Hello everyone! I’m an Okinawa-based blogger who travels and runs a lifestyle blog, capturing photos and videos both domestically and abroad. This time, it’s all about Iriomote Island, one of Okinawa’s remote islands.
On my first solo trip to Iriomote Island, I’m soaking up the summer sun and finding peace in the island’s lush greenery and beautiful seas. In this post, I’ll be focusing on Yubu Island, a popular spot for tourists where you can take a water buffalo cart ride from Iriomote.
・YUBUJIMA
・Buy a ticket at the Yubu Water Buffalo Cart Station.
Yubu Water Buffalo Cart Station 694 Komi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa 907-1432, Japan
To get to Yubu Island from Iriomote Island, you’ll first need to get a ticket at the Yubu Water Buffalo Cart Station. There’s a free parking lot in front of the “Traveler’s Station,” where the ticket counter is, so you can park your car there.
The water buffalo carts to Yubu Island depart roughly every 30 minutes. However, departure times may change depending on the tide, so it’s a good idea to check the website in advance.
You’ll get an admission pass to wear on your wrist.
As departure time approaches, the water buffaloes will also be ready and waiting.
By the way, it seems like you can walk to the island as well, but that’s probably only possible when the tide is low.
There are plenty of photo opportunities of the water buffalo carts crossing to the island, so if you decide to walk, you might discover something new!
・Cross to Yubu Island with Sumire the water buffalo.
It’s time to depart.
You’ll be sharing the water buffalo cart with others. Meet Sumire, a hardworking buffalo. The strength of these animals is incredible—they pull the cart as they walk through the water.
While you’re riding, a gentle breeze makes the trip even more enjoyable, and the staff explains all about the water buffalo. Some guides even play the sanshin and sing island songs as you go, allowing you to soak in the relaxed Okinawan atmosphere.
The summer clouds and sky are so vivid. As you take in the natural surroundings and look back toward the boarding area, the view is stunning with the mountains in the background.
In less than 10 minutes, we arrive at Yubu Island. Thank you, Sumire, and our guide for your hard work!
・Spend time on Yubu Island, where the entire island is a subtropical plant paradise.
Yubu Island was once thriving with residents who had moved there from islands like Taketomi. However, due to the impact of past typhoons, the population decreased, and now it is an inhabited island with fewer than ten residents. The remaining islanders have created a handmade paradise that exists to this day.
The island has a pond for water buffalo, where the animals wait for their next turn. Visitors can also enjoy interactive experiences with the water buffalo within the park.
Right near the boarding area, there are souvenir shops and a cafeteria where you can find exclusive items and enjoy a meal that you can only get here.
The restaurant also offers Okinawa soba, but I opted for the lighter Japanese soba.
The island is truly a paradise. Tropical flowers like hibiscus and bougainvillea are in full bloom, and you can even see the rare ”sagaribana,” a flower that blooms in subtropical regions.
The sagaribana is said to bloom in the evening and fall to the ground by dawn, so I could only see the flowers that had already fallen. It’s also only visible during summer nights, making it such a fleeting beauty.
Inside the park, there’s a butterfly garden where you can see Japan’s largest butterfly, the Ogomadara. Interestingly, the chrysalis of this butterfly is said to be a golden color.
・Cafe Yubujimachaya
In the botanical garden, there’s a spot where you can take a break. At Yubu Island Chaya, you can enjoy drinks, gelato, and cakes.
There are so many flavors of gelato to choose from, but I decided to try the “Okinawan Blue.” In front of the café, there are tables shaded by trees, offering a cool spot to enjoy your treat. However, the sun was so strong that my gelato started melting quickly despite the shade.
Just beyond the trees at the tea house is Manta Beach. There, rocks conveniently serve as benches, and I noticed some people sitting with a drink in hand, enjoying the view.
How was your visit to Yubu Island, reached by water buffalo cart from Iriomote Island.
Since it gets quite hot during the day, especially in summer, make sure to take precautions against heatstroke and sunburn. Portable fans or neck-mounted fans are convenient and practical for staying cool and light on your feet as you explore the park.
Visiting around October or November, when the typhoon season has settled and the weather is milder, could be a great option.
In addition to the water buffalo cart experience on Yubu Island, there are activities like canoeing and waterfall tours that you can combine. For those who want to make the most of their time, joining a guided tour is highly recommended.
Exploring the natural beauty of Iriomote Island, with its sea and mountains, will surely provide unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.
