6 must-do activities when you visit Iriomote Island, the "Galapagos of the East
Table of Contents
- 1 Activities you must do when you visit Iriomote Island for sightseeing and travel
- 2 6 recommended activities
- 2.1 1. "Miracle Island" "Barasu Island
- 2.2 2. Night Activity! Iriomote Island Night Jungle Exploration
- 2.3 3. The most popular tour in Iriomote Island! Mangrove kayak (canoe) & jungle trekking
- 2.4 4. SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boat) is very popular all over the world now!
- 2.5 5. The largest variety of fish in Japan! You can even eat the fish you catch, fishing tour
- 2.6 6. Koola Falls that brings happiness to Iriomote Island
- 3 summary
Activities you must do when you visit Iriomote Island for sightseeing and travel
Sightseeing and traveling around Okinawa and Ishigaki Island is fine, but why don't you spend at least one day in a remote island to experience a more in-depth island experience? This time, our local staff has carefully selected 5 recommended activities that you should try when you visit Iriomote Island for sightseeing or travel. When talking about Iriomote Island, many people may immediately think of Iriomote Cat, don't you think? We will tell you how to play and what activities to do in Iriomote Island, of which information is scarce!
Iriomote Island is the "Galapagos of the East. Those who come to this island for the first time on a sightseeing trip will surely be surprised to know that such a place exists in Japan!
What kind of place is Iriomote Island?
Iriomote Island is located near the southernmost tip of Japan and is the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture after Okinawa Island. It is closer to Taiwan than to the main island of Okinawa, and is said to be "the Mecca of activities in the southernmost part of Japan where Japanese is spoken. The island is warm all year round and so lush and warm that it is hard to believe that you are in Japan. It takes about 40 minutes from Ishigaki Island by high-speed boat, and there are two ports on the island, Uehara Port and Ohara Port. If you go there for sightseeing, we recommend Uehara Port where there are many resort hotels and activities.
More than 90% of the island is covered with subtropical jungle, and Iriomote Island is lush and green,The entire Iriomote Island has been designated as a national park, and the protection of nature is being strengthened with the aim of registering it as a World Heritage Site after 2019. If you are considering a sightseeing trip, now is a good time to visit because it will be difficult to go there easily once it is registered as a World Heritage site. The island itself is so carefully protected that even if you go there for the first time, you can see that they are taking good care of nature.â
⇒Introduction to Iriomote Island - Basicclick here
Iriomote Island offers a variety of half-day, full-day, and day-trip activities.
6 recommended activities
1. "Miracle Island" "Barasu Island
This is a spot that is just now rapidly gaining popularity in sightseeing trips to Iriomote Island! Do you know "Barasu Island", an island that is not even on the map?The island is made up of pieces of coral reefs and is called a "miracle island" by the locals. The contrast between the pure white coral reefs and the emerald green sea is just like a scene from a TV drama or movie.Since the island is only a few dozen meters long, the scenery and landscapes are completely different depending on the tide and time of day.
The area around Barasu Island is also a spot with abundant fish, so after sightseeing, it is popular to combine activities such as snorkeling and fishing. This place will definitely become a very popular spot for Iriomote trips in the future, so you should come here as soon as possible before it explodes in popularity! This is a recommended spot for couples and those who want to take a lot of pictures♪
Here are some activities on the "Miracle Island" of Baras
2. Night Activity! Iriomote Island Night Jungle Exploration
Although Iriomote Island is a tropical resort, there is no so-called downtown area because it is a tourist destination that values nature and enjoys time flowing slowly. Instead, you can enjoy precious experiences and activities to see the great nature at night.
In Iriomote Island, where there are almost no electric lights, the night jungle is completely different in terms of the creatures and plants that can be seen depending on the time of the year when you go sightseeing.
For example...
February-April: The Yaeyama Firefly, the smallest firefly in Japan, can be viewed earlier than any other firefly in Japan. It is so famous that repeat visitors come every year.
June-August: Admire the "sagaribana" flower, which blooms only one night. It provides a very romantic moment.
