Ishigaki Yaima Village

Good if 6ou have some time but don't worry if you miss it. Cool monkeys but they aren't native to the island...

Lovely little folk village. I arrived too late but the lovely Takemoto-san (I believe?) who is 93 years old offered to play a little bit of traditional music for me, as I had just missed it! He was so so nice and made the whole experience of the village unforgettable. He took the time to explain to me the history of Okinawa, and other things that happened during his youth that he wishes was on Japan mainland’s kids’ school History books. If you can chat to him, he is a legend! Thank you for teaching me heaps about your story, the History of the Yaeyama islands, etc. So valuable!

Very nice place with good view. Monkeys are so cute!

Interesting little village. The village was once a small fishing village, now developed into a tourist attraction. Inside the village, there is a grassy lawn with a lookout, Japanese old houses, a mangrove boardwalk, a cafeteria and a shop selling DIY souvenirs. The squirrel monkeys are lively. Ticket price was a couple hundred JPY per person. Parking lot outside offers free parking.

Great folk village where you can do workshop (painting shiisa) or try on kimono for an extra fee. Went there during a storm so couldn't enjoy it as much as I would. If you do the workshops, allow couple of hours