[Depart from Ishigaki Island, Okinawa] Iriomote Island Water Buffalo Cart Crossing Yubu Island Leisure Tour (10:00 Meeting/10:30 Departure)

Itinerary Reference:

09:45‑10:00 Arrive at the "Yaeyama Kanko Ferry" counter at Ishigaki Port

10:00‑10:30 After arriving at the "Yaeyama Kanko Ferry" counter in the Ishigaki Port ferry terminal, 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)  

11:20 Arrive at Ohara Port, at 11:30 take a boat tour around the Nakama River mangrove forest area (approx. 60 minutes)

12:30‑14:50 After a short bus ride, take a water buffalo cart leisurely across to Yubu Island, then freely explore the Yubu Botanical Garden (approx. 100 minutes, including lunch time)

15:00‑17:20 Take the water buffalo cart back to Iriomote Island, then head to the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Centre, arrive at Ohara Port at 16:30, and take the high‑speed ferry back to Ishigaki Port. Upon arrival at Ishigaki Port, the tour concludes and you are free to go your own way.

Tour Highlights

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

A popular route for exploring Iriomote Island and Yubu Island, suitable for everyone from children to the elderly

Round‑trip ferry tickets, transfer vehicle, lunch, and water buffalo cart ride are all included

Experience the unique charm of Okinawa's remote islands — an unmissable island‑hopping, relaxing, and healing journey

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

Iriomote Island is the largest island in the Yaeyama Island chain, with over 90% covered by virgin jungle. The average annual temperature is 23.4°C, with a mild and pleasant climate all year round. The island is home to rare wildlife such as the Iriomote cat (a natural monument) and the crested serpent eagle, as well as precious flora like the Sakishima sumac and thousand‑year‑old palm trees — a pristine ecological paradise hidden in Okinawa.

Gather at the Yaeyama Kanko Ferry counter in the Ishigaki Port ferry terminal at 10:00 AM to collect your ferry tickets and meal vouchers. Depart on the high‑speed ferry at 10:30 AM and arrive at Ohara Port on Iriomote Island in 50 minutes. Then embark on a cruise along the Nakama River mangrove forest. Gliding across the emerald waters, you'll encounter Japan's largest mangrove community. Heading upstream, you'll visit a 400‑year‑old Sakishima suou tree. As the tides shift, the scenery at the river mouth and upstream is completely different — every moment is a natural wonder.

At 13:00, transfer to a dedicated water buffalo cart and cross the sea to Yubu Island. This sandy islet stands only 1.5 metres above sea level, and the shallow sea between it and Iriomote Island is less than one metre deep. The slow‑paced water buffalo cart plods through the waves as the sea breeze caresses your face, offering panoramic views of Okinawa's iconic crystal‑clear shallows — romantic and healing. After arriving on the island, enjoy a fine lunch, then take a leisurely stroll through the Yubu Botanical Garden, admire subtropical exotic flowers and plants, and unwind on this undisturbed island, savouring a relaxing time.

At 15:20 in the afternoon, visit the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Centre, a protection base for the Iriomote cat. You can view rare animal specimens and educational videos to gain a deeper understanding of the island's ecosystem. In the event of special circumstances at the facility, the tour will proceed directly to the pier without any delay. Board the high‑speed ferry at 16:30 for the return journey and arrive at Ishigaki Port at 17:20, concluding a fulfilling 6.3‑hour secret paradise tour.

Throughout the tour, professional guides ensure smooth connections and seamless transfers between ferries and vehicles. The package includes round‑trip ferry tickets, the water buffalo cart experience, the Nakama River cruise, and a special lunch — a one‑stop, hassle‑free trip. No guidebook needed: starting from Ishigaki Island, unlock the four great scenic wonders of jungle, mangrove forest, shallow sea, and sandbar in one go, and immerse yourself in the pristine charm of the Yaeyama Islands.

Before departure, you may check the official website for operating status for peace of mind. This holiday, leave the hustle and bustle behind and answer nature's call to Iriomote Island and Yubu Island. Let the slow‑paced water buffalo cart time heal all your fatigue.