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Explore Popular Iriomote and Yubu Islands in a Relaxed Half-Day Tour
Return to Ishigaki by 3 PM, Freeing Up Your Afternoon for Other Activities
What to expect
Explore Iriomote and Yubu Islands leisurely with a tour that includes hotel transfers. Enjoy a mangrove cruise and a buffalo cart ride across shallow waters. Perfect for family trips with a relaxed schedule.
About this experience
Starting at
08:15
Schedule
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Hotel Pick-up & Check-in at Ishigaki Port Ritou Terminal
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Departure from Ishigaki Port to Ohara Port (Iriomote Island)
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Iriomote Island
Discover the untouched natural beauty of Iriomote Island, home to the Iriomote wildcat and Japan's largest mangrove area.
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Mangrove Cruise on Nakama River
Embark on a cruise along Nakama River, boasting Japan's largest mangrove area. Witness the lush mangrove forest, home to rare species like Mayapisu, Ohirugi, and Yaeyama palm, offering a unique and picturesque experience.
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Bus Tour to Buffalo Cart Station
Join a 25-minute bus tour guided by experienced drivers, offering insights into the island's landscapes, local wildlife, and traditional lifestyle. Keep an eye out for encounters with wildlife like the crested serpent eagle and wild boar.
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Buffalo Cart Ride to Yubu Island
Travel to Yubu Island, located 400m from Iriomote Island, on a leisurely buffalo cart ride, allowing you to savor the tranquil scenery at a relaxed pace.
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Yubu Island
Explore the subtropical botanical garden on this 2.0km island, home to over 40 water buffalo and a variety of unique attractions, including a restaurant, souvenir shops, and a shell museum.
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Lunch
A self-service style lunch where you can select your favorite ingredients and arrange them in your own bento box.
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Departure from Ohara Port to Ishigaki Port
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Arrival at Ishigaki Port
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Check-out & Drop-off
Location and Directions
Check-in / Check-out
Ishigaki Port Ritou Terminal
Reviews
4.50
231 reviews
5150
465
38
26
12
Day trip around Iriomote and Yubu Island.
Posted Date: 2024/04/02
キー
I was worried about the rain, but there was no rain and it was cloudy, so it might have been just right. It was my first experience with water buffalo, and their cries were cute.雨が心配でしたが 雨もなく、曇りだったので ちょうど良かったかもしれません。 水牛も初めての体験だったのと 鳴き声も かわいいかったです。
Machine translated from Japanese
Water buffalo
Posted Date: 2024/08/26
あかさたな
I was made to ride a water buffalo by a staff member who couldn't play the sanshin, and I felt there was a significant difference in service compared to the customers riding the water buffaloes with other staff members who could play. It left me feeling unpleasant, so I won't be using this company in the future. (This was my second time.)三線を演奏できないスタッフの水牛に乗らされたのですが、他の演奏できるスタッフの水牛に乗っているお客さんと比べてすごくサービスの差があるように感じた。嫌な気分がしたので今後はこちらの会社を利用しません。(今回2回目でした)
Machine translated from Japanese
Reply from the operator
Dear Akasatana,
Thank you very much for participating in the island tour and for sharing your experience.
We sincerely apologize for not being able to provide satisfactory service during your ride on the water buffalo cart to Yufu Island.
At Yufu Island, we have arranged shifts to ensure that all customers receive equal service, with different water buffalo carts and staff assigned for the outbound and return journeys. However, we apologize that due to congestion, there may be instances where you a… Dear Akasatana,
Thank you very much for participating in the island tour and for sharing your experience.
We sincerely apologize for not being able to provide satisfactory service during your ride on the water buffalo cart to Yufu Island.
At Yufu Island, we have arranged shifts to ensure that all customers receive equal service, with different water buffalo carts and staff assigned for the outbound and return journeys. However, we apologize that due to congestion, there may be instances where you are guided by the same water buffalo cart for both trips.
Additionally, many guests expect to enjoy a performance of the sanshin during the water buffalo cart ride. However, some of our staff are currently in training and not all of them are able to provide a performance. We will work on improving this as well.
We will share your valuable feedback internally for the improvement of our services and report it to Yufu Island. Thank you very much.
