Let's join an eco-tour in Iriomote Island, the "Galapagos of the East!

What is Iriomote Island?

Iriomote Island is one of the Yaejima Islands located further southwest from the main island of Okinawa. The area of the island is about 284㎢. With a circumference of 130 km, it is the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture after Okinawa Island. About 90% of the island is covered with subtropical pristine forests that have hardly been touched by human activities, and it is a very valuable place academically where 15 national natural monuments live. As many as 40 rivers flow through Iriomote Island, and many of them have mangroves near their craters.

The entire island is designated as a national park because of its many precious natural features. Eco-tour is very popular in such Iriomote Island.

 

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Only Tours can make ferry reservations! Since you pay in advance, you can easily board the ferry by simply showing your smartphone on the day of the cruise. You don't have to worry about getting caught in the queue at the ticket booth on the day of boarding.

Click here to book ferry tickets to Iriomote Island!
Iriomote Island Ferry Tickets

 

Weather and Subtropical Flora and Fauna of Iriomote Island

Weather in Iriomote Island

The climate of Iriomote Island is classified as subtropical maritime climate, and there are four months when the average monthly temperature exceeds 20 degrees C. In January and February, when it is severely cold in Honshu, the average temperature in Iriomote Island is very warm at about 18 degrees.

Flora and Fauna of Iriomote Island

Iriomote wildcat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis)

Iriomote wild cat" is a natural treasure unique to Iriomote Island. However, there are many people who have heard of the name, but do not know what kind of characteristics it has. I am sure that there are many people who have heard of the name, but do not know what kind of characteristics it has.

The Iriomote wildcat is believed to be a subspecies of the creature known as the Bengal wildcat. The Iriomote wildcat is said to reign at the top of the island food chain and is characterized by preying on a variety of creatures, including mammals, reptiles, birds, crustaceans, and amphibians. On the other hand, Iriomote Island, where the Iriomote wildcat lives, is quite small, with an island area of 290 square meters, and the Iriomote wildcat's habitat is said to be the smallest among wildcats in the world. In order to survive in such a small habitat, the Iriomote wildcat has come to prey on various creatures other than mammals. It is a surprising fact that cats exist at the top of the food chain.

crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela)

The crested serpent eagle gets its name from the crown-like feathers on its head. These feathers seem to have developed in order to intimidate opponents when they sense danger. Currently, there are 100 camur eagles living on Ishigaki Island and 100 on Iriomote Island. Mr. Youtaka Gushiken, a native of Ishigaki Island who was active in the Showa period (1926-1989) and is still active in variety shows, was called by this nickname "Kammuriwashi" when he was a professional boxer. Thanks in part to Mr. Yoshitaka Gushiken, the Kammuriwashi became widely recognized by the public.

8 Popular Eco Tours in Iriomote Island

Canoeing & Trekking in the Waterfall Pit above Pinaisara Falls - One Day Course - (Lunch included)

If you want to enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island, this activity is recommended! You can go canoeing and jungle trekking to the top of "Pinaisara Falls," which is one of the most popular spots in Iriomote Island and is called the Galapagos of Eastern Europe! Beginners who think "I've never been on a canoe before, so it looks difficult and I'm worried...", don't worry! Beginners who think "I've never been on a canoe before, so I'm worried it will be too difficult" will be fine! Canoeing is easier than it looks, so anyone can enjoy it!

In the morning, we will go canoeing through the pristine mangroves. After that, we will trek through the jungle to Pinaisara Falls. The "Pinaisara Falls," which suddenly appear as you move through the jungle, is sure to impress everyone! You will definitely be overwhelmed by the magnificent nature!

Pinaisara Falls is a very popular eco-tour. After having lunch at the waterfall basin, we will resume trekking to the top of the waterfall! The view of lush green Iriomote Island seen from the top of the waterfall is breathtaking. The fatigue of the long trip will be gone in an instant.

Click here for plan details ↓

Koola Falls Mangrove Canoeing & Yubu Island Sightseeing Tour

You can experience Yubu Island, one of the most popular tourist spots in Iriomote Island, and mangrove canoeing in this tour!

In the morning, you can enjoy kayaking and trekking! First, we will explore the untouched mangroves by canoe. After that, we will go trekking to the power spot of Iriomote Island, "Pinaisara Falls". You will surely be impressed by the overwhelming nature that appears before your eyes! On the way of trekking, you will have many rare encounters with plants and creatures unique to tropical countries! One of the best parts of jungle trekking is the opportunity to come into contact with creatures you have never seen before!

