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Iriomote Island Ferry Information! Introducing access and ticketless boarding methods!
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Easy access by ferry from Ishigaki Island! Iriomote Island
Some of you who want to visit Iriomote Island may be wondering how to get there.
One way to get to Iriomote Island is to take a ferry from Ishigaki Island.
So this time, let's look at the introduction of ports on Iriomote Island and points to note when taking a ferry on Iriomote Island.
Please make use of this information when you visit Iriomote Island.
Two ports in Iriomote Island
There are two ports on Iriomote Island.
First, I would like to introduce these two ports.
Learn about the differences and characteristics of each.
Uehara Port for active fun
Uehara Port is an active port located on the north side of Iriomote Island.
There is a star sand beach, considered the best spot for snorkeling, and sea turtles will come to Tsuki ga beach.
Nakano Coast also offers beachcombing to its fullest, but it is a short drive from Uehara Port.
If you drive to the west, you will reach the Urauchi River in about 10 minutes and can join the Urauchi River Jungle Cruise or trekking.
You will also be able to see various waterfalls such as Mariyudu and Pinaisara, which are unique to the Urauchi River.
In addition, there are many restaurants, souvenir shops, and lodging facilities in the vicinity of Uehara Port, so you will never get bored of your stay.
All Pipi tours meet at Uehara Port!
Enjoy Ohara Port at a leisurely pace
Ohara Port is located on the south side of Iriomote Island, where you can relax and enjoy yourself.
For example, if you are considering a mangrove cruise on the Nakama River, which runs through the southern part of the island, Ohara Port would be convenient.
Mangrove cruise tours and sightseeing boat courses depart from Ohara Port.
In addition, ferries to Kohama Island and Taketomi Island depart from Ohara Port, so those who wish to visit the outlying islands can use the port as a base for sightseeing.
There is also the "Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center" near the port, where you may be able to see the famous Iriomote wildcat.
Remote islands accessible by ferry from Iriomote Island
There are remote islands around Iriomote Island, which can be visited by ferry.
Next, we would like to introduce the use of the ferry from Iriomote Island.
Please refer to the following information for your trip.
Hatoma Island
From Iriomote Island to Hatoma Island, for example, there are two direct ferry services departing from Uehara Port at 9:30 am and 10:30 am.
It will not take much time to get there, about 15 minutes.
Yaeyama Kanko Ferry and An-ei Kanko jointly operated the service, which will end on September 30, 2020.
Therefore, please note that you will need a ticket for each company with which you board the ship.
Hatoma Island is a small island with a population of about 50 people and is also home to wild goats, which may be encountered while walking around the island.
Although there are several guest houses, they are not well maintained as tourist attractions, and the area is characterized by its old-fashioned Okinawan atmosphere.
It was the setting for a TV drama called "Ruri no Shima," and BEGIN, a band from Ishigaki Island, probably has a song called "Koi no Shima Hatoma Shima.
Besides, every year on May 3, during Golden Week, the "Hatoma Island Music Festival" is held, attracting many musicians associated with Okinawa.
Hatoma Island has a lot to offer, including its symbolic lighthouse and the beautiful sea that will make you fall in love with it.
However, there are some caveats to strolling.
Hatoma Island is so large that you can walk around the island in about an hour.
Also, many of the roads are not paved, so exploring on foot is more suitable than renting a bicycle.
There are only a few stores and restaurants, so it is recommended that you bring your own food and beverages with you.
Hateruma Island
It is also possible to go from Iriomote Island to Hateruma Island.
Hateruma Island is the southernmost inhabited island in Japan and is located south of Iriomote Island.
You may use this boat service from Ohara Port in Iriomote Island to Hateruma Port.
Please note, however, that the number of these boat services is low and as of November 7, 2020, there is only one per day.
The time required is about 35 to 45 minutes.
Hateruma Island has a paradise-like atmosphere, with its beautiful sea, called "Hateruma Blue," and its tranquil nature.
There are no buses or cabs on the island, so transportation is by renting a car, bike, or bicycle.
These can be rented near the port, but since Hateruma Island is only about 10 km around, we recommend renting a bike or bicycle.
For example, if you have time to spare, you can rent a bicycle to get around, or if you plan to stay for three to four hours, you can rent a bike.
Incidentally, although the roads on Hateruma Island are flat to some extent, there are some ups and downs, so you can enjoy your trip more comfortably with an electric bicycle.
Nishi Beach" is also a good place to visit on Hateruma Island.
The beautiful Hateruma blue waters and white sand beaches have become popular beaches and will likely be crowded during the season.
There is also "Japan's Southernmost Monument," which is another way to visit.
Notes on taking a ferry in Iriomote Island
If you take a ferry in Iriomote Island, there are some precautions you should know.
Keep this in mind when using the ferry.
If you are easily intoxicated, take an anti-sickness medicine!
The ocean around Okinawa can be rough.
The rough seas cause the ferry to rock, and this rocking may cause some people to get sick or drunk.
Therefore, those who are prone to motion sickness should prepare anti-sickness medicine in advance.
Make sure to take anti-sickness medicine before boarding the ferry to enjoy a comfortable trip.
Beware of sudden squalls!
Since Iriomote Island has a subtropical climate, squalls may suddenly fall.
Since squalls are particularly long during the rainy season, it is necessary to consider in advance when squalls will occur, how much rain will fall, and what kind of rain gear should be prepared.
Besides, it may be important to avoid the rainy season for the trip itself.
If you plan to enjoy the weather itself, which is typical of subtropical climates, you may not have to worry about squalls.
Nevertheless, it will be important to prepare rain gear such as a kappa as much as possible.
Online ticket purchase is recommended!
If you are planning to take a ferry from Iriomote Island to go to a remote island, we recommend that you buy your ticket online!
It is very convenient because you do not need to go to the ferry terminal to purchase tickets, and you can purchase tickets anytime and anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection such as a computer or smartphone.
Also, ferry tickets at Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal are often crowded, and it is often impossible to change tickets at the time you want to board.
Purchase in advance and enjoy your trip to Iriomote Island with peace of mind!
summary
In this issue, we introduced the ports on Iriomote Island and one of the ways to get to Iriomote Island, the ferry, and other important points to note.
There are two ports on Iriomote Island, Ohara Port and Uehara Port, which are used to access Iriomote Island by ferry.
These are largely located in the north and south of the island, and it would take about 30 minutes by car to travel from Iriomote Island to Ohara Port.
Since the surroundings and attractions of each port are different, it is recommended that you visit the port that best fits your travel plans.
It is also possible to visit the surrounding islands from Iriomote Island by ferry.
If you visit Iriomote Island, why not visit the remote islands as well?
This article was written by.
