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Enjoy the resort in Iriomote Island during summer vacation!
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This year's summer vacation trip is decided at Iriomote Island!
The sun shining brightly and the blue ocean as far as the eye can see.
Summer vacation is the time to go on a tropical vacation and make the most of it!
If you want to experience a tropical atmosphere in Japan, Okinawa Prefecture is probably the most popular choice.
Okinawa Prefecture is not only home to the main island of Okinawa, where Naha City is located, but is also dotted with many islands that are popular tourist destinations.
Among them, we would like to introduce Iriomote Island, the "Galapagos of the Orient" this time.
Iriomote Island is so rich in nature that it has been selected as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, and you can enjoy not only the tropical sea but also the feeling of exploring in the jungle.
Let us tell you about the charms of Iriomote Island that make it perfect for a summer vacation trip.
Where is Iriomote Island?
Iriomote Island is located about 440 km further southwest of the main island of Okinawa.
It is a remote island located at coordinates of 24 degrees north latitude and 123 degrees east longitude, completely remote from the mainland.
How to get to Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island has no airport and there are no direct flights from the mainland.
It is not a simple journey, but such a journey will surely raise your expectations for unexplored areas.
Fly from any city to Ishigaki Island!
To get to Iriomote Island, you must first go to Ishigaki Island, which also belongs to the Yaeyama Islands.
Ishigaki Island is accessible by air from various cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo.
Other flights are also available, such as those via Naha, so check the route from the nearest airport and confirm the price and schedule.
High-speed ferry to Iriomote Island
Once you arrive at Ishigaki Island, the next stop is the Ishigaki Port Terminal.
There is a bus service between the airport and the port, so getting around should not be too difficult.
If you can get on the high-speed ferry, the rest is just a short ride away.
The distance between the two islands is less than 40 km, and a 30 to 40 minute boat ride will take you to Iriomote Island.
Iriomote Island has two ports.
What you should know here is that there are two ports on Iriomote Island.
The boats from the outlying island terminals also have separate services to each port, and you must choose which way to go when you buy your ticket.
If you like activities, Uehara Port
The first port of Iriomote Island is Uehara Port located in the northern part of Iriomote Island.
Many shopping stores and restaurants are located in this neighborhood, and the port is conveniently located here.
The proximity to activities and tourist attractions, such as Hoshisuna Beach, Maruma Beach, Pinaisara Falls, and Koola Falls, makes it easy to get to these places.
If you want to save time on your limited trip while enjoying plenty of activities, you may want to choose the route to Uehara Port.
Leisurely trip to Ohara Port
In contrast to Uehara Port, where active travel can be enjoyed, the area around Ohara Port, located in the southern part of the island, has a somewhat laid-back atmosphere.
If you want to experience the slow mood that is the best part of a trip to the tropics, we recommend that you go ashore at Ohara Port.
Also, the distance from this port to the Nakama River, where you can enjoy a scenic boat tour to view the mangroves, is quite close.
If you include Nakama River sightseeing at the beginning of your travel plans, you can get around more efficiently by heading here.
5 recommended activities to enjoy during summer vacation
Now, let us introduce you to the perfect activities for your summer vacation trip that you can enjoy in Iriomote Island.
A variety of activities are on offer, from exhilarating ocean fun to relaxing tropical getaways!
Observe colorful coral reefs! Barasu Island Snorkeling
Why not take a 10-minute boat ride from Uehara Port to Barasu Island, known as the "Miracle Island"?
Barasu Island is a small island floating in the blue ocean of Okinawa.
In fact, the entirety of Barras Island is composed entirely of coral reefs, and from the top of the island, visitors can enjoy the coral sand beaches and beautiful ocean.
Since it is possible to head there on a tour from Iriomote Island, let's aim to go ashore according to your schedule.
There are only two islands in the world that are made entirely of coral, including Barras Island, making it a very precious island.
