Fly to Painushima New Ishigaki Airport (ISG) by domestic connections from Naha or major Japanese cities, subject to live airline schedules. Ishigaki town and the remote-islands passenger terminal are a separate road transfer from the airport. Ishigaki has its own dive-tour departures; Iriomote has no routine passenger airport and is reached from Ishigaki Port on a passenger ferry. Choose Uehara in northwest Iriomote or Ohara in the southeast based on the accommodation and tour meeting point. Official airport transport and Anei ferry timetable must be rechecked before departure.

Main airport for the two-island circuit. Domestic services include Naha and major mainland cities. It is on Ishigaki, not Iriomote; ferry departures leave from Ishigaki Port remote-islands terminal in the city.

On Ishigaki, airport and city buses serve some routes, but a rental car or tour pickup helps reach Kabira, Shiraho and distant coastlines; shop pickup coverage can be limited. On Iriomote, Uehara and Ohara are different ends of the inhabited coastal road. Public buses are infrequent, rentals limited and tours may arrange transfers from designated zones. Book the right port, never assume there is a road loop around the whole island, and confirm shuttle policy after ferry cancellation. Anei specifies that ordinary Uehara-while-operating connection bus service ended in June 2026, although some Ohara disruption services remain.

These islands are within Japan; ordinary Japan entry permission applies. Japan MOFA publishes nationality-specific short-stay visa exemptions, commonly up to 90 days for many listed nationalities, with special nationality and passport conditions. Confirm eligibility using MOFA, not assumptions about all passports. No separate island entry immigration control was identified. This does not waive the Taketomi Town advance approval required to enter specified protected Iriomote inland fields.

Both islands have named guided scuba businesses; rental gear and boat inclusions vary by shop. Viking quotes separate full kit and dive computer charges; Iriomote Unarizaki runs certified fun dives but currently not snorkel or beginner introductory dives. Blue Space and Kahoo provide specialist freedive training on Ishigaki. Ask in advance about cylinder fittings, computer, 5mm-class winter exposure options, weight, insurance, medical forms, small-boat storage and return-to-flight interval. Bring personal fit-critical items and dry bags, and use local pickup rather than carrying tanks onto a ferry.

Cards are accepted by larger hotels, some ferry counters and established operators, but independent island shops and some freediving classes still request cash. Confirm payment type before travel.

Ishigaki town has Japan Post ATMs and convenience-store ATMs; rural Ishigaki and Iriomote have more limited access and hours, so withdraw yen before the ferry. Local tourism guidance.

Okinawa tourist authority specifies AC 100V at 60Hz with two-pin Japanese sockets. Type A is common; grounded Type B may be available but should not be assumed. Check chargers for 100V compatibility.

Communications

Japanese mobile networks cover populated areas around Ishigaki town and Iriomote settlements, but do not assume service on offshore reefs, remote western Iriomote, deep ravines or protected trails. Download ferry contacts, offline maps and operator meeting instructions. Wi-Fi may be available at hotels and larger shops; confirm foreign eSIM roaming coverage.

Language

Japanese is the default language, with distinct Yaeyama local culture and dialect heritage. Some Ishigaki dive/freedive instructors publish English-language materials; Unarizaki and other Iriomote companies require checking language support in advance. Do not assume an English-speaking guide or international-standard signing process at every departure.

Insurance

Carry travel medical coverage that explicitly includes recreational scuba depths/qualifications or breath-hold diving as appropriate, remote-sea rescue, evacuation and interrupted ferries. Diving accident cover is not identical to standard travel insurance. Have the policy contact and emergency number offline, and verify exclusions before activity. DAN advises contacting local emergency services first in a suspected dive accident.

Packing list

Pack reef-conscious sun protection, long-sleeved rash guard, hydration supplies, a dry bag, a rain layer, a warm boat top for winter and covered footwear for forest tracks. Include certification and medical papers, your most fit-sensitive mask and computer, a waterproof contact card and a weather-safe alternative plan. Take personal medication because inventory on Iriomote is more limited than Ishigaki.

Ishigaki and Iriomote

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