a rocky area, so it's best to think of it as basically off-limits. The view from above is quite spectacular.
Higashizaki
"Higashizaki" is an observation point located on the eastern end of Yonaguni Island. From here you can see the vast Pacific Ocean and enjoy a beautiful sunrise.
Tindavana
"Tindabana" is a symbolic place on Yonaguni Island, and the view from the rocks is amazing. You can also get a panoramic view of Sonai Village.
Island culture and lifestyle you can't experience in the city
It's not hard to imagine, but life on Yonaguni Island has a rhythm and culture that is completely different from that of the city.
Supplies arrive twice a week
Supplies arrive twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, by ferry from Ishigaki Island. Online orders from Amazon and other sites also take at least 10 days, so you need to plan your shopping accordingly. Stocking up on daily necessities and food is essential.
By the way, some supplies took as long as 27 days to arrive. It is important to take into account that typhoons can cause significant delays.
There are lots of local events
Many local events are held on Yonaguni Island. In order for new residents to be accepted into the community, it is important for them to actively participate in these events. They are expected to understand the local culture and traditions and blend into the local community.
Many products cannot be delivered to remote islands
There are actually many products on Amazon and Rakuten that cannot be delivered to remote islands. I didn't know this until I moved to Yonaguni Island.
Specifically, large items such as washing machines, refrigerators, bicycles, etc. are often not transported. For such items, you have to go to Edion in Ishigaki, purchase them yourself, arrange for them to be delivered, and then go to Kubura Port in Yonaguni to pick them up.
This is a situation that is hard to imagine in the city.
Are there subsidies for moving to Yonaguni Island?
Yonaguni Island has subsidies and support systems for relocating to the island. For example, public housing is sometimes available, but the competition is fierce and it is very difficult to get in. For details,HereSee
Things to consider when moving to Yonaguni Island
What about work on Yonaguni Island?
There are only limited opportunities for employment on Yonaguni Island, and it is difficult to earn a high salary. The main employment opportunities are JA (agricultural cooperatives), fishing, and tourism, but it is difficult to earn the same level of income as in the city. You should also consider the possibility of remote work or self-employment.
There are few rental properties on Yonaguni Island
There are very few rental properties on Yonaguni Island, and due to the Self-Defense Forces' expansion construction, it is difficult to rent a house. The most realistic way is to make friends locally and get their cooperation. It is very important to visit the island and build a local network.
Yonaguni Island has few supplies and prices are high.
Supplies are scarce on Yonaguni Island, and prices are generally 1.5 times higher than in Honshu. Leafy vegetables in particular are very expensive. Supplies arrive only twice a week, so you need to plan your shopping accordingly.
A car is essential on Yonaguni Island.
A car is essential for life on Yonaguni Island. There is almost no public transportation, so a car is essential as a means of transportation. You also need to take into account the cost of purchasing and maintaining a car. Gasoline is also the most expensive in Japan, and measures against salt damage are also necessary.
I wash the salt off my car with a high-pressure washer once a week. After a typhoon, the car is often covered in salt. Very few people drive regular cars in Yonaguni.
Check the medical situation on Yonaguni Island
Yonaguni Island has only one small clinic and no large hospital. In the event of a serious illness or emergency, you will need to travel to Ishigaki Island. It is important to be careful about your health.
By the way, the clinic at Dr. Koto's Clinic is a set and is not used.
Yonaguni Island does not have a high school.
Yonaguni Island does not have a high school, so families with children need to think about what to do when their children go on to high school. They need to have a concrete plan, such as securing a dormitory or lodging.
Try moving to Yonaguni Island
Before deciding to move to Yonaguni Island, you can try out a short stay. By experiencing the island's life and environment for yourself during your short stay, you can get a concrete idea of what life will be like after you move here. For details,HereSee
You can also become a local revitalization volunteer on Yonaguni Island.
One way to do this is to work as a local revitalization volunteer on Yonaguni Island. Local revitalization volunteers can experience life as an immigrant while working to revitalize the local area. For details,HereSee
Consider moving to Yonaguni
Moving to Yonaguni Island has many attractions, but it also comes with its own challenges. While the island is attractive for its scenic views, abundant nature, and beautiful sea, there are also some things you need to carefully consider, such as the limited availability of supplies, high prices, and lack of rental properties. The key to success is to gather information and make a plan well before moving. Use this article as a reference to enrich your new life on Yonaguni Island.
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