Are you thinking about visiting Yaeyama Islands, Japan? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Yaeyama Islands worth visiting?
This archipelago is a good place to visit for three to five days. The Yaeyama Islands are the southernmost and westernmost islands of Japan. They are part of the Okinawa Prefecture and they are tropical with white sand beaches, coral reefs, and turquoise water. Ishigaki Island is the largest and most populated island. It's also the transportation hub for the region.
Yaeyama Islands
Reasons to Visit Yaeyama Islands
Resorts
There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.
Beaches
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.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.
Hiking
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.
Food
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.
Nightlife
The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.
Is Yaeyama Islands worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Yaeyama Islands is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The weather in Yaeyama Islands is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 29°C (85°F). But it can get as warm as 32°C (89°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the hiking, and the resorts. Also, you can take advantage of the local nightlife.
Summer Weather in Yaeyama Islands
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 29°C (85°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| August | 29°C (84°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| September | 28°C (82°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
Is Yaeyama Islands worth visiting in the Autumn?
The weather in Yaeyama Islands is fairly warm during autumn, and stays around 26°C (78°F). But it can get as warm as 28°C (83°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Yaeyama Islands, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery and discover the nearby hiking trails.
Autumn Weather in Yaeyama Islands
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 26°C (78°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| November | 23°C (73°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| December | 20°C (67°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
Is Yaeyama Islands worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Yaeyama Islands. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during winter, and temperatures hover around 18°C (64°F).
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to sample the delicious cuisine and grab some drinks at a bar.
Winter Weather in Yaeyama Islands
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| February | 19°C (65°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| March | 20°C (69°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
Is Yaeyama Islands worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Yaeyama Islands. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The weather in Yaeyama Islands is fairly warm during spring, and stays around 23°C (74°F). But it can get as warm as 26°C (78°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. During this season it's fun to experience the beautiful scenery and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Yaeyama Islands
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 23°C (74°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 231 mm (9.1 in) |
| June | 28°C (82°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Yaeyama Islands
Museums: Yaeyama Islands isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Yaeyama Islands might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Yaeyama Islands here or see if Yaeyama Islands is expensive here.
Related
What is Yaeyama Islands most famous for?
Yaeyama Islands is most famous for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. The archipelago is very popular for its resorts and beaches. It is also known for its great scuba diving & snorkeling and hiking. And many visitors also come to this archipelago for its food and nightlife. It is often described as idyllic, tropical, pristine, luxurious, and serene.
What is the most famous sight in Yaeyama Islands?
The most popular sight in Yaeyama Islands is Nishihama Beach. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Yaeyama Islands on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Nishihama Beach and other attractions here.
How touristy is Yaeyama Islands? Is it a popular archipelago to visit?
Yaeyama Islands is a popular archipelago for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
How long should I spend in Yaeyama Islands?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Yaeyama Islands is at least three or as many as five days. Since Yaeyama Islands has a variety of activities such as resorts and beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Yaeyama Islands?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Yaeyama Islands?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Yaeyama Islands?.
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.