5 Romantic Experiences In The Yaeyama Islands

Gay couple and travel bloggers Stefan and Sebastien from London visited the Yaeyama islands and tell us their five favorite romantic experiences over in tropical Japan.

The Yaeyama islands make up the southernmost inhabited archipelago of Japan, located around 1,242 miles south from Tokyo. They are offer a total change of scenery in a subtropical climate in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the main land, particularly the hectic capital city.

This is the ideal destination to unwind and experience the natural beauty of the Japanese jungle, unspoiled beaches and pristine reefs.

1. Diving and snorkelling together.

The scuba diving in the Yaeyama islands is the best in the entire country. We were so blown away by our diving in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park, we were itching to get back into the deep waters here. Some highlights from snorkeling and scuba diving in the Yaeyama islands include:

– Manta Rays Scramble: a cleaning station near Kabira Beach on Ishigaki island. You’re almost guaranteed to spot Manta Rays from Spring to Autumn, particularly June to September.

– Hammerhead sharks: Yonaguni also attracts its share of Hammerhead sharks, which can be spotted throughout the year, particularly between December to February.

– Yonaguni Monument: a submerged rock formation, off the coast of Yonaguni island and considered Japan’s underwater “Pyramid”. Since its discovery in 1980s, it’s caused so much controversy because experts cannot determine whether it is natural or man-made. Recent research suggests it could be the remains of an underwater city called Mu, dating back at least 5,000 years.

– Baras Island: the coral around Baras island is ideal for diving and snorkeling. It’s worth spending at least a day just to explore the tropical life here. You can go on a day trip from either Ishigaki or Iriomote.

2. Romantic Vitamin Sea moments with your beau.

There’s plenty of beaches on each of the Yaeyama islands and being so remote, you’re likely to have it all to yourself. Kabira Bay on Ishigaki island and Kondoi beach on Taketomi island are stand out must not miss favorites.

Kabira Bay on Ishigaki island attracts thousands of tourists every year who come to this spot simply to marvel at the turquoise waters promised by the guide books. Come here to hear cries of sugoi (amazing!) or kirei (beautiful!) by the many Japanese tourists admiring the views.

Taketomi is a tiny inhabited island, just a few miles southwest of Ishigaki. There’s frequent ferries from Ishigaki, which only take 10-15 minutes so perfect for a fun day trip. The village of the island is crying out to be featured in your Instagram gallery. Kondoi Beach steals the show – a large stretch of sand to hang out and lounge all day in the sun.

Normally we’re not very docile with each other in public and not overtly gay acting. But we felt totally comfortable to be tender with each other at the beaches of the Yaeyama islands.

3. Dressing up in Ryukyu traditional kimonos at the Yaima Cultural Village.

The Yaima Cultural Village on Ishigaki islands is the perfect place to hang out for a day to truly soak up the local Ryukyu culture. They have dances and performances showcasing the music as well as a group of super cute and playful squirrel monkeys, which are completely safe to interact with.

But the real highlight here is you can try on the Ryukyu traditional dress, particularly the bright and colorful kimonos.

4. Jungle adventures together on Iriomote Island.

Iriomote is Japan’s jungle island and the place to come for those seeking adventure. There’s more nature than people spread across this large island as well as an abundance of wildlife ranging from wild boars to the elusive Iriomote cat. Adventure highlights to enjoy with your lover include:

– Beach time in some of the many coves and inlets, each hiding a deserted beach.

– Snorkeling and diving in the beautiful coral reef surrounding the island.

– Jungle trekking through the thick, dense jungle.

– Kayaking in the tropical rivers, surrounded by mangroves.

– Aharing a romantic moment at the base of a mighty waterfall.

5. Drinking the night away together with the local Awamori sake.

Sake is Japanese rice wine with a high alcohol content of around 15-20%. It can be served chilled or hot, in a small porcelain bottle (called a tokkuri) and sipped from a small porcelain cup called a sakazuki.

Awamori is the unique type of sake (Japanese rice wine) from Okinawa. It’s strong! Think around 30% alcoholic content, sometimes a lot more.

Unlike traditional sake from mainland Japan, awamori is distilled not brewed. You can get it in most restaurants here, served neat with ice and a glass of water to mix. Or start the day as you mean to go on – try it during a morning tour at a sake factory. No harm in replacing the morning coffee with several shots of awamori right?

To read more, check out the Nomadic Boys’ 10 days Japan itinerary at nomadicboys.com.