Ishigaki Yaima Village, Ishigaki - Image 1
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Yaima Village Ishigaki

4.1
·3k reviews·Ishigaki, Japan

Step back in time at Yaima Village, a traditional Okinawan settlement with playful monkeys and lush mangroves.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Avoid midday heat & crowds

CrowdLow
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Ishigaki Yaima Village, Ishigaki - Image 1

Yaima Village Ishigaki

Best Time

Morning

Avoid midday heat & crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Yaima Village, a traditional Okinawan settlement with playful monkeys and lush mangroves.

4.1
(3k reviews)

"A charming, underrated gem offering history, nature, and playful monkeys."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎒 Pack Light for Monkeys

Only bring essentials like wallet & phone to the monkey enclosure. They love to grab things!

🚌 Plan Bus Travel

Buses are infrequent. Check schedules carefully or arrange a taxi in advance.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Squirrel Monkey Forest

Squirrel Monkey Forest

Yaima Village

Adorable squirrel monkeys roam freely in a spacious enclosure, often interacting with visitors.

Traditional Ryukyu Houses

Traditional Ryukyu Houses

Yaima Village

Step back in time exploring well-preserved traditional houses from the Ryukyu Kingdom era.

Mangrove Forest

Mangrove Forest

Yaima Village

Wander through lush mangrove forests, offering a glimpse of unique coastal ecosystems.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Ishigaki can get very hot, especially in summer. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat and potential crowds. Planning your bus transport in advance is crucial as they run infrequently.

Monkey Business & What to Bring

The squirrel monkeys are a major draw, but be mindful of their playful nature. Leave most of your belongings behind; only bring essentials like your wallet and phone to avoid them being snatched.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Avoid midday heat & crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Cooler temps, golden hour
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Who would have thought Japan has islands this beautiful 🐠🪸🇯🇵 #okinawa #ishigaki #japan
@two.islam
48.8K likes • 323.7K views

🎒 Pack Light for Monkeys

Only bring essentials like wallet & phone to the monkey enclosure. They love to grab things! Reddit

🚌 Plan Bus Travel

Buses are infrequent. Check schedules carefully or arrange a taxi in advance. InstagramReddit

石垣島の川平湾の海です🌺 #沖縄旅行 #石垣島 #海 #ビーチ #ダイビング #絶景 #川平湾 #景色 #fyp #fyppp #viral #おすすめ 📍さうすぽいんとダイビングサービス   沖縄県石垣市川平934-13 🐟マンタポイントまで船で10分! 🪸温水シャワー3室・トイレ3室完備! 🐬広々とした室内で開放感100点🧚🏽‍♀️ 🚢トイレ付きの船3隻完備! 🐢川平湾まで徒歩1分!! 🔍ダイビング歴40年の島出身のベテランガイドいます! 🐚さうすぽいんとオリジナルポイント多数有り✨ 🌺夏場は川平湾から出港で景色抜群🚢 📷写真無料でプレゼント!! ファンダイビング・体験ダイビング・スノーケル ご予約受付中🌺 初めての方🔰ベテランさん🎖️ご家族👪お一人様🧚🏽‍♀️ グループの方👯‍♀️ショップツアーさん🐟 どなたでも大歓迎✨創業38年目の老舗ショップが 皆様を素敵な海の世界...
@south_point.1986
37.7K likes • 978.7K views
Do you want to stay in a beautiful village surrounded by nature?🌳😍Yaima Village combines the unique nature of Ishigaki Island and its cultural features. Surrounded by mangroves, you can see well-preserved houses from the Ryukyu Kingdom era, feed playful squirrel monkeys, watch Okinawan performers, and sample different kinds of soba and shaved ice🍧🐒. 您也不妨來試著住在被大自然所環繞的美麗村莊中吧?🌳😍融合了石垣島特有自然和文化的「八重山民俗村...
visitokinawajapan
373 likes • 10.1K views

☀️ Bring Sun Protection

It gets very hot! Carry an umbrella, hat, and sunscreen, especially in summer. Reddit

💰 Cash is King

Many places on Ishigaki, including some attractions, prefer cash. Have enough yen on hand. TikTok

Hola amigos, nos encontramos en la isla Ishigaki en Okinawa para visitar Yaima Village, un museo arquitectónico al aire libre. Aquí encontraras un gran grupo de casas japonesas tradicionales bien conservadas que datan del reino Ryukyu. 📍🗺️: 967-1 Nagura, Ishigaki-shi, Okinawa-ken #japan #tokyo #japantrip #japanese #fy #fypage #japanesefood #okinawa #okinawajapan #parati
el_yorch_en_japon
13 likes • 238 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎒 Pack Light for Monkeys

