Yaeyama Islands is a pristine archipelago known for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're scuba diving with your friends, relaxing on the beaches, or hiking in nature, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Yaeyama Islands, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Yaeyama Islands?
You should plan to spend around $112 (¥17,451) per day on your vacation in Yaeyama Islands. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $48 (¥7,468) on meals
- $19 (¥2,877) on local transportation
- $106 (¥16,429) on hotels
A one week trip to Yaeyama Islands for two people costs, on average, $1,574 (¥244,314). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$787
¥122,157
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2 Weeks
Per person
$1,574
¥244,314
-
One Month
Per person
$3,374
¥523,530
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,574
¥244,314
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,149
¥488,628
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,747
¥1,047,060
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Yaeyama Islands cost?
A one week trip to Yaeyama Islands usually costs around $787 (¥122,157) for one person and $1,574 (¥244,314) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Yaeyama Islands on average costs around $1,574 (¥244,314) for one person and $3,149 (¥488,628) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Yaeyama Islands will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Yaeyama Islands on average costs around $3,374 (¥523,530) for one person and $6,747 (¥1,047,060) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Yaeyama Islands expensive to visit?
Yaeyama Islands is a popular archipelago that attracts plenty of visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you choose to make it so, Yaeyama Islands can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $48 (¥7,635) per day, mid-range travelers spend $111 (¥17,451) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $211 (¥33,347) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Yaeyama Islands.
Within Asia, Yaeyama Islands is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Kyoto or Koh Lipe.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Yaeyama Islands Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Yaeyama Islands?
The average Yaeyama Islands trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Yaeyama Islands travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Yaeyama Islands cost?
Yaeyama Islands on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$23
(¥3,594)
|
$53
(¥8,214)
|
$101
(¥15,697)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8
(¥1,259)
|
$19
(¥2,877)
|
$35
(¥5,498)
|
|
Food 2
|
$21
(¥3,267)
|
$48
(¥7,468)
|
$92
(¥14,270)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$4
(¥578)
|
$9
(¥1,321)
|
$16
(¥2,525)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-4
(¥211-632)
|
$3-9
(¥481-1,444)
|
$6-18
(¥920-2,760)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Yaeyama Islands with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $48 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
So, are you average?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Yaeyama Islands will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $111 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $211 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the archipelago, a luxury budget will be necessary.
Accommodation Budget in Yaeyama Islands
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Yaeyama Islands can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Yaeyama Islands in the off-season is $204, but in the peak summer travel season it will average around $381. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Yaeyama Islands to range from $112 to $823. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Yaeyama Islands for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $106 (¥16,429). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $53 (¥8,214) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Yaeyama Islands? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Yaeyama Islands include:
- Hotel Nirakanai Iriomotejima starting at $274
- Mayagusuku Resort starting at $192
In a family-friendly place like Yaeyama Islands, finding accommodation with more space is key when traveling with children.
This archipelago has a variety of resorts to explore. You might find one that includes meals, or at least breakfast, and many come with onsite dining options.
With many visitors staying up to a week in Yaeyama Islands, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be a great option for longer stays, allowing you to cook meals.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid summer), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Yaeyama Islands
Yaeyama Islands does not has a good public transit system. 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.
Unfortunately, you'll find that the bulk of the archipelago is not very walkable. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $19 (¥2,877) per person, per day, on local transportation in Yaeyama Islands. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Yaeyama Islands is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$19
¥2,877
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.
How much does it cost to go to Yaeyama Islands? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Yaeyama Islands will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Yaeyama Islands
The food scene in Yaeyama Islands is solid, but it's not usually the main tourist attraction. However, there are some charming eateries in the archipelago that you should check out. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Yaeyama Islands can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Yaeyama Islands is $48 (¥7,468) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$48
¥7,468
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Yaeyama Islands is around $47 (¥7468) per person, with previous travelers spending from $21 to $90. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Yaeyama Islands are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $19
- Dinner: $14 to $33
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
Being a set of islands, you can correctly suspect that the majority of food will be seafood. Taketomi island is known for their shrimp, you'll find peach-pineapple on Iriomote island, and Ishigaki is famous for their melt-in-your-mouth beef. For the most part, the larger islands, Ishigaki, Iriomote, and Taketomi, will have the majority of food and bar options. The rest of the islands cater primarily to locals and therefore often don't keep much stock in regards to food and liquor.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Enjoy the scenery while saving money by planning a picnic. Find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a lovely park or picturesque spot for your meal.
