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Compare Ishigaki, Miyako, Kerama, Kume, and Iriomote by access, budget, and season
Gateway to the Yaeyama Islands with crystal-clear waters
The largest island in the Yaeyama Islands, located about 410km southwest of Okinawa main island. Known for the emerald waters of Kabira Bay and white sand beaches. Also famous for diving and Ishigaki beef. Serves as a ferry hub to Taketomi and Iriomote islands.
Best for
Divers, food lovers, and those wanting a base to explore the Yaeyama Islands
Access from Naha
About 1 hour by plane from Naha Airport (ANA, JAL, Peach, etc.)
Best months
Source: Based on our own research using Naha Airport official information and Ishigaki City Tourism data (2026)
Asia's finest water clarity and one of Asia's most beautiful beaches
The main island of the Miyako Islands, located about 300km southwest of Okinawa. Yonaha Maehama Beach is consistently ranked among Asia's finest beaches for its water clarity. Three bridges connect neighboring islands, making it easy to explore by car.
Best for
Beach lovers, snorkelers, couples, and driving trip enthusiasts
Access from Naha
About 45–55 minutes by plane from Naha Airport (ANA, JAL, Skymark, etc.)
Best months
Source: Based on our own research using Miyakojima City Tourism Bureau data and Naha Airport route information (2026)
Just 35 min from Naha with world-class "Kerama Blue" waters
A group of islands accessible by ferry in 35–120 minutes from Naha's Tomari Port. Famous for "Kerama Blue" waters — exceptionally clear seas ideal for diving and snorkeling. Main islands include Zamami, Aka, and Tokashiki. A national park also known for humpback whale watching in winter.
Best for
All-level divers, day-trip island visitors, whale watching (winter)
Access from Naha
Ferry from Tomari Port to Zamami Island takes about 70–120 min (35–50 min by high-speed ferry). To Tokashiki Island: about 35–70 min. Please check each ferry company for current schedules and fares.
Best months
Source: Based on our own research using Zamami Village and Tokashiki Village Tourism Association data, and Naha Tomari Port ferry information (2026)
"The Hawaii of the East" — a quiet, underrated island getaway
A compact island reachable in about 1 hour by plane from Naha Airport. Famous for "Hateno Hama," an uninhabited sandbar floating in transparent waters. Fewer tourists than the main island, with a relaxed atmosphere. Known for its sea turtle population and popular turtle-watching tours.
Best for
Those seeking a quiet resort experience, couples, and turtle lovers
Access from Naha
About 1 hour by plane from Naha Airport (RAC / Ryukyu Air Commuter), or about 3–4 hours by ferry from Tomari Port
Best months
Source: Based on our own research using Kumejima Town Tourism Association data and Naha Airport route information (2026)
UNESCO Natural Heritage wilderness with Japan's largest mangrove forest
About 30–40 minutes by boat from Ishigaki Island. Over 90% of the island is covered in subtropical jungle, designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2021. Home to the endangered Iriomote cat. Popular activities include mangrove canoe tours and the Pinaisara Falls trekking trail.
Best for
Outdoor enthusiasts, trekkers, nature lovers, and off-the-beaten-path travelers
Access from Naha
Naha Airport → Ishigaki Airport (about 1 hr by plane) → Ferry from Ishigaki Port to Iriomote (Ohara or Uehara port) about 30–40 min
Best months
Source: Based on our own research using Taketomi Town Tourism Association and Ministry of the Environment Yanbaru Nature Conservation Office data (2026)
| Item | Ishigaki Island | Miyako Island | Kerama Islands | Kume Island | Iriomote Island |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access from Naha | About 1 hour by plane from Naha Airport (ANA, JAL, Peach, etc.) | About 45–55 minutes by plane from Naha Airport (ANA, JAL, Skymark, etc.) | Ferry from Tomari Port to Zamami Island takes about 70–120 min (35–50 min by high-speed ferry). To Tokashiki Island: about 35–70 min. Please check each ferry company for current schedules and fares. | About 1 hour by plane from Naha Airport (RAC / Ryukyu Air Commuter), or about 3–4 hours by ferry from Tomari Port | Naha Airport → Ishigaki Airport (about 1 hr by plane) → Ferry from Ishigaki Port to Iriomote (Ohara or Uehara port) about 30–40 min |
| Budget | Moderate | Moderate | Budget-friendly | Moderate | Higher (remote location + activities) |
| Crowd level (estimate) | Busy | Busy | Moderate | Quiet | Quiet |
| Best months | Apr・May・Jun・Sep・Oct・Nov | Apr・May・Jun・Sep・Oct・Nov | Apr・May・Jun・Sep・Oct・Nov | Apr・May・Jun・Sep・Oct・Nov | Apr・May・Sep・Oct・Nov |
* Crowd levels are subjective estimates without statistical basis. Use as a rough guide only.
Want a day trip from Naha?
YES → Kerama Islands (ferry 35–120 min)
Want Asia's finest beach experience?
YES → Miyako Island (Yonaha Maehama Beach)
Want a base to hop between multiple islands?
YES → Ishigaki Island (ferry hub to Taketomi & Iriomote)
Want UNESCO jungle and pristine nature?
YES → Iriomote Island (mangroves & UNESCO Natural Heritage)
Prefer a quiet, uncrowded getaway?
YES → Kume Island (Hateno Hama & sea turtles)
