2026 Ie Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

The spring in the northwest of Iejima is called Wajii😊 The spring is a very important water source that supported the lives of the islanders who suffered from water shortages in the past, and it is said to have been named after the fresh water that springs from the water's edge below a cliff over 60 meters high✨ You can enjoy a beautiful view of the ocean from the observation deck😊 *Spring (Wajii) 4278 Higashiegami, Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture 905-0501 #gw2022jp #Okinawa #OkinawaTrip #RemoteIslandTrip #Iejima #Spring

Looking for a quiet and hassle-free family beach getaway in early autumn? I highly recommend the secluded beaches of Okinawa’s Ie Island for your September family trip🏝️. After summer vacation crowds fade away, this outer island returns to a primitive, tranquil state, perfect for relaxed family leisure time. Early autumn is the most family-friendly season for Ie Island’s seaside🌊. The sea turns deep and clear with gentle, stable tides, and the coastal wind is soft and dry without harsh heat. I love arranging a 4-hour undisturbed family seaside time from 9 AM to 1 PM. Sit on the clean soft sand, watch the slow tidal flow and overlook the vast ocean horizon, letting both kids and adults unwind completely. Share practical family travel tips for a better experience📃. To keep the beach quiet and protect coastal ecology, simple advance registration is required for seasonal visits. I’ve sorted out exclusive autumn tide viewing guides and quiet beach resting areas, super suitable for family slow travel and parent-child relaxation. After seaside leisure, you can take your family to explore the island’s low-key local scenery🍂. Stroll sparsely populated village lanes and check out the vibrant coastal plant communities in early autumn. Away from crowded scenic spots, this isolated outer island experience lets the whole family feel the pure, unrushed and healing rhythm of Okinawa’s countryside. #IeIslandOkinawa #SeptemberBeach #RemoteIslandSlowTravel #AutumnSeaside #HealingVibe

📍Iejima Island A remote island rich in nature, accessible by ferry in about 30 minutes from Motobu Port in northern Okinawa Main Island ⛰️ Ferry services operate 2-4 round trips per day 🛳️ ▼Regular Schedule ・Motobu Port: Departures at 9:00, 11:00, 15:00, and 17:00 ・Ie Port: Departures at 8:00, 10:00, 13:00, and 16:00 · Ferry services may be cancelled due to bad weather, etc. · Operating times may change depending on the season. You can explore the island by rental car, rental motorbike, rental bicycle, or electric mini-car 💫 This time, we traveled by electric mini-car (single-seater) 🚙 · A regular driver's license or higher is required. Recommended tourist spots are here 👇🏼 ▼Ie Beach Approximately 10 minutes by car from Ie Port. This beach on Ie Island boasts crystal-clear waters and is an absolute must-visit! 🏖️ The beach swing, set against the blue sky, is a popular photo spot! 📸✨ ▼Niyatiya Cave This is considered a sacred place for prayer. 🕊️ It's also believed to be a power spot for those seeking children, and features a distinctive heart-shaped cave. 💡 2nd-4th photos: Ie Beach 5th photo: Traveling around the island by electric mini-car 6th photo: Sugarcane field 7th photo: Niyatiya Cave #iejima #伊江島 #okinawa #沖縄 #沖縄旅 #japan #日本景點 #国旅 #レストラン #おすすめサイト

[Castle Mountain (Tacchu) | Ie Island, Okinawa "It's only 172 meters high, but it's a great way to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views from the island's symbol."] · Towering in the center of Ie Island, Mount Tacchu is a distinctive mountain formed by an uplifted coral reef. ⛰️ Due to its unique shape, it's affectionately nicknamed "Tacchu" by the islanders. The climb is quick, and the view from the summit is the best on Ie Island! You can see the entire island in one go! 🌴🌊 📍 [Access] ・Address: Higashiegami, Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture ・Approximately 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes by rental bicycle from Ie Port ・Free parking available near the trailhead (limited space) ⏰ [Climbing Hours] ・Sunrise to sunset (descend before dark) ・Estimated Time: Approximately 20 minutes uphill, approximately 15 minutes downhill (one way) ⸻ ⛰ [Climbing Points] · From the summit, you can see not only the entire Ie Island, but also the Motobu Peninsula and Yoron Island on clear days! · The trail is mostly made up of concrete stairs → Safe even for beginner hikers 🪜 · The summit isn't very wide, but the 360-degree views are breathtaking. · "Joyama Utaki" at the top is a sacred site → Please pray quietly 🙏 ⸻ 🎒 Tips · The sun is strong, so bring a hat and a drink! 🧢🥤 · The stairs are steep in places, so wear comfortable shoes 👟 · The summit is often windy → Be careful not to drop your smartphone 📱 · The sunlight is soft in the early morning and evening, making it the best time for both hiking and enjoying the scenery 🌅 ⸻ #Joyama #Tacchu #SymbolofIejima #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

