Hello everyone!

I want to go to Iriomote Island and see the beautiful sunset."

For such people, this article introduces the sunset (sunset) of Iriomote Island.

Iriomote Island is very popular among tourists as a spot for viewing spectacular sunsets!

Many visitors come to Iriomote Island to enjoy evening tours.

Why don't you come to Iriomote Island and capture the best sunset in your memories?

Why not spend a luxurious time enjoying marine activities while watching the sunset?

In this issue, we will introduce sunset spots and popular activities in Iriomote Island.

 

Evening view of Iriomote Island

Out of the blue, do you know the origin of the name "Iriomote"?

In Okinawa, the east is read as "agari" and the west as "iri," which derives from the fact that the sun "rises" from the east and "enters" the west.

In other words, "Iri" in Iriomote Island is said to mean "Iri" of sunset, and the island is deeply connected with the setting sun!

The sunsets created by the great nature of Iriomote Island are of the highest quality and beauty.

The blue sky and crystal-clear sea gradually fade to a fantastic akane-red.

The air is clear, so the sunset on the horizon can be seen beautifully!

Let's take a look at some sunset spots where you can enjoy such a spectacular view.

 

Sunset spots in Iriomote Island

(1) Unarizaki Park

Unarizaki Park is a spectacular spot located in the western part of Iriomote Island.

It is located about 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port on Iriomote Island.

With its large lawn and playground equipment, it is a place where local children often come to play.

A short walk along the seaside promenade leads to a two-story observation deck.

The view from this observatory is truly spectacular!

It offers a panoramic view of the clear blue East China Sea and the great nature of Iriomote Island.

The Urauchi River, the longest river in Okinawa, and the magnificent mangrove forests are spectacular sights that can only be seen here.

And in the evening, there is a beautiful sunset sky.

Why not visit in the evening and enjoy the sunset of Iriomote Island?

Families are welcome to relax and play around on the lawn.

There are also plenty of athletic facilities for children to play, making it popular with a wide range of visitors!

Also, Unarizaki Park is one of the most beautiful places in Iriomote Island.

On a fine day, be sure to visit Unarizaki Park to experience the sunset and nature!

 

(2) Barras Island

 

Next is Barras Island, also known as "Miracle Island.

Barras Island is an uninhabited island only a few dozen meters in diameter, made entirely of coral fragments.

Because they disappear and reappear with the ebb and flow of the tide, the time when they can come ashore is limited.

The island is not even on the map, which is truly a miracle.

On Barasu Island in the evening, you can enjoy the sunset while being soothed by the sound of the waves and losing track of time.

The contrast between the pure white coral island and the bright red sea...

Isn't the view from Barras Island on the sea exceptional?

Some people are so fascinated by this beauty that they come to Iriomote Island every year to sightsee at Barasu Island.

In addition to sunsets, you can spend the morning on Barasu Island, or go ashore at night to gaze at the stars!

It is also a popular snorkeling and diving spot as well as a scenic spot.

You can see colorful coral reefs and tropical fish in the clear waters.

If you are lucky, you may even see sea turtles.

Even if you have never snorkeled before, feel free to join the tour with nothing in hand!

All equipment can be rented, and guides will be on hand to assist you.

We invite you to join our tours and enjoy the spectacular views and activities on Barras Island!

It takes only 10 minutes by boat from Iriomote Island, so you can easily join the tour in your spare time.

 

(3) Tudumari beach

At the base of Unarizaki, where Unarizaki Park is located, there is a beach called Tudumari Beach.

It is a 10-minute drive from Uehara Port on Iriomote Island.

Tudumari" means "to stay" in the Okinawan dialect, and legend has it that this is where the goddess stays.

It is also called "Tsuki ga hama" (moonlight beach) because the beach is curved like a crescent moon.

Tsuki ga hama is right in front of the beach, a spectacular spot where the sun falls in the middle of the ocean!

You can enjoy the mystical sunset while listening to the sound of waves.

Bathing can be enjoyed, but it is not suitable for snorkeling as the coral reefs are not well developed.

It is a beach suitable for relaxing on the beach rather than playing in the ocean.

And Tsuki ga hama is also characterized by its sand.

The pure white beach is known as "squeaking sand" because of the light "squeak-squeak" sound it makes when walked on.

And while most beaches in Okinawa are made of coral fragments, the beach at Tsuki ga Hama was created by fine sand that accumulated after rocks were cut away.

The sand is smooth and silky, and not a single piece of trash falls on the ground, so it is nice to stroll around barefoot.

Nearby is the resort hotel Nirakanai, which is like a private beach for guests.

Since there are relatively few other tourists, this is a good place to spend time if you want to relax!

 

4) Sonai Hometown Forest

 

This is the Sonai Hometown Forest, a rest area located on Mt.

It takes about 15 minutes by car from Uehara Port in Iriomote Island.

It is a place where the elderly can take a break or have lunch with their families.

There is a small observation deck at the top of a nearby hill from which you can look down on the beautiful ocean.

It is also recommended as a spot for watching Iriomote fireflies from winter to spring!

Iriomote fireflies are rare fireflies that live only on Iriomote Island and Ishigaki Island.

