Holidays in Japan’s Secluded Paradise
Introduction
The Japanese archipelago stretches from north to south, spanning thousands of miles and multiple climate zones. At the far southern tip of the country, nearly 2,000 kilometers away from Tokyo, lay the Yaeyama Islands - 19 tiny islands scattered around a turquoise subtropical sea like emeralds strewn across panes of stained glass.
Part of Okinawa Prefecture, this secluded island cluster is home to white sand beaches, coral reefs teeming with fish, balmy jungles, lush mangrove forests, and more. Spend the morning hiking through dense rainforest to a hidden waterfall before retiring to a deserted beach to catch some rays from the afternoon sun. Float placidly down a river in a kayak, or climb astride a high tech road bicycle to hit the pavement. Whatever your speed, the Yaeyama Islands are the perfect destination for your next tropical getaway.
-
About the Area
Ishigaki is the most populous of the Yaeyamas and the main hub from which to explore the surrounding islands. Accessible via direct flight from Tokyo, it offers a perfect mix of breathtaking ocean scenery, verdant tropical plant life, and a unique cultural cocktail that is one part Japanese tradition and one part laid-back island charm. At Kabira Bay, beachgoers can dig their toes into white sand while strolling along warm, clear waters almost too blue to be believed. A mask and fins become a window to another world beneath the waves, where sea turtles search for food amongst the coral and manta rays glide effortlessly on silent wings.
-
If Ishigaki is a beach lover’s paradise, neighboring Iriomote Island is a primordial landscape frozen in time. Although it is the second largest of Okinawa’s islands, Iriomote remains largely undeveloped and utterly untamed. Ninety percent of its landmass is covered in dense tropical rainforest; from loop-root mangroves and wild hibiscus, to coconut crabs and the ever-elusive (and critically endangered) Iriomote wildcat, it is an astounding cornucopia of biodiverse flora and fauna. Opportunity for adventure abounds in this sultry jungle setting, where visitors can hike to towering waterfalls, kayak down serpentine rivers, or even descend into subterranean cave systems where the sun’s rays have never shone.
-
Marine Experience
The waters surrounding the Yaeyama Islands are a haven for marine sports enthusiasts. Take the plunge to snorkel or scuba dive among coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, manta rays, and more. Grab a paddle and climb inside a sea kayak to trace endless miles of pristine coastline, stopping along the way at deserted beaches only accessible by boat. No trip to Okinawa is complete without a dip in these famed waters.
-
Jungle Hiking
Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands are home to vast expanses of untouched rainforest, where hidden ecosystems flourish under the shade of the dense, green canopies overhead. Join a local guide to walk forest paths in search of exotic animals like giant coconut crabs, Iriomote wildcats, mudskippers, and venomous “habu” pit vipers. Take to the trees as you zipline through the forest like a modern-day Tarzan. Endless discovery and adventure await on these jungle islands.
-
Star Gazing
After the sun dips into the sea and night settles over the islands, millions of stars light up the sky in a dazzling cosmic display. Far from the light pollution of major population centers, the Yaeyama Islands are an ideal location to marvel at the majesty of the cosmos. In fact, Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands are so dark, they are the first location in Japan to be officially designated as International Dark Sky Places. When conditions are right, uncountable stars pierce through the blackness and the Milky Way is plainly visible to the naked eye, a rare and unforgettable sight.
Recommended Plan
-
Plan A：Ishigaki Island Ocean Paradise Tour
2 nights 3 days tour-
Concept
South of Okinawa’s main island, the Yaeyama Archipelago is surrounded by some of the most beautiful ocean scenery in the world. Experience the exquisite natural beauty of these islands while staying at a tropical beach resort.
As the main hub of the Yaeyama Islands, Ishigaki is a haven for marine sports enthusiasts, but the fun doesn’t end at the beach. Cycle through stunning natural landscapes, explore hidden jungles known only to the local guides, or enjoy the sunset from the deck of a sailboat. Opportunity for adventure abounds on this idyllic island. -
Travel Dates
2 nights/3 days, departing between September 1 (Tue) 2020 and March 27 (Sat) 2021
-
Tour Prices
①For trips departing between September 1 (Tue) 2020 and January 27 (Wed) 2021
Regular Price: ¥70,000〜¥120,000 (incl. tax)
→With “Go To Travel Campaign” discount: ¥45,500~¥92,000 (average savings of ¥24,500~¥28,000) + ¥11,000~¥12,000 in shopping vouchers that can be used at selected local establishments!
②For trips departing between January 28 (Thu) 2021 and March 27 (Sat) 2021
Regular Price: ¥70,000〜¥120,000 (incl. tax) -
Sample Schedule
■Day 1
★Guest travels to Ishigaki Island on their own (transportation costs are not included)
17:00 or 18:00：Sunset Cruise (with guide)
※ Departure times will vary based on sunset times. Meeting point is Ishigaki Fishing Port.
