Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island (西表島, Iriomotejima) is Okinawa's second largest island. It is largely undeveloped, with nearly 90 percent of its land covered by dense jungle and mangrove forests. Wide areas of the island are part of the Iriomote Ishigaki National Park, the southernmost of Japan's national parks and one of the country's most unique.
The island's attractions are based around tours to Iriomote's abundant nature including sea and river kayaking, fishing and sailing. Other activities can be enjoyed either on tours or individually such as beaches, snorkeling and various hiking trails, the most challenging of which is a 20 kilometer path through the interior of the island which should only be tackled by experienced and well prepared hikers.
Iriomote is also a popular scuba diving destination especially at Manta Way, the strait between Iriomote and nearby Kohama Island, where schools of manta rays congregate in spring and summer. Diving tours are available for all skill levels.
The island is also home to the Iriomote Yamaneko, a type of wildcat, which was discovered in 1965 and is only found on Iriomote Island. The chances of encountering an Iriomote Yamaneko are low as the nocturnal, house cat sized animal is an endangered species that is thought to number less than 100 individuals.
River activities
Most of the island's interior is covered in dense jungle accessible by a number of rivers that head inland from the sea. Jungle boat cruises are organized on the island's two longest rivers, the Urauchigawa (Urauchi River) and Nakamagawa (Nakama River), and guided kayak tours operate on both of those as well as many of the smaller rivers around the island.
Beaches
Iriomote has its share of beautiful beaches which offer swimming, snorkeling and diving opportunities. Most of the beaches around Iriomote do not have any public facilities, and some of them can only be reached by boat as the island's coast is only partially accessible by car.
When using the beaches always beware of strong currents that can pull you out to sea and poisonous creatures such as Habu Jellyfish, a type of box jellyfish, that are most prevalent from June to October. Signs in English inform about the dangers while some beaches have netted off swimming areas. Although stings are rare, if stung you should pour vinegar over the sting, remove any tentacles, and seek medical help as it may become life threatening.
Other attractions
Getting there and around
Ferry companies operate high speed ferries, as well as an infrequent car ferry, between Iriomote and Ishigaki Island.
High speed ferries depart Ishigaki for Ohara Port (1830 yen, 35-40 minutes, departures every 1-2 hours) on the south end of the island and Uehara Port (2390 yen, 40-50 minutes, departures every 1-2 hours) in the north. Additionally, slower car ferries operate on selected days of the week to Ohara (80 minutes, 1350 yen one way) and Uehara (110-130 minutes, 1750 yen one way). Online reservations can be made through Direct Ferries.
There is only one main road on Iriomote, running along the coast from Shirahama to Ohara. A public bus runs between Shirahama and Ohara four times per day. The complete journey takes about 90 minutes and costs 1410 yen. A one day bus pass is available for 1050 yen while a three day pass costs 1570 yen.
Besides the public buses, there are shuttle buses, operated by ferry companies and by the various diving and sightseeing companies on the island. Lastly, it is also possible to rent a car from one of several outlets near the ferry terminals.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Yaeyama Islands
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Little Mermaid Hotel IshigakijimaSituated in Ishigaki Island, 400 metres from Fusaki Beach, Little Mermaid Hotel Ishigakijima features accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a terrace. This 3-star hotel offers luggage storage space and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is set 2.3 km from Shanishani Beach. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a wardrobe. The hotel offers some rooms with sea views, and rooms are equipped with a balcony. All units have a private bathroom, a hairdryer and bed linen. Guests at Little Mermaid Hotel Ishigakijima will be able to enjoy activities in and around Ishigaki Island, like fishing. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Nei Museum of Art, Tojinbaka and Kannonzaki Lighthouse. New Ishigaki Airport is 18 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Guesthouse AsibinaLocated 1.1 km from Painuhama Artificial Beach, 2.6 km from Tadahama Beach and 400 metres from Yaeyama Museum, Guesthouse Asibina offers accommodation set in Ishigaki Island. With a shared lounge, the 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and linens for a supplement. The units include a safety deposit box. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Nantominzoku Museum, Euglena Mall and 730 Monument. New Ishigaki Airport is 13 km away.View on Booking.com