In the afternoon, we will visit Yubu Island, a popular sightseeing spot in Iriomote Island! The most popular activity in Yubu Island is the buffalo cart! Of course, you can enjoy the buffalo cart in this tour! You will ride on a slow-moving buffalo cart between Iriomote Island and Yubu Island. You can enjoy this great nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city where you usually live, and refresh your mind with this eco-friendly activity.

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Iriomote Island Bakuhari Fishing-Standard Course

A must-see for fishing enthusiasts! Why don't you try fishing in Iriomote Island, a tropical island with crystal clear waters?

Iriomote Island is a place where you can catch so many fish that you can catch too many. If you go to a secret fishing spot by cruiser, you can catch about 10 fish in only 2 hours! Moreover, our staff will support you from assembling the rod to baiting, so you can enjoy fishing without worries even if you don't know how to assemble the rod or don't want to touch the bait. Even beginner women who don't want to touch bait can enjoy fishing without worries!

You can eat the fish you catch separately! Please ask us about it when you make a reservation! The fish you catch yourself is fresh and exquisite!

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The No.1 beautiful field in Iriomote Island! Nala Falls Canoeing & Trekking - 1 Day Course

This course takes you by sea kayak and jungle trekking to "Nala Falls" located deep in the jungle of Iriomote Island! Recommended for those who want to take a boat trip through the jungle.

First, you will go to Shirahama Port and spend two hours on the Nala River from a sea kayak. The boat ride will soothe your soul as you slowly make your way through the majestic nature. After getting off the canoe and trekking for 20 minutes, you will finally arrive at Nala Falls! You can enter the basin of the waterfall and bathe in the water! You can cool down and refresh your burning body here!

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Iriomote Island Sunset Kayak Tour

We have introduced several tours to explore Iriomote Island by canoe above, but this tour is a special kayak tour where you can see the beautiful sunset while riding on a kayak. It is a fantastic experience to see the sunset on the horizon at the same line of sight as the surface of the water at this time of the day when all the various creatures living in the jungle are asleep.

The magic hour comes during the few minutes just before sunset. The beautiful gradation that appears from the sky to the horizon creates a mysterious atmosphere and shows a different face from that of Iriomote Island in the daytime when the sun is strong. It will surely be an unforgettable memory!

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Yaeyama Firefly Viewing Tour (March to May)

If you want to explore the night of Iriomote Island, this tour is for you! You can meet rare nocturnal creatures unique to Iriomote Island, including the coconut crab, which is designated as a world endangered species!

If you have come all the way to Iriomote Island, which is inhabited by many rare creatures, you would like to encounter creatures that can be seen not only during the daytime but also at night. Unlike the daytime when the sunlight is strong, the jungle of Iriomote Island at night looks very beautiful because the only light illuminating the island is the starry sky. Moreover, because you are in the quiet jungle, you will feel like a very tiny being standing in the middle of the great nature, and you will even forget your small worries.

Also, the starry sky of Iriomote Island is so precious in the world that it is a candidate for Japan's first starry sky reserve. If you want to fully enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island, we recommend you to join the night tour as well!

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June-August] Tour to see the "fantastic flower" sagaribana

Have you ever heard of the "garibana" plant? Sagaribana, also known as "phantom flower," is a very fragile flower that blooms only one night and falls in the morning. It is named "sagaribana" because its flowers hang down from the branches of trees. It starts blooming around dusk in summer and produces beautiful flowers at night, which fall off at dawn.

This tour will take you around the jungle of Iriomote Island at night in search of this fantastic flower! A local nature guide will be with you, so tourists can take you to spots that you may not know!

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Star Sand Beach Snorkeling

This tour allows you to enjoy snorkeling at the most famous snorkeling spot "Hoshi-suna Beach" in Iriomote Island! You can see more than 100 kinds of colorful fish, and the waves are calm, so families with small children can enjoy snorkeling safely. Because this is an eco-tour, feeding the fish is not allowed.

Furthermore, since star sand is famous as a good luck charm, you can easily make stylish souvenirs by filling small jars with star sand and coral!

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summary

How was it? Please join an eco-tour of Iriomote Island with its rich nature, experience the magnificent wilderness firsthand, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and get in touch with rare creatures!

All the fun in Iriomote Island is here↓.
Iriomotejima Tours