We happened to ride two carts at the same time as another group, but our group was in the second cart (the one in the back) both going and returning. This meant we couldn't see the water buffalo pulling the cart from the front, and we could only take pictures of the back of the water buffalo pulling our cart. It would have been great if we could have switched the order of the water buffalo carts for both trips; it's a shame.たまたま別グループと同じタイミングで2台続けて乗る格好になったが、こちらのグループは行も帰りも2台目(後方)の車だったので、水牛が車を引いているところを前方から見られず、自車を引く水牛の後頭部しか写真を撮ることができなかった。行き帰りで、水牛車の順番を変えてもらえれば良かったのに、残念です。
Machine translated from Japanese
The water buffalo cart tour might be a bit too crowded for the guests. It's packed tightly.
Posted Date: 2022/01/06
匿名希望
I thought the water buffalo cart tour would be a relaxing and leisurely experience, but there were too many customers. We were crammed with 16 people in one cart. The organizers were also frustrated and angry with customers who acted out of line. While the customers were at fault, the atmosphere was also unpleasant.
Aside from the water buffalo cart tour, I enjoyed everything else without any issues.水牛車観光は、のんびり揺られて、ゆったり体験出来ると思ってましたが、お客さん多すぎ。水牛車1台に16人座らせてビチビチです。 企画する側の人間も、勝手な行動取る客にイライラしてたり怒ったり。 客も悪いが雰囲気も悪いです。
水牛車観光以外はとくに問題なく楽しめました。
Machine translated from Japanese
Reply from the operator
Thank you for participating this time.
We appreciate your valuable feedback. We sincerely apologize for any unpleasant experience during your trip. We will share this information with our local staff and strive to ensure that such attitudes do not occur in the future.
Since it was advertised as a tour enjoyable for toddlers, I wonder if this is about the level of satisfaction.
Posted Date: 2022/10/15
Ikb
Even a 2-year-old can enjoy it. There is a diaper changing area at the Ishigaki Island terminal, and we changed there. I believe there were child chairs at the Iriomote Island terminal and the restaurant on Yubu Island, and I think there was also a diaper changing table (though I'm not entirely sure).
During the mangrove cruise, my child was very fussy due to nap time coinciding with the "terrible twos." Although it was said to be a tour that three generations could enjoy, there were hardly a… Even a 2-year-old can enjoy it. There is a diaper changing area at the Ishigaki Island terminal, and we changed there. I believe there were child chairs at the Iriomote Island terminal and the restaurant on Yubu Island, and I think there was also a diaper changing table (though I'm not entirely sure).
During the mangrove cruise, my child was very fussy due to nap time coinciding with the "terrible twos." Although it was said to be a tour that three generations could enjoy, there were hardly any families with children around; most participants were young couples or groups of female friends. When we struggled during the cruise or while moving, we received disapproving looks, which was tough for a parent with a child in the "terrible twos." The only people who were kind were some participants from abroad (China?), who smiled and interacted with my daughter, which I greatly appreciated.
The ride on the water buffalo to move between Iriomote Island and Yubu Island takes just under 15 minutes, but it was peaceful and allowed us to soak in the Okinawan atmosphere. We explored Yubu Island from end to end, but the butterfly garden didn't have many butterflies, possibly due to the season, and there were dead ones collected in the net on the ceiling, giving a somewhat haphazard impression. The main attraction seemed to be the water buffalo. The view from Manta Beach was beautiful, and there were many hermit crabs, which my daughter found interesting. While there are some driftwood and seaweed on the sandy beach, if you don't mind, you can enjoy a stroll.
The mangrove cruise only goes partway, so we ended up seeing the mangroves of the Nakama River, crab fishing nets, and white herons. It's more of a tour that gives you a glimpse of nature rather than a deep dive into it.
However, for a tour that includes easily fussy toddlers, this was about the right level.
The family campaign (free for children) that was scheduled until the end of March was suddenly canceled right before, and I couldn't sign up, resulting in a price increase of about 5,000 yen, which I found puzzling. But since it depends on the weather, I accepted it and participated. Even though toddlers are charged 6,600 yen, there is no meal included, and sometimes they have to sit on laps, which feels a bit overpriced.
