Like a hidden paradise on Earth—the three remote islands of Ishigaki, a must-visit destination in Japan

Reported by Chen Ziying / Taipei

▲ The seascape of Okinawa’s remote islands offers breathtaking views where the ocean meets the sky. (Photo / Hoshino Resorts)

Okinawa Prefecture is the Japanese region closest to Taiwan and is often referred to as the "Hawaii of Japan." In recent years, more and more people have chosen to visit Okinawa for tourism. The prefecture centers around the Okinawa Islands and also includes the Miyako Islands, Yaeyama Islands, and a total of 160 islands. Among them, Ishigaki Island in the Yaeyama Islands is relatively well-known. In fact, these scattered pearls across the sea boast well-preserved natural beauty, and the islanders enjoy a slow, relaxing pace of life, making it feel like a heavenly realm. Moreover, on March 7, the new New Ishigaki Airport officially opened, allowing travelers to fly directly to Ishigaki Island and then take a ferry to various resort islands.

▲ Map showing the geographical location of the Yaeyama Islands. (Photo / Wikipedia)

The Yaeyama Islands are located remotely within Japan, considered remote even among the country’s outlying islands. As a result, both their natural conditions and cultural aspects differ somewhat from mainland Japan, and their development has been relatively slow. Precisely for this reason, these small islands have retained their most pristine and unspoiled features, resembling a true utopia.

Each of these small islands has its own unique charm. Among them, Iriomote Island is known as the “last unexplored frontier of Japan,” as over 90% of the island remains covered by virgin forests and is home to the only about 100 remaining Iriomote wildcats. The level of natural preservation on the island is evident.

▲ Iriomote Island, where over 90% is covered by virgin forest, is known as the “last unexplored frontier of Japan.” (Photo / Hoshino Resorts)

Located more centrally, Taketomi Island is one of the world’s top coral reef islands, boasting over 360 species of coral—second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

▲ Taketomi Island is home to over 360 species of coral. (Photo / Hoshino Resorts)

Taketomi Island, designated as an “Important Traditional Buildings Conservation Area,” is home to local residents who share a strong commitment to preserving traditional culture. The entire island's streetscapes and way of life carry deep cultural heritage, and visitors can even ride a water buffalo cart while enjoying the cheerful rhythm of the sanshin (a traditional three-stringed instrument).

▲ Visiting the traditional buildings conservation area of Taketomi Island, you can even ride a water buffalo cart!(Photo / Hoshino Resorts)

When visiting these beautiful islands, you can choose to explore several charming islands over the course of a few days or select one island and stay at a local resort hotel for a more in-depth experience.

▲ To promote the area’s stunning scenery, resorts are developed in harmony with the natural landscape. (Photo / Hoshino Resorts)