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Typhoon in Iriomotejima
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What kind of island is Iriomote Island?
Iriomote Island is an island in the Yaeyama Archipelago belonging to Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture, and has the largest area in the archipelago. The population is approximately 2,400.
The Nakama River, which boasts the largest mangrove watershed area in Japan, and Yubu Island, reached by a buffalo cart across the sea, are well known.
Approximately 90% of the island is covered with subtropical virgin forest, and is known as a precious place with 15 national natural treasures such as the Iriomote wildcat, crested serpent eagle, and Semaru box turtle.
What are the Yaeyama Islands?
Located further south from the main island of Okinawa, it consists of 32 islands of various sizes, including Ishigaki Island, the gateway to Yaeyama, Iriomote Island, and Taketomi Island.
Did you know that the westernmost inhabited island is Yonaguni Island and the southernmost is Hateruma Island?
It has a subtropical marine climate that differs from that of the main island of Okinawa, and has its own unspoiled nature and culture.
You will feel as if you are visiting a foreign country.
Typhoon in Iriomotejima
Now, here is a detailed explanation of typhoons in Iriomote Island.
When are typhoon outbreaks more frequent?
Like other prefectures, Iriomote Island is said to be prone to typhoons from July to September.
Data show that typhoons approached twice a month in July and September, and as many as four times a month in August.
Keep in mind that precipitation increases with the approach of typhoons.
How to spend at the time of typhoon in Iriomote Island
Let's take a closer look at how to spend your time when a typhoon approaches.
If you are already in Iriomote Island
If a typhoon approaches while you are enjoying your trip in Iriomote Island, please do not go out and stay in your hotel for your own safety.
When the winds weaken, you may decide that you can go outside now, but when the wind is blowing directly at you, you are at greater risk of an accident.
If you have made advance reservations, cancel them as soon as possible because sightseeing and activities will not be possible when the typhoon makes landfall.
Is it wise to return to Ishigaki Island before the typhoon hits?
If you know in advance that a typhoon is coming, we recommend that you return to Ishigaki Island.
The reason is that the ferry will not be able to operate and you will likely be stranded for days.
In addition, when the typhoon makes landfall, it rains and winds violently, making it impossible to go outside and enjoy sightseeing and activities in Iriomote Island.
If you absolutely cannot return to Ishigaki Island
If you cannot return to Ishigaki Island due to an approaching typhoon, prepare for the typhoon and stay at the inn where you are staying.
Since it is difficult to go outside, make sure you have food and water as well as a cell phone and mobile battery.
In the event of a strong typhoon, be aware that power may be cut off.
Ferry service status is not known until the last minute, so check accordingly.
Remember that any transportation, hotel, or activity reservations you have made must be cancelled according to the situation.
If you are on Ishigaki Island
When a typhoon approaches, it is difficult to go out due to heavy rain and wind.
In the worst case, winds can knock down utility poles and cause power outages.
Keep a flashlight, a radio that runs on dry cell batteries, first aid supplies and other emergency equipment, and enough water and food for one or two days.
Cell phones and mobile batteries for information are also essential.
Is the only way to get to Iriomote Island by ferry from Ishigaki Island?
There is no airport on Iriomote Island, and the only way to get there is by ferry or high-speed boat from Ishigaki Island.
You will depart from Ishigaki Island to the remote island terminal where there are boat services to each remote island, and then take a ferry to Iriomote Island.
There are two routes from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island, one to Uehara Port and the other to Ohara Port, so please consider in advance which port to use depending on your sightseeing time and destination.
Ferries are basically cancelled in case of strong winds.
Ferries are basically cancelled when wind speeds exceed 15 m/s.
Please note that even if the wind speed is within the standard, the flight may be cancelled if the sea is rough or depending on the wind direction.
In the event of a typhoon, only Ohara Port on the south side of the port may be cancelled, so be sure to check the operation status.
Basically stay put at your accommodation on Ishigaki Island.
It is extremely dangerous to go out when a typhoon is approaching.
Be sure to take action to protect yourself.
Characteristics of Typhoon Iriomotejima
Typhoons in Iriomote Island are very powerful, and you need to be especially careful of strong winds.
It is so powerful that the wind can knock down utility poles, so if you feel you are in danger, it is wise to stay where you are staying.
Are your career paths likely to change?
Typhoons that originate near the equator move northward while passing near Iriomote Island due to prevailing westerly winds.
In July and August, the Pacific High often has a strong and unstable path, but from September onward, the Pacific High will weaken and it will be easier to ride the prevailing westerly winds from the continent.
In addition, the easier it is to ride the prevailing winds, the faster the speed will be.
The course of the road often moves northward in a "U" shape, shifting slightly depending on the time of year, but not changing significantly.
Gather information early with apps and news
An app called Windy is useful.
It can be downloaded free of charge and provides forecasts up to 10 days in advance.
Please refer to the typhoon path, as well as wind direction, wave height, and swell.
Typhoon information from the Japan Meteorological Agency is also quite accurate and should be checked in conjunction with Windy.
Activities that have a high probability of being enjoyed even before and after the typhoon
It is said that Iriomote Island is more beautiful when it rains, as it becomes more like a jungle and more unexplored.
Canoeing and trekking can be experienced before the wind and rain become stronger.
While there are kiln and studio experiences that can be enjoyed without getting wet from the rain, we would like to introduce two activities that are particularly recommended for outdoor activities.
Mangrove SUP/Canoe
SUP stands for "stand up paddle board," an activity in which you stand on a board and paddle to the surface of the water.
There is no particular skill required, so anyone from the elderly to children can easily enjoy it, and it is growing in popularity.
If you want to enjoy the mangroves up close and personal, SUP or canoeing activities are recommended.
On rainy days, you can see the rain-soaked mangroves and the lively creatures that live there, so you can enjoy the smell of the natural forest and the rain with all your senses.
The mangrove SUP experience is usually combined with a tour along the Nakama River or a trek to Pinaisara Falls.
We hope you will enjoy the unique charm of SUP.
Yubu Island Sightseeing
Yubu Island is a small island with a circumference of about 2 km, located about 400 m from the eastern part of Iriomote Island.
The sea between Yubu Island and Iriomote Island is about 1 m deep even at high tide, and buffalo carts are used for traffic.
From Iriomote Island to Yubu Island can be reached in about 15 minutes by buffalo cart, so experience the extraordinary.
The pleasant sea breeze and relaxing time can be enjoyed.
Yubu Island is also entirely a subtropical botanical garden, so visitors can enjoy beautiful trees and flowers.
Activities to enjoy in Ishigaki Island before and after the typhoon
Like Iriomote Island, Ishigaki Island offers nature activities that can be experienced to the fullest if the wind and rain are not too strong.
Ishigaki Island limestone caves and snorkeling are also attractive, but here we introduce SUP and canoeing.
summary
In this issue, we talked about typhoons in Iriomote Island.
Typhoons in Iriomote Island have a very different power compared to those approaching the mainland.
Use weather forecasts and apps to check the path of typhoons, as well as the operation of ferries, airplanes, and other transportation services.
However, July through September, when typhoons approach more frequently, is said to be the best season if there are no typhoons.
There are many activities that can be enjoyed even in the rain, so why not consider them?
However, it is important to understand in advance that your travel plans may change drastically when a typhoon makes landfall.
When you go to Iriomote Island, be well prepared to enjoy your trip even if your plans change.
This article was written by.
