Our Mission & Values
The Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa are a hidden paradise of emerald seas, coral reefs, and rich Ryukyu traditions. We created DiscoverYaima as an English-language travel guide and blog to share insider knowledge, local stories, and the beauty of life here.
Our mission is simple: to connect travelers with the authentic heart of Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands. We believe travel should feel like discovery — slowing down, listening to the rhythm of the islands, and uncovering sides of Japan most visitors never see.
We celebrate nature, food, and culture in ways that are both authentic and eco-conscious. From mangrove forests and manta rays to farm-to-table dishes and seasonal festivals, we hope to help you experience the Yaeyamas in a thoughtful way.
Our story
We are a Japanese–Dutch couple living on Ishigaki Island. ISL& Natural Guides Ishigaki grew out of DiscoverYaima, our shared passion for these islands and their stories.
ISL& creator, Celeste Ortelee, first arrived in 2014. What started as a journey of exploration became a home, and along with her partner she has been capturing the essence of the Yaeyamas through writing and film.
Our philosophy is: to travel is to discover — and we’re here to be your local friends on that journey.
Travel Like an Explorer
And Let the Journey Enrich You
Wherever you’re coming from — Europe, North America, Australia, or nearby Asia — if you love nature, good food, and cultural experiences, DiscoverYaima is for you.
On our blog you’ll find curated travel tips and in-depth articles: hidden beaches, jungle hikes, traditional crafts, Okinawan cuisine, and more. We also created the Ishigaki Island Guidebook (softcover & e-book), packed with personal stories, maps, and insider tips that regular guidebooks often miss.
Think of it as your invitation to dive deeper:
Snorkel with manta rays under the cliffs of Kabira.
Taste home-style Yaeyama dishes in a tiny family café.
Join a local festival with drums, songs, and laughter.
Discover small viewpoints where the horizon feels endless.
We believe that travel is about connection, not checklists. That’s why we highlight places and people that give you a true sense of belonging. And if you need help tailoring your island adventure, just reach out — we’d love to make your trip unforgettable.
Business Partnerships
DiscoverYaima & ISL& (Pawana LLC) is a certified and registered land operator in Japan with experience working with private enterprises and public institutions. Past collaborations include JTB Travel, The Ritz-Carlton (Tokyo & Osaka), Haimurubushi and Shigira Resorts, Natsupana, and the Ishigaki City tourism board.
Our services include:
Film & Photography — Documentaries, promotional films, and aerial drone footage (with our partner Sakishima Films).
Destination Marketing — Editorials, social content, advertorials tailored to engage today’s travelers.
Location Scouting & Support — On-the-ground help with logistics and multilingual support (English, Japanese, Dutch).
Private Experiences — Custom itineraries such as yacht charters, secluded picnics, exclusive performances.
Consulting & Collaboration — Advice on sustainable tourism, cultural programming, and experiential travel design.
Across all projects we value sustainability, creativity, and respect for the local way of life. If you are a travel business, media producer, or brand looking for a genuine connection to the Yaeyama Islands, we’d love to collaborate.
Ishigaki Island, part of Okinawa Prefecture’s Yaeyama archipelago, is where subtropical Japan meets turquoise waters and vibrant island culture. About 50,000 people call Ishigaki home, most of them in …
Iriomote Island (西表島, Iriomote-jima) is the largest island of the Yaeyama chain, yet over 90% of its land is covered in dense subtropical rainforest and mangrove swamps. With only one …
Taketomi Island (竹富島) is one of the most iconic islands of the Yaeyama archipelago. Just a short 10–15 minute ferry ride from Ishigaki, it is famous for its preserved traditional …