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Very popular among regulars! Introducing Campsites in Iriomote Island
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What kind of island is Iriomote Island?
Iriomote Island is located further south of the main island of Okinawa and is one of Japan's most southwestern islands, the Yaeyama Islands.
About 90% of the island is subtropical and covered with virgin forests that have not been touched by humans.
It is also home to natural treasures such as the Iriomote wildcat and many other rare animals and plants.
The sea is a clear emerald green and the island is extremely beautiful.
Because of this precious natural environment, it is also known as the "Galapagos of the East.
It is also a popular tourist destination for many people because of the wide range of things to do, from staying in resort hotels and enjoying the spectacular beaches that only a remote island can offer, to the numerous activities in the jungle.
How to get to Iriomote Island
There is no airport on Iriomote Island.
Therefore, to get to Iriomote Island from outside of the prefecture, you need to go through Ishigaki Island, the hub of the Yaeyama Islands, where there are many airplane flights.
There are two ways to access Ishigaki Island: via Naha Airport or by direct flight, and Iriomote Island is about 45 minutes from Ishigaki Island by high-speed boat.
There are two ports of arrival: Ohara Port and Uehara Port.
Two entrances to Iriomote Island
There are two major ports for high-speed boat arrivals and departures on Iriomote Island, known as Uehara Port on the north side and Ohara Port on the south side.
Since each varies depending on departure and arrival times, weather conditions, etc., it is advisable to confirm travel time, boarding fees, destinations, etc., in advance of your travel itinerary.
Car ferries operate at both Ohara Port and Uehara Port, so you can use the car you rented in Ishigaki Island in Iriomote Island.
Traveling by car between Uehara Port and Ohara Port takes about 50 minutes.
Which is more convenient to use for sightseeing in Iriomote Island?
We would like to introduce the characteristics of Ohara Port and Uehara Port respectively.
Uehara Port
Around Uehara Port, there is a concentration of accommodations, supermarkets, general stores, and eateries, and the area is crowded with many stores, including car rental and motorcycle rental stores.
During the winter, high speed boat routes are susceptible to northerly winds and will likely be cancelled more frequently due to sea conditions.
If the Uehara route is cancelled, a connecting bus will run from Ohara Port to the Uehara area.
Also, if you plan to do marine activities in Iriomote Island, arrival at Uehara Port would be recommended.
Hoshisuna-no-hama, where star sand gathers and is famous as the best snorkeling spot, Tsukigahama, where sea turtles come to visit, and Nakano Beach, where beachcombing can be enjoyed, are all located within a short drive from Uehara Port.
A 10-minute drive westward will bring you to the Urauchi River.
It is possible to join the Urauchi River Jungle Cruise and trekking here.
It is only at Urauchi River that one can appreciate numerous famous waterfalls such as Mariyudu and Pinaisara.
For those who wish to experience the nature of Iriomote Island to the fullest through activities such as marine sports and trekking, it is recommended to start activities from Uehara Port!
Ohara Port
The area around Ohara Port is used by local residents for their daily lives.
Unlike Uehara Port, which is prone to cancellations due to its northern shipping route, Ohara Port is a daily route and is seldom cancelled.
It is also a small port, but there will be guest houses, restaurants, car rentals, etc. in the vicinity.
Ohara Port, unlike Uehara Port, is quiet and recommended for those who want to relax.
As for activities, a mangrove cruise operates from Ohara Port to the Nakama River, which has the largest mangrove watershed area in Japan.
You can board the boat without a reservation, so if time permits, you may join the tour directly upon arrival at Ohara Port.
You will definitely be able to feel the magnificent nature of Iriomote Island up close!
Iriomotejima Hot Spring" is located about 15 minutes by car from Ohara Port.
They can enjoy a full range of facilities including open-air baths, Jacuzzis, and indoor baths.
Yubu Island, where visitors cross the sea on a buffalo cart, is also 20 minutes from the port.
In addition, since this is the location for "Ruri no Shima", please join us for a tour of the filming location!
Campsites in Iriomote Island
There are four campgrounds on Iriomote Island, three on the west side of the island near Uehara Port and one on the east side near Ohara Port.
There will be Hoshinosuna Campsite ・Hoshizunatei Campsite ・Mitrea Campsite ・Haemida (South Wind) Campsite.
There are no convenience stores on Iriomote Island, so it is advisable to plan well, for example, to buy food before going to the campsite.
Camping is highly recommended to feel more of Iriomote Island's great nature!
Wake up to the sea and mountains! Here are some campgrounds that offer such luxury.
Mitrea Campground
The campground is managed by the guest house Mariudo, and it takes 5 minutes by car from Uehara Port in Iriomotejima to Mitrea Campground, or 30 minutes on foot, so you can reach the campground right after getting off the boat.
The campground is also popular among novice campers because of its cooking facilities, table sets, communal refrigerator, barbecue grills, fixed tents with lighting and fans, assembly tents, and sleeping bags for rent, making it a safe and well-equipped campground.
Star Sand Campground
As the name suggests, Star Sand Campground is a campground adjacent to Star Sand Beach.
It is mainly a pension but also has a dive store, and the campground has a lush green lawn covering an area of 7,000 tsubo.
You can pitch your tent anywhere you like in the vast grounds, so you can stay away from people.
The unique feature of Hoshinosuna Campground is that it is an unusual campground that is rarely seen anywhere else because of its perfect location with the emerald green ocean right in front of it.
Hoshisuna Beach is a 5-minute walk from the campground and is a great place for snorkeling as it is home to many tropical fish.
Minamikaze Mita Campground
Minamikazumida Campground is the ultimate survival campground in the eastern district of Iriomote Island.
There is no electricity in the campground, so cooking is done over a wood fire, and the drum baths are also heated with wood.
The environment also does not allow for cell phone charging, so we recommend this campground for those who really want to be face to face with nature.
There is no electricity and no artificial light to illuminate the area, so the starry sky is very beautiful.
It is probably the best location unique to Iriomote Island.
To enjoy camping in Iriomote Island
As is the case with Iriomote Island and other campgrounds, each has its own rules, so please check the precautions of that campground in advance when camping!
No camping outside of campgrounds.
Camping or camping in the open except in designated campgrounds is prohibited on Iriomote Island.
Also, some campgrounds do not allow campfires, so check in advance.
Beware of poisonous plants and animals
While you can see creatures and plants that can only be seen on Iriomote Island, be aware that some plants and animals are dangerous.
If you see them, please check with a nature guide and do not collect them.
No animals or plants are allowed to be taken home.2
Because the area is inhabited by national special natural monuments and domestic rare wild animals and plants, it is prohibited to pick up or take home any of the rare creatures.
There are many places where the signal does not connect.
The signal is relatively good around Iriomote Island accommodations, but be aware that you often cannot connect in activity areas or jungle-like areas.
If you have come all the way to enjoy the nature of Iriomote Island, one idea might be to turn off your cell phone.
Be sure to take your trash home!
The way to dispose of garbage in Iriomote Island, you need to separate it more finely than in other areas.
Particular care should be taken when handling oil or other substances.
Therefore, it is advisable to prepare bags in advance or buy designated garbage bags at supermarkets.
Check with the campground as some campgrounds will take care of and dispose of properly separated trash.
summary
How was it?
Whether you have camping experience or not, forget your daily busyness and refresh your mind and body while observing the spectacular scenery and rare flora and fauna that can only be seen here on Iriomote Island.
Nature will surely heal you!
On Iriomote Island, you may have an experience that will change your sense of values.
This article was written by.
