If you want to go sightseeing in Iriomote Island, which is now a hot spot... 7 recommended spots

What is Iriomote Island?

The entire island of Iriomote is designated as a national park, with a circumference of approximately 130 km, making it the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture after Okinawa Island (and the largest in the Yaeyama Islands).

It is also called the "Galapagos of the East" because of its large jungle.In addition, Iriomote Island has about 40 rivers flowing through it, and because of the steep slopes on the outside of the island, there are many waterfalls.
To answer the question of where to go for sightseeing in such Iriomote Island, we will introduce five recommended sightseeing spots!

Popular Iriomote Island Tour (with Ishigaki - Iriomote ferry ticket)(click here↓)

 

7 recommended sightseeing spots in Iriomote Island

1. Star Sand Beach

The first recommended spot in Iriomote Island is "Hoshisuna Beach". Iriomote Island is characterized by its beautiful sea, and especially, Hoshisuna Beach is a very popular tourist spot with its beautiful sea and pure white sandy beach.

The most distinctive feature is the star-shaped sand! Although it is named "sand," it is actually the shell of a foraminifera. Therefore, it is precious and can be found only in the Okinawa Islands in Japan, especially around Taketomi Island and Iriomote Island, where the sea is clean.

Although the north wind is strong in the Uehara Port area of Iriomote Island in winter, the Hoshisuna Beach has relatively few waves and the water temperature is high (even in January, the coldest month, the temperature is about the same as in late May to June in Tokyo), so swimming is no problem at all if you wear a wet suit even in January in the middle of winter.

This is a great spot for those who want to experience the luxury of winter swimming and snorkeling that only a tropical resort can offer! At Hoshisuna Beach, you can also see colorful fish in puddles between rocks at low tide, so even if you don't go in the ocean, we recommend that couples and families spend some relaxing Okinawan time collecting star sand or just dipping their feet in the ocean and feeding the fish.

⇒Star Sand Beach (Star Sand Beach)For more information on

Click here for snorkeling tours at Star Sand Beach

 

2. Yubu Island, buffalo cart sightseeing

The No.1 healing spot in Iriomote Island is Yubu Island buffalo cart sightseeing! Why don't you leave yourself to the slow-moving buffalo cart on the mud flat connecting Iriomote Island and Yubu Island, swaying in the warm breeze?

In contrast to the busy pace of time in the city, time spent on a buffalo cart is a relaxing and peaceful experience that seems to stand still. Unlike boats, buffalo rides are not bumpy, and the buffaloes sometimes take a break while walking on the sea, making it a great way to experience a free and unusual space.

This is the perfect place to experience what is called a "tropical resort. Of course, it is great to participate in various activities, but how about a trip to enjoy such a relaxing time?

Since many travelers find sightseeing in Yubu Island alone is not enough, we recommend a set plan of sightseeing & activities in Iriomote Island. A set plan with Pinaisara canoeing and SUP in the unexplored jungle is popular.

Click here for popular tours to enjoy sightseeing in Yubu Island.

⇒Yubu IslandFor more information on

For more information about Yubu Island sightseeing and a list of plans, click here↓.

 

3. "Unexplored" Yutun Waterfall

Yutun Waterfall is a recommended spot for those who want to enjoy the unspoiled nature of Iriomote Island, especially the rare "unexplored region" in the island.
Mountain girls are the talk of the town, and on Iriomote Island, mountain activities such as cave exploration and caving are very popular not only among men but also among women, in addition to ocean activities!

Yutun Falls, also known as "Yutun 3-tier Falls," as the name suggests, is a series of three tiers of waterfalls, and the water falling down with great force is very powerful!In addition to looking up at the waterfall from below, the view from the top of Yutun Falls is also spectacular! If you see the magnificent jungle from the top of the waterfall, you will feel the greatness of nature and your usual worries may be blown away!

It is only available from November to April, but if you are going to Iriomote Island during that period, I highly recommend you to include it in your tour plan.

⇒River YutunFor more information on

Click here for trekking tours to the Yutun Three-Step Waterfall.

 

4. Tudumari Beach

Tudumari beach is located in an easy-to-get-to location, about 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port in Iriomote Island.

Tudumari means "to stay" in the Okinawan language. There is a local legend that it is a place where the gods stay. It is also called Tsukigahama (moonlit beach) because of the shape of the beach, which has an arc like the outer circle of the moon.The sand on the beach at Tudumari is so fine-grained and free of coral and debris that you can walk barefoot.

The best thing to see at Tudumari Beach is the sunset! The beautiful sandy beach, the blue ocean, and the setting sun... watching the sun sink into the horizon is an experience like nothing else.

⇒Tsukigahama (Tudumari beach)For more information on

 

5. Diving in Iriomote Island

If you go to Iriomote Island, we recommend you to experience the Iriomote blue shining sea with outstanding transparency.There are many diving spots on Iriomote Island.

One of the most recommended dive sites is near the "miracle island" Barasu Island. In this area, you can see colorful coral reefs and a variety of fish, including several species of clownfish.

The diving boat goes on a two-story cruiser, so you can enjoy just riding on the boat. Just riding on the diving boat while listening to music on the Iriomote blue sea makes you excited!

For details of Iriomote Island diving tours and a list of plans, click here↓.

 

6. Maera River (Myra River)

　Source:knowledge gained (information acquired) from various sources

The "Myra River" is a wide river, but because it is a calm mangrove river, it is a recommended sightseeing spot where even small children can enjoy canoeing. There is also a waterfall at the end of the Myra River, so it is a good idea to take a tour. Also nearby is the national natural monument, "Saxifraga japonica community in KomiThere is a 'The

⇒Maera River (Myra River)For more information on

 

7. Urauchi River

　Source:knowledge gained (information acquired) from various sources　

The Urauchi River is the largest mangrove river in Okinawa Prefecture. Canoeing on pleasure boats and tours are popular. Upstream, there is a "Mariyudu Falls' and 'Kanpire WaterfallThere are two waterfalls called Also, at the mouth of the river, there is a waterfall called "Tsukihama (god of the moon in Shinto and mythology)There is also a beautiful beach like a bow called

⇒Urauchi RiverFor more information on

 

A set plan including a ferry ticket is also recommended!

Iriomote Island, with its subtropical climate, offers a variety of activity experiences throughout the year.

To such Iriomote Island, from Ishigaki IslandferryIt can only be reached by

For those who have trouble purchasing and booking ferry tickets, the "Ferry Tickets" and "Activities" are combined.set planis recommended!

Rather than booking the ferry and activities separatelyeconomicaland save you the trouble of purchasing a ferry ticket.

Enjoy Iriomote Island sightseeing easily and actively!

Popular Iriomote Island Tour (with Ishigaki - Iriomote ferry ticket) is here↓.

Check out more details about Iriomote Island tours from Ishigaki Island!

 

summary

How was it?
There are many other places of interest, but we have carefully selected seven of them and recommended them to you. If you want to know more information about other popular spots in Iriomote Island! please feel free to contact us from the following link.

These are the 7 recommended spots for travel to Iriomote Island.

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