Only bring essentials like wallet & phone to the monkey enclosure. They love to grab things! Reddit

🚌 Plan Bus Travel

Buses are infrequent. Check schedules carefully or arrange a taxi in advance. InstagramReddit

☀️ Bring Sun Protection

It gets very hot! Carry an umbrella, hat, and sunscreen, especially in summer. Reddit

💰 Cash is King

Many places on Ishigaki, including some attractions, prefer cash. Have enough yen on hand. TikTok

🎨 Shisa Painting Fun

Try painting your own Shisa statue for a fun, interactive souvenir. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Yaima Village to be a charming and underrated spot, particularly for its well-preserved traditional Okinawan houses and the entertaining squirrel monkeys. While some note the heat and infrequent bus service, the unique cultural experience and natural beauty make it a worthwhile visit for families and those seeking a glimpse into local history.

"An excursion activity of our MSC cruise. The key attraction is squirrel monkeys. They were kept in a huge cage with a lot of space for them to play around & fighting for foods? Surprised to see two mother monkeys have their baby monkey holding their back all the time. It, indeed, looks like & about the side if squirrels."

J.David Hwang

"I've been to several recreation villages and always like seeing the old architecture and the reconstructions of the past. This village was a great example of what it would have been like a hundred years ago and it wasn't over crowded with people which was nice. Great place to explore and take the family too."

David Bush

"It costs 1,200yen per adult. The weather was so hot when we went and it was hard to explore without drenching in sweat. So make sure to bring an umbrella if you go on a hot summer day! We got to see the created serpent eagle, and a water buffalo which smelled horrid. The most enjoyable part was seeing the squirrel monkeys, they were so adorable! You need to leave your things before entering as they might grab them. They recommend to only bring in your wallet and phones. We only stayed for a little over an hour. It was not crowded at all."

Quincy Quinn

What People Like

Squirrel monkeys
Traditional houses
Cultural performances

What People Dislike

Intense heat
Infrequent buses
Monkey snatching items

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Yaima Village by bus from Ishigaki Port. However, buses run infrequently, so it's advisable to plan your travel time carefully. Some visitors recommend checking bus schedules in advance or considering a taxi if you miss the bus. InstagramReddit

Yes, Yaima Village is accessible by car. Driving offers more flexibility with transportation on Ishigaki Island, allowing you to visit at your own pace and avoid the limited bus schedules. TikTok

While Yaima Village is on Ishigaki Island, you can take a ferry from Ishigaki Port to Iriomote Island and then access attractions like the Yubujima Island Water Buffalo Cart. Yaima Village itself is directly accessible from Ishigaki Port. TikTok

Renting a car is often recommended for exploring Ishigaki Island at your own pace, offering the most convenience. Public buses are available but have limited routes and schedules. Taxis are also an option, though can be more expensive. TikTok+1

Yes, Yaima Village is a popular shore excursion for cruise ship passengers visiting Ishigaki Island, offering a convenient way to experience the attraction. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to Yaima Village typically costs around ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children. It's always a good idea to check the latest prices before your visit. Instagram

Yaima Village generally operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but hours can vary by season and tide. It's recommended to confirm the exact opening and closing times before your visit. TikTok

For general entry to Yaima Village, advance booking is usually not required. However, if you are part of a group tour or cruise excursion, arrangements might be made in advance. TikTok

The entrance fee typically covers access to the village, the traditional houses, and the mangrove areas. Specific activities like feeding the squirrel monkeys or participating in cultural performances may have separate fees or be included in package deals. Instagram

Yes, you can experience the main attractions of Yaima Village in about an hour, especially if you focus on the squirrel monkeys and traditional houses. However, to fully enjoy activities like Shisa painting or cultural shows, allocate 3-4 hours. Reddit+1

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The most popular attraction at Yaima Village is undoubtedly the squirrel monkey enclosure, where visitors can observe and interact with these playful creatures. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can feed the squirrel monkeys, but it's important to follow the guidelines provided by the park staff. They recommend bringing only essentials like your wallet and phone into the monkey area. InstagramReddit

Yaima Village features well-preserved traditional houses from the Ryukyu Kingdom era, offering a glimpse into the historical architecture and lifestyle of Okinawa. Instagram+1

Yes, Yaima Village often hosts Okinawan performers showcasing traditional dances and music, adding a cultural dimension to your visit. Instagram

Ishigaki Island, and Yaima Village, can be very hot and humid, especially during the summer months. Visitors are advised to bring sun protection and stay hydrated. TikTokReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yaima Village offers local Okinawan specialties, including various types of soba and shaved ice. It's a great place to sample regional flavors after exploring the village. Instagram

While Yaima Village has its own dining options, there are also restaurants located in the vicinity of Ishigaki City, offering a wider range of culinary choices. TikTok

