Enjoy the spectacular view of Iriomote Island, one of Japan's top-class natural wonders!

Let's go sightseeing in the most beautiful spots in Iriomote Island!

Okinawa Prefecture has several remote islands that are popular as tourist destinations, and Iriomote Island is listed among them as a place where you can encounter many spectacular views.
Iriomote Island is so rich in nature that it is considered a candidate for the World Natural Heritage site. The island is also home to a variety of endemic plants and animals, including the Iriomote wild cat, which is famous as a special natural treasure.
We would like to guide you on what you need to know and what we recommend for enjoying the spectacular scenery in Iriomote Island, which is such a rare environment even from a global perspective!

 

Where is Iriomote Island?

Iriomote Island is located 440 km further southwest of the main island of Okinawa.
It belongs to the same Yaeyama Islands as Ishigaki Island, a popular resort destination, and is characterized by a unique tropical climate that is warm enough to wear short sleeves throughout the year.

 

How to get to Iriomote Island

There is no airport on Iriomote Island, and to get to the island, one must go through Ishigaki Island, where Ishigaki Airport is located.
You can reach Iriomote Island by going from Ishigaki Airport to Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal and then taking a high-speed ferry that departs every two hours.
The distance between the two islands is less than 40 km, and the time to Iriomote Island is about 30-40 minutes.

 

Means of transportation to see the spectacular scenery in Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island is the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture, yet a large part of the island is undeveloped jungle to protect the natural environment.
What means of transportation should we use to visit various spots on such Iriomote Island in search of spectacular views?
Here are some recommendations for transportation.

 

rent-a-car

Rental cars are the most frequently used means of transportation for sightseeing not only in Iriomote Island but also in the remote islands of Okinawa.
Iriomote Island has a modest community size with a population of approximately 2,400 people, but since the island is a popular tourist destination, several car rental agencies have set up store in the vicinity of the two ports located in the north and south of the island.
Each company offers different services, such as the possibility of online reservations and the possibility of dropping off the car en route, so it is advisable to consider where to rent a car depending on the location of the spot you plan to visit.

 

scheduled bus

If you do not have a driver's license or are uncomfortable driving in unfamiliar territory, public transportation is a good option.
Japan's southernmost bus route runs on Iriomote Island, and although it does not go all the way around the island, you can go around the outer circumference from the southeast to the northwest of the island.
The island's gateways, Uehara Port and Ohara Port, are also included in the route of the buses, so there will be no shortage of basic transportation.

 

Take a tour

Iriomote Island has large areas of unexplored jungle, many of which cannot be reached by car or public transportation.
However, since many of the most spectacular spots are located in such inaccessible places, you should actively use local tours if you do not mind accompanying others.
With a local guide leading the way, you can enjoy a safe and efficient tour of the spots without getting lost.

 

10 Spectacular Spots in Iriomote Island

Now, let's pick up 10 spots where you can see the most wonderful scenery in Iriomote Island, which has many places to see.

 

Barras Island, a miraculous island made of coral

One of the main features of Okinawa's beaches is that they are formed by underwater coral reefs that have been broken up and piled up.
The broken coral is turned into white fragments, which are gradually washed ashore to create white sandy beaches.
One particularly rare example of such an environment in Okinawa is Barasu Island, which can only be landed on by tours from Iriomote Island.
Although very small in size, the island is formed only by coral reefs and sandy beaches made of coral debris in the blue ocean.
There are only two examples of coral islands in the world, and Barras Island is nicknamed the "miracle island.
It is also a very popular and spectacular spot with a reputation for taking great social networking photos.

 

Pinaisara Falls, the largest waterfall in Okinawa

Iriomote Island is full of attractions not only in the sea but also on the island.
Many waterfalls are famous for their spectacular views, and one of the most beautiful is Pinaisara Falls, located on the upper reaches of the Hinai River.
The Hinai River is located in the western part of the island, and canoeing on this river provides access to Pinaisara Falls.
This waterfall features the largest drop on the island at approximately 54 meters!
The sight of a large volume of water falling down and hitting the surface and the waterfall basin is magnificent, and if you see it firsthand, you will be able to deeply feel the magnificence of the nature of Iriomote Island.
In addition to canoeing, trekking is also available, so you can take a route according to your own preferences.