○Accommodation
Ishigaki City
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas (or equivalent class accommodation)
■Day 2
AM：Snorkeling (with guide)
PM：Cycling ＆ Sea Kayaking (with guide)
○Accommodation
Ishigaki City
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas (or equivalent class accommodation)
■Day 3
AM：Jungle Tour (with guide)
PM：Afternoon at leisure
★Guest departs from Ishigaki Island on their own (transportation costs are not included)
※Schedule may change based on weather and/or sea conditions. -
Number of Passengers/Age Range
Minimum 2 passengers/8-60 years old
※For passengers outside of the indicated age range, please contact us. -
Available Languages
English・Japanese
-
The following is included in the tour price:
・Accommodation fee (2 nights)
・Selected meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch)
・Guided activities fees
・Transportation during Day 2 activities
・Domestic travel insurance
・Consumption tax -
Regarding tour operators
Please note that you will not be accompanied by a full-time (24-hr) tour conductor. A local guide will accompany you during the included activities only. Information about your guide (e.g. meeting times and places, etc.) will be provided later after your booking is complete.
-
Departure Period
September 1(Tue) 2020 to March 27 (Sat) 2021
-
Booking Period
Reservations must be received before March 1, 2021.
-
Regarding the “Go To Travel Campaign” and associated travel subsidies
This trip is eligible for support via the “Go To Travel Campaign”. Instead of the guest applying to the government for financial subsidies, the services provided by the travel agency will be subsidized on the guest’s behalf. The amount of the subsidy will be deducted from the overall amount paid by the guest. In the event of a cancellation, the applicable cancellation fee will be calculated based on the full price of the tour before subsidies. Before applying for a tour, guests must acknowledge and accept the arrangement as noted here.
-
The following is not included in the tour price
・Transportation, accommodation, and meals between your domicile and the tour destination
・Transportation, accommodation, and meals not included in the itinerary
・Personal expenses (e.g. phone calls, cleaning, additional meals, etc.)
・Medical expenses related to injury or illness
・Travel-related injury insurance -
Cancellation Policy
If the guest cancels their tour after the booking process is completed, the following cancellation fees will apply. In cases of multiple guests traveling together, if 1 guest cancels their trip, the applicable cancellation fee will apply for the remaining participants.
・21 or more days before the date of travel = no charge
・Between 20 and 8 days before the date of travel = 20% of total tour price
・Between 7 and 2 days before the date of travel = 30% of total tour price
・1 day before the date of travel = 40% of total tour price
・On the date of travel (pre-departure) = 50% of total tour price
・After the scheduled departure date or no-shows = 100% of the total tour price -
Other Notes
・In addition to age restrictions, other limitations may apply. Please contact us for more information.
・We recommend brining lightweight unrestrictive athletic clothing, long pants to protect from insect bites, swimwear, appropriate walking footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, and a hat.
・In the event of severe weather, please note that some experiences may be stopped or preemptively cancelled for your safety.
Please note that if the weather is less than ideal but the guide
determines it is safe to proceed, no refunds will be offered. -
Regarding coronavirus countermeasures
The following policies are being implemented in accordance with current coronavirus countermeasure guideline.
Please click here.
During tours, guests and guides will practice proper hygiene techniques including frequent hand washing, gargling, and wearing masks that cover both the nose and mouth. (Masks may be removed at appropriate times during physical activities.)
All accommodations and dining facilities will practice the following measures: Frequent cleaning, sterilization, and ventilation of equipment and facilities, body temperature checks for all staff, wearing masks and faceguards, proper hand sanitization and gargling, and regular health checks.
※Adherence to all current coronavirus countermeasures will be continually monitored. -
Regarding the handling of personal information and standard travel contracts
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions and Travel Planning Policy.
Please click here for Terms & Conditions.
Please click here for Travel Planning Policy. -
Bookings & Consultations
wondertrunk & co.
Phone：03-5413-8827 (Mon-Fri, 10:00〜17:30)
E-mail：reservation@wondertrunk.co -
Travel Planning & Execution
wondertrunk & co.
Tokyo Metropolytan Government Registration Type 2 #07767
〒150-0001, Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Jingumae 1-20-13
CLOSE -
-
Plan B ：Ishigaki and Iriomote Island Nature Adventure Tour
3 nights 4 days-
Concept
Just a short ferry ride from Ishigaki, neighboring Iriomote Island is a specially designated National Park and natural paradise. Called the “Galapagos of the East”, visitors can recharge as they exploree the island’s pristine natural landscapes. Our seasoned local guides can provide adventurous experiences tailored to your interests, whether that’s trekking through dense jungle, descending into subterranean caves, exploring waterfalls, or all of the above!
-
Travel Dates
3 nights/4 days, departing between September 1 (Tue) 2020 and March 27 (Sat) 2021
-
Tour Prices
①For trips departing between September 1 (Tue) 2020 and January 27 (Wed) 2021
Regular Price: ¥105,000〜¥180,000 (incl. tax)
→With “Go To Travel Campaign” discount: ¥68,250~¥138,000 (average savings of ¥36,750~¥42,000) + ¥16,000~¥18,000 in shopping vouchers that can be used at selected local establishments!
