Ishigaki: Water Buffalo Cart on Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island & Yubu Island Day Tour

Iriomote Ecological Exploration Begins with the Nakamagawa Mangrove Cruise

Upon arriving at Iriomote Island, the first thing you'll do is immerse yourself in nature on the Nakamagawa Mangrove Cruise. Enjoy the mangrove forests and waterway landscapes rarely seen from land, comfortably aboard the boat, allowing you to truly experience Iriomote's overwhelming scale without straining your physical strength.
A cruise is a journey in itself. You can slowly glide along the waterway, enjoying the changing colors and atmosphere of the forest depending on the season and weather. It's a perfect course for nature lovers, as well as those who want to truly experience the Yaeyama nature at least once during their Ishigaki trip.
This course doesn't just end with the cruise; it also includes a bus tour and a visit to Yubu Island, ensuring a packed day with no dull moments. This makes it highly recommended for travelers with limited time.

Iriomote Bus Tour: Reduce Walking Time and See the Main Attractions

Iriomote Island is largely covered in forest, so first-time visitors can feel overwhelmed by where to go. This route is designed to efficiently cover key points while traveling by bus, making it the perfect way to explore. The scenery unfolding outside the bus window is part of Iriomote's charm. You can experience the island's atmosphere and natural beauty without having to walk too far, and the route connects directly to the next activity, the Yubu Island water buffalo cart ride, significantly reducing travel stress.
Since the walking time is not excessive, it is especially suitable for family trips with parents, those who want to reduce physical strain, and those who want to visit several islands in one day.

Cross the sea by water buffalo cart and experience the emotions of Yubu Island and Taketomi Island all at once

The emotional highlight of this tour truly comes alive during the water buffalo cart ride. You'll slowly cross the shallow seas on a water buffalo cart to Yubu Island, and while listening to the wind and the waves, you'll begin a leisurely island experience. The unique rhythm of the water buffalo cart creates a gentle transition into the travel mood.

Yubu Island is a small island, with a circumference of about 2.15 kilometers, but the entire island is decorated like a subtropical botanical garden. It's a great place to take a leisurely stroll and admire the subtropical trees and flowers, and the atmosphere is also perfect for taking photos, resulting in a highly satisfying experience. Lunch is served buffet style on Yubu Island, with single-serve lunch boxes, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal of your choice.

Depending on your options, you can choose between a water buffalo cart tour or free time on Taketomi Island. Just walking through the pristine landscape of red-tiled villages and white-sand paths will truly immerse you in the healing spirit of Yaeyama. The return ferry typically departs at 3:10 PM, 4:00 PM, or 5:00 PM, allowing you to flexibly adjust your departure time to suit your physical condition.

Brief introduction to the schedule

07:45 Meet at the Ishigaki Island Dream Tourism reception counter inside the Yugrena Ishigaki Port remote island terminal.
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08:15 Departure from Ishigaki Island
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09:00 Arrive at Ohara Port on Iriomote Island

• Nakamagawa Mangrove Cruise (approximately 1 hour)

• After a bus tour of Iriomote Island, take the water buffalo cart ride to Yubu Island (approximately 25 minutes).

• Travel to Yubu Island by water buffalo cart

• About 1 hour and 30 minutes for a walk and lunch on Yubu Island
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  12:50 Take the bus to Ohara Port
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  13:25 Departure from Iriomote Island
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  14:05 Arrive at Taketomi Island, free time

• Taketomi Port → Village: Approximately 1.3km uphill, approximately 20-minute walk

• Local reservations for island-wide circular buses, water buffalo carts, and bicycle rentals may be difficult during peak times.

• In summer, we recommend using a parasol or other UV protection.

• Departure from Taketomi Port: 3:10 PM / 4:00 PM / 5:00 PM (Please arrive on time)