[Waji Observatory | Ie Island, Okinawa "A sea so blue it will leave you speechless, spreading beyond the cliffs"] · Located on the western tip of Ie Island, the Waji Observatory offers a spectacular view of the emerald blue ocean from atop a cliff about 60 meters high. ✨ The "spring water" (spring water), from which the name comes, is an important source of water for the islanders and has a history of being worshipped as a sacred water source. 🌿 📍 [Access] ・Address: Nishiegami, Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture ・Approximately 15 minutes by car or motorcycle, or approximately 30 minutes by bicycle from Ie Port ・Free parking available (limited spaces) 🕰 [Opening Hours] ・The observation deck itself is open 24 hours a day (however, it can be dangerous at night) ・Restrooms available (basic) ⸻ 🌊 [Recommended Points] · The ocean viewed from the top of the cliffs → The gradation of colors from deep blue to emerald green is breathtaking. ✨ · On a clear day, you can even see Yoron Island and Okinoerabu Island! 👀 · The walking path to the observation deck is well-maintained and easy to walk. · A photogenic spot → The panoramic view of nature is sure to impress! 📸 ⸻ 🎒 Tips · The wind is very strong, so be careful not to blow away your hat or belongings. 🧢🌀 · A little way down from the observation deck is the "Spring Water Shrine" → Please pray quietly. 🙏 · A great place to stop by on your drive or bike ride around Ie Island. · On a clear day, the sunset is also quite beautiful. 🌇 ⸻ #SpringWaterObservatory #IeIslandScenicSpot #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

Nyatiya Cave (Nyatiya Gama) | Ie Island, Okinawa "A Quiet Place of Prayer that Protected and Connected Lives" · Nyatiya Cave is a natural limestone cave on the west side of Ie Island. It was once used as a shelter (gama) for residents during wartime. Inside is a "power stone," and lifting it is said to bring good health and fertility. 💪👶 The quiet, cool interior of the cave is a magical space that calms the mind. 📍 [Location & Access] ・Address: Higashiegami, Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture ・Approximately 10 minutes by car or motorcycle from Ie Port (bicycle rentals also available) ・Free parking available ⏰ [Opening Hours] ・Open year-round, tours open daily (daytime tours recommended) ・Not recommended at night due to the darkness and dangers involved ⸻ 🙏 [Highlights] · "Chikaraishi" (power stone) inside the cave → It's said that if you can lift it with both hands, your wish will come true. · It's also famous as a power spot for praying for fertility and good health. · The cave is cool, even in the summer. · The rock walls outside are also dynamic → Great for photos. ⸻ 🎒 Tips · The cave can be slippery → Wear comfortable walking shoes! • Bring a flashlight or your smartphone's flashlight for peace of mind. 🔦 · The cave is quiet, so please respect proper etiquette and respect your surroundings. · There are no shops nearby, so please bring your own drinks. ⸻ #NyatiyaCave #IeIslandPowerSpot #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

Compared to crowded famous beaches 🏝️, I highly recommend exploring different islands. The water is clearer, the beaches are cleaner, and it's a fantastic way to escape all your worries! 🕰️Opening Hours: The first ferry departs at 9:00 AM. Tickets must be purchased half an hour before departure. The last ferry back to the main island departs at 4:00 PM. Make sure to catch it! Otherwise, you'll have to stay overnight, as the next morning's ferry back to the main island doesn't leave until 8:00 AM! 💞Reasons for Recommendation: Very comfortable, not crowded, very quiet. Highly recommended for those who want to relax! 👍🏻

This is a photo from a terrain dive on Iejima ✨️ Diving on Iejima, a remote island in Okinawa Prefecture, was amazing.