Take a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks constantly. This is also an eco-conscious choice.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Yaeyama Islands
Tourists can't resist Yaeyama Islands, especially for its well-known resorts, beaches, romance, and scuba diving & snorkeling.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Yaeyama Islands typically cost an average of $8.52 (¥1,321) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$8.52
¥1,321
Each island is home to unique sights that you really can't see anywhere else in Japan. For example, Iriomote Island is home to the only jungle in Japan and one of two Star Sand Beaches, named for the star shaped seashells that wash up on the beach. Ishiaki Island is known for their impeccable beaches, especially Sukuji Beach which provides views of the Uganazaki Lighthouse on clear days.
Head to Taketomi Island to immerse yourself in an extremely well preserved traditional Ryukyu village, complete with water buffalo pulling carts. Here, you'll also find the one of two (the other being on Iriomote) Star Sand Beaches as well as Kondoi Beach which is known for clear turquoise waters and long white sand beaches.
The Yaeyama Islands are a snorkeler's paradise, with coral reefs around many of the islands, including Yonaguni and Iriomote. Scuba diving is also popular off of Yonaguni due to the mysterious underwater ruins that are some 8000 years old and have been attributed to the lost Continent of Mu and even sometimes considered to be alien artifacts! Above water activities include exploring the caverns on Yonaguni Island, taking a boat cruise on the rivers on Iriomote Island, and touring Taketomi Island on water buffalo.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba diving in Yaeyama Islands is one of the most popular activities. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.
Beaches:
Countless visitors arrive in Yaeyama Islands to chill out by the beach. 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.
Hiking:
Don't miss out on the wonderful hiking opportunities around 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.
Nightlife Budget in Yaeyama Islands
For nightlife, Yaeyama Islands offers some activities, but it's not as active as in other more popular destinations. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $6.20 (¥963) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Yaeyama Islands per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$6.20
¥963
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 28, 2024
Traveling in Yaeyama Islands
Yaeyama Islands
The Yaeyama Islands is a cluster of islands located in the southwestern part of Japan, close to Taiwan. There are nine different islands, varying from small islets to large holiday resort islands. The Yaeyama Islands are one of the most popular destination in Japan due to their beautiful beaches and underwater ruins. Yaeyama is also known for having their own language and writing system. For the most part, everyone on the Islands speak Japanese, but you'll often find the Yaeyama writing on T-shirts in souvenir shops or scattered around Yaeyama.
The Yaeyama Islands have a subtropical climate, meaning evening in winter, temperatures stay around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. There really are no bad times to visit the Islands in regard to weather, except for September, which is typhoon season. Summers are hot and humid but great for sunbathing, making it the Islands' peak season; October-November and March-April are great times to visit as the weather is still warm though the Islands tend to be less touristy.
Neighborhoods & Around
The Yaeyama Islands are comprised of nine smaller islands and islets, some with more attractions than others. Hatoma Island is a small island whose main attraction is that they have no attractions, simply because they are such a small island. Aragusuku and Kohama are two other islands that do not have many attractions, aside from the large tourist resort on Kohama.
Hateruma Island is known as Japan's southernmost point and even have a monument dedicated to this fact. This island has a more laid-back vibe and is home to some of the most beautiful turquoise waters on the island at Nishi Hama beach. Iriomote island is one of the more popular islands for tourists due to their large jungle and beautiful coral and sea life that can be seen when scuba diving off its coast.
Ishigaki Island is a little smaller and less frequented by tourists. But don't let that fool you, Ishigaki has some of the most stunning beaches in all of Japan, especially Sukuji Beach. Taketomi is a popular destination, primarily due to their impeccably preserved Ryukyu village and having one of two Star Sand beaches in Japan. Kuro Island is known as the cow island; the number of cows on the island actually outnumbers its inhabitants. Kuro is a a great spot to get away from it all, including modern life such as convenience stores and traffic lights! Then, there's Yonaguni Island, known for their natural rock formations including the Emerald Dove, Japanese Wood Pigeon and Ryuku Robin.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.