There are snorkeling tours to Barasu Island, where you can enjoy the beautiful underwater view of the coral reefs, tropical fish, and sea turtles that grow in the surrounding sea.
Dive into a waterfall! Canyoning
Many remote islands in Okinawa have flat terrain with no mountains or rivers, but one of the advantages of Iriomote Island is that visitors can enjoy river activities.
One of the most popular activities is called canyoning, which involves using the entire body to descend streams and rivers.
Guided by a guide who knows the land, you will go to the safe upper reaches of the mountain stream, and from there you will carefully and boldly slide downstream with the current.
Sometimes the dive is into a small waterfall basin, which is one of the most thrilling and exhilarating of the many activities.
However, the nature of Iriomote Island is untouched in many places, and it is a great danger for tourists who do not know the land to canyon on their own.
Join a tour and enjoy a safe canyoning experience.
New hands-on activity SUP
Stand Up Paddleboard, or SUP for short, is a water activity that has been gaining popularity in Iriomote Island in recent years.
This involves standing on a surfboard and paddling along on the water, feeling the water under your feet and getting a broad view of the surrounding landscape.
Although it is a game using the same surfboard, it is much less difficult than surfing, and is widely enjoyed by everyone from children to the elderly.
This activity is often done in the ocean, but in Iriomote Island, it is possible to enjoy SUP in mangrove forests and jungles.
Super standard! Canoeing
Like SUP, canoes can be paddled and enjoyed on the ocean and rivers.
Canoes are very suitable for leisure activities for couples and parents and children, as the stable hull of the canoe reduces the risk of capsizing, and because it is a two-person boat.
The experience of paddling through the majestic jungle is not easy to come by, so why not try your hand at steering a boat while enjoying the great outdoors?
Sightseeing on Yubu Island across the sea by buffalo cart
You may have seen buffalo carts on travel programs as a sight on remote islands in Okinawa.
To get to Yubu Island, which is located just off Iriomote Island, you need to use its buffalo cart to cross the shallow waters of the sea.
While you are being rocked by a buffalo cart on the 15-minute one-way trip, you will feel so slow and relaxed that you will almost forget about your daily life.
Once on the island, you will see subtropical plants such as palm trees, adan trees, bougainvillea, and sanderiana rainbows.
In such a tropical setting, you will experience the highest quality of relaxation by admiring Japan's largest butterfly, the giant sargassum butterfly, and enjoying sweets while looking at the beautiful beach.
Summer Temperatures in Iriomote Island
Since Iriomote Island is located far south of the mainland, you can enjoy the most summer-like temperatures in the summer.
Even more impressive than the temperature is the strong tropical sunlight.
Be well prepared for the possibility of unexpected fatigue if you visit unprotected.
Essential belongings for summer vacation in Iriomote Island
Then, what kind of belongings should you bring for sightseeing in Iriomote Island in midsummer?
sunscreen
The first thing you should definitely bring is a sunscreen that suits your skin type.
The sunlight of Iriomote Island in summer is very intense.
That gives it a summery feel, but you will probably get sunburned if you leave your skin bare.
Since many days will be spent in constant application, it is a good idea to bring in something you are used to using.
swimsuit
And of course, if you are planning to play in the ocean or experience water activities, a swimsuit is a must.
Be sure to check in advance so that you do not forget your swimsuit on your tropical vacation.
sunglasses
Also, there are many situations on Iriomotejima Island where you will be glad to have sunglasses because of the strong sunlight.
For those whose eyes are sensitive to light, as well as those who plan to drive a rental car, bringing sunglasses will help prevent a situation where you are caught unexpectedly in the sunlight and panicked while driving.
summary
We provided basic knowledge of Iriomote Island and a number of recommended points of interest.
Iriomote Island is the best place for a summer vacation trip.
The island is full of attractions that we have not yet been able to introduce, and you will definitely not regret choosing it as your travel destination.
Please come and visit Iriomote Island, which is full of nature!
This article was written by.