The only way to access Iejima is by car ferry from Motobu Port in the northern part of Okinawa's main island. 🚢 Access by ferry 📍 Departure point: Motobu Port (Okinawa main island) Journey time: Approximately 30 minutes Number of flights: 4 round trips per day (normal) Timetable (normal operation): Departure from Motobu Port: 9:00, 11:00, 15:00, 17:00 Departure from Ie Port: 8:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00 Fare (one way): Adult: 730 yen Children: 370 yen Bringing vehicles: Possible (reservation required) Example: Vehicles under 3m are 2,530 yen one way, 4,810 yen round trip Reservations and inquiries: Ie Port: 0980-49-2255 (advance reservation) Motobu Port: 0980-47-3940 (same day reservation)    🚌 Access from Naha Airport to Motobu Port 🚗 By car/rental car Time required: about 90 minutes (using the expressway) Route: Naha Airport → Naha IC → Kyoda IC → Motobu Port  🚌 By bus Yanbaru Express Bus: Time required: about 2 hours Fare: 1,850 yen Pick-up location: Naha Airport bus stop No. 2 Notes: No reservation required, may not be able to board if full Expressway bus + local bus: Route: Naha Airport → Naha Bus Terminal → Nago Bus Terminal (Expressway Bus No. 111) → Motobu Port (Motobu Loop Line)  🚗 Parking information around Motobu Port Temporary parking lot: Located near Shiokawa Beach Address: Sakimotobu, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture Fee: Free Notes: Free shuttle bus runs to Motobu Port Details: Iejima Lily Festival information page   #Absolutely free trip #Domestic travel

The "Lily Festival" that colors the spring of Iejima, Okinawa, was more amazing than I imagined! The Iejima Lily Festival is a flower festival held every spring in Ie Village, Okinawa Prefecture, and is a special event where the entire island is enveloped in the scent and color of lilies.  🌸 Iejima Lily Festival Venue: Ie Village Lily Field Park (3087 Higashiegami, Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture) Admission: Free Organizer/Inquiries: Iejima Lily Festival Executive Committee (Ie Village Office, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division) Tel: 0980-49-2906    🌼 Highlights 1 million trumpet lilies: Pure white trumpet lilies bloom all over the place, creating a white carpet-like landscape. 100 varieties of lilies from around the world: Lilies of various colors, such as orange, pink, and yellow, decorate the flower beds and fascinate visitors. Flowering status: In 2025, flowering was slightly delayed due to the influence of temperature differences, and only 40-50% of the flowers were in bloom during the festival, but they are expected to be enjoyed for a while after the festival ends.    🎉 Event schedule During the festival, Lily Field Park will host an opening ceremony, a kids' dance, and a performance by the Ie Junior High School brass band. In addition, a variety of events will be held, including a children's sumo tournament, a peanut throwing tournament, a karaoke tournament, a live performance by Anly, and fireworks, attracting many visitors. 🎆 🚢 Access information Ferry: Approximately 30 minutes from Motobu Port on the main island of Okinawa to Ie Port. Two ferries will operate special services on weekends and holidays during the festival. Transportation within the island: A free shuttle bus will be operated from Ie Port to major venues such as Lily Field Park. Note: Parking spaces at Motobu Port are limited, so please carpool or use public transportation whenever possible. 📸 Photo Spots Lily Field Park: A beautiful photo spot with a field of trumpet lilies in contrast to the blue sky and sea. Gusukuyama: From Gusukuyama, the symbol of Iejima, you can see the lily fields and the entire island.  The Iejima Lily Festival is a fascinating event that combines the beauty of nature with local culture. It's a recommended Golden Week destination🌸🌺🌼 #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #DomesticTrip

