[Okinawa Ishigaki Island Departure] Iriomote Island Buffalo Cart Crossing Yubu Island Leisure Tour (08:30 meet / 09:00 depart)

Itinerary Reference:

08:00‑08:30 Arrive at the Yaeyama Kanko Ferry counter at Ishigaki Port for assembly

08:30‑09:00 After arriving at the Yaeyama Kanko Ferry counter in the Ishigaki Port waiting hall, scan the QR code at the counter to verify and collect the day's ferry tickets, meal vouchers, and itinerary schedule. Depart from Ishigaki Port to Ohara Port on Iriomote Island (ferry ride approx. 50 minutes)

09:50 Arrive at Ohara Port, 10:00 board a boat for a cruise around the Nakama River mangrove area (approx. 60 minutes)

11:00‑13:20 After a short bus ride, take a water buffalo cart to leisurely stroll across to Yubu Island, then freely explore the Yubu Botanical Garden (approx. 100 minutes, including lunch time)

13:30‑15:50 Take the water buffalo cart back to Iriomote Island, then head to the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Centre. Arrive at Ohara Port at 14:45 and take the high‑speed ferry back to Ishigaki Port. Upon arrival at Ishigaki Port, the group will be dismissed.

Tour Highlights

Departing from Ishigaki Island, 2 departures per day, available all year round regardless of season

A popular route suitable for everyone from children to the elderly, offering an easy way to explore Iriomote Island and Yubu Island

Round‑trip ferry tickets, transfer vehicles, lunch, and water buffalo cart rides are all included

Experience the unique charm of Okinawa's outlying islands — an unmissable island‑hopping journey of relaxation and healing

Set sail from Ishigaki Island for Iriomote Island, the Amazon of the East. Ride a water buffalo cart across the shallow sea to the island, step into a subtropical秘境, and in one day collect the most healing nature and gentleness of the Yaeyama archipelago.

Iriomote Island is the largest island in the Yaeyama archipelago, with over 90% covered by pristine jungle. With an average annual temperature of 23.4°C, the climate is mild and pleasant all year round. The island is home to rare creatures such as the Iriomote cat, a natural monument, and the crested serpent eagle, as well as precious vegetation including the Sakishima suou (Caesalpinia) and thousand‑year‑old palm trees — a pristine ecological paradise hidden in Okinawa.

Assemble at the Yaeyama Kanko Ferry counter in the Ishigaki Port waiting hall at 08:30 in the morning to collect your ferry tickets and meal vouchers. Depart on the high‑speed ferry at 09:00 and arrive at Ohara Port on Iriomote Island in 50 minutes. Then embark on a mangrove cruise along the Nakama River, gliding across the emerald waters to encounter Japan's largest mangrove forest. Heading upstream, you will visit a 400‑year‑old Sakishima suou tree. As the tides shift, the scenery at the river mouth and upstream differs dramatically — every glimpse is a natural wonder.

At 11:30, transfer to a dedicated water buffalo cart to cross the sea to Yubu Island. This tiny sandbar island sits just 1.5 metres above sea level, and the shallow sea between it and Iriomote Island is less than one metre deep. The leisurely water buffalo cart wades through the waves as the sea breeze brushes your face, offering sweeping views of Okinawa's iconic crystal‑clear shallow waters — romantic and healing. After landing, enjoy a fine lunch, then take a stroll through the Yubu Botanical Garden, admiring subtropical exotic flowers and plants. Let your mind and body unwind on this secluded island and savour the leisurely time.

In the afternoon, visit the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Centre, home to the Iriomote cat protection base. Here you can view rare animal specimens and educational videos to gain an in‑depth understanding of the island's ecosystem. In the event of special circumstances at the facility, the group will head directly to the pier to ensure a smooth itinerary without delays. Board the high‑speed ferry back at 15:00 and arrive at Ishigaki Port at 15:50, bringing a perfect conclusion to this 6.5‑hour hidden‑gem journey.

A professional tour leader will handle all the connections throughout the trip, ensuring smooth transfers between boats and vehicles. Round‑trip ferry tickets, water buffalo cart rides, the Nakama River cruise, and a special lunch are all included for a one‑stop, hassle‑free experience. No guidebook needed — depart from Ishigaki Island and unlock four stunning landscapes in one go: jungle, mangroves, shallow seas, and sandbars, for an immersive experience of the pristine charm of the Yaeyama Islands.

Before departure, you can check the official website for operating status to ensure a worry‑free trip. This holiday, say goodbye to the hustle and bustle and answer nature's call on Iriomote Island and Yubu Island. Let the slow‑paced water buffalo cart ride heal all your weariness.