20 recommended experiences to enjoy in Iriomote Island

 

Click here for ferry reservations to Iriomote Island.

 

20 recommended experiences in Iriomote Island

1. River kayaking

River kayaking is one of the standard activities in Iriomote Island. Kayaking tends to have an image of an activity in the sea, but in Iriomote Island, the activity in the river is common.

Iriomote Island is covered with jungle covering 901 tp3t of the island, and huge hirugi forests grow in clusters along the rivers. The entire Iriomote Island is designated as a national park, and the island is so beautiful that it is a candidate for the World Natural Heritage site. The sensation of kayaking through the dense jungle river is thrilling. Kayaking while listening to the sounds of subtropical animals and leaves is a very relaxing way to enjoy forest bathing.

The kayaks used for the tours are highly stable, and some can accommodate two people, so even small children can participate safely. Kayak tours are available at different times of the day, such as sunrise, daytime, sunset, and nighttime, allowing you to enjoy a variety of landscapes and situations.

 

2. River SUP

SUP is a river activity originated in Hawaii where you ride on a board and paddle forward. In Iriomote Island, river SUP is an activity that can be enjoyed throughout the year. It is becoming more and more popular every year, and is frequently featured on SNS and in magazines because it is a fashionable activity.

While wading through the mangroves, you can see the unique flora and fauna of the subtropical zone. Observing the creatures is one of the best parts of river SUP, so be sure to try this activity.

 

3. Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour

The remote islands of Yaeyama.Efficient SightseeingFor those who want to do so, a tour around the islands is recommended.

This tour allows you to fully enjoy the charms of Yaeyama's remote islands such as Iriomote Island, where 90% of the island is covered by jungle, Taketomi Island, where traditional townscapes remain, and Yubu Island, which is reached by a buffalo crossing the sea from Iriomote Island.

Unlike marine activities,Basically, it never gets wet.Therefore, it is also recommended for those who do not like the sea.

Click here for popular island tours

Check out more Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour Plans!

 

4. snorkeling

Ishinishi lagoon, the largest coral reef area in Japan, which belongs to the Iriomote Ishigaki National Park, extends into the sea surrounding Iriomote Island, which was formed by uplifted corals. More than 400 species of corals and tropical fishes inhabit in Ishinishi lagoon. The quality, number, and variety of corals are among the best in the world. If you are lucky, you can even encounter sea turtles and manta rays.

Snorkeling allows you to observe marine life up close. Observing the creatures in the crystal clear water will be a once-in-a-lifetime memory! We hope you will try it!

5. Experience Diving

In the sea of Iriomote Island, there is experience diving that can be done without a license. You can explore the ocean for a longer time than snorkeling and observe creatures at deeper depths. The marine life that inhabits the ocean changes depending on the depth of the water. Therefore, you can see a variety of creatures in experience diving, more than you can see in snorkeling.

In the diving experience, there is a lecture on the rudiments of diving, such as how to remove the ears and breathe, and one instructor accompanies every two people, so you can enjoy the activity with peace of mind.

 

6. Fun Diving

Once you have obtained a diving license, you can participate in fun diving. Fun diving allows you to go to depths that are not available for experience diving. There are several levels of diving licenses, so once you get a diving license, you will surely fall in love with diving because you can do more things depending on the license! There are various fields around Iriomote Island, so please enjoy diving in various places.

 

7. Starry sky photo tour

Iriomote Island was the first place in Japan to be designated as a starry sky reserve and is reputed to have the second most beautiful starry sky in Asia. Because there are few city lights and the air is clean, Iriomote Island is covered with stars in the sky. You can see the star-filled sky, which is not easy to see in the mainland. In addition to the Milky Way, shooting stars, satellites, etc., you can appreciate the Southern Cross, which cannot be seen in the northern hemisphere.

The sky is so beautiful that you should definitely take pictures of it. However, since it is necessary to adjust the white balance, brightness, and saturation to capture the starry sky, we recommend that you join a tour with a professional photographer. We recommend that you join a tour with a professional photographer to capture your memories against the beautiful starlit sky.

 

8. Night Jungle Exploration

At night, Iriomote Island offers a completely different view from that during the daytime. Also, there are many nocturnal creatures which cannot be seen in the mainland at night in Iriomote Island.

