Iriomote Island

Yaeyama’s largest island, covered by jungle
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Iriomote Island (\, 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.

Kayaking in the mangroves

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.

Sea turtle around Barasu Island

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.

  • Urauchi River Cruise
    Boat departures: 9:00 to 15:30
    Closed: No closing days
    Fee: 3000 yen
    Urauchi River is the largest river on Iriomote and is found near Uehara Port on the north western side of the island. The hour long cruises travel along the Urauchi River to a trailhead from where it is a 45 minute walk through the jungle to two beautiful waterfalls.
  • Nakama River Cruise
    Boat departures: At least 2-3 boats per day
    Closed: No closing days
    Fee: 2500-3500 yen
    The Nakama River cruises start in the south of the island in Ohara and travel several kilometers upriver. There are two types of cruises: an 80-90 minute cruise for 3500 yen, which includes getting off the ferry and walking to a nearby, prominent mangrove tree, and a 50-60 minute cruise, which does not involve the walk.
  • Kayak River Tours
    Fee: around 7000 yen for a guided 2-hour tour
    Kayak tours (commonly called "canoe tours" by local operators) are offered on the mangrove-lined Urauchi and Nakama Rivers as well as many of the smaller rivers around the island. Each river has one or two companies operating on it, with 2-hour guided tours starting at about 7000 yen per person (reservations should be made in advance). A small number of operators also offer unguided kayak rentals.
  • Pinaisara Falls
    Fee: around 10,000 yen for a half day tour
    At 55 meters, the Pinaisara Falls are Okinawa Prefecture's tallest waterfall. The falls can be reached by a 30-40 minute kayak ride along a mangrove-lined river, followed by a 30-40 minute hike into the jungle. Half day tours lead to the plunge pool at the base of the waterfall where visitors can jump in to cool off as well as have lunch in the surrounding jungle. Full day hiking tours continue to the top of the waterfall and require a certain level of fitness.
  • Omisha Road Park
    Admission: Free
    Omisha Road Park is a small rest area with a parking lot along the side of the main road that has short walking paths. Visitors can follow the walking paths that lead into a mangrove forest on the one side and to a small river on the other side.

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.

  • Hoshizuna no Hama
    Admission: Free, no parking fees
    Hoshizuna no Hama means star sand beach, and is so named because the grains of sand found here are shaped like tiny stars. The sand is actually the skeletons of small one-celled organisms that live among the sea grass. This beach offers nice snorkeling and swimming, but is rather shallow during low tide. There are no public facilities at the beach besides the parking lot.
  • Tudumari no Hama
    Admission: Free, no parking fees
    Tudumari no Hama is a quiet beach also known as Tsukigahama (Moon Beach) for its crescent shape. The wide beach is one of the best sunset spots on the island. The Urauchi River flows out into the sea on the southern end of Tudumari no Hama carrying with it lots of fine sand deposits which can be seen at the mouth of the river.
  • Barasu Island
    Fee: around 9000 yen for a half day snorkeling tour
    Barasu Island is a small coral island a short boat ride from Uehara Port. Unmarked on most maps, the island can be reached only by joining tours which typically allow for a short stay on the island before moving on to snorkeling in the waters nearby. The clear waters surrounding the island offer plenty of opportunities to see corals and marine life.

Other attractions

  • Yubujima Suigyu Cart Ride
    Hours: 9:15 to 16:30 (entry until 15:45)
    Closed: No closing days
    Fee: 2000 yen (round trip and entry to the botanical garden)
    Yubujima is a small island separated from Iriomote by a shallow, sandy strait. Water buffalo take carts filled with visitors to the island where there are restaurants, souvenir shops and a botanical garden. The cart rides are interesting, if not touristy, and some cart drivers describe the island's history and play the sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument).
  • Yamaneko Museum (Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center)
    Hours: 10:00 to 17:00
    Closed: Mondays (or next day if Mon is a holiday), Jun 23 and Dec 29 to Jan 3
    Admission: Free
    This museum serves also as a refuge for Iriomote Yamaneko that are rescued after being injured by cars. The wildcats can only be viewed through a live video feed, while the rest of the museum has displays on the ecology of the Yamaneko and other animals found on the island. English explanations are provided throughout the museum.

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 (2290 yen, 35-40 minutes, departures every 1-2 hours) on the south end of the island and Uehara Port (2990 yen, 45-50 minutes, departures every 2-3 hours) in the north. Additionally, slower car ferries operate on selected days of the week to Ohara (80 minutes, 1810 yen one way) and Uehara (110-130 minutes, 2350 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 1500 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.

