Yubu Island (Yubujima)
Yubu Island (Yubujima)

Yubu Island (Yubujima)

Only about a mile (1.5 kilometers) in size, this tiny Okinawan island sits off the coast of the much bigger island of Iriomote (Okinawa’s second-largest). It’s a lush botanical strip of coastline, famed for its colorful year-round bougainvilleas and butterfly garden. But the biggest attraction is the unique way visitors arrive in Yubu: pulled from Iriomote through shallow water by rustic buffalo-drawn carts.

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Yaeyama, Okinawa, 907-1432

The basics

There are no accommodations on Yubu Island, so this little slice of paradise is all about day trips. It only takes an hour or so to explore the entirety of the island, which includes the botanical garden known as the Subtropical Plant Paradise, also home to a shell exhibit and the butterfly garden, where you can see several varieties of rare butterflies, including the tree nymph. The 20-minute buffalo cart ride includes a live sanshin (Okinawan banjo) performance.

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Things to know before you go

  • Though this is an island, don’t plan on swimming or snorkeling. While the pebble beaches might not be much to write home about, the real draw here is the lush foliage, not to mention Yubu’s quirky transportation.

  • There is a single restaurant and souvenir shop on the uninhabited island, so while you can find food on-site, consider bringing snacks or a packed lunch.

  • Many people visit Yobu Island as part of a full-day tour, some of which also include a cruise along the Nakama River through the mangrove forests of jungle-filled Iriomote. This means buffalo-drawn carts can quickly fill up with groups, so you may be prepared to wait for available rides during the high season.

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How to get there

There are no bridges or roads on Yubu Island, meaning it’s not accessible to vehicles. While you could technically walk during low tide, visitors are encouraged to arrive by water buffalo cart. You’ll find a cart departing every 15 minutes. While many people visit on a guided tour, you can also arrive at Iriomote Island by rental car. The island has two ports: Uehara and Ohara. (Ohara is the closest to Yubu Island.)

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When to get there

While bougainvillea blooms between early winter and spring, Yubu Island’s greenhouses mean visitors can admire the blossoms all year. August is one of the area’s peak seasons for tourists, but August and September are also when typhoons are likely to hit. Ideal weather windows are January until April and then again in early summer if you’re looking to dodge the crowds and the potential storms.

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Exploring Iriomote, one of Okinawa’s wildest islands

If you plan to visit Yubu Island, you’ll have to at least pass through Iriomote. But don’t just let this be a pitstop. Make sure you dedicate at least several days to exploring the dense, mangrove-filled island, reachable by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki (which has its own airport). Ninety percent of the island is covered in jungle, and this unspoiled setting is home to a stunning biodiversity, both on land and sea. Trekking and kayaking opportunities abound, as well as first-rate snorkeling and diving.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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