A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Yaeyama Islands vs. Okinawa for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Yaeyama Islands and Okinawa. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a tropical, pristine, and luxurious archipelago. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a tropical, lush, and serene archipelago. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Yaeyama Islands and Okinawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Okinawa than Yaeyama Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Okinawa is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping, while Yaeyama Islands is more popular for its resorts. Yaeyama Islands is well known for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. Okinawa is well known for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. Also, Okinawa is famous for the Kerama Islands.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Okinawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Okinawa and Yaeyama Islands. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa?

Okinawa is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Okinawa. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

Is the Food Better in Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Okinawa is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Okinawa makes for a great culinary experience. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

Yaeyama Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa Better for Nightlife?

Okinawa is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for nightlife and partying.

Okinawa offers plenty to do in the evening. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Yaeyama Islands for its luxury resorts. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Okinawa is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its diving and snorkeling.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Okinawa. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands and Okinawa both offer terrific beaches.

Yaeyama Islands offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Okinawa. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its hiking trails.

Okinawa is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa?

Okinawa is a good destination for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Okinawa is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa Better for Families?

Okinawa is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Okinawa is very family-friendly. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Yaeyama Islands is very family-friendly. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands and Okinawa both terrific destinations for a couple.

Yaeyama Islands is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

Okinawa makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Okinawa is a good destination for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Okinawa is a good destination for its public transit. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

Okinawa has a few public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Public transit is mostly limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa a more walkable city?

Yaeyama Islands and Okinawa both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not very walkable. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable archipelago. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

For even more information, also check out Is Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Okinawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Okinawa or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Okinawa have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than in Yaeyama Islands. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 3-7 days is enough time in Okinawa.

Families should spend more time in Okinawa than Yaeyama Islands. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Okinawa, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Okinawa than Yaeyama Islands. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Okinawa that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Okinawa than Yaeyama Islands if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Okinawa.

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa?

In Yaeyama Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The tropical destination of Okinawa offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa?

In Yaeyama Islands, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The archipelago of Okinawa offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa?

Yaeyama Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yaeyama Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Okinawa is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This archipelago offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yaeyama Islands. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Yaeyama Islands. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The idyllic archipelago of Okinawa offers museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Yaeyama Islands and Okinawa, we can see that Okinawa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yaeyama Islands Expensive? and Is Okinawa Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa in the Summer?

Both Okinawa and Yaeyama Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

In July, Yaeyama Islands is generally around the same temperature as Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Yaeyama Islands average around 29°C (85°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Okinawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during summer. Yaeyama Islands gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. In July, Yaeyama Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Okinawa. Yaeyama Islands gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa and Yaeyama Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Yaeyama Islands is around the same temperature as Okinawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the autumn, Yaeyama Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Okinawa. Yaeyama Islands gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in October than Okinawa. Yaeyama Islands gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Yaeyama Islands and Okinawa. Many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Okinawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Yaeyama Islands is around the same temperature as Okinawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Okinawa averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Yaeyama Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Okinawa during winter. Yaeyama Islands gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Yaeyama Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Okinawa. Yaeyama Islands gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Okinawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Yaeyama Islands as well as Okinawa. Many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Yaeyama Islands is generally around the same temperature as Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Yaeyama Islands average around 23°C (74°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In the spring, Yaeyama Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Okinawa. Yaeyama Islands gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yaeyama Islands usually gets less rain in April than Okinawa. Yaeyama Islands gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to June in Yaeyama Islands is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Yaeyama Islands