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Hotels around Yaeyama Islands

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      The Ubufuru Ishigaki
      Luxury
      Situated in Ishigaki Island, 7.5 km from Yaeyama Museum, The Ubufuru Ishigaki features accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also has a restaurant and a terrace. Each room includes a balcony with sea views and free WiFi. At the resort the rooms have air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. All rooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle. American and Asian breakfast options are available at The Ubufuru Ishigaki. You can play table tennis and tennis at the accommodation. Tamatorizaki Observation Point is 20 km from The Ubufuru Ishigaki, while Maezato Park is 6.8 km from the property. New Ishigaki Airport is 8 km away.
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      Seven Colors Ishigakijima
      Luxury
      Located in Ishigaki Island, 14 km from Tamatorizaki Observation Point, Seven Colors Ishigakijima provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a private beach area and a terrace. Featuring a restaurant, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Guests can use the hot tub, or enjoy sea views. At the hotel, each room is fitted with a balcony. Each room comes with a coffee machine, while certain rooms include a kitchenette with a microwave and a stovetop. Guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Yaeyama Museum is 39 km from Seven Colors Ishigakijima, while Sangosho no Umi Kara is 18 km away. New Ishigaki Airport is 27 km from the property.
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      Lulaliya
      Luxury
      Set 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.
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      Ishigaki Sunset Cove
      Luxury
      Situated on the secluded West Coast of Central Ishigaki Island, 18km from Ishigaki City, 5km from Yonehara Beach, Ishigaki Sunset Cove is set along the beach and rooms with free WiFi access. Among the various facilities of this property are an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. We have rental cars at the hotel. Our airport transfers are free until 6pm. A car is essential to explore the island. Please inquire after booking for rates and availability. Parking charges are expensive for outside rentals; parking for our cars is free. At the resort, the rooms come with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Selected rooms here will provide you with a kitchen with a microwave, a toaster and a fridge. The units at Ishigaki Sunset Cove come with a seating area. Tamatorizaki Observation Point is 5 km from the resort, while Kabira Bay is 10 km away. The nearest airport is New Ishigaki Airport, 10 km from Ishigaki Sunset Cove. A Western breakfast is available daily at the property. A rental car is essential for mobility on the island. We have rentals available at the hotel, please inquire.
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      Hotel Patina Ishigakijima
      Mid-range
      A 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 Hotelfs restaurant serves breakfast daily.
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      Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima
      Budget-friendly
      Situated within 2.4 km of Painuhama Artificial Beach and less than 1 km of Yaeyama Museum, Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima offers 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. The hostel features some rooms that have a safety deposit box, and rooms are fitted with a shared bathroom with a bidet and a hairdryer. Popular points of interest near Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima include 730 Monument, Euglena Mall and Nantominzoku Museum. New Ishigaki Airport is 15 km from the property.
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      Beach Village Nosoko
      Budget-friendly
      Set 2.6 km from Idona Beach, Beach Village Nosoko offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The accommodation features a hot tub. Each unit is fitted with a terrace offering sea views, a satellite flat-screen TV, a dining area, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. A fridge, a microwave and stovetop are also featured, as well as a kettle. At the lodge you will find a restaurant serving Mexican and European cuisine. Vegetarian and vegan options can also be requested. A car rental service is available at Beach Village Nosoko. Tamatorizaki Observation Point is 8.1 km from the accommodation, while Yaeyama Museum is 28 km away. New Ishigaki Airport is 15 km from the property.
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      Guest House Suntoru
      Budget-friendly
      Guest House Suntoru, a property with a garden, a terrace and a shared lounge, is set in Ishigaki Island, 7.8 km from Yaeyama Museum, 20 km from Tamatorizaki Observation Point, as well as 7 km from Maezato Park. This 1-star guest house offers a shared kitchen and luggage storage space. The guest house also offers free WiFi, free private parking and facilities for disabled guests. At the guest house, units come with a desk and a shared bathroom. Ishigaki Dam is 7.2 km from the guest house, while Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave is 7.7 km from the property. New Ishigaki Airport is 7 km away.
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      HOTEL Ishigakijima 2020
      Mid-range
      HOTEL Ishigakijima 2020 is situated in Ishigaki Island, 1 km from Maezato Beach, 3.3 km from Yaeyama Museum, and 23 km from Tamatorizaki Observation Point. This aparthotel features free private parking, a lift and free WiFi. The aparthotel has family rooms. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bidet, slippers and a hair dryer. A microwave and fridge are also offered, as well as a kettle. At the aparthotel, units include bed linen and towels. Maezato Park is 2.5 km from the aparthotel, while Euglena Mall is 3.5 km from the property. New Ishigaki Airport is 10 km away.
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      HOSTEL SunTerrace Ishigaki
      Budget-friendly
      Situated in Ishigaki Island, 1.3 km from Painuhama Artificial Beach, HOSTEL SunTerrace Ishigaki features accommodation with a shared lounge, private parking and a terrace. With a garden, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. A safety deposit box is accessible to all guests, 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.
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