The Yaeyamas, even the tiny islands at their northern extremity are, in fact, closer geographically to Taiwan than mainland Okinawa. As those who venture to Ishigaki and beyond soon find out, this is the nearest thing to terra incognita you are likely to find in this country's long and, apparently, not completely tamed archipelago. If Japan has a final frontier, it is here.
There are a few direct flights to Ishigaki from Tokyo and Kansai International Airport, but most flights depart from Naha on Air Nippon and Transocean Air carriers. RKK Line and Arimura Sangyo have two or three ferry services from Naha to Ishigaki. There are daily ferries and hydrofoils to Iriomote from Ishigaki. Ferries take about one hour and 20 minutes. The hydrofoil takes 45 minutes. YaeYama Official Web site: http://www.yaeyama.or.jp/
