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Iriomote Island Ishigaki Island
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What is Iriomote Island?
Iriomote Island belongs to the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
It is the second largest in Okinawa Prefecture after the main island of Okinawa, and 90% of its area is covered by forests.
It is probably best known for its pristine nature and its many endemic species, including the Iriomote wildcat.
The entire island is designated as a national park, and is also known as the "Galapagos of the East," a beautiful island.
In this issue, we will introduce the charms of Iriomote Island and Ishigaki Island.
Attractions of Iriomote Island
The charm of Iriomote Island lies in its rich and unique nature.
About 40 rivers, both large and small, flow through the area, and many estuaries are covered with mangrove forests.
The mangroves in the Nakama River watershed are especially large, accounting for a quarter of the total mangrove area in Japan.
Popular Tourist Spots in Iriomote Island
Let's take a look at popular tourist spots in Iriomote Island.
Among the many places of interest, we will focus on activities to enjoy nature.
The miraculous island of "Barasu Island
Barasu Island is located offshore of Uehara Harbor in the northern part of the island.
The entire island is made up of coral fragments and is pure white in color, reflecting the tropical blue sky and sea.
Surrounded by coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, the island is perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
Despite being made entirely of coral, it is not submerged even at high tide.
It is a rarity in the world and is called a miracle island.
Pinaisara Falls, the highest waterfall in Okinawa
Pinaisara Falls is a waterfall with a drop of 54 meters near the north shore of the island.
A narrow waterfall with a large drop is rare in Okinawa, and it boasts the highest drop in Okinawa.
There is no road directly to the falls, and it is possible to take a trekking tour to the basin and above the falls.
It can also be viewed from the prefectural road in the distance.
Access "Yubu Island" across the sea by buffalo cart
Yubu Island is a small island, less than 2 km in circumference, located off the east coast.
From Iriomote Island, you can cross the tidal flat by a buffalo cart and go ashore.
The entire island is a subtropical botanical garden where visitors can enjoy observing and photographing plants.
Visitors can fully enjoy the unique environment of the "Butterfly Garden," where butterflies flit about, the "Buffalo Pond," where you can see buffaloes taking a leisurely rest, and the "Shell Museum," where various types of shellfish are on display.
Sipping juice or gelato by the sea is a tropical experience.
Popular Activities in Iriomote Island
Now, let us introduce some popular activities in Iriomote Island.
From classic leisure activities to the latest water sports, a wide range of fun is available.
SUP is a hot topic now!
SUP stands for stand-up paddleboarding, a water sport that has gained increasing attention in recent years.
You stand on a board and paddle through the water.
This is a new type of activity that can be enjoyed on a board with excellent stability, regardless of age, gender, or physical fitness.
SUP has become popular on Iriomote Island for elegant walks in the great outdoors.
With children! With couples! Canoeing
Canoeing, a standard activity for families and couples, can of course be enjoyed on Iriomote Island.
Canoeing on Iriomote Island, an unexplored region of Japan, will definitely make you feel like an explorer.
Sunset and night tours are also available, offering a different experience from the daytime.
You may encounter animals that can only be seen here.
Snorkeling at Barasu Island, the Miracle Island
Speaking of the southern ocean, snorkeling is not to be missed.
Snorkeling at Barras Island offers beautiful, clear emerald green waters and fantastic coral reefs with vibrant tropical fish dancing in the air.
If you choose a plan that allows you to stay longer, you will be able to experience the changing size of the island as the tides rise and fall.
If you see a sea turtle, you are lucky.
Iriomote Island is recommended for people like this!
Iriomote Island is recommended for those who like a relaxing trip.
You may find your own unique scenic spot by walking around the tranquil island.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences and stay longer to relax and enjoy themselves.
What is Ishigaki Island?
Ishigaki Island is an island in the Yaeyama Islands located in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture.
Although the forest area is not large due to development, the mangroves at the mouth of the Miyara River are the largest in Japan.
In the west, there is a wetland called Nagura Ampar, which is registered and protected under the Ramsar Convention.
Charms of Ishigaki Island
The perfect balance between convenience and nature is the charm of Ishigaki Island.