Traveling to the island to see the flowers - Iejima Hibiscus Garden Diary 🌺 Iejima Hibiscus Garden is one of the largest hibiscus gardens in Japan, located in Ie Village, Okinawa Prefecture. Over 1,000 varieties of hibiscus are cultivated and displayed here. Among them are about 800 original varieties that are unique in the world and were bred on Iejima, attracting visitors.   🌺 Basic information Address: 3614-1 Higashiemae, Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture Telephone number: 0980-49-5850 Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 Closed days: Open all year round 💰 Admission fee ・Individual General: 300 yen Junior high school and high school students: 200 yen School trip students (junior high school and high school students): 100 yen Elementary school students: 100 yen Children and villagers: Free ・Groups (20 or more people) General: 240 yen Junior high school and high school students: 160 yen 🚗 Access Car: Approximately 10 minutes from Ie Port Bicycle: Approximately 20 minutes from Ie Port Walk: Approximately 50 minutes from Ie Port   🌱 Features of the garden · Over 1,000 varieties of hibiscus are cultivated and displayed, with around 600 varieties always available for viewing. · Many original varieties bred on Iejima are also on display. · Seedlings are also sold, and orders can be made by phone or email form. · Experience programs such as grafting and cutting classes are also held (reservations required).    Iejima Hibiscus Garden is a soothing spot where colorful hibiscus bloom in full glory. I found my favorite hibiscus, so I bought a seedling 🎶 and was carefully taught how to grow it ♡ The big pink flowers are so cute that I'm growing it in my garden at home 🌺✨ #absolutelyfreetravel #domestictravel

Iejima is located about 30 minutes offshore by ferry from Motobu Port in central Okinawa. This small island, about 24km in circumference, was on the front line of the Battle of Okinawa during World War II, and about 40% of its territory is still under US military control. Contrary to that story, it is a very laid-back and idyllic remote island. The biggest event on Iejima is the Iejima Lily Festival, held during Golden Week. About 1 million trumpet lilies and rare lilies from around the world gather together, and you can enjoy the combination of the blue sea unique to Okinawa and the colorful lilies. During the festival, various events are held, various food trucks are set up, and photo booths are set up. The park is decorated with tosspots and carp streamers, and is crowded with many tourists. The park is not very large, so you can enjoy it in 1-2 hours. Location: Ie Village Lily Field Park, Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture (Ie Island) Dates: April 26th to May 5th, 2025 (the night lily festival will be held from May 3rd to 5th) Free admission, unlimited admission all day Access: During the festival, a free shuttle bus runs from Ie Port to the venue. To get to Ie Island, it takes about 1.5 hours by car from Naha Airport to Ie Port, then about 30 minutes by ferry, and about 15 minutes by bus to Ie Village Lily Field Park. #EnjoyJapan #OkinawaPrefecture #BreathtakingFlowers #GoldenWeek #BreathtakingView

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Ie Island is an outlying island with an area of ​​only 23 square kilometers. It is located off the northeast coast of Okinawa Island and only takes 30 minutes by boat from Okinawa Island. The island's terrain is mainly flat farmland, with a steep mountain at an altitude of 172 meters in the center of the island, overlooking the surrounding area. Ie Island is also a perfect combination of fertile land and blue coast. In April every year, there is a lily festival, and more than 100 kinds of blooming lilies add unparalleled colorful colors to Ie Island. There are many tourist spots on the island, including the Nyathiya Cave, a sacred place of faith for the people, and the "Outburst" which is famous for its steep cliffs. Chengshan is 172 meters above sea level. The stairs leading to the top of the mountain are quite steep, but the 360-degree view allows you to take in the entire island. Ride a rental bicycle to explore the entire island, and shuttle through the colorful fields like a patchwork. Large fields of lilies, rapeseed flowers and ears of wheat sway in the spring breeze, it is really beautiful!

Amazing Okinawa .. Iejima island .. crystal water .. Tiffany blue .... .... best traveling time for there is on July to September .... Sunny day ... bagus

It takes 30 minutes to get from Motobu Port on Okinawa's main island to Iejima in Okinawa Prefecture. The one-way fare for adults is 730 yen, making it an easy place to visit. It was a wonderful, tranquil place surrounded by nature!! There are many things to do here, including diving and marine sports. You can also rent a bicycle and ride around the island one or half way! The breeze was pleasant, and it was refreshing and fun to ride a bicycle right next to the sea!! The sea in Okinawa is incomparably beautiful. If you're interested in Iejima or would like to visit, please go and check it out!! #0yentravel #Okinawa #Iejima

