Introduction
Japan’s southernmost islands form an archipelago rich in contrasts. Okinawa, Miyako, Ishigaki, and the far-flung Yaeyama Islands share turquoise seas and subtropical skies, yet each carries its own history, rhythm, and flavor. For travelers seeking to understand the essence of these islands, the differences are as fascinating as their shared heritage.
Okinawa Main Island – Gateway of Culture and History
Historically the vibrant center of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa-hontō remains a gateway of Continental influence, shaping distinct traditions, cuisine, and performing arts such as sanshin music and Eisa festivals.
Strategically positioned, Okinawa has long served as a trade and cultural hub between Japan and Asia.
Its landscape is more developed, featuring key historical sites and robust infrastructure—deeply contrasting the rural charm found to the south.
Okinawa’s royal heritage at Shuri Castle
Ishigaki Island – Center of Yaeyama Life
Ishigaki is the lively hub of the Yaeyama Islands, with a perfect balance of nature, culture, and convenience. The island is known for its emerald mountains, sugarcane fields, and gateway port to Iriomote, Taketomi, Kohama, Kuroshima and other Yaeyama islands. Ishigaki’s local dishes, from Ishigaki beef to Yaeyama soba, reflect its unique island flavor.
Experience: Hike up Mount Nosoko, dive into the colorful Sekisei Lagoon, and wander Ishigaki city’s market.
Ishigaki city is the gateway port to the Yaeyama Islands
The Yaeyama Islands – Wild and Untouched
Beyond Ishigaki, the Yaeyama Islands spread into untamed beauty. Iriomote’s jungles and mangrove rivers feel like Japan’s last frontier, while Taketomi preserves the charm of traditional stone houses and buffalo carts. The Yaeyamas are often called the Galápagos of the East, where rare species like the Iriomote wildcat live.
For travelers: These islands are for those seeking immersion in nature, quiet traditions, and authentic village life.
The Yaeyama archipelago is Japan’s most remote region, located southwest of Miyako Islands and farther from mainland Japan.
Ishigaki Island, the archipelago’s largest and most inhabited island (population ~50.000), serves as the political, economic, and transport hub (via airport and ferry network) of Yaeyama.
The area is famed for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, marine life, and nature trails within Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park.
Flora and fauna are distinctive: mangrove forests, endemic species like the Yaeyama palm, marine possibilities include manta rays.
Ishigaki’s cuisine diverges from mainland norms—it’s a bit more meat-centric, with renowned Japanese Black cattle (“Ishigaki beef”) as well as local fish and local tofu.
Traditional crafts thrive here—Yaeyama Jofu (ramie cloth) is woven on Ishigaki, noted for its light breathability and bold kasuri patterns, and recognized as an Important Intangible Cultural Property.
The Yaeyamas preserve ancient traditions—Taketomi’s buffalo-cart villages and Iriomote’s wild jungles contrast sharply with Okinawa’s urban energy.
Iriomote
| Feature | Okinawa Main Island | Ishigaki / Yaeyama Islands |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Role | Ryukyu capital, gateway | Remote, ecological, traditional |
| Development | Urban, well-connected | Rural, limited transport outside Ishigaki |
| Nature | Beaches, cultural sites | Coral reefs, jungles, mangroves, endemic fauna |
| Cuisine | Ryukyuan fusion, seafood-heavy | Meat-centric, tropical fruit influence |
| Craft & Rituals | Classical Ryukyuan arts | Yaeyama jofu weaving, buffalo carts, festivals |
Miyako Island – Coral Reefs and Serenity
Geographically situated between Okinawa and Yaeyama, Miyako Island stands apart with its serene coral lagoons and expansive seagrass beds—particularly in Yonaha Bay, where sandy bottoms stretch only to 5 m and support Okinawa’s largest seagrass expanse (~902 ha) (source: Ministry of the Environment Japan).
Unlike the dense reefs around Yaeyama, Miyako’s marine environment features gently sloping sandy seafloors, creating tranquil swimming and snorkeling zones.
Miyako lacks the cultural craft heritage like Yaeyama Jofu or the mountains of Ishigaki or the dense jungle of Iriomote—its essence lies in calm, coastal immersion and nature’s minimalist beauty.
Which Island is Best for You?
Choose Okinawa Main Island if you want to explore Ryukyuan history, enjoy city life in Naha, and balance cultural experiences, indoor activities like aquariums, amusement parks with beaches.
Choose Miyako Island if your dream is calm, uncrowded beaches, shallow lagoons, and a slower pace with minimal distractions.
Choose Ishigaki Island if you want a lively base with local food culture, easy access to diving spots, and connections to other Yaeyama islands.
Choose the Yaeyama Islands beyond Ishigaki (like Iriomote and Taketomi) if you want wilderness, mangroves, and traditional village life away from the crowds.
Each island has its own personality. Together, they form a mosaic of Japan’s subtropical south — but your journey depends on whether you seek culture, calm, convenience, or wilderness.
Slow rhythms of island life in the Yaeyama Islands
FAQ: Okinawa, Miyako, Ishigaki & Yaeyama
Is Yaeyama part of Okinawa?
Yes. The Yaeyama Islands, including Ishigaki and Iriomote, are the southernmost part of Okinawa Prefecture.
How far is Okinawa from Ishigaki?
It takes about 1 hour by plane from Okinawa Main Island (Naha) to Ishigaki. There is no ferry connection because of the distance.
Which is better for beaches, Miyako or Ishigaki?
Miyako is famous for long white sand beaches and calm lagoons (like Yonaha Maehama). Ishigaki has smaller but more diverse beaches, plus coral reefs and diving.
Can you visit Yaeyama without staying on Ishigaki?
Ishigaki is the transport hub. Ferries to Iriomote, Taketomi, and other Yaeyama islands leave from Ishigaki Port, so most travelers stay at least one night in Ishigaki.
What’s unique about Okinawa compared to the smaller islands?
Okinawa Main Island offers castles, museums, shopping, and vibrant city life. The outer islands are quieter, nature-focused, and less developed.