空からみた与那国島｜日本最西端、国境の島が見せる絶景

Introduction

Yonaguni Island is the westernmost inhabited island in Japan.

Located approximately 2,000km from Tokyo and 509km from the main island of Okinawa, this island is a "border island" with Taiwan only 111km away. On clear days, you can see the Taiwanese mountains beyond the horizon, making it a unique place that exudes a somewhat exotic atmosphere despite being in Japan.

DRONE47 obtained special permission to use a drone to capture this remote island in Japan. From the air, Yonaguni Island is filled with breathtaking views that can never be seen from the ground, such as the crystal clear emerald green ocean, dramatic cliffs, and the Yonaguni horses grazing in the vast pastures.

YouTube: Yonaguni Island from the sky

What is Yonaguni Island?

Geography and Climate

location: Yonaguni Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture
area: 28.88km² (circumference approximately 28km)
populationApproximately 1,700 people (three settlements: Sonai, Kubura, and Hikawa)
position: 24 degrees 27 minutes north latitude, 122 degrees 56 minutes east longitude
Average annual temperature: 23.9℃ (subtropical climate)
Annual precipitation: Approx. 3,000mm

Record of the westernmost point in Japan

To Taiwan: Approximately 111km (closer than Okinawa main island!)
To Okinawa main island: approx. 509km
To Ishigaki Island: Approximately 127km
To Tokyo: Approximately 2,000km

The charm of Yonaguni Island seen from the sky

1. Breathtakingly beautiful emerald green sea

The ocean around Yonaguni Island captured by the drone is so beautiful it is hard to put into words.

The exceptionally clear ocean, influenced by the Kuroshio Current, changes color with depth, creating a natural gradation from the turquoise blue of the shallows to the deep blue of the deep sea. The coastline, surrounded by coral reefs, is intricately intricate, and when viewed from the sky, it looks like a work of art painted by nature.

The transparency of the water around Namahama and Hikawahama is particularly impressive, and the drone footage clearly shows the crystal clear seabed.

2. Dynamic cliffs and strange rock formations

The coastline of Yonaguni Island is characterized by a spectacular landscape of rugged cliffs.

Agarizaki
This cape is located at the easternmost point of the island. The lighthouse perched atop a sheer cliff and the Yonaguni horses grazing in the surrounding area can be captured in a composition that only a drone can capture. Looking down from the sky, you can see a thrilling yet peaceful sight of the horses leisurely grazing on the grassland just above the cliff.

Battleship Rock (Sanninudai)
As its name suggests, this huge rock has a majestic shape resembling a battleship. The view from the observation deck, about 30 meters high, is fantastic, but aerial photography by drone allows you to see the entire rock and the beauty of the surrounding sea.

Tachigami Rock
A gigantic monolith about 30 meters high rises from the sea. Legend has it that a god descended from this rock, and the drone captured this rock from every angle, highlighting its mystical presence.

3. Vast pastures and Yonaguni horses

The interior of the island is covered with green pastures as far as the eye can see.

The horses grazing here are the Yonaguni horses, a species unique to Yonaguni Island. They are the smallest of all the horses native to Japan, standing at around 120cm tall. They are a precious animal that has supported the lives of the islanders since ancient times.

Seen from the sky, the horses scattered across the vast grasslands look like artworks blending into nature. The sea, sky, greenery, and horses create an idyllic landscape unique to Yonaguni Island.

4. Three settlements and the lives of the people

Sonai – The largest settlement on the island
Kubura – Western fishing port village
Higawa – A quiet village in the southeast

The drone footage shows how these three villages are nestled close to the sea amidst the rugged terrain. The villages, dotted with traditional red-tiled houses, exude a nostalgic tranquility, as if time has stood still.

History and Culture of Yonaguni Island

From an independent nation to a border island

Yonaguni Island was a de facto independent nation until it came under the control of the Ryukyu Kingdom in the 16th century. It flourished as a trading post with Taiwan, China, and Southeast Asia, and developed its own unique culture and language (Yonaguni).

With the reversion of Okinawa to mainland Japan in 1972, Yonaguni Island became the westernmost island of Japan, or in other words, a border island. This geographical and historical background has had a major influence on the formation of Yonaguni Island's unique culture.

Unique culture and traditions

Yonaguni language
Yonaguni Island's unique language is different from both Japanese and Okinawan. It has been designated an endangered language by UNESCO, but efforts to preserve it are ongoing on the island.

Harvest Festival
The island's largest festival, held every year in the sixth month of the lunar calendar, features performances of traditional dance, stick fighting, lion dance, and other performing arts designated as important intangible cultural properties of Japan.

Yonaguni Ori
A traditional craft with over 500 years of history, it is known for its unique "Hanaori" and "Dutati" weave patterns, as well as its intricate and beautiful designs.

Yonaguni Island's main tourist attractions

1. Irizaki | The westernmost point of Japan

Monument to the westernmost point of JapanThe sunset seen from here is known as "the latest sunset in Japan." When viewed from the sky, the tip of the cape jutting out into the endless horizon is a spectacular sight.