It's generally recommended to consume food and drinks purchased at the village's facilities. Check their specific policies regarding outside food and beverages. Instagram

When in Okinawa, try local dishes like Okinawan soba, Goya Champuru (bitter melon stir-fry), and Taco Rice. Yaima Village offers a taste of local soba. Instagram

Prices for food at Yaima Village are generally in line with typical tourist attraction pricing. You can expect to pay a moderate amount for local dishes and snacks. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the charm of the traditional Ryukyu houses, the playful antics of the squirrel monkeys, and the lush mangrove scenery. The cultural performances also offer great photo moments. Instagram+1

Photography is generally allowed in the squirrel monkey enclosure, but be quick and mindful of the monkeys' movements. Remember to keep your belongings secure. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, ideal for photography. The golden hour before closing can also provide beautiful, atmospheric shots of the village. TikTok

While generally permitted, be respectful of performers and other visitors. Avoid using flash photography directly at animals if it seems to disturb them. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at tourist attractions to ensure the safety and privacy of visitors. It's best to check with the park management for their specific drone policy. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Yaima Village is a fantastic destination for families. The squirrel monkeys are a huge hit with children, offering an exciting and interactive experience. Remember to pack light and only bring essentials to the monkey area to avoid any lost items. InstagramReddit

The traditional houses provide an educational element, sparking curiosity about history and different ways of life. The Shisa painting activity is also a great way for kids to get creative and bring home a unique souvenir. Consider the heat and bring plenty of water and sun protection. Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

Solo travelers and couples will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and historical depth of Yaima Village. It's a great place for a relaxed stroll through the traditional village and a chance to connect with nature in the mangrove areas. Instagram+1

Observing the squirrel monkeys can be a fun and engaging solo or shared experience. The opportunity to paint a Shisa statue offers a creative outlet, and the cultural performances provide an authentic taste of Okinawan traditions. It's a charming escape from the more bustling tourist spots. Reddit

🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers

Yaima Village is a popular and convenient shore excursion for cruise ship passengers visiting Ishigaki. It offers a concentrated dose of local culture, history, and wildlife within a manageable timeframe. TikTokInstagram

Excursions often include transport and guided access, making it easy to see the highlights like the squirrel monkeys and traditional houses. Be prepared for the tropical climate and follow any specific instructions provided by your cruise line for the excursion. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Yaima Village

Yaima Village is a unique open-air museum on Ishigaki Island, meticulously recreating a traditional Okinawan village from the Ryukyu Kingdom era. It offers visitors a tangible connection to the island's history and culture. The village is nestled amidst lush mangrove forests, providing a serene and natural backdrop for exploration. Instagram+1

Visitors can wander through the preserved traditional houses, gaining insight into the architectural styles and daily life of the past. The atmosphere is often described as stepping back in time, with a slower pace of life. This historical aspect is a significant draw for those interested in Japanese culture and heritage. InstagramReddit

Beyond the historical architecture, Yaima Village is also known for its natural beauty and unique inhabitants. The mangrove surroundings offer a glimpse into the island's delicate ecosystem, while the playful squirrel monkeys provide an entertaining and memorable experience for all ages. Instagram+1

Interacting with Squirrel Monkeys

The squirrel monkeys are a highlight for many visitors to Yaima Village. These small, agile primates are housed in a spacious enclosure designed to mimic their natural habitat. They are known for their curious and energetic nature, often approaching visitors with interest. InstagramReddit

When visiting the monkey enclosure, it's crucial to follow the park's guidelines to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the animals. Visitors are strongly advised to bring only essential items like wallets and phones, as the monkeys are known to playfully snatch belongings. Leaving larger bags or cameras unattended is not recommended. Reddit

Feeding the monkeys is often permitted under supervision, offering a unique interactive experience. Observing their social dynamics, including mothers carrying their young, adds to the fascination. This close encounter with wildlife is a memorable part of the Yaima Village visit for many families and individuals. InstagramReddit

Cultural Experiences and Local Flavors

Yaima Village isn't just about history and wildlife; it also offers a taste of Okinawan culture through performances and local cuisine. Visitors can often witness traditional Okinawan dances and music, providing an immersive cultural experience that complements the historical setting. Instagram

The village also features opportunities for hands-on cultural activities, such as painting your own Shisa statue. Shisa are traditional Okinawan guardian lions, and painting one is a fun and creative way to create a personalized souvenir while learning about their significance. Reddit

For those looking to sample local flavors, Yaima Village offers Okinawan soba and shaved ice. These are classic Okinawan treats that provide a refreshing break after exploring the village. It's a chance to savor the distinct culinary heritage of the region. Instagram