If the participants in the same tour are mostly families, or if there is another family campaign, it might be better. 2歳児でも十分楽しめます。 おむつ交換の場所は石垣島のターミナルにあり、そこで交換しました。 西表島のターミナルと由布島のレストランにはチャイルドチェアはあり、おむつ交換台(うる覚えです)もあったと思います。
Thank you very much for participating in the tour.
Regarding the family discount campaign you pointed out, the oversight occurred during our price revision, which resulted in the campaign not being applied. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused. This campaign allows one child to participate for free with each adult, so we would like to process a refund for one child's fee.
We will work to prevent such issues from occurring in the future. Thank you for taking the time to shar… Thank you very much for participating in the tour.
Regarding the family discount campaign you pointed out, the oversight occurred during our price revision, which resulted in the campaign not being applied. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused. This campaign allows one child to participate for free with each adult, so we would like to process a refund for one child's fee.
We will work to prevent such issues from occurring in the future. Thank you for taking the time to share your valuable feedback.
VELTRA Customer Support Team この度はツアーにご参加いただき誠にありがとうございます。
I was disappointed that I couldn't take photos with the water buffalo freely. I also couldn't eat the lunch because it had beans in it due to my allergy, and I was told that exchanges were not allowed, which was disappointing. I would like the lunch menu to be provided in advance.水牛と写真が自由に撮れずがっかり。ランチが豆の入ったご飯がアレルギーの為食べられず、交換も不可と言われてがっかり。ランチメニューを前もって記載してほしい。
Machine translated from Japanese
The water buffalo cart was great.
Posted Date: 2024/01/13
名無し
I thought the experience was wonderful. However, the people who were seated with us were extremely lively and loud. While being gently rocked in the water buffalo cart, they sang island songs with the sanshin, and I wanted to immerse myself in the scenery... but there were some annoying people who sang on their own and completely failed to read the situation around them.体験としては素晴らしいと思いました。 ただ、同席した方たちが、ものすごく盛り上がっていて、うるさかったです。 水牛車にゆらりゆられながら、三線で島唄を歌ってくれて、風景をみながら 浸りたいところ…勝手に歌ったり、まったく周りの状況を読めていない迷惑な方たちでした。
Machine translated from Japanese
The water buffalo was working hard even in the rain and wind!
Posted Date: 2026/01/10
takaraj2
The water buffalo was great! Unfortunately, I couldn't explore Yufushima due to the rain and wind (^◇^;)
I was relieved when the rain stopped for the mangrove boat tour. It was wonderful to see a woman steering the boat while providing explanations!水牛さん良かったです！ 残念ながら雨風で由布島での散策が出来ず(^◇^;)
Iriomote Island Nakama River Mangrove Cruise & Yubu Island Water Buffalo Cart Tour
Posted Date: 2017/05/19
セイレン
We had about an hour and a half to spare before the water buffalo cart departed back to Iriomote Island. Since Yubu Island is not very large, we needed to be creative with how we spent our time. Many other guests were also sitting and waiting for the time to come.由布島から西表島に戻る際の水牛車の出発まで、1時間半ほどあり時間をもてあました。由布島は大きな島ではないため、時間の使い方に工夫が必要。他のお客さんも座って時間が来るのを待っている方が多かった。
Machine translated from Japanese
As expected.
Posted Date: 2018/07/31
しゃか
I understand that local industries have to rely on tourism, but the heavy push for photos and merchandise feels overwhelming. It would be nice if they could create a simpler tourism experience as well.地場産業が観光メインで仕方ないとは理解できるが、あまりにも写真だのグッズだのゴリ押し感が重たい。スッキリ観光のみで良いパターンも作ってもらえたら良い
Machine translated from Japanese
I want to experience more!