2. Underwater ruins (Yonaguni Island underwater topography)

Discovered in 1986, this mysterious gigantic structure lies approximately 25 meters below the ocean floor. It is a romantic spot, and debate continues over whether it is a natural or man-made formation. It is a mysterious ruin that can only be seen by diving.

3. Tindavana

A huge rocky mountain about 85 meters above sea level overlooking the village of Sonai. It was once used as a lookout point, and from the top you can see the village and the sea. The drone captured the ruggedness of this rocky mountain and the spectacular surrounding scenery at the same time.

4. Dr. Koto Clinic (Shikina Island Clinic)

This clinic was used as a filming location for the popular TV drama "Dr. Koto's Clinic." The set from the filming still remains and is open to the public as a tourist spot.

Yonaguni Island's Ecosystem and Nature

A treasure trove of endemic and rare species

Yonaguni horse
It is one of the eight breeds of horse native to Japan and is the smallest. Currently, about 120 horses are kept on the island.

Yonaguni silkworm
This is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan of up to 240mm, and is also known as the "Atlas Moth" due to its beauty.

Swordfish
Due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current, the island boasts the largest swordfish catch in the prefecture, and every July, the "Yonagunijima International Swordfish Fishing Tournament, Japan's Westernmost Point" is held here.

A mecca for diving

With waters that boast transparency of 20 to 50 meters, complex topography, and the large schools of hammerhead sharks that appear in winter, this is an ocean that is the envy of divers from all over the world.

The face of Yonaguni Island captured only by a drone

The drone footage taken by DRONE47 captures a side of Yonaguni Island that can never be seen from the ground.

・360-degree panoramic view
The beautiful sea that surrounds the entire island and the intricate coastline

・The power of sheer cliffs
A video capturing the cliffs from the side and above, which can only be seen from the ground.

・Color Gradient
The color of the ocean changes from shallow to deep, the green pastures, and the red-tiled villages

・The life of the Yonaguni horse
From the sky, we follow the horses living freely on the vast grasslands.

・Coexistence of villages and nature
The lives of people living in harmony with the sea and nature amidst rugged terrain

Access information

plane

From Naha Airport: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (RAC Ryukyu Air Commuter)
From Ishigaki Airport: Approximately 30 minutes (RAC Ryukyu Air Commuter)

ferry

From Ishigaki Island: Approximately 4 hours (2 flights per week)
*Flights are recommended as there are many cancellations due to sea conditions.

Traveling around the island

Car rental: Approximately 1 hour around the island
Rental bikes: Approx. 1.5 hours around the island
Bicycle rental: Approximately 3 to 5 hours around the island
taxi: Limited number of units, advance reservations recommended

Things to know before visiting Yonaguni Island

Best season

Playing in the sea: April to October
hammerhead shark: November to May (winter)
Marlin fishing: June to September
typhoon: July to October (be especially careful in September)

How to spend time on the island

Minimum stay: 2 nights and 3 days recommended (day trips are possible, but they are hectic)
meal: Fresh swordfish, island tofu, and awamori "Donan" are local specialties
stay: Mostly guesthouses, only a few hotels
shopping: No convenience stores, only a few shops

Notes

medical facilities: Only one clinic (helicopter transport in severe cases)
gas station: Only a few places on the island, many closed on Sundays
ATM: Post office only (bring plenty of cash)
mobile phone: Signal is weak in some areas

Summary: What Yonaguni Island can teach us

Yonaguni Island is a special place where, although it is in Japan, Japanese common sense does not apply.

Taiwan is 111km away. On a clear day, exotic mountain ranges can be seen beyond the horizon. It has a unique language and culture, and a history of flourishing as an independent nation. Mysterious ruins lie beneath the sea. Although it is an isolated island in the middle of the ocean, the people are warm and the nature is overwhelmingly beautiful.

What emerged from the drone aerial photography was the magnificent scale of this small island, and the harmony between people and nature.

Yonaguni Island has a unique charm that cannot be fully described by the catchphrase "Japan's westernmost point."

Be sure to visit this border island and experience the spectacular scenery that stretches out at the edge of Japan.

Message from DRONE47

This aerial photography of Yonaguni Island was done with special permission in order to convey the island's charm to the whole of Japan and the world.

Details of shooting results:

Drone aerial photography of the entire Yonaguni Island
Major spots include Higashizaki, Nishizaki, Gunkaniwa, and Tategamiiwa
Yonaguni horse pastures and three villages
Coastlines, cliffs, and coral reefs
Recording in 4K high quality

DRONE47 continues to promote the charm of each region by taking aerial photos of tourist spots in all 47 prefectures. Even in difficult locations like Yonaguni Island, we obtain the appropriate permits and use our filming techniques to capture unique footage.

For local governments and tourism associations wishing to produce tourism promotional videos

DRONE47 has a track record of filming in over 1,000 locations across the country, and can even film in locations where special permission is required.
Please feel free to contact us.

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