Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [618]
There are numerous dive operators on the island. One shop with English-speaking guides is SaWest (87-2311; 59-6 Yonaguni, Yonaguni-chō Aza, Yaeyama-gun; 1/2 dives ¥8000/12,000, equipment rental ¥5000; 8am-6pm).
Beaches
There are several good beaches around the island, the best of which is Ubudomai-hama (), which is located at the east end of the island, shortly before Agarizaki (look out for the steep access road).
Fishing
In addition to diving, the seas off Yonaguni are also renowned for marlin fishing, and the All-Japan Billfish Tournament is held here each year in June or July. If you’re interested in trolling, boats in Kubura can be chartered from ¥55,000 a day – call the Yonaguni Fishing Co-operative (87-2803, in Japanese) for information.
SLEEPING & EATING
Although there are several sleeping options around the island, it’s best to phone ahead as Yonaguni is quite a distance to travel without a reservation. The following places will pick you up at either the airport or the ferry terminal.
Minshuku Yoshimarusō (; 87-2658; r per person with meals ¥6825) Near the ferry terminal in Kubura, Yoshimarusō is ideal for divers, as the friendly owners also operate the on-site Yonaguni Diving Service. Simple Japanese-style tatami rooms with shared facilities have nice views of the nearby port, though the real appeal of this minshuku is the owners’ local diving expertise. It’s up the hill, overlooking the port.
Hotel Irifune (; 87-2311; www.yonaguni.jp, in Japanese; r per person with meals ¥6000) If you want to be based in Sonai, this simple business hotel is located near the main post office. Irifune offers fairly standard Japanese- and Western-style rooms, though it’s a good option if you’re looking for a little bit of privacy.
Fujimi Ryokan (; 87-2143; fax 87-2956; r per person with 2 meals from ¥5800) One block inland from the Hotel Irifune in Sonai, this basic ryokan is a good choice if you’re looking for more traditional accommodation. It’s roughly between the traffic light and the post office.
Ailand Resort (; 87-2300; www.ailand-resort.co.jp; tw per person with 2 meals from ¥13,000; ) This spiffy new hotel-resort is located on the north side of the island, between the airport and Sonai. It’s got spacious, light, comfortable Western-style rooms and an on-site restaurant.
Adan (; 87-2140; lunch & dinner, closed Sun or Mon) In the centre of Sonai, about 100m northeast of the only traffic light in town, you’ll find this delightful little Okinawan-style restaurant that serves soba, yaki-soba and gyūdon (cooked beef over noodles), all for around ¥600. Three nights a week, it has have live music in the evenings. Look for the English sign outside.
There is a decent camping ground on the south coast near the village of Higawa, next to Kataburu Hama (a decent beach).
If you want to self-cater, there are two simple supermarkets in the centre of Sonai.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
RAC has flights between Yonaguni and Naha (¥29,100, one hour 40 minutes, four daily). RAC or JTA operate flights between Yonaguni and Ishigaki-jima (¥18,000, 30 minutes, one or two daily).
Fukuyama Kaiun (87-2555) operates one or two ferries a week between Ishigaki-jima and Kubura Port on Yonaguni (¥3460, four hours 30 minutes).
There are public buses on Yonaguni-jima, but they make only four trips around the island per day, so the best way to get around the island is by rental car or scooter. Yonaguni Honda (87-2376) in central Sonai will send a car to meet you at the airport or the ferry terminal if you phone ahead. Another good car-rental operation that will also pick you up at the airport is Ailand Rentacar (87-2300).
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