The Paradise of the Yubu Jima Flower Island

Yubu Jima (由布島) Island

With a circumference of only 2.15 kilometers, Yubu Jima is the smallest island in the Yaeyama Archipelago, Okinawa. The entire island is a subtropical garden, with 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

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 is no English in the islands. All the signage is in Japanese. Once you find the bus stop on the Iriomote island, just wait for a bus to come and ask the driver: “Yubu?”. If he is nodding affirmative, board the bus. In no time you will arrive at the departure point for Yubu island.

Iriomote bus stop schedule

Iriomote bus stop sign and bus schedule

Spider, bus shelter Iriomote

Spider, bus shelter Iriomote

Spider

The spider is about the size of a palm

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

Iriomote Jima water buffalo cart station

Iriomote Jima water buffalo cart station

Water buffalo taxi station sign

Water buffalo cart sign

Water buffalo taxi

From Iriomote to Yubu by water buffalo cart

Water buffaloes

Water buffaloes

The Garden of Yubu Jima

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

Yubu Jima Island

“In the twilight rain
these brilliant-hued hibiscus –
A lovely sunset”

– Matsuo Bashō

Hibiscus

Yubu Jima Island

Yubu Jima Island

Yubu Jima Island

Yubu Jima Island

Yubu Jima Island

Yubu Jima Island

Island Map

Nearby Islands