Local Column
COLUMN
Iriomote Island December
December is the season of Christmas, winter vacations, New Year's Eve, and a host of other events.
Although this month has traditionally been called "Shihasai" and is considered hectic, it is also a time when it is easy to secure long vacations, depending on your work schedule and other factors.
And when you can take a long vacation, the first thing that starts to come to mind is travel plans.
You can go on a trip individually, with your family or friends, or even as a couple if your schedule allows.
However, December is the season in the middle of winter.
In areas with deep snow, the transportation network may be closed, so unless the purpose is to indulge in winter sports, it is best to avoid going to cold regions if possible.
Therefore, I recommend a trip to Iriomote Island in Okinawa Prefecture!
But why go all the way to Okinawa in the winter? Even though you can't play in the ocean? Some of you may be wondering, "Why go all the way to Okinawa in the winter when you can't play in the ocean?
Indeed, the high season for travel in Iriomote Island is summer.
The most tourists visit during the height of summer, when the tropical sun shines down.
In fact, however, Iriomote Island offers a variety of sea activities and numerous sightseeing spots even in winter.
On the contrary, compared to the peak season, there are fewer tourists, and transportation and lodging costs can be reduced, so you can travel without feeling inconvenienced!
In the summer, it is possible to save money on popular activities that require reservations and popular accommodations without difficulty.
In addition, there are some landscapes that can be seen only in the off-season on Iriomote Island, and you will be able to enjoy a relaxing tropical atmosphere that is difficult to experience in the summer.
Now, let's look specifically at Iriomote Island in December!
4 minutes walk from Uehara PortatFrom February 2023 🌴Within PiPi's tour pick-up and drop-off limits! 🌴 Excellent facilities 🍜 in the surrounding area! 🍜 ↓ For more information, click the button below! ↓ Click on the button below for more information!
Resort Inn Iriomotejimaheld its grand opening!
Oversized OPEN Sale is underway!
It is in a good location.No need to rent a car!
Supermarkets and restaurants within walking distance!
目次
climate
Let's start with the climate in December, which is of interest to us.
I would like to check the figures for each of several items, including temperature and precipitation.
(1) Temperature
See table below.
Temperature in November in Iriomote Island
Lowest temperature: 20.5°C
Maximum temperature: 25.0 degrees Celsius
Average temperature: 22.7 degrees Celsius
Temperature in December in Iriomote Island
Lowest temperature: 17.7°C
Maximum temperature: 22.1 degrees Celsius
Average temperature: 19.5 degrees Celsius
(Taken from the Japan Meteorological Agency)
Iriomote Island is a tropical island, but it is only in Japan.
In December, as on the mainland, the temperature drops and it gets colder.
However, even though it will be cold, it is based on the Iriomote Island standard.
The average temperature in Iriomote Island in winter stays around 20 degrees Celsius, which is incomparably warmer than the winters on the mainland.
At 20°C, the temperature is about the same as in early fall after late summer, which is about the warmest season of the year that most people find most comfortable.
Especially around the beginning of December, the temperature is such that you can wear short sleeves and short pants.
If you visit Iriomote Island at Christmas time in late March, you may feel that it is a little colder than in early March, so you may feel that it is cold for a tropical island.
However, there are still many days with temperatures above 20°C, and this trend continues all the way through the end of the month.
However, as we approach the end of the season, we need to be careful of the cold at night.
Iriomote Island is located more than 400 km south of the main island of Okinawa, and is known as one of the few places in Japan where the Southern Cross can be seen.
Many other constellations can be seen, and many people go out at night to see the stars, but if you go out at that time in tropical attire with a daytime feeling, you will feel cold and regret it.
Nevertheless, the climate is generally mild.
The ocean is even more stable and warmer than on land, so even in December, numerous marine and other activities can be enjoyed without problems.
If you visit with a mainland sensibility, you may be confused as to how warm it is in spite of winter.
(2) Precipitation
See table below.
Monthly rainfall in Iriomote Island in November
221.2mm
Monthly rainfall in Iriomote Island in December
153.1mm
(Taken from the Japan Meteorological Agency)
Okinawa Prefecture is included in a subtropical climate that differs from that of mainland Japan, and rain tends to fall suddenly and strongly, like a tropical squall, and stop after a short time.
Iriomote Island is no exception to this rule, with squall-like rainfall, but December is basically the month with the least amount of precipitation throughout the year.
