Enjoy your trip to Iriomote Island! Introducing recommended activities and tours!

Three reasons why we recommend traveling to Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island is an isolated island surrounded by the sea. In such Iriomote Island, you can enjoy the climate and culture that are completely different from those of the mainland Japan, and you can do many activities that you cannot do in ordinary times, even though you are in Japan. Therefore, you can enjoy a trip where you can have many experiences. Therefore, I would like to introduce the reasons why I recommend Iriomote Island in particular.

 

Click here for ferry reservations to Iriomote Island.

 

1. beautiful ocean

The beauty of the sea around Iriomote Island is outstandingly beautiful and clear emerald green. Such sea is inhabited by many coral reefs and tropical fishes, and you can also fully enjoy them. In particular, corals in Sakijima and Funauki, which have not been touched by human hands, are especially rich in colors, and you can enjoy them by snorkeling and diving if you visit there.

 

2. Beautiful starry sky

The entire area of Iriomote Island is said to be one of the best spots for stargazing in Japan, having been certified as the first starry sky protected area in Japan in April 2018. It is also said to be the second most beautiful starry sky in Asia since it was the second in Asia to be certified as a starry sky protected area, and many people from home and abroad visit Iriomote Island to see the night sky.

 

3.You can see creatures that can only be seen here in the world.

Since 90% of the island is surrounded by tropical jungle, the island is almost untouched by humans, and many nature tours are offered. The island is home to the famous Iriomote wildcat, fireflies such as the Iriomote firefly and the Yaeyama firefly, and animals such as crested serpent eagles and coconut crabs. You can also encounter animals such as crested serpent eagles and coconut crabs, as well as plants such as sagaribana and dense mangroves. Many people visit Iriomote Island to encounter rare animals and plants that are only found here.

From these three points, I would like to recommend Iriomote Island as a travel destination.

 

A little "otherworldly" experience.

Iriomote Island has a scene that makes you wonder if it is really Japan. This can be inferred from the tropical rainforest jungle and mangrove forests that cover the island, which you may have an image of.

The sea of Iriomote Island is just like a dragon's palace with coral reefs and tropical fishes swimming freely in the sea. Nearby is the largest coral reef group in Japan, called Ishinishi Jagoko, and there are many attractive spots, both near and offshore, that cannot be found on the mainland, such as a diving spot right next to the reef.

The climate of Iriomote Island is different from that of the mainland, and although it is hot, it is not so hot and humid as in the mainland, and you can experience the unique climate of Iriomote Island in the subtropical zone.

 

Experience one of Japan's greatest natural wonders.

Iriomote Island is an island of great nature where 90% of the island is surrounded by forest. You can feel the subtropical virgin forests on your skin, which are almost untouched by human hands.

Various mangroves, such as the mangrove trees that cover both sides of the river in thick profusion, as well as crabs and shrimp that can be seen at the foot of the mangroves, are also found here. You may also encounter fish such as mangrove jacks, which are said to live only by the mangroves. In addition to mangroves, you can also see modama trees and rare trees with flattened roots called ita-root when you walk in the primeval forest of Iriomote Island.

Also, you can see animals that you have never seen before on nature tours such as night tours. The coconut crabs and flying foxes are especially large and surprising. In the sea around the island, colorful corals and tropical fishes as well as rare creatures such as sea turtles and manta rays appear near Iriomote Island if the season is good. You can feel such great nature in Iriomote Island.

 

Can try new things (activities)

In Iriomote Island, you can experience many activities in the ocean, mountains, rivers, forests, and many other fields. You can try SUP, a new marine sport originated in Hawaii, which is now a hot topic, by standing on a board and paddling on the surface of the water, or canoeing, which is a standard but rarely experienced activity. Canoeing is a popular but rarely experienced activity in Hawaii.

You can experience trekking around the mountains, canyon rings and shower climbing, which are natural athletic activities using the slope, current, and depth of the river, such as river rafting, waterfall diving, and water slides. Why don't you enjoy activities you have never experienced before in Iriomote Island?

The only starry sky in Japan selected as a starry sky protected area

Iriomote Island is the only island in Japan that has been selected as a starry sky reserve. This is the second in Asia, and it is a very rare environment. In addition, all of the twelve constellations on the ecliptic can be seen, which is rare in Japan, and depending on the season, the Nanto Cross, which is said to be impossible to see in Japan, can also be seen. In Iriomote Island at night, shooting stars and the Milky Way in summer can be seen clearly, so you can feel the fantastic night of Iriomote Island.

 

Meet the islanders

If you travel to Iriomote Island, you will have a lot of contact with the islanders. In many cases, especially on tours, islanders will be your guides. In the human contact on your trip, you will come into contact with people who have different values, and you may change your values. Maybe you will meet someone who will change your life. Such human contact is one of the best parts of traveling, so why not get involved with the people of the island when you visit Iriomote Island?

