Festival spirit

No matter what time of year you visit the Yaeyama Islands, you’ll find that the locals are in the mood for a party

In addition to natural beauty, the nine islands of the Yeayama chain offer a treasure trove of cultural attractions and events. The performing arts and traditional music of these southern islands are recognized and appreciated worldwide. Performers like Begin, Yukito Ara, Mamoru Miyagi and Suguru Ikeda form the new generation of Yaeyama’s music—their art is the reflection of the feeling and culture that vibrates in the archipelago.

Every month, traditional festivals allow visitors a glimpse of the traditional life of islanders, while international sporting events bring fun and cultural exchange. While you might find that some events are closed to the public, all those listed here welcome any and all visitors.

January	Ishigaki Island Marathon (Ishigaki) Bullfight festival (Ishigaki)
February	Yamaneko Marathon (Iriomote)
March	Umibiraki (Opening of the swimming season in Japan; location varies each year)
April	ITU World Cup Triathlon & Family Triathlon (Ishigaki)
May	Hatoma Island Music Festival (Hatoma) Canoe touring Event (Iriomote and Hatoma)
June	Hari – Dragon boat races (Yaeyama Islands) Chura-san Festival (Kohama)

July	Orion Beer Festa (Ishigaki) International Swordfish Fishing Competition (Yonaguni) Ishigaki Minato Matsuri (Ishigaki) Honensai Harvest Festivals (Yaeyama Islands) Angama (Ishigaki) Mushama (Hateruma)
August	Southern Island Star Festival (Ishigaki)
September	Tobarama Singing Competition (Ishigaki)
November & December	Tanatori Festival (Taketomi) Ishigaki Festival (Ishigaki)

Schedules are subject to change without notice. Confirm dates and locations before planning your trip

Tanatori Festival (Taketomi)
This lively harvest festival in Taketomi takes place each fall, usually in November. Villagers dance, sing, and stage fake battles as they relive more than 600 years of island history.

Angama (Ishigaki)
During the Obon period, when ancestors are welcomed back to the land of the living, the Angama procession is made up of dancers and singers who visit households throughout Ishigaki. A costumed “grandmother” and “grandfather” offer incense to the ancestors of the house, while others are covered from head to toe with hats, handkerchiefs and Japanese yukata. Each village in Ishigaki has its own unique Angama group.

Hari (dragon boat race)
Dragon boat races are held as a tribute to the god of the sea and as a prayer for a year of good fishing. Taking place in early June, the Ishigaki hari is a traditional yet colorful event. On board sabani (traditional fishing boats), teams compete in races that feature a lot of paddling before they flip the boat over and get back to the finish line as fast as possible.

Honensai (various islands)
The Honensai festival, in which islanders show their appreciation for a bountiful harvest and ask the gods for similar blessings next year, is one of the most important events in Yaeyama. Typically occurring between June and August, these colorful festivals vary island by island, and offer visitors a lively way to discover local cultures and people.

Yubu Island
For a truly unique vacation experience, you can’t beat riding in a cart pulled by a water buffalo. And that’s exactly what awaits you on spectacular Yubu Island. The ten-minute water buffalo ride takes visitors across the shallow waterway from Iriomote. Yubu Island is a natural treasure house where you’ll find swarms of golden chrysalis in the butterfly garden and over 30 varieties of blooming tropical flowers in the Bougainvillea garden. Don’t miss the restaurant and souvenir shops!

Information available at www.ishigaki.com/yubujima. Phone: 0980-85-5470. Fax: 0980-85-5571. Botanical garden open 9am-5pm. Water buffalo carts depart every 30 minutes. Round trip: ¥1,300 (adults), ¥650 (kids under 12). Open every day.

Miruku parade (Hateruma and Kuroshima)
The Miruku fertility parades, taking place on Hateruma and Kuroshima islands during the August Obon period, are two popular and colorful events. Both parades feature associated attractions like staff dances and folk performances—as well as an appearance by the fertility god and his children.

Urauchigawa Kanko
Thanks to its bountiful and diverse flora and fauna, Iriomote Island is often called the “Galapagos of the East.” The sea, mountain and air have been carefully preserved for generations by locals. This makes it the ideal location to experience the true meaning of ecotourism.

The island valley that’s been formed by the Urauchigawa—the longest river in Okinawa—is a wonderland of subtropical vegetation and animals. Visitors can discover the incredible environment for themselves by exploring local mangrove thickets and jungle forests.

The staff at tour operator Urauchigawa Kanko believe it would be a shame for visitors to travel all the way to Iriomote and not experience such blessed nature. They’ve organized a variety of eco-friendly tours in the area, including such favorites as evening firefly excursions, canoe rides and trekking.

Information available at www.urauchigawa.com. Phone: 0980-85-6154. Fax: 0980-85-6921.