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Best season in Iriomote Island
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The best season in Iriomote Island, the last unexplored island in Japan!
Iriomote Island is an island in the Yaeyama Archipelago belonging to Okinawa Prefecture.
Most of the island is covered with subtropical virgin forest, with numerous waterfalls and rivers, and is home to rare animals such as the Iriomote wildcat.
In which season is the best time to visit Iriomote Island, where there are many activities using such attractive nature?
In this issue, we would like to introduce the best season to visit Iriomote Island.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter in Iriomote Island
From here, we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each season, recommended activities, and points to keep in mind when sightseeing in each of the spring, summer, fall, and winter seasons in turn.
Please refer to it when you visit Iriomote Island!
spring
First, I will explain about spring in Iriomote Island.
Spring is usually associated with calmness in every city in Japan, but what is spring like in Iriomote Island?
Advantages of Spring
In spring, Iriomote Island has a mild climate and few rainy days, making it a season when the weather is calm and comfortable.
Also, since the number of tourists is relatively calm during this season, visitors can enjoy sightseeing at their own pace.
Disadvantages of spring
This is the season when tourist numbers are calm, but long vacations such as spring break and GW bring an increase in tourists.
Especially during the GW season, the prices are higher along with the crowds, so you need to keep this in mind when making your plans.
SUP" is a recommended activity for spring in Iriomote Island
SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding), one of the activities in Iriomote Island, originally originated in Hawaii.
You stand on a special board and paddle the paddle to go on the water.
Because SUP boards are larger than surfboards, they are more buoyant and stable, making it an activity that even beginners can enjoy.
Notes on Iriomote Island Spring
Even in spring, ultraviolet rays are very strong, so one must be very careful to avoid sunburn when spending time outdoors.
Be sure to take precautions such as applying sunscreen and wearing thin long sleeves and a jacket.
summer
Next, let us discuss summer.
Many people imagine summer as the season when the heat is in full swing and sightseeing and activities are in full swing.
How is the summer in Iriomote Island really like?
Summer Benefits
Summer temperatures are higher than spring.
The entire Iriomote Island is covered with mangroves and many rivers, and even in the hot summer season, you will be able to enjoy the coolness of nature, which is different from the coolness you can experience in an air conditioner.
The season is also very busy, with a wide variety of activities to participate in and a corresponding increase in the number of tourists.
Disadvantages of summer
This is also the season when typhoons make landfall in July and August.
Since typhoons are likely to cause significant disruption to your schedule, please check typhoon information frequently.
Iriomote Island, in particular, is often in the route of typhoons, and ships are often cancelled.
When visiting in the summer, it is also important to allow plenty of time in advance in your schedule to prepare for any eventuality.
Recommended Iriomote Island Summer Activity "Snorkeling
Snorkeling, one of the summer activities, is a marine sport that involves swimming in shallow water using a snorkel.
Since no license is required, it is easier to enjoy diving than diving for the purpose of diving.
One of the attractions of snorkeling is that you can see the beautiful coral reefs of Iriomote Island and the many fish that inhabit them.
Iriomote Island Summer Notes
In summer, when the sun is more intense than in spring, one must be careful of heat stroke as well as ultraviolet rays.
Remember to hydrate frequently as outdoor activities increase.
Also, since it is expected that you will sweat a lot in the heat, it would be a good idea to have plenty of change of clothes and towels available.
autumn
Let's look next at fall.
This is the season when temperatures begin to drop toward winter while the summer heat still lingers.
Many of you may be wondering how the activities at the beach will be compared to summer.
Let's take that into account and explain.
Advantages of Fall
Autumn in Iriomote Island is also the season when you can still swim in the sea, so those who could not swim in the mainland can visit in autumn and enjoy the sea.
This season is also recommended for those who want to avoid crowds and keep costs down, as tourists are calmer than in summer and prices are correspondingly lower.
