Experience Japan's greatest nature on Iriomote Island

What kind of island is Iriomote Island, the last unexplored island in Japan?

Iriomote Island is the largest island in the Yaeyama Islands belonging to Okinawa Prefecture.
More than 90% of the island's area is subtropical jungle, with many rare species and highly primitive subtropical plants, and it is rich in untouched nature and is considered to be Japan's last unexplored region.
The island is also known for being home to the Iriomote wildcat, a natural treasure.
Iriomote Island is also part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park.
In this issue, we would like to introduce some of the fascinating things you can experience on Iriomote Island.
Please see to the end.

10 Popular Experiences on Iriomote Island

Here are 10 popular experiences that will allow you to fully enjoy the charm of Iriomote Island.

Mangrove SUP/Canoe Experience

Iriomote Island is said to be the only island where all seven species of Japanese mangrove plants are distributed.
The dynamic exploration of mangrove forests by SUP (stand-up paddle boat), a very popular water sport in which you stand on a surfboard and paddle, is an experience that can be found only in Iriomote Island.
Unlike SUP, where you are standing still, the canoeing is close to the surface of the water, and you are moving along the river surrounded by mangrove forests, which will surely enhance your tropical experience.

Barras Island Snorkeling Experience

Barasu Island, called the island of miracles, is located about 5 to 10 minutes by boat from Iriomote Island.
Barras Island is an uninhabited island made entirely of coral.
It is called a miracle island because it does not completely sink into the sea surface even at high tide.
Snorkeling at Barras Island is a spectacular experience, as you can see the crystal clear water while floating on the emerald green surface of the ocean.
Sunlight pours into the underwater space where coral reefs and tropical fish interweave, and visitors can enjoy the luxury of leisurely gazing at the colorful, art-like underwater world.
You may even see a large sea turtle swimming in the ocean.

Exploration of limestone caves (caving experience)

Exploring limestone caves with only the aid of lights is the caving experience.
There are many limestone caves in the subtropical jungle of Iriomote Island.
A group of subtropical plants surrounds the limestone caves, which will enhance the feeling of a tropical adventure.
You may make various discoveries as you walk through the caves created by nature on your own feet.

Canyoning Experience

Canyoning is a fun way to go down a canyon.
As you descend through the canyon with a difference in elevation, you can enjoy natural water slides and jumps to the waterfall basin.
Canyoning in Iriomote Island is characterized by the most abundant nature anywhere.
Canyoning in Iriomote Island, a treasure trove of nature including the largest waterfall in Okinawa (Pinaisara Falls), the largest natural mangrove forest in Japan (Nakama River), and one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan (Maludu Falls), will be a special experience that can only be had here.

Diving Experience

Iriomote Island is famous among divers for having one of the best coral reef areas in Japan.
It is said that 1/3 of all coral reefs in the world can be seen on Iriomote Island.
The sea water temperature is high even in winter, so you can dive without worrying about the cold even in winter.
The following is a summary of the results of the study.
Unlike snorkeling, where you look underwater from the surface, the deeper you go underwater, the more mysterious the space becomes.

Trekking Experience

If you want to fully experience Iriomote Island, a treasure trove of nature, a trekking experience is recommended.
Trekking is different from mountaineering, where the goal is to reach the summit.
Because you walk on your own feet, you can enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island to your heart's content.

Fishing Experience

Fishermen come to Iriomote Island from all over, and lure fishing is especially popular.
Because lure fishing does not use live bait, it is relatively easy for people with no fishing experience to try it.
The best way to experience Iriomote Island, where mangrove forests are abundant, is fishing with lures and flies near the mouths of rivers where mangrove forests spread out.
Fishing while traveling by canoe on a river surrounded by mangrove forests will make you feel like you are in the tropics.

