Among the Yaeyama Islands, Iriomote is an island with the most untouched natural environment. It is known as the “Galapagos of East” and large percent of the island is covered by dense jungle and mangrove swamps which make up the old-growth forest, habitat of crested serpent eagle and Iriomote cat. Thus, it has its own unique ecosystem.

read more →

Ishigaki is a long, slender island located southern west of Japan. There are Yaeyama Islands in the southern and western edges of Ishigaki. They are composed of islands such as Yonaguni and Taketomi, and some inhabited ones. It is surrounded by coral reefs and tropical plants that give an image of the treasure of nature.

It takes from 4 to 5 hours of plane ride from Tokyo via Naha airport to Ishigaki, where it marked the beginning of Yaeyama trip. End of April, through the squall with a possibility of not being able to land, we have arrived here in Ishigaki airport.

read more →