A remote island with a spectacular view 📍Iejima 30 minutes from the main island and Motobu Port. A remote island where you can see the beautiful cobalt blue sea. We recommend using an electric bicycle or rental car to get around Iejima! There are many slopes, so it may be difficult if you don't have an electric bike?! Recommended tourist spots on Iejima! ☑︎Ie Beach ☑︎GI Beach ☑︎Yudatsu Observatory There are not many tourists, so you can take your time and enjoy sightseeing! 【INFORMATION】 🏝️Iejima ⛴️30 minutes by ferry from Motobu Port #OkinawaTrip #OkinawaTourism #RemoteIslands #Sakura2024

#freehotelstay

From the Churaumi Aquarium, you can see an island shaped like a tricorn hat offshore; that is Iejima. The symbol of the town is a rocky mountain called Tacchu. It's a surprisingly steep climb considering it's 172m above sea level, but the view from the top is amazing. Be sure to also visit Sennin Gama, where many islanders took refuge during the war. #OkinawaTrip

Old-style Japanese restaurant Yui, a renovated old house on Iejima You can enjoy your meal while looking out at the sea from the terrace seats😊 Here, you can eat rare soba noodles made with wheat flour from Iejima❣️ It's only available on Iejima, so I recommend it☺️✨It was delicious🎵 * Old-style Japanese restaurant Yui 639 Higashiemae, Iemura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 905-0502 #gw2022jp#Okinawa #Okinawatrip #Remoteislandtrip #Iejima #Old-style Japanese restaurant Yui

Ie Beach 🏖 on Ie Island A beach adjacent to the campsite in Ie Village Youth Travel Village Beach volleyball courts, shops, shower rooms, terraces, etc. are available, and you can enjoy the shallow sandy beach 😊 Adults will need 100 yen to enter! It's a good idea to prepare some coins ✨ A WELCOME monument There are also swings on the beach ☺️ It's a photogenic spot ❣️ *Ie Beach 2439 Higashiemae, Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture 905-0502 #gw2022jp#Okinawa #OkinawaTrip #RemoteIslandTrip #IeIsland #IeBeach

The symbol of Iejima, Shiroyama, commonly known as Tacchu, can be clearly seen from the main island of Okinawa. It is an object of worship for the islanders and a sacred place. Iejima Tacchu is a rocky mountain with an altitude of about 172m that stands slightly east of the center of the island. The islanders call it "Gusuku" or "Gusukuyama". It was quite hard to climb, so we took breaks along the way. When we reached the top, the view was spectacular! The patchwork-like fields and the sea were very beautiful. It's slippery on rainy days, so it's best to avoid it. *Iejima Tacchu 〒905-0501 Higashiegami, Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture #gw2022jp#Okinawa #OkinawaTrip #Iejima #RemoteIslandTrip #IejimaTacchu

Lily Field Park on Ie Island This is the venue where the "Lily Festival" is held every year from mid-April to early May✨ The festival is over, but the lilies are still in full bloom and very beautiful😊 Ie Island's mascot, "Tacchun," was also there🙌 *Lily Field Park 906-0504 Higashiekamiji, Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture #gw2022jp#Okinawa #OkinawaTrip #RemoteIslandTrip #IeIsland #LilyFieldPark

Nyatiya Cave on Ie Island There is a "power stone" and it is said that if a woman who is not blessed with children lifts it, her wish will come true✨ During the war, it was used as an air raid shelter for residents and housed many people, so it is also called "Gama (a cave for a thousand people)"☺️ When you go inside, there is a hole and when you look inside, you can see the sea😍 And this hole is a heart♥️ The color of the sea was also very beautiful❣️ *Nyatiya Cave 905-0503 Kabira, Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture #gw2022jp #Okinawa #OkinawaTrip #IeIsland #NyatiyaCave

Ie Port, the gateway to Ie Island 🛳 There are regular flights from Motobu Port, so tourists can easily get there 😊 There is a tourist association and souvenir shop at the port There is a rental car shop behind the port You can rent a car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc. here ✨ It is a fairly large island with ups and downs, so I recommend renting a car or motorcycle ☺️ *Ie Port 905-0503 Kabira, Ie Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture #gw2022jp #Okinawa #OkinawaTrip #IeIsland #IePort

Ie Island has cute characters🚢 It's about 20 minutes from Motobu Port, so it's easy to get to! The rum is also delicious!