Visitors to Iriomote Island often suffer from unexpected and sudden rain even after checking the weather forecast, but if you visit in December, you do not need to worry about this.
There are a number of activities that can be enjoyed on Iriomote Island, such as trekking in the jungle and canyoning, which are often affected by rainy weather, but in December, when rainfall is scarce, they are not affected by the weather.
Since you can enjoy activities as scheduled, you can easily plan your entire trip and fully enjoy Iriomote Island sightseeing without losing time.
However, island weather can be changeable.
There is always a possibility that it will suddenly start raining even though it was sunny in the morning, so carrying a folding umbrella will allow you to enjoy sightseeing without anxiety.
Wind direction and speed
See table below.
Wind speed in Iriomote Island in November
Average wind speed: 5.0 m/s
Wind speed in Iriomote Island in December
Average wind speed: 5.0 m/s
(Taken from the Japan Meteorological Agency)
In December, the wind blows with an average strength of 5 m/s, almost the same as in November, but the temperature is lower than in November, so the temperature is slightly lower in comparison.
The wind is also not pleasant as it blows with cold air from the northeast.
If you are thinking of warm tropical breezes, you may be a bit confused.
We recommend that you bring a light jacket in case of windy days, as you will feel cold if you are wearing light clothes like short sleeves and are directly exposed to the wind.
It is not necessary to wear heavy clothing, but if you do not like the cold, it is a good idea to bring a windproof jacket such as a windbreaker.
Because of its topography, Iriomote Island is always exposed to strong winds from the sea without wind shelter, so check the weather forecast based on wind strength rather than temperature.
Sunshine hours
See table below.
Sunshine hours in Iriomotejima in November
93.4h
Sunlight hours in Iriomotejima in December
75.4h
(Taken from the Japan Meteorological Agency)
As a remote island in Okinawa, many people may expect the unique tropical sun in Iriomote Island, but December is the month of the winter solstice, and the hours of sunlight are quite short.
It is one of the months with the shortest daylight hours of the year, and the sun rises quite late, at around 7:00 a.m.
However, this also has advantages for tourism.
One of the popular sightseeing tours of Iriomote Island is a tour to watch the sunrise while enjoying activities, etc. Since it does not require getting up excessively early, the hurdle for participating in the tour is low.
It is also important to understand that short daylight hours are not only related to the time of sunrise and sunset, but also to the fact that there are many cloudy days.
In Iriomote Island, as the air mass approaches from the north in December, clouds tend to form and cloudy skies become more frequent, and although it does not rain, we do not receive much sunlight on our skin.
This is a downside for those who want to soak up the Okinawan sun as much as possible, as in midsummer! However, for those who are concerned about sunburn when traveling in the tropics, this is a relatively easy time to travel.
However, since the amount of ultraviolet rays is high even when it is cloudy, those who are concerned should apply ultraviolet cream to prevent sunburn while sightseeing.
December Clothing
As lightly mentioned above, even in December, you can spend time in Iriomote Island wearing light clothes without having to dress up like in winter on the mainland.
However, be aware that it is windy.
Iriomote Island is surrounded by the sea on all sides and has no obstacles, so the wind is strong to begin with, but in December, the width of the isobaric line narrows especially as the air mass approaches, and strong winds often blow.
The weather is still warm in the first half of the season, with some people wearing short sleeves, short pants, sandals, and a hoodie over their shorts.
However, late in the year, such as Christmas and New Year's Eve, the northerly winds become stronger, and if you visit with the image of a warm tropical country, you may feel a little chilly.
For protection against the cold, it is advisable to bring windbreakers, parkas, or other windproof clothing.
December Events in Iriomote Island
December is off-season in Okinawa as a tourist destination, but many events like cultural festivals are held in the Yaeyama Islands to which Iriomote Island belongs.
Children from the Yaeyama Islands gather for a music recital, a brass band concert, and an entertainment contest for the elderly.
In terms of the increase in cultural events, the mood can be described as if it were autumn on the main island.
It is more of a local event than a sightseeing event, but if you visit, you will be able to experience the real face of Yaeyama culture.
And December in Iriomote Island is also in that spirit, with a festival called the Iriomote Islanders (Shimapito) Cultural Festival.