Posted Date: 2018/08/02
tabitomo
I was able to explore various places in the great outdoors. However, since most of the activities were on a cruise or in a bullock cart, I felt a bit unsatisfied. I wished I could have been a bit more active, especially after coming all this way.大自然の中、色々巡る事が出来ました。 ただクルーズや牛車での行動がほとんどのためやや消化不良。 せっかくここまで来てのなら、もう少しアクティブに行動できたらと感じました。
Machine translated from Japanese
Iriomote Island and Yufu Island
Posted Date: 2018/08/05
tabitomo
The untouched nature of Iriomote Island was just as I had imagined. I was moved to see that such nature still exists in Japan. Riding the ox cart on Yufu Island and crossing the sea allowed me to feel the leisurely flow of time on a southern island.西表島の手付かずの自然は想像していたとうりでした。日本にもこんな自然が残っていることに感動しました。由布島での牛車に乗って海を渡る趣は南の島ののんびりした時間の流れを感じる事ができました。
Machine translated from Japanese
I think it's good for those who are not active.
Posted Date: 2020/08/16
5211
We chose this tour for our three-generation family trip, as my parents didn't want to engage in active activities like snorkeling. Although it wasn't sunny due to the day after the typhoon, the guides for the mangrove cruise, the bus, and the water buffalo cart were all very skilled at storytelling, making the sightseeing enjoyable.
At Yubu Island, we had 90 minutes of free time, which included a pre-prepared traditional lunch. If the meal takes a while, I think 90 minutes might be a bit short (w… We chose this tour for our three-generation family trip, as my parents didn't want to engage in active activities like snorkeling. Although it wasn't sunny due to the day after the typhoon, the guides for the mangrove cruise, the bus, and the water buffalo cart were all very skilled at storytelling, making the sightseeing enjoyable.
At Yubu Island, we had 90 minutes of free time, which included a pre-prepared traditional lunch. If the meal takes a while, I think 90 minutes might be a bit short (we couldn't fully explore the island). After this, we returned to Iriomote Island by water buffalo cart for the second time, and then took a boat back to Ishigaki Port to conclude the tour.
My child and I felt a bit unsatisfied due to the lack of activities in the sea, but my parents said, "Since there isn't much walking, this tour is just right for older people." I think it would be enjoyable for elderly individuals or families with small babies. 親子3世代の旅行で、かつ両親はシュノーケルなどアクティブなことはしたくないということだったので、こちらのツアーを選びました。 台風が過ぎた翌日ということで、晴天にはなりませんでしたが、マングローブクルーズのガイドさん、バスのガイドさん、水牛車のガイドさん、皆さんお話が流れるように上手で、楽しく観光ができました。
At first, we were given tickets and just moved in order, so it was very easy, straightforward, and we could enjoy the sightseeing smoothly without waiting.
In terms of content, we could see the mangroves well, crossed the sea on a water buffalo, and surprisingly, the food was delicious, which was great.
This time, we traveled with a group of tourists. They talked a lot, laughed loudly, and during the water buffalo ride, they played the sanshin and started singing. We had to wait because we could… At first, we were given tickets and just moved in order, so it was very easy, straightforward, and we could enjoy the sightseeing smoothly without waiting.
In terms of content, we could see the mangroves well, crossed the sea on a water buffalo, and surprisingly, the food was delicious, which was great.
This time, we traveled with a group of tourists. They talked a lot, laughed loudly, and during the water buffalo ride, they played the sanshin and started singing. We had to wait because we couldn't gather at the meeting time, which delayed the arrival of other guests at their destination, Taketomi Island (although we didn't have that plan).
If we had been with people of the same age, we might have talked, but for us, it was a negative point.
I thought this plan was aimed at group tourism.
