Local Column
COLUMN
How to spend Iriomote Island in Autumn
目次
How to spend Iriomote Island in Autumn
Autumn is the season for reading, sports, and many other things.
In this autumn season of travel, we would like to introduce you to some of our recommended holiday destinations.
That holiday destination is Iriomote Island.
Some people may not have an image of autumn in Iriomote Island because they have a strong image of summer.
Iriomote Island in autumn is actually quite recommended because the days are still as fresh and pleasant as summer.
This allows visitors to experience a wide variety of activities.
And since autumn is the season of appetite, island cuisine that whets the appetite is also a must.
Speaking of island cuisine, you can't miss Okinawa soba, can you?
One of the best is Yaeyama soba (buckwheat noodles).
Yaeyama soba is Okinawan soba topped with chopped meat, which is really delicious.
Why don't you spend an active time in Iriomote Island and taste delicious food this autumn?
This article introduces how to spend time in Iriomote Island in autumn.
Autumn in Iriomote Island
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the average temperature in Iriomote Island during the autumn season (September and October) is over 25 degrees Celsius, and the weather is still like summer.
The sun is also strong enough to allow swimming in the sea.
September is a hot and humid month, with typhoons and squalls, and the days are hot and humid, typical of the subtropical zone.
The average temperature can reach about 30 degrees Celsius, and light clothing, short sleeves and short pants, is acceptable.
By the end of October, the hot and humid weather has abated and the mornings and evenings begin to feel cooler.
Since there is a difference in temperature between daytime and nighttime, it is better to have one piece of outerwear that can be worn.
In November, the average temperature drops to about 23°C, making it comfortable.
Trekking and exercising in the jungles of Iriomote Island to cool down is also recommended.
Although the best time to observe the stars is during the summer season, you can still do so.
Advantages of Iriomote Island in Autumn
In autumn in Iriomote Island, you can enjoy the same activities as in summer until around September when the weather is still hot.
During this time of year, you can still swim in the ocean, and since there are fewer tourists than in summer, you can relax and enjoy the ocean as if you had the beach all to yourself.
After October, the weather will switch to cooler, autumn-like weather, so there will be fewer typhoons and squalls than in the summer.
Even if you are worried about sunburn, you can enjoy activities in a pleasant environment.
The fall season is the best season because, with the exception of Silver Week, there are much fewer people and it is very flexible.
In addition, travel and transportation costs are lower than in the best season, summer, making it possible to travel at a reasonable price.
It is also nice to be able to wear short sleeves and short pants, so you can move light without a bulky change of clothes.
Disadvantages of Iriomote Island in autumn
There are almost no disadvantages of Iriomote Island in autumn, but if I had to name one, it would be that it is somewhat affected by typhoons and that it gets a little cold after November.
September will be the second typhoon season after August.
Be sure to check weather reports, as all activities are cancelled when typhoons approach.
In some cases, airplanes and ferries will not be able to operate, so it is recommended that you consider measures such as changing your plans in advance.
In addition, temperatures gradually drop in November.
As winter approaches, northerly winds gradually become stronger and it will be difficult to do marine activities without a wetsuit.
Conversely, if you wear a wetsuit, you can play in the ocean even during this season, so there is no need to worry about the cold or the water.
You will surely be excited by the new sensation of enjoying marine activities even though it is winter.
Recommended Activities in Iriomote Island in Autumn
As we have mentioned, this is still a time of year when there is a lot of activity.
Here are three recommended activities in Iriomote Island in autumn.
1) Star Sand Beach Snorkeling
The first is star sand beach snorkeling.
As the name suggests, the beach is full of star-shaped sand, which is why it is called Star Sand Beach.
Located about 5 minutes by car from Uehara Port, it is reputed to be the most popular beach in Iriomote Island.
Hoshinosuna Beach is a beach suitable for swimming in shallow waters and is also recommended for small children, as the beach is dotted with several large rocks that do not cause big waves.
It is said that more than 100 species of fish live on this beach, and even if you do not dive, you can observe them swimming below your knees.
There is also a small island floating right in front of Star Sand Beach, which you can swim to.
Snorkeling is one of the best ways to see many sea creatures.
If you join a tour, you can rent a snorkeling set and other necessary equipment, so there is no need to prepare.
