Yoron
Toursite - http://www.yorontou.info/en/
Technically not Okinawa, but Kagoshima Prefecture, but given its location and scenery, it can be considered one of the must-visit islands. Due to its remoteness, it’s advisable to carry cash, as cards may not always work.
Flights and ferries to the island arrive only twice a day, at lunchtime. There is no transport at other times. The distance between the port and the airport is about 15 minutes, but public transport does not stop there, so you either need to ask the hotel for a transfer or take a taxi.
The island is only 6 km in diameter, so you can cross it in just 1.5 hours, but it’s usually a bad idea since the humidity is higher than in Okinawa.
Where to stay.
Booking.com has very few hotels listed; it’s better to check Trip.com or Google Maps directly. The main concern will be cafes and restaurants, so it’s more convenient to stay on the left side of islina at Chabana, about 5–10 minutes from the bus stop.
Transport
The bus runs every hour, clockwise or counter-clockwise, with a fare of 200 yen.
It’s better to buy a 2-day pass for 500 yen, which includes the route map and schedule.
The route is not circular; it starts and ends in the Chabana area. Stops are sometimes unofficial (marked by a sign in the plants), so you can raise your hand to flag the bus down on the road.
What to see
- Yurigahama is an island that appears at low tide.
- Southern Cross Center - viewing platform and museum
- Yoron Station - a piece of the railway station with a view
- Mykonos Street - a street in Greek style
- Yoron Folk Village - family museum with workshops
Yurigahama Island doesn’t appear every day; sometimes the water reaches knee-deep or waist-deep. You can check the tour website’s calendar for exact dates.