 

Let's look for star sand! Star Sand Beach

Hoshi-suna Beach, which can be reached in just five minutes from Uehara Port by rental car, is highly recommended among the many beaches scattered throughout the island.
It is easy to visit, safe, and beautiful, making it an ideal place for adults to enjoy snorkeling and other activities, as well as for children to play.
And the superiority of this sandy beach landscape lies in its footprint.
As the name "Star Sand Beach" implies, the sand on this beach contains a lot of star sand that is sold in bottles as Okinawan souvenirs.
If you visit here, I highly recommend that you take the sand under your feet and check it out.

 

Yubu Island Sightseeing" with a spectacular view from a buffalo cart

Among the locations you can encounter on Iriomote Island, you can especially feel the peaceful remote island atmosphere by sightseeing on Yubu Island, where you can cross the shallow waters in a buffalo cart at a leisurely pace.
Yubu Island is an island immediately adjacent to Iriomote Island, separated from the two islands only by shallow water.
After a 15-minute ride on a buffalo cart while gazing at the blue sea, you will arrive at Yubu Island, where you will find a paradise-like scene.
Various subtropical plants have been planted and taken root by the islanders, and the view of Japan's largest butterfly, the giant sesame butterfly, in flight is hard to believe as if it were not from Japan.
If you want to enjoy a tropical sightseeing tour where time flows slowly, please visit Yubu Island.

 

Tsuki ga hama, a hidden scenic spot in Iriomote Island

Hoshi-suna Beach is a popular beach for tourists, while Tsuki ga hama is a little more relaxed.
Along the coastline near this beach, sandstone formations formed by the accumulation of sand have been exposed by the wind and waves over the years, creating a dynamic topography that gives visitors a sense of the great outdoors.
It is a hidden scenic spot, although it is a little difficult to find and therefore attracts few tourists.

 

Maruudo Falls" selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan

Maluuudo Falls is often named when people hear that it is the best waterfall on Iriomote Island.
While the Pinaisara Falls introduced above are well-known for their sheer drop and power, Maluuud Falls has been selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, and is a beautiful waterfall with a somewhat elegant appearance.
It is a two-tiered waterfall and can be reached by Urauchi River sightseeing boat and on foot, or by activity tours such as canoeing and trekking.

 

The "Campilay Falls" where God sits.

The Kampilay Waterfalls are to be enjoyed in combination with the Maluuud Waterfalls.
The word "campire" means "seat of God," and you will see a waterfall that seems to combine serenity and resilience, which explains why it was so named.
This waterfall can be reached by going a little further into the jungle from the Maluuud waterfall, and is probably the most popular of the two waterfalls as a set.
It might be a good idea to continue viewing the show to make sure of the differences between the two companies.

 

Ida no Hama (beach of illusion)

At the westernmost tip of Iriomote Island, there is a place called Funauki Village, known as the place where the Iriomote wildcat was discovered.
If you go further from the village, which can only be reached by boat, you will reach the beach of Ida, which is called the beach of illusion.
Ida beach is located in a secluded part of the island, creating a quiet and serene mood despite being a tourist spot.
If you are looking for a spectacular underwater view, you should definitely visit Ida beach, as it is home to one of the most beautiful coral reefs in Okinawa Prefecture.

 

Sangala Falls," which can be enjoyed from the back side of the falls

A slightly different attraction from the other waterfalls is Sangala Falls, located upstream on the Nishida River, which flows right next to the Hinai River.
This waterfall has a characteristic wide shape, and although the drop is small, it stretches long enough horizontally to provide a full view of the waterfall.
Furthermore, because the current is not strong, it is possible to go around to the back side of the falls and admire the view from there.
This will make for an interesting experience.

 

A "limestone cave" created by Mother Nature

The ability to actively explore the island is another attraction unique to Iriomote Island.
If you are interested in a place with a sense of adventure, why not visit a limestone cave located in a mangrove forest?
The unexplored jungles of Iriomote Island are dotted with a number of limestone caves, which have recently been attracting attention as tourist spots, and a variety of local tours are being organized.
The most popular of the three caves is a series of large, medium, and small limestone caves, the largest of which stretches approximately 100 meters through the caves.
This is one of the spots that we highly recommend as a spectacular view that is not only to be viewed but also to be experienced.

