{"id":98332,"date":"2023-02-28T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-27T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=98332"},"modified":"2024-02-27T14:45:00","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T05:45:00","slug":"yaeyama-islands-okinawa-secret-tropical-paradise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/yaeyama-islands-okinawa-secret-tropical-paradise\/","title":{"rendered":"Yaeyama Islands: Three Close Encounters with the Unique Nature and Culture of Okinawa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On the southernmost part of Japan lies a group of 23 islands called Yaeyama (\u516b\u91cd\u5c71\u5217\u5cf6) where the mangrove forests and jungles dominate the otherworldly landscape<\/strong> guarded by mesmerizingly blue waters. It is a place where the animals, including endemic species, live in perfect harmony with the locals who are often referred to as the happiest people on earth<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite multiple visits to the islands, the promise of gentle rivers where one can kayak next to mangrove forests, hikes leading to waterfalls, and the comfortably warm, inviting ocean still give me the butterflies as soon as the plane slowly approaches Ishigaki Island \u2014 the getaway to the Yaeyama Islands \u2014 surrounded by transparent blue waters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes this unique group of islands of Japan special for me is the allure of the endless adventures into the deep forest<\/strong> that are surprisingly easy to access (thanks to a wonderful network of guides), yet still give you the thrill that comes with rare experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These are three experiences from the Iriomote<\/a>, Kuroshima<\/a>, and Ishigaki Islands<\/a> of Yaeyama group that will each introduce you to a different yet equally captivating side of the islands. All three islands are connected to each other with ferry services allowing island hopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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