②For trips departing between January 28 (Thu) 2021 and March 27 (Sat) 2021
Regular Price: ¥105,000〜¥180,000 (incl. tax) -
Sample Schedule
■Day 1
★Guest travels to Ishigaki Island on their own (transportation costs are not included)
17:00 or 18:00：Sunset Cruise (with guide)
※ Departure times will vary based on sunset times. Meeting point is Ishigaki Fishing Port.
○Accommodation
Ishigaki City
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas (or equivalent class accommodation)
■Day 2
★Guest transfers from hotel to ferry port on their own (transfer costs are not included)
Morning：Ferry from Ishigaki to Iriomote (roundtrip ferry tickets are included)
Daytime：Jungle tour (with guide)
Evening：Return ferry from Iriomote to Ishigaki
★Guest transfers from ferry port to hotel on their own (transfer costs are not included)
○Accommodation
Ishigaki City
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas (or equivalent class accommodation)
■Day 3
AM：Snorkeling (with guide)
PM：Cycling ＆ Sea Kayaking (with guide)
○Accommodation
Ishigaki City
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas (or equivalent class accommodation)
■Day 4
All day：Day at leisure
★Guest departs from Ishigaki Island on their own (transportation costs are not included)
※Schedule may change based on weather and/or sea conditions. -
Number of Passengers/Age Range
Minimum 2 passengers/8-60 years old
※For passengers outside of the indicated age range, please contact us. -
Available Languages
English・Japanese
-
The following is included in the tour price:
・Accommodation fee (3 nights)
・Selected meals (3 breakfasts, 2 lunches)
・Guided activities fees
・Roundtrip ferry tickets between Ishigaki and Iriomote
・Transportation during activities on Days 2 and 3
・Domestic travel insurance
・Consumption tax -
Regarding tour operators
Please note that you will not be accompanied by a full-time (24-hr) tour conductor. A local guide will accompany you during the included activities only. Information about your guide (e.g. meeting times and places, etc.) will be provided later after your booking is complete.
-
Departure Period
August 14 (Fri) 2020 to March 27 (Sat) 2021
-
Booking Period
Reservations must be received before March 1, 2021.
-
Regarding the “Go To Travel Campaign” and associated travel subsidies
This trip is eligible for support via the “Go To Travel Campaign”. Instead of the guest applying to the government for financial subsidies, the services provided by the travel agency will be subsidized on the guest’s behalf. The amount of the subsidy will be deducted from the overall amount paid by the guest. In the event of a cancellation, the applicable cancellation fee will be calculated based on the full price of the tour before subsidies. Before applying for a tour, guests must acknowledge and accept the arrangement as noted here.
-
The following is not included in the tour price
・Transportation, accommodation, and meals between your domicile and the tour destination
・Transportation, accommodation, and meals not included in the itinerary
・Personal expenses (e.g. phone calls, cleaning, additional meals, etc.)
・Medical expenses related to injury or illness
・Travel-related injury insurance -
Cancellation Policy
If the guest cancels their tour after the booking process is completed, the following cancellation fees will apply. In cases of multiple guests traveling together, if 1 guest cancels their trip, the applicable cancellation fee will apply for the remaining participants.
・21 or more days before the date of travel = no charge
・Between 20 and 8 days before the date of travel = 20% of total tour price
・Between 7 and 2 days before the date of travel = 30% of total tour price
・1 day before the date of travel = 40% of total tour price
・On the date of travel (pre-departure) = 50% of total tour price
・After the scheduled departure date or no-shows = 100% of the total tour price -
Other Notes
・In addition to age restrictions, other limitations may apply. Please contact us for more information.
・We recommend brining lightweight unrestrictive athletic clothing, long pants to protect from insect bites, swimwear, appropriate walking footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, and a hat.
・In the event of severe weather, please note that some experiences may be stopped or preemptively cancelled for your safety.
Please note that if the weather is less than ideal but the guide
determines it is safe to proceed, no refunds will be offered. -
Regarding coronavirus countermeasures
The following policies are being implemented in accordance with current coronavirus countermeasure guideline.
Please click here.
During tours, guests and guides will practice proper hygiene techniques including frequent hand washing, gargling, and wearing masks that cover both the nose and mouth. (Masks may be removed at appropriate times during physical activities.)
All accommodations and dining facilities will practice the following measures: Frequent cleaning, sterilization, and ventilation of equipment and facilities, body temperature checks for all staff, wearing masks and faceguards, proper hand sanitization and gargling, and regular health checks.
※Adherence to all current coronavirus countermeasures will be continually monitored. -
Regarding the handling of personal information and standard travel contracts
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions and Travel Planning Policy.
Please click here for Terms & Conditions.
Please click here for Travel Planning Policy. -
Bookings & Consultations
wondertrunk & co.
Phone：03-5413-8827 (Mon-Fri, 10:00〜17:30)
E-mail：reservation@wondertrunk.co -
Travel Planning & Execution
wondertrunk & co.
Tokyo Metropolytan Government Registration Type 2 #07767
〒150-0001, Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Jingumae 1-20-13
CLOSE -