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JoyaSet in Ishigaki Island in the Ishigaki Region, 200 metres from Kabira Bay, Joya features a sun terrace. Free private parking is available on site. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a bath. Joya features free WiFi. There is a shared lounge at the property. Sukuji Beach is 1.9 km from Joya, while Yonehara Beach is 5 km away. New Ishigaki Airport is 13 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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LulaliyaSet in Ishigaki Island, 300 metres from Kabira Bay, Lulaliya features air-conditioned rooms and free private parking. The bed and breakfast has a barbecue and sun terrace, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Some units feature a seating area for your convenience. Extras include slippers, free toiletries and a hair dryer. Lulaliya features free WiFi throughout the property. There is a shared lounge at the property. Sukuji Beach is 1.9 km from Lulaliya, while Yonehara Beach is 5 km away. The nearest airport is New Ishigaki Airport, 13 km from Lulaliya.View on Booking.com
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Hotel Patina IshigakijimaA 7-minute walk from Ishigaki Port Ricoh Ferry Terminal and a 3-minute drive from the beach, Hotel Patina Ishigakijima offers cosy rooms with hardwood floors, free internet and a private balcony. Free parking is available on site. The air-conditioned rooms at Patina Hotel include a private bathroom and refrigerator. Guests can enjoy watching the flat-screen TV with a fresh cup of tea. A free-use washing machine and coin-operated dryer are provided, as are free-use bicycles. Free wireless internet and 2 computers with free internet access are offered in the lobby. Massages can be requested for an extra cost. Ishigakijima Patina Hotel’s restaurant serves breakfast daily.View on Booking.com
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Glamping Resort YokabushiFeaturing free WiFi and a restaurant, Glamping Resort Yokabushi offers accommodation in Ishigaki Island, 400 metres from Tamatorizaki Observation Point. Free private parking is available on site. A flat-screen TV is offered. Enjoy a cup of tea while looking out at the mountain or pool. Rooms have a private bathroom fitted with a bath. Extras include slippers and a hairdryer. The resort also offers free use of bicycles. Ishigaki Sunset Beach is 9 km from Glamping Resort Yokabushi, while Yonehara Beach is 10 km from the property. New Ishigaki Airport is 11 km away.View on Booking.com
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HOSTEL SunTerrace IshigakiSituated in Ishigaki Island, 1.3 km from Painuhama Artificial Beach, HOSTEL SunTerrace Ishigaki features accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. This 1-star hostel offers a shared kitchen, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 2.7 km from Tadahama Beach. A shared bathroom is provided in the rooms, while certain rooms are equipped with a game console. Popular points of interest near the hostel include Yaeyama Museum, Nantominzoku Museum and Euglena Mall. New Ishigaki Airport is 13 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Guest House Chura Cucule IshigakijimaSituated within 2.3 km of Painuhama Artificial Beach and less than 1 km of Yaeyama Museum, Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima features rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Ishigaki Island. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Rooms are fitted with a shared bathroom, a bidet and a hairdryer, and some rooms at the hostel have a safety deposit box. At Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima every room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include 730 Monument, Euglena Mall and Nantominzoku Museum. The nearest airport is New Ishigaki Airport, 15 km from Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima.View on Booking.com
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Guest House Yun TerraceLocated within 1.1 km of Painuhama Artificial Beach and 2.2 km of Tadahama Beach, Guest House Yun Terrace provides rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Ishigaki Island. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property and private parking is available on site. Maezato Beach is 3 km from the guest house and Tamatorizaki Observation Point is 25 km away. At the guest house, all units have a shared bathroom. Guests can also relax on the sun terrace. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Yaeyama Museum, Maezato Park and Euglena Mall. New Ishigaki Airport is 13 km away.View on Booking.com
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Matsukaze The Guest House IshigakiSet 1.8 km from Painuhama Artificial Beach, 1.8 km from Tadahama Beach and 2.3 km from Maezato Beach, Matsukaze The Guest House Ishigaki provides accommodation located in Ishigaki Island. Featuring a terrace, the 2-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and a shared lounge for guests. A bicycle rental service is available at the guest house. Popular points of interest near Matsukaze The Guest House Ishigaki include Yaeyama Museum, Maezato Park and Euglena Mall. New Ishigaki Airport is 12 km away.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Yaeyama Islands
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SUP or Canoe at Mangrove Forest and Sightseeing in Yubujima IslandEnjoy popular Iriomotejima nature activity and sightseeing at onceView on Klook
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Mangrove Kayaking and Trekking with Outdoor Cooking in Iriomote IslandExprole quiet Mangrove river and Waterfall / Jungle streamView on Klook
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ISLAND Photogenic Half Day Tour in KABIRA, Ishigaki IslandDiscover the hidden photo spots in Ishigaki islandView on Klook
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