It's for those who don't want to move around much. We would have preferred to do the mangrove kayaking instead. 最初にチケットを渡され 順番に移動していくだけなのでとても簡単で、分かりやすく、待つこともなくスムーズに観光できました。 内容的にはマングローブもよく見えて、水牛で海を渡り、意外とご飯も美味しくて、良かったです。 今回私達は団体旅行客と一緒に回りました。とにかく よくしゃべり、大声で笑う、水牛の時は三線を弾いてくれたのに、歌い出す。 集合時間に集合できず待たされる。その為他のお客さんの目的地 竹富島到着が遅れていた。（私達は行かないプランですが） 同じ年代の人達ならお話もしたかもしれませんが、私達にはマ… 最初にチケットを渡され 順番に移動していくだけなのでとても簡単で、分かりやすく、待つこともなくスムーズに観光できました。 内容的にはマングローブもよく見えて、水牛で海を渡り、意外とご飯も美味しくて、良かったです。 今回私達は団体旅行客と一緒に回りました。とにかく よくしゃべり、大声で笑う、水牛の時は三線を弾いてくれたのに、歌い出す。 集合時間に集合できず待たされる。その為他のお客さんの目的地 竹富島到着が遅れていた。（私達は行かないプランですが） 同じ年代の人達ならお話もしたかもしれませんが、私達にはマイナスポイントでした。
こちらのプランは団体向けの観光だと思いました。
あまり動きたくない人向けです。私達ならマングローブカヤックにすれば良かったです。
Machine translated from Japanese
It was cold in Iriomote Island due to the severe cold wave.
Posted Date: 2026/07/03
ウォーターバッファロー
I participated in this tour before COVID, and it had been 6 or 7 years since my last participation. I also went in February during the cold season last time, and this time I joined during the cold year-end and New Year period. We took a water buffalo cart from Iriomote Island to Yufu Island, but there was a strong north wind blowing, and it was very cold. I realized that even when going to places like Ishigaki Island, a down jacket is necessary.
The tour itself was a lot of fun. During the Nakama… I participated in this tour before COVID, and it had been 6 or 7 years since my last participation. I also went in February during the cold season last time, and this time I joined during the cold year-end and New Year period. We took a water buffalo cart from Iriomote Island to Yufu Island, but there was a strong north wind blowing, and it was very cold. I realized that even when going to places like Ishigaki Island, a down jacket is necessary.
The tour itself was a lot of fun. During the Nakama River cruise, I felt like there were more explanations about the mangroves in the past. Also, last time we were able to touch a large clam on the cruise ship, but that wasn't the case this time.
Although it wasn't available last time, this time we were able to touch the water buffalo on Yufu Island and take commemorative photos. The kids were thrilled. コロナ前にこのツアーに参加して、6、7年ぶりの参加でした。前回も2月の寒い時期に行きましたが、今回も年末年始の寒い時期に参加しました。西表島から由布島まで水牛車に乗って渡りましたが、強烈な北風が吹いており、とても寒かったです。たとえ石垣島などに行くにしてもダウンジャケットが必要なことを痛感しました。 ツアー自体はとても楽しかったです。仲間川クルーズでは、過去の方がマングローブに関する説明が多かったような気がします。また、前回はクルーズ船の中で大きなシジミを回して触ることができましたが、今回はありませ… コロナ前にこのツアーに参加して、6、7年ぶりの参加でした。前回も2月の寒い時期に行きましたが、今回も年末年始の寒い時期に参加しました。西表島から由布島まで水牛車に乗って渡りましたが、強烈な北風が吹いており、とても寒かったです。たとえ石垣島などに行くにしてもダウンジャケットが必要なことを痛感しました。 ツアー自体はとても楽しかったです。仲間川クルーズでは、過去の方がマングローブに関する説明が多かったような気がします。また、前回はクルーズ船の中で大きなシジミを回して触ることができましたが、今回はありませんでした。 前回はなかったことですが、今回は由布島で水牛に触って記念撮影することができました。子供が大喜びしていました。
Machine translated from Japanese
Private reservation!
Posted Date: 2016/09/11
pooh
The cruise, gliding through the wind while seeing plenty of mangroves, was very pleasant. There were no other customers, so we got to enjoy a bit of luxury with a private experience. The water buffalo was very smart, and I was surprised. It was adorable.たくさんのマングローブを見ながら風をきって走るクルーズはとても気持ちよかったです。ちょうどほかのお客様がいなく、貸し切りでちょっと豪華な感じを味わえました。 水牛さんはとても賢くて、びっくりしました。かわいらしかったです。
Machine translated from Japanese
I had a decent time.
Posted Date: 2016/11/12
ろしあん
The experience of riding a water buffalo cart and exploring the mangroves was enjoyable and quite a culture shock! I felt that the stay on Yubu Island was a bit too long, but overall, I think it was a good plan.初めての水牛車やマングローブ探索はカルチャーショックがあって楽しめました！ 由布島での滞在時間が長過ぎな気もしましたが、全体を通しては良いプランだと思います。
Machine translated from Japanese
The ox cart feels great.