At other times of the year, you can enjoy the endangered coconut crab, the Milky Way in the starry sky, and other sights and creatures that are not easily seen elsewhere through the night activities of Iriomote Island.
Click here for Iriomotejima Jungle Night Tour
Click here for details and a list of seasonal tours, including firefly and sagaribana tours ↓.
3. The most popular tour in Iriomote Island! Mangrove kayak (canoe) & jungle trekking
If you want to play in the nature of Iriomote Island with gusto, this activity is recommended! Feel the grandeur of Iriomote Island's nature by canoeing and trekking! You will be amazed at the magnificence of the mangrove bushes and the odd shape of their roots! Jungle trekking by canoe through the mangroves to the Pinaisara waterfall basin. You will be overwhelmed by the vivid greenery of the trees and the shapes of trees that you have never seen before while trekking. If you are not confident about your time or stamina, you can join a half-day activity.
If you come to Iriomote Island for sightseeing, canoeing & jungle trekking is one of the must-do activities!
Click here for a full-day canoeing and trekking tour to Pinaisara Falls.
For details of canoe (kayak) tours in Iriomote Island and a list of plans, click here↓.
4. SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boat) is very popular all over the world now!
SUP is a popular activity in Japan, especially among women. This activity involves cruising on the surface of the water on a board similar to a surfboard. At first glance, SUP may seem difficult, but because the board is highly buoyant and stable, even beginners, children, and women can easily get on the board and cruise around on it. In fact, it is easier to go faster than canoeing, so the feeling of exhilaration is maximal!Iriomote Island is one of the most suitable places in Japan for SUP. Surrounded by great nature, you can enjoy SUP not only in the ocean but also in rivers!Cruising through the mangroves on a SUP to unexplored areas is a unique experience that can only be experienced here. You can also enjoy the sunset in the evening or the sunrise in the early morning by simply changing the time of day. Let's run through the untouched wilderness!
For details of Iriomote Island SUP Tour and a list of plans, click here↓.
5. The largest variety of fish in Japan! You can even eat the fish you catch, fishing tour
Iriomote Island is one of the best fishing spots in Japan. Because of the gentle ocean currents and warm waters, there are many species of fish, and it is said that the number of species exceeds several hundred.The fish around Iriomote Island, where there are few anglers, are not yet accustomed to fishing bait, so they bite quickly, and often more than 10 fish can be caught in an hour. The fish we can catch are colorful! Can you eat such a colorful fish like a tropical fish? You may think so, but they are delicious!
Multiple fishing tour plans are available to accommodate beginner to advanced anglers, including a course where the staff does all the rod assembly, baiting, and removal so you don't have to touch the fish, and an advanced course for advanced anglers that uses jigging to fish in deep water.
The fish you catch yourself will be cooked and served to you! You can eat the fish in your favorite way, such as sashimi, grated radish, or grilled with salt. This is a hot activity now!
For details and plan list of Iriomote Island Fishing Tour, click here↓.
6. Koola Falls that brings happiness to Iriomote Island
Koola Falls is a secluded waterfall that is considered one of the most sacred places in Iriomote Island.The meaning of Koola in Koola Falls means "to bring good luck," and is recognized as a power spot locally.There are various ways to reach Koola Falls, including SUP, canoeing, and trekking. You can follow the Koola River surrounded by mangrove forests, and you can enjoy a real jungle because the river is surrounded by mangrove forests. Among the many waterfalls in Iriomote Island, this is a recommended spot for travelers. Families with infants and children can enjoy this activity together.
⇒Coola FallsFor more information on
Click here for details and a list of plans for the Waterfall & Stalactite Cave Tour
summary
There are still many unexplored and unexplored areas on Iriomote Island that have not yet become tourist destinations. There are many other sightseeing spots and activities that we could not report this time.
Reservations can be made the day before, and Iriomote Island guests can participate in activities even with same-day reservations, depending on availability.
If you are planning to visit Okinawa or Ishigaki Island, why don't you go a little further and visit Iriomote Island as well?
All the fun in Iriomote Island is here↓.
Iriomotejima Tours