Disadvantages of Autumn
Even though it is the season to enter the sea, the water temperature drops around November.
Please note that it may be too cold to enter without a wetsuit, so please be careful if you intend to swim in the sea.
Iriomote Island Autumn Activity "Canyoning
Canyoning is an activity that involves descending a canyon by trekking (mountain climbing), climbing, or canoeing.
This American activity is known as canyoneering.
Jumping into a waterfall basin, sliding down a natural slide, etc. are very thrilling experiences.
However, because this activity is always dangerous if one is not careful, safety gear should be worn and beginners in particular should always follow the guide's instructions.
Iriomote Island Autumn Notes
Autumn on Iriomote Island is the second highest precipitation season after typhoon season.
Check the weather forecast frequently and have an umbrella and rain gear ready.
winter
The last one is winter.
In other parts of the country, temperatures drop dramatically, making outdoor activities difficult.
Activities have been possible in all seasons on Iriomote Island, but is it possible to do them in winter as well?
Winter Advantages
Temperatures are lower than at other times of the year, but are still high enough to be comfortable compared to the mainland.
In addition, the weather rarely breaks up significantly, so there is no need to worry nervously about the weather when making plans.
Disadvantages of winter
In winter in Iriomote Island, there are days when tours are not held due to the north wind.
Tour participants are advised to take note of the information provided in advance.
Canoeing" is a recommended winter activity in Iriomote Island
Canoeing is a standard activity in Iriomote Island that can be enjoyed even in winter.
A major attraction of the canoeing experience is that you can feel the rich natural scenery of Iriomote Island.
Please enjoy the mangroves and rare flora and fauna that characterize Iriomote Island while relaxing and admiring them.
Iriomote Island Winter Notes
Temperatures will be higher than on the mainland, but lower than in other seasons, so some people may feel chilly if they wear light clothing as they have in the past.
Therefore, it is recommended to wear long sleeves and a thin jacket in winter in Iriomote Island.
ConclusionIriomote Island can be enjoyed all year round!
Iriomote Island has high temperatures throughout the year, and you can enjoy sightseeing in any season as long as you do not suffer from bad weather such as rain and typhoons.
Most activities can be participated in any season.
It would be a good idea to decide which of the recommended seasonal activities you would like to do and when you would like to travel.
How to get to Iriomote Island
Since there is no airport on Iriomote Island, you will have to take a ferry from Ishigaki Island to the port.
There are two ports, each with different characteristics.
Let's see which port you prefer to go to.
From Ishigaki Island to two ports in Iriomote Island
To get to Iriomote Island, you can take a ferry from Ishigaki Island to either of two ports, Uehara Port or Ohara Port.
The distance between Uehara Port and Ohara Port is far apart and can be reached by car in about 50 minutes.
The port you should use depends on the purpose of your visit.
Uehara Port
Uehara Port is located in the northern part of Iriomote Island.
Hoshisuna Beach and Nakano Beach are located near this port, making it a convenient port for those who wish to go sightseeing or engage in activities at sea.
Ohara Port
Contrary to Uehara Port, Ohara Port is located in the southeastern part of Iriomote Island.
Located near several rivers, including the Nakama and Maera Rivers, this port is convenient for those who intend to sightsee and do activities on the rivers.
Since it is also close to the location of the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center, we recommend that visitors who want to learn about the ecology of the Iriomote wildcat also use this port.
summary
In this issue, we have introduced the best season in Iriomote Island.
Blessed with rich nature, rare flora and fauna, and a pleasant year-round climate, Iriomote Island offers many sightseeing spots and activities.
Since the places and activities that can be visited differ depending on the season, Iriomote Island will be the best in any season when you go there according to your purpose.
However, because many of the activities are outdoors, they are easily affected by the weather.
It is advisable to prepare well in advance for your schedule as well as what to wear when you visit.
Please take this opportunity to consider what season you would enjoy visiting Iriomote Island.
This article was written by.
