Yubu Island Subtropical Botanical Garden water buffalo carts
由布島 亜熱帯植物楽園 水牛車24°21′ N 123°56′ EGuideIriomote-jima
Yubu Island's water buffalo carts haul visitors across the shallow channel from Iriomote's east coast to a subtropical botanical garden, every 15 minutes from 9:15, for ¥2,000 return with admission in 2026.
The carts leave from Tabibito no Eki on the coast road north of Ohara, and the buffalo plod through the shallows while the driver plays the sanshin. Over on the island there's a butterfly garden and a restaurant that went self-service in October 2025. Both the Yaeyama Kanko Ferry and Anei Kanko day tours from Ishigaki stop here, so expect tour groups on the midday carts.
At low tide you can wade across on foot for ¥700. Since October 2025 the scheduled carts take reservations online, and you still check in at the ticket counter 10 minutes before departure. The island's route buses stop at the cart landing if you don't have a car.
What they offer
| Offering | From | Duration | Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return buffalo cart crossing with garden admission2026 price for junior-high age and up; primary-school children ¥1,000, younger children free. Carts leave the Iriomote side from 9:15, and the garden closes at 16:30 with last entry at 15:45. Tickets are sold at Tabibito no Eki on the Iriomote shore and must be bought 10 minutes before the cart. Cards, IC transit cards and PayPay are accepted. | ¥2,000 / adult | Carts cross every 15 minutes | Year-round |
| Walk across with garden admission2026 price; primary-school children ¥350. | ¥700 / adult | – | Year-round, at low tide |
FAQ
Quick answers about Yubu Island Subtropical Botanical Garden water buffalo cartsよくある質問
How much is the water buffalo cart to Yubu Island?
The return buffalo cart to Yubu Island costs ¥2,000 for adults and ¥1,000 for primary-school children in 2026, garden admission included. Walking across at low tide with admission costs ¥700. Tickets are sold at Tabibito no Eki on the Iriomote side.
What time do the Yubu Island buffalo carts run?
Carts leave the Iriomote shore every 15 minutes from 9:15, and the garden closes at 16:30 with last entry at 15:45. On some high spring tides the garden opens later, including 9:30 on 23 February 2027 and 9:45 on 24 February 2027.
Is Yubu Island open in winter?
Yes. The Yubu Island garden opens every day of the year and closes only for typhoons, strong wind and similar weather.
Does Yubu Island Subtropical Botanical Garden water buffalo carts speak English?
Yubu Island Subtropical Botanical Garden water buffalo carts works in Japanese.
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