Buffalo Ride Experience in Iriomote Island! Cross the sea to Yubu Island by buffalo cart!

Buffalo experience in Iriomote Island!

Iriomote Island is a remote island in the southwestern part of Japan, located in the Yaeyama Archipelago.
Iriomote Island can be reached by ferry from Ishigaki Island, which takes about 45 minutes.
Therefore, compared to Ishigaki Island, there are fewer tourists, and it is a hole-in-the-wall spot.
With a total area of 289.62㎢, a perimeter of 130 km, and a population of 2,407 as of March 2020, it is the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture, after Okinawa Island.
Iriomote Island is full of attractions such as the Iriomote Cat, mangroves, and other creatures and plants that are unique to this island.
In this issue, we would like to introduce various attractions, including the buffalo experience, which has become a standard sightseeing plan.

From Iriomote Island to Yubu Island across the sea by buffalo cart

On Iriomote Island, a service of crossing the sea on a buffalo cart is offered.
From the buffalo station, visitors purchase tickets at a place called "traveler's station" and cross the sea with the buffalo.
Yubu Island is about 400m away from Iriomote Island, and even at high tide, the water is about 1m deep and does not sink.
The buffaloes themselves are trained soon after birth and are accustomed to humans, so they are safe.
The buffalo begin to move at a very slow pace, giving the impression of a clear ocean breeze.
The sea breeze will blow away your daily fatigue and stress.

How to get to Yubu Island

Let us show you how to get to Yubu Island.
Yubu Island can be reached from Ishigaki Island.
Ishigaki Island is also known as the home of the outlying islands, and most of Okinawa's outlying islands can be reached from Ishigaki Island at this terminal.
There is also a statue of Gushiken Youtaka at the ferry terminal on Ishigaki Island, which has become one tourist attraction.
It is one of the most visited islands in Okinawa, and is highly recommended because it has a very large number of accommodations and restaurants.

 

From Ishigaki Island to Ohara Port in Iriomote Island by high-speed ferry

First, let's go from the ferry terminal on Ishigaki Island to Ohara Port on Iriomote Island.
This route has 8-10 runs per day and takes about 45 minutes.
A word of caution, these 45 minutes may be a bit difficult for those who are very seasick.
Because of the high speed of this high-speed ferry, you may feel a strong swaying sensation.
If you are concerned, purchase anti-sickness medicine in advance.

 

From Iriomote Island to Yubu Island by buffalo cart

Upon arrival at Iriomote Island, you will go from the ferry terminal to the "Traveler's Station" where there is a buffalo cart.
This would be approximately 30 minutes by car.
Buses are available, but rental cars are also available for those who wish to do other sightseeing.
A light car can be rented for 24 hours for approximately 5,000 yen.
When you arrive at the "Traveler's Station," purchase a ticket and take a buffalo cart to Yubu Island.
Buffalo carts depart every 30 minutes after 9:00 a.m. at 15 and 45 minutes.
There are two trains per hour, so plan accordingly.
To reach the buffalo car, you will need to use a boat or car, so plan your sightseeing and enjoy yourself while you are on the move!
Feel the bliss of the buffalo cart ride across the sea with your whole body.

 

Offers a set plan for sightseeing on Yubu Island (with round-trip buffalo cart)!

There are several set plans for sightseeing on Yubu Island.
They are all fascinating, so if you want to experience them all, consider staying for consecutive nights! If you want to experience them all, please consider staying for consecutive nights.
Here are three popular plans, and we encourage you to consider the ones that interest you.
Enjoy the great outdoors!

 

Canyoning x Yubu Island Sightseeing

Canyoning is river rafting, in which participants wear helmets and life jackets and descend rivers, climb rocks, and sometimes dive from waterfalls.
It is a thrilling experience that will take you back to the days of boys and girls.
This is an exhilarating plan that allows you to enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island to the fullest and blow away your stress.
The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
Canyoning will end in the morning, followed by lunch time before heading to Yubu Island.
In contrast to the morning, you will experience a relaxing time while being swayed by a buffalo cart.
After sightseeing on Yubu Island, return to the hotel.
Arrival time is approximately 4:30 p.m., so you can enjoy sightseeing afterwards.
It is also good to explore good food and other activities.
This plan is recommended for those who want to blow off daily fatigue and stress.

 

Mangrove SUP/Canoe x Yubu Island Sightseeing

SUP is an abbreviation for stand-up paddle surfing.
SUP is an activity in which you stand on a board and paddle forward.
Thick, wide, and long surfboards are used for superior stability and to avoid the risk of stumbling.
SUP on Iriomote Island is very attractive and allows you to proceed over colorful coral reefs, through rivers in mangrove forests, and to go where you cannot go on land.
You will feel like an adventurer who can't stop being excited, and this will be a truly unique SUP experience.
Since two people can ride the board together, couples can also enjoy the experience.
In recent years, we have also seen older people participating in this plan, making it suitable for people of all ages.
By the way, if you are afraid of standing on the board or worried about fatigue, you can also participate by canoe, which is very safe.

You can also leave your paddle and lie down in the canoe, making it easy for those who are not confident in their physical strength to take on the challenge.
It is popular among women and the elderly because it allows them to advance without the need to use force.
All equipment such as surfboards and canoes are rented free of charge, so you can participate without any equipment.
They also provide lectures to make it easier for beginners.
The river's current is gentle, so please go slowly through the best mangrove forest in Japan.
The view is spectacular and will surely be a memory you will never forget.
Recommended for those who want to be healed by the expanse of greenery and fantastic scenery!

 

Barasu Island snorkeling x Yubu Island sightseeing

The plan ends with snorkeling at Barasu Island.
Barasu Island is a small island located about 10 minutes by boat from Iriomote Island, and is a "phantom island" that does not exist on the map.
It is said that it does not exist on the map because it is a rare island that appears only at low tide,
You must take a tour to get to the island.
In addition, coral reefs spread out around Barasu Island, where you can encounter not only colorful tropical fish but also sea turtles if you are lucky.

Diving, snorkeling, and of course, watching the sunset over the vast ocean is a true paradise.
Such a fantastic island, "Barasu Island," has become a filming location for commercials and wedding movies, and celebrities come here to experience a romantic and unrealistic world.
The beautiful ocean, fish, white sandy beaches, and red-tinted sunsets are perfect for proposals and confessions.
If you have a partner you want to win over, or if you just want a taste of the unreal, go for it!

 

summary

There are numerous remote islands in Okinawa.
Each of the islands has its own characteristics and is very attractive, but Iriomote and Yubu Islands will especially enchant you.
Iriomote and Yubu Islands are more secluded than other islands, so you may have the spectacular view all to yourself!
Also, the stars at night in Okinawa are as beautiful as if you were abroad.
Your time in Okinawa is sure to lure you from morning till night.
Why not visit Iriomote Island and Yubu Island?