Posted Date: 2016/12/09
ちゅり
The mangrove cruise does feel a bit rushed, but I think it's good for those who don't want to paddle a canoe or don't have the stamina. The ox cart was cute with the oxen, and I enjoyed listening to the sanshin music, which made me very satisfied. The awamori gelato at the café on Yufu Island was delicious.マングローブクルーズは駆け足感が否めませんが、カヌーに乗りたくない体力のない方や疲れたくない方には良いかと思います。 牛車は牛が可愛いし、三線も聞けて、大変満足しました。 由布島にあるカフェの泡盛のジェラートが美味しかった。
Machine translated from Japanese
It's relaxing.
Posted Date: 2017/05/04
まるこ
I participated with my mother in her 70s. Since it was our first time and she is elderly, I thought it would be better to take it easy so as not to inconvenience other customers. There were only two families on the mangrove cruise, and there were only five passengers on the sightseeing bus in Iriomote Island. We really enjoyed ourselves. The lunch on Yubu Island was a bento, but it was very delicious. My mother was also very satisfied.70代の母と二人で参加しました。 初めてだし、高齢なのでゆったりしてるほうが他のお客様にも迷惑をかけなくてよいかな、と。 マングローブクルーズも２家族しか乗ってなかったし、西表島での観光バス乗客も５人のみ。すごく満喫できました。由布島でのお昼ごはんはお弁当でしたが、とてもおいしかったです。母も大満足でした。
Machine translated from Japanese
Relaxed
Posted Date: 2017/05/04
コブラ
Traveling as a couple. This time, we booked a tour to leisurely visit two islands without being too greedy. Iriomote Island is rich in nature and perfect for relaxation, but if you're not an active person or nature enthusiast, you might find it a bit boring to stay for long periods since there are relatively few tourist spots for the size of the island. *However, it's a fantastic place for active people or nature lovers who want to stay longer.*
Yubu Island, on the other hand, has adorable cows.… Traveling as a couple. This time, we booked a tour to leisurely visit two islands without being too greedy. Iriomote Island is rich in nature and perfect for relaxation, but if you're not an active person or nature enthusiast, you might find it a bit boring to stay for long periods since there are relatively few tourist spots for the size of the island. *However, it's a fantastic place for active people or nature lovers who want to stay longer.*
Yubu Island, on the other hand, has adorable cows. You can spend a decent amount of time there, so it's worth a visit.
Overall, the people in the Yaeyama Islands are laid-back, and there's less of the typical touristy pressure to buy things. However, Yubu Island did have a bit of a push for photos, which was a little disappointing.
All in all, we had a great time, so I give it four stars! 夫婦二人で旅行。 今回は欲張らずにまったり2島巡りでツアー予約。 西表島は自然豊かでまったりできるが、アクティブ派やネイチャー志向の人でないと島の広さの割に観光スポットが少ないため長時間の滞在は退屈かも。 ※アクティブ派やネイチャー志向（長時間の滞在する人）にはメチャクチャ良いとこです。 由布島はとにかくも牛がかわいい。そこそこ時間も潰せるため行って損はない。 八重山全体に言えることとして、現地の人もまったりしており、観光地特有の商売ごり押しが少ない。 ただ、由布島だけ写真ごり押しがあり、少し残念だった。 総じ… 夫婦二人で旅行。 今回は欲張らずにまったり2島巡りでツアー予約。 西表島は自然豊かでまったりできるが、アクティブ派やネイチャー志向の人でないと島の広さの割に観光スポットが少ないため長時間の滞在は退屈かも。 ※アクティブ派やネイチャー志向（長時間の滞在する人）にはメチャクチャ良いとこです。 由布島はとにかくも牛がかわいい。そこそこ時間も潰せるため行って損はない。 八重山全体に言えることとして、現地の人もまったりしており、観光地特有の商売ごり押しが少ない。 ただ、由布島だけ写真ごり押しがあり、少し残念だった。 総じて楽しかったので星4つ！