It is accessible by plane because of the airport, and it is possible to go from the city center to the natural area in a short time.
It is a place where both enjoyment as a resort and activities to experience the abundant nature are possible.
Popular Tourist Spots in Ishigaki Island
Let's take a look at popular tourist spots on Ishigaki Island.
There are so many beautiful places to visit that you can not only see but also experience them with your whole body.
Kabira Bay, a scenic spot on Ishigaki Island
Kabira Bay is located in the northwestern part of Ishigaki Island.
With its white sandy beaches and "Kabila Blue" blue ocean, this is a place where one can enjoy a view that is truly tropical.
The quiet bay is dotted with small islands of lush greenery and has been designated a national landmark.
In addition, it is known as the world's first black pearl cultivation site, so it is well worth a visit.
The surrounding area is called Kabira Park and is well maintained. There is also a restaurant where Yaeyama soba noodles can be enjoyed.
Phantom island "Hamashima
Hamashima is a small uninhabited island located between Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands.
It is called a phantom island because it is submerged at high tide and therefore does not appear on maps.
There are no man-made structures, no vegetation, and you will experience views of the blue sky and ocean as far as the eye can see.
Depending on the time of day, visitors can enjoy the gradation of colors of the sky and the sea.
The entire island is covered with white sandy beaches, and marine sports are popular here, where visitors can enjoy the shallow waters.
Blue Cave" also exists on Ishigaki Island
The "Blue Cave" is famous in Italy, but there is also a "Blue Cave" on Ishigaki Island.
It is accessible from Yonehara Beach, a popular snorkeling beach.
After 500 meters on the rocky shore where the tide has receded, you will arrive at a fantastic blue cave.
This spot is also notable for its water mirror view like the "Salar de Uyuni" when looking back out to sea from the cave at low tide.
Along with the phantom island "Hamajima", it is called the two best snorkeling spots in Ishigaki Island.
Popular Activities in Ishigaki Island
Now, here are some activities to enjoy the rich nature of Ishigaki Island.
You are sure to have a fulfilling time, filled with tips on how to experience the unique charm of the place.
SUP/Canoeing in scenic Kabira Bay
Both SUP and canoeing can be enjoyed at Kabira Bay, which boasts beautiful scenery.
Despite its beautiful scenery, it is a no-swimming zone because of the rapid tides.
It is also an ocean that can only be entered by SUP, canoe, or glass boat.
Enjoy the tropical ocean at your own preferred pace in a spacious field.
Landing on Phantom Island & Snorkeling
There is no regular boat service to the phantom island "Hamashima" introduced here, so you will need to take a tour there.
Snorkeling tours are available that go ashore at a wide range of times, allowing visitors to enjoy vivid underwater views.
If you want to avoid crowds, landing early in the morning or in the evening would be recommended.
Natural Monument Mangrove SUP/Canoe
If you want to enjoy the unique nature of Ishigaki Island, mangroves are a must.
The mangroves at the mouth of the Miyara River are designated as a natural treasure, and you can enjoy SUP (standing paddleboarding) and canoeing in the gentle current.
Exploring a small cave where bats live and observing creatures in the mud flats are perfect for children's free research during their summer vacation.
Ishigaki Island is recommended for people like this!
Ishigaki Island is recommended for those who are visiting the islands for the first time or planning a family trip.
The presence of both rich subtropical nature and urban functions such as resort hotels and shopping malls is a major characteristic of Ishigaki Island.
Even if you are not accustomed to traveling to remote islands, you can still enjoy yourself if you are well-equipped.
Travel between the two islands is by ferry!
Iriomote Island and Ishigaki Island, introduced here, are connected by ferry.
From Ishigaki Island, it is a 45-minute ferry ride to Uehara Port in the northern part of Iriomote Island, and a 105-minute ferry ride to Ohara Port in the southern part.
Regular high-speed boats also operate, but if quietness and lack of swaying are important to you, we recommend taking a ferry.
summary
Both Iriomote Island and Ishigaki Island are filled with the charm of the southern remote islands.
The sightseeing spots introduced here are all places where you can enjoy magnificent nature.
Through many activities, you can create unique memories.
Enjoy the tropical air and have the vacation of a lifetime!
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