⚠️ Opening hours, prices and access conditions may change without notice, for reasons beyond our control (season, weather, decisions by operators, establishments or local authorities). Before each trip, check the information with the relevant authorities and service providers.
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Nonstop flights from London to Tokyo with British Airways, Japan Airlines or ANA (≈ 14 h), then a JAL or ANA domestic flight from Haneda to Ishigaki in about 3 hours. A night in Tokyo often makes the connection easier.
Official websitejal.co.jp→Frequent shuttles link Naha and Ishigaki in about 1 hour (JTA, ANA), and flights leave Osaka-Kansai in about 2 h 30 (ANA, JTA, Peach). Handy if you are combining the trip with Okinawa or the Kansai region.
Official websiteflypeach.com→Bus or taxi to the remote islands terminal at Ishigaki port, where every boat leaves from. Allow just under an hour between landing and boarding.
Official websiteishigaki-airport.co.jp→Anei Kankō and Yaeyama Kankō Ferry reach Taketomi in 10 to 15 minutes and Iriomote in 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the port (Ōhara or Uehara). In rough seas, the Uehara boats are cancelled first and you land at Ōhara instead.
Official websiteaneikankou.co.jp→How long does it take to get to Iriomote and Taketomi?
Iriomote, covered in jungle and mangroves, and Taketomi, with its village of red-tiled Ryukyu houses, have no airport. You fly to Ishigaki, the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands, then take a high-speed boat from the port. From London, allow 20 to 24 hours, often with a night in Tokyo. Japan is 9 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 8 hours in summer.
| Leg | Airlines | Time |
|---|---|---|
| London → Tokyo (Haneda), nonstop | British Airways, Japan Airlines, ANA | ≈ 14 h |
| Tokyo-Haneda → Ishigaki | JAL, ANA | ≈ 3 h |
| Naha (Okinawa) → Ishigaki | JTA, ANA | ≈ 1 h |
| Osaka-Kansai → Ishigaki | ANA, JTA, Peach | ≈ 2 h 30 |
| Airport → Ishigaki port | Bus, taxi | ≈ 30–45 min |
| Boat Ishigaki → Taketomi | Anei Kankō, Yaeyama Kankō | ≈ 10–15 min |
| Boat Ishigaki → Iriomote (Ōhara, Uehara) | Anei Kankō, Yaeyama Kankō | ≈ 35–45 min |
Stay on Ishigaki or on the islands?
Taketomi is an easy day trip from Ishigaki. For Iriomote, it is better to stay at least two nights: the island is large, mangrove kayak tours start early and the last boats leave in the late afternoon. On the way back, keep a spare day before your flight, as crossings are cancelled in bad weather. See our accommodation, our boats and our Ishigaki guide.
Entry and budget
UK citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days; complete immigration and customs online with Visit Japan Web. A one-way boat ticket costs about ¥1,000 to Taketomi and ¥2,500 to ¥3,300 to Iriomote. JAL and ANA offer domestic fares reserved for overseas visitors, often good value for the flight to Ishigaki.
When to go?
April, early May and October to December are the most pleasant. The rainy season falls in May–June and typhoons are a risk from July to October; in winter, the north wind also disrupts crossings to Uehara.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an airport on Iriomote or Taketomi?
No. You fly to Ishigaki, then take a high-speed boat: 10 to 15 minutes to Taketomi, 35 to 45 minutes to Iriomote.
How do I get to Iriomote from the UK?
Fly London–Tokyo, take a 3-hour domestic flight to Ishigaki, then a bus to the port and a high-speed boat.
Can I visit Taketomi as a day trip?
Yes, from Ishigaki, with frequent boats all day. For Iriomote, plan at least two nights.
Do I need a visa for Japan?
No, not for tourist stays under 90 days; a valid passport is enough.