What kind of island is Yonaguni Island?
There are many famous tourist spots in Japan. Many people visit these popular tourist spots on vacation. Among the many tourist spots in Japan, Okinawa is one that attracts many repeat visitors.
Okinawa has a very different climate from Kyushu and north, and its culture is also unique, which makes a special impression on visitors. Furthermore, Okinawa has many remote islands, each with its own unique charm. Among these remote islands, Yonaguni Island is particularly popular.
Yonaguni Island is surrounded by beautiful blue seas and has a unique charm that cannot be found on other islands. This article will give you detailed information on whether you can enjoy Yonaguni Island on a day trip, so please read it for reference!
Where is Yonaguni Island?
Yonaguni Island is located about 509 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa and is the westernmost island of Japan. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of Taiwan from Yonaguni Island, which is also an island near the border.
By visiting Yonaguni Island, the westernmost island of Japan, you will be able to strongly experience the many unique characteristics that are different from other regions.
What is Yonaguni Island famous for?
Yonaguni Island is known for its beautiful scenery. The coastal scenery is particularly beautiful, and there are many scenic spots. The waters around Yonaguni Island are also very clear and have a rich ecosystem, making it a famous snorkeling and diving spot. Yonaguni Island is also rich in wildlife, with many endemic species living there.
The most famous moth is the Yonaguni moth, the largest in Japan. Although it lives on Yonaguni Island, it is extremely rare to see it on the island, so anyone who manages to encounter it is considered extremely lucky.
The forests of Yonaguni Island are also home to a rare stag beetle called the "Yonagunimaru-winged stag beetle." This beetle was once traded at high prices by collectors, but its numbers temporarily decreased, but with the progress of environmental conservation, it is hoped that its population will gradually recover.
Can you enjoy Yonaguni Island on a day trip?
Yonaguni Island can be enjoyed on a day trip. By flying, you can travel in less time, enjoying the natural beauty of Yonaguni Island and returning home on the same day.
However, to fully experience the spectacular scenery and ecology of the flora and fauna of Yonaguni Island, we recommend a trip that includes lodging. By planning a trip that includes lodging, you will be able to enjoy the charm of Yonaguni Island to the fullest.
For accommodation on Yonaguni Island, choose Munbu Stay!
There are many accommodations on Yonaguni Island, but today we would like to introduce one that we particularly recommend: Munbu Stay. Munbu Stay has accommodations in three locations on Yonaguni Island, so you can choose a place to stay that suits your needs and the purpose of your trip.
This accommodation, where you can fully relax after your travels in a clean room, also has a cafe and bar where you can enjoy local food and drinks. The cafe has a wide variety of menu items, and you can taste dishes that reflect the characteristics of the region, such as Yonaguni soba and taco rice. You can also enjoy barbecue and Agu pork shabu-shabu, although advance reservations are required.
Furthermore, Munbu Stay also allows you to participate in tours held nearby. There are a variety of activities available, such as island tours, snorkeling, and canoeing, so if you are staying at Munbu Stay, be sure to try participating in these tours!
How do I get to Yonaguni Island by plane?
From here, we will explain how to get to Yonaguni Island. To get to Yonaguni Island, you need to use a plane or a ferry. Check the advantages and features of each in advance and choose the method that best suits your travel plans.
There are two flights a day from Naha to Yonaguni Island.
If you fly from Naha, you can reach Yonaguni Island in about 1 hour and 30 minutes one way if you don't have to transfer. However, it's important to note that there are only two flights per day.
This is because if you miss your flight, not only will your itinerary change drastically, but you may be forced to cancel your trip altogether. In order to avoid such a situation, it is important to pay particular attention to the time when flying from Naha to Yonaguni Island.
There are 3-4 flights a day from Ishigaki Island to Yonaguni Island.
If you are flying to Yonaguni Island, you can also go via Ishigaki Island. In this case, the flight time is about 30 minutes, and there are 3 to 4 flights per day.