One of the specialties of the night jungle expedition is the coconut crab. The palm crabs are said to be as large as 45 cm in length, and the pinching force of their huge scissors is said to be comparable to that of a lion's bite. Their robot-like shape is very cool, so please look for them when you visit the jungle of Iriomote Island at night!

 

9. fishing

The sea around Iriomote Island is very rich in both variety and quantity of fish due to the inflow of river water into the sea, which is rich in nutrients and plankton that serve as food for baby fish. You can enjoy various kinds of fishing such as throwing fishing from the shore and boat fishing offshore. The sea of Iriomote Island is also known as an explosive fishing spot with more hits than fishing ponds.

Boat fishing tours in Iriomote Island are recommended for beginners as well, as you will be given a lecture on how to run the boat to where there are many schools of fish and how to catch fish from putting bait on the boat! The fish you catch will be cooked for you at a partner restaurant, so please join the tour!

 

10. Barasu Island Tour

In the northern part of Iriomote Island, there is an uninhabited island that does not exist on the map, which comes out of the sea or disappears into the sea depending on the difference of tidal levels. This island was formed by the accumulation of only coral fragments, and it is a miraculous island that only two islands exist in the northern hemisphere (Barasu Island in the northern hemisphere and Barasu Island in the southern hemisphere). There is no regular boat service to the island, so you will need to join a landing tour to Barras Island.

The contrast between the pure white coral and the emerald green sea that surrounds it 360 degrees is very beautiful. Because of its beauty, the island is often used for filming for television and commercials. The sea surrounding Barasu Island is also suitable for snorkeling and diving due to the spread of the Shihsi lagoon, and Barasu Island snorkeling tours are offered. Why not take a commemorative photo on this miraculous island made of coral?

 

11. Yubu Island Tour

It is the No. 1 popular sightseeing spot of Iriomote Island floating in the east of Iriomote Island. This island is a small island with a circumference of about 2 km and a population of a dozen or so people, formed by the accumulation of sand that flowed out of the rivers of Iriomote Island.

The most common way to get to Yubu Island is to cross the sea in a buffalo cart. Because the water level is low, the buffalo can walk and reach Yubu Island without getting wet. While crossing the ocean, the driver will play the shamisen (three-stringed musical instrument) and sing to you. It is a very comfortable feeling to be swaying on the buffalo cart while listening to the Okinawan sea.

Yubu Island is home to bougainvillea, palm trees, and other subtropical plants that are typical of Okinawa. There is also a butterfly garden where the pupa of Japan's largest butterfly, the giant sessile butterfly, is cultivated, and a shell museum where shells from the sea and the deep sea of Iriomote Island are exhibited.

It's a small island, but it's extremely satisfying because of its many attractive tourist attractions.

12. Hatoma Island Tour

Hatoma Island is located in the northern part of Iriomote Island and has one of the most beautiful seas in Yaeyama, which is described as "Hatoma blue. The island retains the original landscape of Okinawa with its stone walls and red-tiled buildings, and is steeped in Okinawan culture and history. Unspoiled nature remains on the island, and the surrounding sea is exceptionally clear. Because of its beauty, Hatoma Island is also called the island of lapis lazuli.

Why don't you take a walk and experience activities on Ruri no Shima, where beautiful nature still exists?

 

13. cruising

Cruising has a strong impression of being used for marriage proposals or as a luxury for the rich. In Iriomote Island, where activities abound in the beautiful sea, it is becoming a standard part of travel. Of course, it may be difficult to participate in this activity because it is more expensive than other activities, but you can easily participate in it according to your purpose because you can choose a scene in a short time such as a half-day, sunset, or night cruise. Why don't you enjoy a luxurious experience while admiring the beautiful sea and sky of Iriomote Island?

 

14. canyoning

Canyoning is an activity unique to Iriomote Island, where 90% of the island is covered with jungle and nearly 40 rivers of various sizes flow through the island. Canyoning means river rafting, and it is a new standard activity utilizing three fields: mountain, river, and stream. Why don't you cool off with thrilling and exhilarating activities such as natural water slides created by nature and jumping to the hand waterfall pot?

 

15. Shower Climbing

A river activity similar to canyoning is shower climbing. Canyoning is descending a stream, while shower climbing is climbing a stream. It is the difference between climbing and descending. The climbing part of shower climbing is associated with ascending.