 

Three set tours with spectacular views

Although we have introduced a variety of locations, it would be difficult to realistically visit all of them during the limited time you have on your trip.
Since Iriomote Island covers a large area, first-time visitors often have a hard time getting around due to lack of familiarity with the land, and in many cases, they were only able to visit one spot in one day.
Traveling on your own is fine, but if you want to get around efficiently, you may want to consider taking a tour for your convenience.
We would like to introduce you to some recommended tours that allow you to enjoy activities and other activities while touring the most scenic spots.

Canyoning x Barasu Island Snorkeling

This plan is perfect for those who want to enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island to the fullest.

You can fully enjoy both the sea and the river, and you can swim, fly, and use your whole body to enjoy Iriomote Island to the fullest!

 

Barasu Island snorkeling x Yubu Island sightseeing

This combination of active and leisurely sightseeing can be enjoyed by taking the best of both styles.
After snorkeling at Barasu Island and swimming around in the coral sea to your heart's content, a buffalo cart will take you across the sea, leaving you with a pleasant feeling of fatigue.

Some restaurants on Yubu Island offer sweets and other treats made from tropical fruits, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds by listening to the sound of the waves as you relax and rest your body.

 

SUP/Canoe x Splash Canyoning

This tour is suitable for those who want to dive into the great nature of Iriomote Island with their whole body.
Starting with the SUP mentioned above, canoeing on the river, and then splash canyoning to traverse the river, waterfalls, and jungle on your own body, the course is full of active experiences!
Along the way, you will be able to see many precious plants and animals of Iriomote Island.

 

Notes on Iriomote Island Spectacular Sightseeing

Although I have introduced only enjoyable aspects of Iriomote Island's spectacular sightseeing, at the same time, I must also introduce some cautions.
More than 90% of the land on Iriomote Island is undeveloped jungle.
Keep in mind that the main actor on the island is not human beings, but only nature, and keep in mind what you need to take care of.

 

Be prepared for sudden rain

Compared to the mainland, the weather on tropical Iriomote Island tends to be more changeable, with large amounts of rain falling in a short period of time.
Although the rain often stops quickly as it is a squall, it is not uncommon for people to get their clothes and other items wet while playing on the island and not be able to return to their lodgings immediately.
Be sure to check the weather forecast daily and be prepared for rain at any time.

 

Do not touch living things unnecessarily

Snakes, bees, scorpions, and numerous other venomous creatures also inhabit Iriomote Island, where virgin forests cover most of the island.
Since many of these creatures are not found on the mainland, you may be intrigued and want to touch them.
However, it is difficult to discern the safety of an organism without knowledge.
Be vigilant and be careful not to touch basically anything you don't understand.

 

Beware of sunlight

Iriomote Island, located further south than the main island of Okinawa, has very intense sunlight compared to the mainland.
Both the body temperature and the intensity of ultraviolet rays are beyond imagination, and unprotected bare skin can suffer unexpectedly from sunburn caused by the harsh sun's rays.
When going to the islands, it is recommended that you bring sunscreen that suits your skin.

 

Do not go to dangerous places on your own.

And this is the most important point to note.
Iriomote Island has many undeveloped areas, and even among the places that are considered sightseeing spots, there are many places where you have to go through steep jungles and water bodies.
If a person who is not familiar with the area carelessly steps into the area, he or she may get lost and end up in trouble, or suffer an injury from stepping off the path.
To avoid unexpected mishaps during an enjoyable trip, never overdo it and take advantage of tours guided by local people.

 

summary

The above is a summary of Iriomote Island's spectacular scenic spots and tourist information.
Iriomote Island is a tourist destination blessed with some of the most spectacular scenery in Japan.
Recently, Iriomote Island has become even more popular as a tourist destination because you can enjoy the spectacular scenery not only on the spot but also twice by taking pictures and posting them on SNS.
Why not visit this South Sea paradise where you can bathe in the great outdoors?