However, the number of flights varies depending on the season, so it's important to check in advance. Using a time when there are more flights will give you more freedom in your travels.
You can also take a ferry from Ishigaki Island.
You can also travel from Ishigaki Island to Yonaguni Island by ferry instead of flying. Although the ferry trip takes about four hours one way, it is recommended because you can experience the Okinawan ocean up close and enjoy the spectacular views while traveling.
Even if you leave Ishigaki Island in the morning, you won't arrive at Yonaguni Island until around 3 p.m., so it is not recommended for those planning a day trip.
A one-day tour of Yonaguni Island from Naha and Ishigaki
From here, we will introduce a model itinerary for a day trip to Yonaguni Island when traveling from Naha or Ishigaki Island. If you arrive on the first flight in the morning, you can start your activities around 10:00.
After arriving on Yonaguni Island, we recommend renting a car from Munbu Rental Car and going around the island to see the tourist attractions. Yonaguni Island has many tourist attractions, so you will never get bored of sightseeing. Recommended tourist attractions include Higashizaki, Tategami Rock, and Tindabana.
Higashizaki is a cape on the eastern end of Yonaguni Island, and from the cliffs you can look down at the ocean and see the rugged nature. You can also see the Yonaguni horses, which are endemic to Yonaguni Island, at Higashizaki. Enjoying the spectacular views of nature while playing with endemic creatures is a special experience that can only be had here.
Tategami Rock is a rock that can be said to be the symbol of Yonaguni Island, and stands on the southeastern coast of the island. There are legends about this rock on Yonaguni Island, which suggests that it has been closely related to the lives of the islanders since ancient times. There are observation decks around the rock where you can take photos, so you can also capture memories of your trip in photos.
Tindabana is a rocky mountain in the northern part of Yonaguni Island. It is a place related to annual rituals and is recognized as a sacred place by the islanders. Furthermore, it is known as a scenic spot, as you can get a panoramic view of the cobalt blue sea and the village from the observation deck.
We recommend stopping off for lunch at a restaurant along the way while touring these places. Yonaguni Island is home to a number of unique foods, including Yonaguni soba, so be sure to try the dishes that can only be found here.
In addition to the above, one thing you should definitely try while touring the tourist attractions is snorkeling. Yonaguni Island is known for its highly transparent waters and rich ecosystem. Once you enter the water, you will be able to experience the beautiful sea of Yonaguni Island up close.
In fact, snorkeling is a very popular activity on Yonaguni Island, which is visited by many tourists every year.Munbu ResortThere are also tours held by the snorkeling experience that you can try out. They are perfect for people who want to participate in a casual activity, as they come with a certified water rescue guide, provide free photo data, and even allow you to participate empty-handed.
If you want to enjoy Yonaguni Island to the fullest on a tight day trip schedule, we highly recommend taking part in a tour.
How much does it cost to get from Naha or Ishigaki Island to Yonaguni Island for a day trip?
If you take a day trip from Naha to Yonaguni Island, the round trip airfare is about 40,000 yen, and the airfare from Ishigaki Island to Yonaguni Island is about 20,000 yen. If you add in the cost of meals and souvenirs while sightseeing, and the cost of enjoying activities, the approximate budget for a day trip will be about 60,000 yen.
Please refer to the above information and make more concrete plans for your trip to Yonaguni Island.
Enjoy Yonaguni Island!
As we have introduced this time, Yonaguni Island is a very attractive tourist destination filled with the blessings of nature. This time we have mainly introduced day trips, but if you want to fully enjoy the charms of Yonaguni Island, we recommend a trip that includes an overnight stay. By staying overnight and taking your time on Yonaguni Island, you will be able to experience the multifaceted charms of Yonaguni Island more deeply.
Yonaguni Island is home to dynamic nature and offers experiences that you can only have here, so be sure to visit at least once! Thank you for reading to the end.
Comments