Another advantage is that there are fewer tourists during the fall season, allowing visitors to enjoy snorkeling and swimming without worrying about their surroundings.
Since it is close to the city center, you can stop by and go snorkeling during your trip.
(2) Diving
The crystal clear waters of Iriomote Island are filled with colorful fish and colorful coral reefs.
There are approximately 1,300 types of coral reefs worldwide.
Iriomote Island has about one third of them, about 400 species!
Iriomote Island has sufficient water temperature for diving even in winter.
So during the fall season, you can enjoy diving without worrying about the coldness or chilliness of the water.
Since there are not many spots where you can dive all year round, many people visit Iriomote Island for diving not only from Japan but also from overseas.
Now, one of the attractions of diving is the ability to observe deep-sea life.
Snorkeling inevitably limits the area that can be seen.
Diving, on the other hand, allows you to go much deeper than you can by snorkeling, so you can enjoy a different and special view of the sea.
As you dive deeper and deeper into the crystal clear water, the environment gradually becomes deeper and darker.
The serenity of the place is so mystical, and as you look around you will catch a glimpse of the true lives of the fish.
When looking at the surface of the water from inside the water, it is very beautiful to see the sunlight reflecting off the surface and making it sparkle.
The ocean during the fall season still feels like summer, and you can observe creatures actively coming and going.
It is also the best season that has both the best parts of summer and winter, as each time it gets a little colder, the clarity of the sea gradually increases.
Why not take this opportunity to try a diving experience?
(3) Canoe cruising & Pinaisara Falls trekking
Next, we will introduce canoe cruising and trekking, which are standard activities in Iriomote Island.
Check out the very popular tours that offer two activities, cruising and trekking, for the purpose of heading to Pinaisara Falls.
Pinaisara Falls is a rare waterfall in Okinawa with a large drop, boasting a maximum drop of about 55 meters.
It is a narrow waterfall, but its drop is the largest and most powerful in Okinawa Prefecture.
Cruising & Trekking is a tour to see its beautiful and powerful waterfalls, and the best part is that you feel as if you are exploring.
First, we will enjoy a one-hour cruise in a canoe through the jungle.
Cruising in the midst of the great outdoors is a powerful and exciting experience, and there is no doubt that dinosaurs are likely to appear.
You can also swim in the waterfall basin, so after cruising around, it will be fun to play in the waterfall basin again.
After cruising, you can continue trekking.
It takes about 40 minutes, which is a bit strenuous for beginners, but the view from the top of Pinaisara Falls after a good sweat is most pleasant.
Some people even come back as repeat visitors for this sense of accomplishment.
Now, cruising and trekking will allow you to get up close and personal with the island's flora and fauna.
The environment is so stimulating that you feel as if you have wandered into a different world, an environment that can only be felt on Iriomote Island.
Both can be enjoyed by anyone with the help of experienced guides.
This is a very popular tour, so it will be crowded during the best season.
The fall season is recommended because the weather is nicer and the crowds are even less crowded.
If you like, you are welcome to experience it.
Also, crossing from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote IslandFerry TicketsHa,Buy OnlineIt is convenient to do so.
Since you pay in advance, you only need to show your phone on the day of boarding. Ferry ticket booths during spring break and GW are so crowded that long lines form, but if you purchase tickets online in advance, you do not have to worry about being caught in a line at the ticket booth on the day of your trip. If you purchase tickets online in advance, you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free trip. Please take a look at this page for more information.
in the end
We introduced how to spend time in Iriomote Island in autumn.
How was it?
Even in autumn, September still has a summery feel to it, and marine activities are still very active.
After October, the clarity of the sea increases even more, making the beautiful Iriomote Island sea even more attractive.
If you wear a wet suit, you can enjoy marine activities without any problem even in winter, so please try snorkeling and diving.
Autumn in Iriomote Island is a season that combines the best of summer and winter.
Compared to the best season in summer, there are fewer tourists, and only at this time of year can visitors enjoy themselves without worrying about their surroundings.
Enjoy your trip to the fullest.
After a good workout by participating in activities and tours, enjoy delicious gourmet food and drinks that can only be found in the local area.
Thank you for reading to the end.
This article was written by.
