Yonaguni Island Travel Tips

4 of 4 in Yaeyama Islands

Yonaguni Island (与那国島) is Japan's westernmost island, nestled in the scenic Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture. With a charming circumference of about 30 kilometers and a population of under 2,000, this tranquil island is perfect for those seeking an escape from bustling city life. Known for its rich marine activities, Yonaguni offers exceptional scuba diving opportunities where you can explore vibrant coral reefs and witness the stunning native fauna, including the rare Atlas moth and the unique Yonaguni horse.

Diving enthusiasts flock to Yonaguni to experience the thrill of swimming with migrating hammerhead sharks from late November to May. The island is also famous for its mysterious underwater ruins, known as the Yonaguni Monument. These striking stone formations, with their seemingly perfect geometrical shapes, have sparked debates about their origins—are they a natural wonder or evidence of ancient human craftsmanship? Discover the allure of Yonaguni Island, where nature and mystery await!

Getting around

Yonaguni Island has one main road that connects Yonaguni Airport, the three villages, and most attractions. A few smaller roads cross the island, making it easy to explore.

A free community bus runs every two hours on the western side of the island, connecting the villages. You can also rent cars, mopeds, or bikes. Rental cars cost around 5000 yen per day, and mopeds are about 3000 yen. Bicycles, including electric ones, can be rented for 2000 to 3500 yen for 24 hours, and it takes 3-4 hours to cycle around the island. Advance reservations for rentals are recommended.