Crafts from around the island are displayed and sold, and a product exhibition is held, allowing visitors to experience the various food cultures of Iriomote Island.
There is also a stage on which sanshin (Okinawan traditional instrument) and eisa (Okinawan folk dance) performances are held at night, providing a tropical atmosphere.
If you are planning to visit Iriomote Island in December, it might be a good idea to time your visit with this festival.
congestion situation
Although there are fewer tourists than in summer, which is the high season, it is the most crowded of the off-seasons because of winter vacation and other long holidays.
Iriomote Island is popular among couples as a travel destination during the Christmas season because of its starry sky, which is the best in Japan, and also attracts many visitors with their families because they can experience the great nature even in winter.
It is a very good season for sightseeing because it never feels deserted and lonely, yet not so crowded that you get fed up with the crowds.
Available Activities
The activities in the sea can be fully enjoyed even in December in Iriomote Island, and the water is very beautiful underwater because the lower the temperature of the water, the more transparent it becomes.
We have picked out a few activities that are especially recommended at this time of year.
(1) Glass boat
Among the activities you can experience in Iriomote Island, I highly recommend glass boat in winter!
A glass boat is a boat with a glass bottom that is crystal clear, allowing visitors to observe the underwater world without entering the water.
Even if you are not comfortable going into the ocean in winter, you can observe coral reefs and tropical fish without getting your body wet by taking a glass boat.
Basically, it is said that seawater becomes more transparent the colder the temperature is, and the sea of Iriomote Island is more beautiful and clear in winter.
Anyone can enjoy such winter sea of Iriomote Island by glass boat, and it is ideal for travelers with children or elderly people who have difficulty playing in the sea!
(2) Craft making
Although Iriomote Island has a relatively stable climate in winter, the tropical climate is still unpredictable, and unexpected rain may occur.
When the rain has ruined your plans, how about a craft experience indoors?
Visitors can experience traditional Okinawan crafts such as Yaeyama minsa and gecko dyeing.
It may be said that the key to a wise trip to Iriomote Island is to include activities that can be enjoyed even in the rain as a backup in your travel plan!
The recommended craft-making experience is at the craft and art store Matsurika!
■Basic Information
Name: Craft & Art Store Matsurika
Access 201-79, Minami-fumi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa, Japan
Phone number 090-7585-3934
Business hours 10:00-18:00
Closed on Fridays
Snorkeling and diving
Okinawa is all about snorkeling and diving, isn't it?
Winter diving spots in Iriomote Island are off Shirahama Port on the west side of Iriomote Island, including Funauki and Sakiyama.
You can see courses and scenery that can be experienced only in winter.
In particular, the absence of typhoons during the winter months means that the turbidity in the seawater is very low, making it a popular season for divers to enjoy the high clarity of the sea.
There is no need to worry about cold weather.
The sea water temperature is warmer than the air temperature, about 23°C.
If you wear a wetsuit that also keeps you warm, you can forget about the cold and enjoy the December sea.
4) Astronomical observation
Iriomote Island's proximity to the jungle means that the air is clean and the night sky is especially clear during the winter months.
As lightly mentioned above, Iriomote Island is also known for its beautiful starry sky.
There are several stargazing spots on the island that only the locals know about, and by joining a tour, you will be taken to secret locations by your guide.
How about viewing the Southern Cross, which can hardly be seen in Japan, in Iriomote Island, the first starry sky protected area recognized in Japan?
5⑤Exhilarating from the morning with the sunrise! Sunrise SUP
The sun goes down early in December, and you may end the day feeling like you haven't had enough fun yet.
If this is the case, get up early the next morning and join a sunrise tour!
Since the sun rises later in December, visitors can leave the hotel more slowly than in summer, making it easier for those with weak mornings.
The sunrise that appears beyond the horizon viewed from Iriomote Island is so beautiful that it will wash your heart.
While watching the sunrise, you can enjoy SUP (stand-up paddle surfing), which is very popular for its fitness benefits and outstanding Instagram appeal.
Enjoying the rarely seen marine blue ocean and morning sunrise from early in the morning will surely make for a long day of fun!
in the end
We focused on the theme in December and introduced Iriomote Island.
December is also an easy time to get together.
How about spending a relaxing New Year's Eve with your close ones in warm tropical Iriomote Island to avoid the cold?
Please visit Iriomote Island in December and enjoy it to the fullest!
This article was written by.