 

The option of traveling to Iriomote Island

When it comes to travel, Kyoto, the main island of Okinawa, and Hokkaido are famous, but if you want to experience the great outdoors, Iriomote Island should also be on your list. In the sea of Iriomote Island, you can enjoy snorkeling and diving where you can see beautiful corals, tropical fishes, and sea turtles, in the mountains, you can enjoy camping and trekking across the island and visiting waterfalls, and in the rivers, you can enjoy various activities such as SUP and canoeing. If you like to enjoy being physically active, Iriomote Island is an island full of attractions that you should definitely consider as an option.

 

With friends

Trekking is what you want to experience when you visit Iriomote Island with your friends.Iriomote Island has a dense mangrove jungle that forms a unique ecosystem. Trekking is an activity to fully enjoy such nature. Trekking often takes you to places where there are many waterfalls and streams, so you can also enjoy river activities such as shower climbing and canyon rings together. The experience of sweating it out together with friends in a clear stream will surely nurture further friendships.

 

Family and

Iriomote Island is a family favorite to experience is canoeing in the mangrove jungle. Canoeing is a very stable vehicle and an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to the elderly. It not only lets you enjoy the nature of Iriomote Island, but also brings the family closer together.

There is another facility called Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center in Iriomote Island. This Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center is a facility of the Ministry of the Environment and exhibits stuffed specimens of Iriomote Island's symbolic Iriomote wildcat and other rare animals living in Iriomote Island. It is a perfect place for families with children to visit on their trips because they can learn about the nature of Iriomote Island and deepen their understanding and interest in the wildlife of the island and conservation of the natural environment.

It would be a great way to incorporate both activities and learning into a fulfilling family vacation.

 

Couple.

Marine activities are what couples want to experience. I especially recommend snorkeling. Near Iriomote Island, there is an island with a diameter of only a few dozen meters called Barasu Island, which is formed by the accumulation of white coral reef fragments. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in Iriomote Island. Since Barasu Island is formed by accumulated coral reefs, there are many coral reef groups around the island.

In addition to colorful coral reefs, there are large numbers of tropical fish that live in harmony with the coral reefs and can swim with them, perhaps because they are acclimated to people. Sea turtles can often be seen here. It is also famous for its beautiful sunsets. It is a spot where you can walk on the sea when the tide is high, and the beautiful sunset is in the background, making it a must-see spot on Instagram. Please visit Iriomote Island as a couple and experience snorkeling.

 

How to get to Iriomote Island

High-speed boats and ferries arrive and depart regularly to visit Iriomote Island. There are two big ports in Iriomote Island, which are Uehara Port and Ohara Port. There are about 7 flights a day from Ishigaki Island, so you can visit the island even for a day trip.

 

Click here for ferry reservations to Iriomote Island.

 

What can I do in Iriomote Island?

There are a wide variety of things to do in Iriomote Island. You can enjoy snorkeling and diving for marine activities, trekking and SUP for jungle activities, shower climbing and canyon ring depending on the place. There are also many limestone caves, so you can go caving in limestone caves.

 

Iriomote Island is an activity tour island!

Iriomote Island has many playgrounds. The rivers have mangroves growing on them, and the current is also gentle, so you can enjoy canoeing and SUP. Many places of upstream waterfalls are also gentle. Since the island itself is not a place of sudden ups and downs, even waterfalls are playgrounds.

At the waterfall, you can play mainly with activities such as shower climbing and canyon rings. Even if you don't go into the waterfall basin, you can refresh yourself by soaking up the negative ions nearby.

The ocean probably goes without saying. Many activities including diving and snorkeling can be enjoyed. Iriomote Island has a lot of drifting debris, such as pieces of coral and star sand, so you can also enjoy beachcombing.

Mountains also exist, ranging from gentle peaks that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

However, there are many wilderness areas that have not been touched by human hands, and it is impossible to say that there will not be injuries or other catastrophes if a first-time visitor unknowingly steps into the area.

In such cases, you may want to take an activity tour. Local guides are always there to support you, so you can enjoy activities with peace of mind, and even beginners can experience activities for the first time.

Drive on a single road!

Iriomote Island has a single road running from Minamikazumida beach in Ohara district to Shirahama Port, which goes around the outer circumference of the island. There are many road parks scattered in between. Since it is a single road, even drivers with no driving license can enjoy the drive. Many of the road parks have parking lots, and there are observation decks and promenades from which visitors can enjoy walking and playing on the nearby beaches.

Iriomote Island also has many sunset spots, and it is nice to view the beautiful scenery of Iriomote Island in the evening.

 

summary

How was it? Iriomote Island is only one boat ride away from Ishigaki Island, so you may have found that it is very convenient and a great place to do activities. Please visit Iriomote Island full of nature and enjoy many activities.

Thank you for reading to the end.

 

Click here for ferry reservations to Iriomote Island.