Compared to canyoning, shower climbing, which requires more physical strength to climb upstream against the current, offers a greater sense of accomplishment. Especially in the summer when the sun is strong, the cool and refreshing feeling of shower climbing is addictive!

 

16. waterfall play

Iriomote Island has more waterfalls than other islands. There are various waterfalls such as Pinaisara Falls, which boasts the highest drop in Okinawa Prefecture, and Maludu Falls, which is selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Niho. The dynamic waterfalls of Iriomote Island that suddenly appear in the dense jungle are very mysterious. It is also good to observe shrimp and fish swimming in the basin of the falls. There are trekking tours to the waterfalls, so please check them out.

 

17. Caving in a limestone cave

Deep in the jungle of Iriomotejima Island, there are three linked limestone caves. There are two types of limestone caves here, one with a small entrance, one with a large entrance, and one with a long caving course.

Since there is no daylight in the caves, flashlights and headlights are essential. In addition, since caving requires bending over and twisting, knee pads, elbow pads, and helmets are necessary to ensure safety. It is not easy to prepare these items on your own. The limestone cave caving tours will rent the necessary equipment and provide a guide. This makes it possible for even first-time caving enthusiasts to participate with peace of mind.

Visitors can also go jungle trekking to get to the limestone caves in the jungle. Along the way, you can observe plants and animals that cannot be seen on the mainland, such as huge trees with board-like roots called ita-root. Why don't you have an extraordinary experience deep in the jungle of Iriomote Island?

 

18. Sagaribana Tour

Have you ever heard of the sagaribana, which grows only in swampy areas in subtropical regions? Sagaribana is a fragile flowering tree that blooms and scatters only one night in summer. In Japan, it grows wild along back mangrove rivers in subtropical areas such as Iriomote Island and Ishigaki Island. When in full bloom, white and pink petals open while releasing a sweet vanilla-like fragrance.

The buds begin to open after sunset, fully bloom at night, and drop their flowers in the morning. For this reason, you can see them on night tours and early morning tours held only during the summer season, so please join us.

 

19. Firefly Appreciation

Iriomote Island is inhabited by four species of fireflies, each of which has a different season, so fireflies can be seen throughout the year. The species and seasons of fireflies are as follows.

Fireflies that can be seen on Iriomote Island
Type: Yaeyama goggle-eyed firefly
Season: Late February to early May
Type: Yellow-throated Firefly
Season: April - November
Type: Oshima Mado Botaru
Season: December - January
Type: Iriomote firefly
Season: November to late December

Of these, the Yaeyama fireflies are highly recommended. Yaeyama fireflies are the smallest fireflies in Japan, and thousands or tens of thousands of them gather and fly in a flashing pattern. They are called "carpets of light" because of this beautiful sight. Many people are moved to tears by the beauty and become repeat visitors! Fireflies can only be seen on Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island, so you should definitely check out the firefly viewing tour when you visit!

 

20. Jungle trekking

The last Iriomote Island experience we would like to introduce is jungle trekking. The subtropical primeval forest covers 90% of the island. You can observe flora and fauna unique to Iriomote Island, which has a subtropical climate. You can also see crested serpent eagle, which is designated as a national natural treasure, semaru box turtles, and Ryukyu red-crowned kingfishers.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind, you will find yourself in the great outdoors, away from the daily grind, and discover new feelings and new discoveries. The sparse greenery in all directions is sure to relax you!

A set plan including a ferry ticket is also recommended!

Iriomote Island, where 90% of the island is covered by jungle, offers a variety of activity experiences.

From Ishigaki Island to such Iriomote IslandferryIt can only be reached by

For those who have trouble purchasing and booking a ferry, we offer a ferry ticket and activity package.set planis recommended!

than to reserve each one individually.cheapand save you the trouble of purchasing a ferry ticket.

Click here for popular Iriomote Island tours (set plan)

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

 

summary

We have introduced the experience of Iriomote Island. How was it? In addition to standard activities such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking, we introduced new sensation activities such as canyoning and SUP. There were also night tours unique to Iriomote Island. You will surely be satisfied with any of them, so please try them.

Thank you for reading to the end.

 

Click here for ferry reservations to Iriomote Island.