The islands
Taketomi, by bicycle.
Red-tiled roofs, coral-stone walls and sandy village lanes make Taketomi immediately recognisable. Rent a bicycle, stop often, and leave time to see how the village and the coast fit together.
Island stories
Category: <span>The Yaeyama islands</span>
The islands
Yonaguni, farther west.
Yonaguni sits at Japan's western inhabited edge, closer to Taiwan than to Okinawa's main island. Horses, woven cloth and a rugged coastline give reasons to stay above the water as well as explore below it.
The islands
Panari, a visit arranged with care.
Aragusuku is made up of Kamiji and Shimoji. Together they are known as Panari, meaning separated. Plan a visit through an organised boat excursion, with the guide arranging both the crossing and where the group can go.
The islands
Kuroshima, across the pastures.
Kuroshima's open pastures give it a different character from Ishigaki's mountains or Iriomote's forest. Cattle farming, a small village and a wide stretch of sky set the scene for a day by bicycle.
The islands
Kohama, fields and open views.
Kohama lies between Ishigaki and Iriomote, with a village of red-tiled houses, fields of sugarcane and open views across the sea. An independent day out and a comfortable resort stay are both ways to spend time here.
Ishigaki Island
Begin here. Stay a little longer.
Ishigaki is best enjoyed without rushing. Go into the water with a local guide, follow the road beyond the city and stop when a small shop, pottery studio or view catches your attention. Leave space for good food, conversation and the island's relaxed rhythm.
The islands
Iriomote, beyond the road.
Iriomote is Yaeyama's jungle island: dense forest, mangrove rivers and mountains that change how you travel. The main road gives you a first look. A planned activity with a local guide takes you farther into the landscape.
The islands
Hateruma, for the sea.
For us, Hateruma is about the colour and clarity of the sea, its reef and the quiet of a small island. Give those reasons enough time, and plan the crossing as carefully as the stay.
The islands
Hatoma, a small island on foot.
North of Iriomote, Hatoma brings a small village, wooded paths and a view back towards the larger island. Walking suits its scale; a little planning helps you enjoy it without depending on services that may not be available.