Pinaisara Falls Canoeing Experience

Pinaisara Falls is the highest waterfall in Okinawa Prefecture.
The waterfall is so called because it is long and narrow and looks like a beard (saala) when viewed from a distance.
It is also said to be a sacred place where the white-bearded god of water resides.
To reach Pinaisara Falls, canoe upstream on the Hinai River.
The Hinai River is also surrounded by a virgin mangrove forest, which will enhance your sense of exploration toward the sanctuary.
At a moderate point, we will get out of the canoe and trek to Pinaisara Falls.
Why not experience the luxury of having lunch in the Pinaisara waterfall basin?

Starry sky & jungle night tour experience

Iriomote Island offers a great natural experience even at night.
Walking at night through a jungle thick with subtropical vegetation, one can look for creatures that could not be seen during the day.
This is a great way to experience the richness of the ecosystem as you move around on your own feet and see it with your own eyes.
You can also see the sky during your jungle tour.
Looking up at the starry sky from the jungle is a rare experience that allows you to directly feel the brightness of the stars.

Yubu Island Sightseeing

Yubu Island is a small island with a circumference of about 2 km, located just across the sea from Iriomote Island.
The standard way to get to Yubu Island from Iriomote Island is to take a slow buffalo car.
Although the island is so small that it takes only about an hour to walk around the island slowly, you will surely enjoy the subtropical botanical garden where you can see tropical flora and fauna, and local delicacies such as Yaeyama peach pineapple and Yaeyama soba noodles.

Notes on Iriomote Island Experience

In order to enjoy Iriomote Island, which is full of the charm of tropical wilderness, with peace of mind, there are just a few precautions you should take.
Here are some of the key points we would like to share with you.

Pay attention to sunlight!

The climate of Iriomote Island is subtropical.
The sun is strong and adequate sun protection is essential.
The use of sunscreen is essential for outdoor activities.
The strong sunlight means that you need to take precautions against heat stroke.
It is important to always remember to stay moderately cool indoors or in the shade and to hydrate frequently.

Note ferry times for day trips!

Iriomote Island can be reached by ferry from Ishigaki Island.
There are about seven ferries a day from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island, which is very convenient.
However, when going to Iriomote Island on a day trip, be very careful about the return ferry time.
The last departure time for ferries to Ishigaki Island is in the evening.
Therefore, when enjoying Iriomote Island on a day trip, it is recommended to plan well in advance so that you can arrive at the port where the ferry arrives and departs in plenty of time.

Beware of squalls!

Iriomote Island, with its subtropical climate, is subject to squalls, torrential rains that look like overturned buckets of water.
Squalls are characterized by large amounts of rain falling in a short period of time and clearing up when the rain stops.
It is recommended to prepare for sudden squalls by carrying rain gear, checking in advance where you can temporarily shelter from rain, and preparing clothes that are easy to dry and a change of clothes even if they get wet.
These measures will help you cope with sudden squalls.

summary

Iriomote Island, with its abundance of untouched nature, offers a variety of experiences that allow visitors to fully enjoy nature.
The experiences featured here are 10 of the most popular, and all of them are filled with the charm of Iriomote Island.
In addition, what you experience in Iriomote Island will be a memory that you will never forget.
Through these experiences, you can fully enjoy Iriomote Island, the last unexplored island in Japan, and enjoy the best tropical vacation.
Thank you for watching until the end.

This article was written by.

Hello! I am Niwa-chan, your source for all things Iriomote Island. I have loved to be in touch with nature since I was a child, and I am especially fascinated by the rich natural environment of Okinawa. Currently, based in Iriomote Island, I provide information on how to enjoy activities such as snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking, as well as the hidden charms of the island.

I want to experience the best activities in Iriomote Island! and "I want to get local information about Iriomote Island! As a guide who actually works in the local area, we provide detailed information on recommended spots and activities on the island to those who "want to experience the best activities in Iriomote Island! Our goal is to deliver an unforgettable experience for our customers by interacting with the local nature every day.

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