What Is Yubu Island? A Tiny Island You Cross by Water Buffalo Cart
Yubu Island (Yubu-jima) is a small island located just off the coast of Iriomote Island.
With a circumference of about 2.15 km and an elevation of only 1.5 meters, the island is famous for its signature experience: crossing the shallow sea by water buffalo cart.
Today, Yubu Island is maintained as a subtropical botanical garden, where visitors can enjoy tropical plants — especially palm trees — along with a butterfly house, a water buffalo pond, and beachfront scenery.
Looking into the island's history reveals that the water buffalo were not introduced for tourism — they were an essential part of daily life and the island's agricultural development.
Settlers originally came from Taketomi and Kuroshima islands, but after a devastating typhoon forced most residents to relocate to Iriomote, those who stayed continued planting trees and flowers, laying the foundation for the botanical garden that exists today.
How to Get to Yubu Island From Iriomote
To visit Yubu Island, first travel from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island, then take a local bus or rental car to the Yubu Water Buffalo Cart boarding point.
You can cross to Yubu Island by water buffalo cart or on foot.
Tickets are sold at Tabibito no Eki (Traveler's Station) on the Iriomote side. For scheduled departures, visitors are advised to purchase tickets and complete procedures at least 10 minutes before departure.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
Operating hours are 9:15 AM to 4:30 PM, with the last garden entry at 3:45 PM.
However, opening may be delayed depending on tide levels, and the park may close entirely due to typhoons or strong winds.
Tickets for a round-trip water buffalo cart ride plus garden admission cost 2,000 yen for adults (junior high school and older) and 1,000 yen for children (elementary school). Walking access plus admission is 700 yen for adults and 350 yen for children.
Children under elementary school age enter for free.
The island can get crowded, so making a reservation is a good idea if you have a fixed schedule.
Things to See on Yubu Island: Butterfly House, Manta Beach, and Water Buffalo Pond
The charm of Yubu Island lies not in rushing around the entire island, but in savoring both the water buffalo cart crossing itself and the leisurely walk through the garden.
The water buffalo cart ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes one way.
During the ride, the cart driver often plays the sanshin (a traditional Okinawan instrument) and sings folk songs, making the journey itself part of the experience.
Don't Miss the Ōgomadara Butterflies at the Butterfly House
The butterfly house is home to the ōgomadara (tree nymph butterfly).
It is one of the largest butterfly species in Japan.
Known for their slow, graceful flight, they are a mesmerizing sight.
The golden chrysalises are another must-see highlight.
Not all species may be visible on any given day, so if you spot them, take your time to observe.
Head to Manta Beach for Ocean Views
Manta Beach offers views looking out toward Kohama Island.
Nearby, the Yubu Island Tea House serves coffee and gelato, perfect for a break with an ocean backdrop.
The beach gets its name from the fact that the waters between Yubu and Kohama islands are a known passage for manta rays.
Water Buffalo Pond and Bougainvillea Garden
At the water buffalo pond, you may see buffalo relaxing or parent-child pairs spending time together.
The bougainvillea garden showcases colorful blooms that can be enjoyed year-round.
How Long to Spend on Yubu Island: A First-Timer's Guide
About 1 hour for exploring alone, or 1.5 to 2 hours if you plan to eat is a good guideline.
For first-timers, timing your visit around the water buffalo cart schedule makes for a smooth and easy experience.
A Simple Route That's Easy to Follow
- Start by purchasing tickets at Tabibito no Eki on the Iriomote side
- Cross to the island by water buffalo cart
- Explore the butterfly house, water buffalo pond, and beach
- Take a break at the tea house or restaurant
- Catch a return cart back to Iriomote
On days when time is limited, deciding in advance whether to prioritize the butterfly house, beach, or water buffalo area helps keep things relaxed.
Dining, Facilities, and Rules: What to Know Before You Visit Yubu Island
Dining and Rest Areas
The on-island restaurant is open from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM (last order 2:00 PM).
The Yubu Island Tea House is open from 10:15 AM to 4:00 PM, with last orders for coffee at 3:30 PM.
Facilities and What to Bring
Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted, and wheelchair rentals are available.
However, there are no coin lockers.
Luggage storage is available at Tabibito no Eki on the Iriomote side, but visitors are advised to keep valuables with them.
Some paths in the garden are unpaved or sandy, so comfortable sneakers are recommended.
In summer, the sun is strong — don't forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and drinks.
Rules Around Water Buffalo and Photography
As a basic rule, do not touch the water buffalo without permission.
If you'd like to interact with them, use the official hands-on experience sessions listed on the website.
Additionally, drone flights are prohibited at the water buffalo cart boarding area, along the cart route, and above Yubu Island.
Drone photography is discouraged throughout Yubu Island, and non-drone photography may also require confirmation from private land managers in certain areas.
If you have specific photography purposes, it's best to inquire in advance.
Pets are not allowed except for service animals.
Water buffalo carts operate in rainy weather, but services may be suspended during typhoons, with updates posted on the official website.
Summary: Tips for Enjoying Yubu Island to the Fullest
Yubu Island combines the experience of crossing the sea by water buffalo cart with the chance to leisurely enjoy subtropical plants, butterflies, and water buffalo scenery — all in one destination.
Rather than snapping a few quick photos, treating the crossing, strolling, and resting as one continuous experience is the best way to appreciate what makes this island special.
Conditions like tides, wind, and crowd levels can affect your plans on the day.
Check opening hours, timetables, and announcements before you go, and walk with consideration for the water buffalo and the island environment — that way, even first-timers can enjoy a relaxed and memorable visit.