It is now protected as an endangered species in Okinawa, and you are quite lucky if you find one!

If you visit in winter or spring, please enjoy the firefly viewing along with the spectacular scenery.

And since there are almost no street lights and the view of the starry sky is excellent, you can go straight after sunset for astronomical observation at night.

Iriomote Island has such a wonderful starry sky that it was recognized as the first "starry sky protected area" in Japan!

On a clear day, the Milky Way and satellites can be seen with the naked eye.

However, because there are few streetlights, it becomes pitch-dark after sunset, so either accompany a local or join a tour to enjoy the area safely.

 

(5) Star Sand Beach

Hoshisuna Beach is located in the northern part of Iriomote Island.

It was named "hoshisuna" (star sand) because of its many star-shaped sand particles.

Many of you may be familiar with star sand in small bottles, a famous souvenir of Okinawa.

Hoshisuna Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Iriomote Island!

In the evening, you can watch the sun disappear into the horizon as far as the eye can see.

The contrast between the offshore rocks and the sunset is beautiful and unquestionably spectacular.

The large rocks block the wind and the waves are small, so you can enjoy swimming in the ocean!

Even in the shallows, there are many fish swimming around, making this a great place for families to safely enjoy themselves.

The high water temperature, colorful coral reefs, and plenty of fish make this a great spot for those who enjoy snorkeling!

However, do not go too far offshore because the other side of the rocks is strongly affected by the wind.

Snorkeling tours are easy to join, even if you come empty-handed, as equipment can be rented.

You will have a very satisfying time, playing in the ocean during the day and returning at the end of the day to enjoy the sunset.

There is also a rest house called "Hoshinosuna" (star sand) near the beach, where you can have a delicious meal.

If you want to spend your time in the sea of Iriomote Island, please visit Hoshisuna Beach!

It is about 5 minutes by car from Uehara Port in Iriomote Island, so it is very accessible.

 

Sunset activities to enjoy the beautiful evening scenery

Here are some activities you can enjoy while viewing the evening scenery.

Why not spend a luxurious time enjoying both activities and spectacular views?

Therefore, we have compiled a list of three activities that we recommend for beginners.

If you are wondering what to do in Iriomote Island, please refer to this page!

 

Sunset SUP

Have you ever heard of SUP?

SUP is a new type of marine activity in which you stand on a board and paddle.

This sport originated in Hawaii, but has become increasingly popular on Iriomote Island in recent years!

We depart for the ocean just as the afternoon sun begins to tilt, and paddle leisurely to the spot with the sun shining directly in front of us.

You can watch the gradually changing sky while being soothed by the sound of waves on the board.

The sunset on land is beautiful, but the view from the sea is different in more ways than one.

You will be amazed at the sight of the entire area turning orange.

After the sun goes down, the view is also wonderful and highly recommended!

The twilight hours created by the sun's afterglow are quite romantic, mixing the colors of the dim sky with orange.

You can also see the Southern Cross from December to June on Iriomote Island.

We hope you will enjoy the view that you rarely see in your daily life.

If you have never done SUP before, of course you can do it!

The board is more stable than it looks, and with a little practice you will be able to paddle it easily.

It's also a popular fitness activity for women to strengthen their core.

The beauty of SUP is that it can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of gender or age.

Equipment can be rented, so if you are interested in SUP, feel free to come and try it out!

 

 

(2) Sunset Canoeing

Canoeing is also popular on Iriomote Island!

We will board the canoes around evening and depart for the ocean to watch the sunset.

You can spend an elegant time relaxing and admiring the spectacular view while swaying on the waves.

It is recommended to go out to the sea not only in the evening, but also at night or early in the morning!

You will be able to spend time on the water, stargazing or soaking up the sunrise, depending on the time of day.

Canoes are very stable vehicles and can be shared by more than one person.

If you want to have fun with your friends and family, we recommend taking a canoe tour!

Even if you have never even held a canoe paddle before, you are welcome.

The staff will guide you through the process, and once you get used to it, you will be able to paddle easily!

 

 

Sunset Fishing

Iriomote Island is also a good place to enjoy fishing.

You can target big fish such as gara (giant trevally).

Gara is a popular giant fish that can grow up to 2 meters in length and weigh up to 80 kilograms!

Iriomote Island is inhabited by big fish that anglers would like to catch at least once.

You can also enjoy the changing colors of the sky while sea fishing on a boat!

Enjoy the pleasant breeze and waves as the sun drops to the horizon.

Don't get so caught up in fishing that you miss a beautiful sunset.

Even if you have "never even touched a fishing rod," we encourage you to join us for a tour if you are interested!

All fishing gear can be rented, and you will be carefully taught how to put on bait.

It is recommended that you take your children on a boat to enjoy fishing in a casual manner.

 

in the end

This time, we introduced evening tours of Iriomote Island.

How was it?

There are many spots on Iriomote Island where you can enjoy the evening view!

The time spent in the clear air slowly admiring the spectacular scenery from land or sea is a wonderful time.

When you join a tour, you will be guided by a professional guided tour to the most popular spots.

Activities such as snorkeling, SUP, and canoeing are recommended while enjoying the scenery.

Many beginners have visited, so if you are interested, feel free to join us.

Thank you for reading to the end.