The Paradise of Yubu Jima, the Flower Island

Posted: October 13, 2025 by Ovi

Yubu Jima (由布島) Island

With a circumference of just 2.15 kilometers, Yubu-jima is the smallest island in the Yaeyama Archipelago, Okinawa (Japan). The entire island is a subtropical garden, home to more than 100 varieties of trees!

On the island are 43 water buffaloes, 23 carts, 23 people and 17 households (2010, yubujima.com).

The island is accessible by water buffalo cart from Iriomote Jima.

Yubu Jima Island

“There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar; I love not Man the less, but Nature more.” – Lord Byron

From Iriomote to Yubu Jima

There’s no English on the islands — all signage is in Japanese, which makes the adventure part of the charm. Once you find the bus stop on Iriomote-jima, simply wait for a bus and ask the driver, ‘Yubu?’ If he nods, hop on. In no time, you’ll reach the departure point for Yubu Island.

Iriomote bus stop sign and bus schedule

Spider, bus shelter, Iriomote

The spider is about the size of a palm

Once you arrive at Iriomote-jima Station, board a buffalo-drawn cart and enjoy the picturesque ride to Yubu through shallow water, accompanied by the sounds of the shamisen — a three-stringed traditional Japanese instrument played by the cart’s driver.

Iriomote Jima water buffalo cart station

Water buffalo cart sign

From Iriomote to Yubu by water buffalo cart

Water buffaloes

The Garden of Yubu Jima

On the island, visit the butterfly garden and the shellfish museum, and take a look at the water buffalo pond. Relax in the island’s natural garden, surrounded by palm trees (10 varieties) and hibiscus flowers (30 varieties).