Summer has arrived! Iriomote Island, 7 noteworthy summer activities♪
Table of Contents
- 1 Summer Fun in Iriomote Island♪
- 2 How to get to Iriomote Island
- 3 7 summer fun in Iriomote Island
- 3.1 1. "Paddle surfing" (SUP), a bicycle on the water
- 3.2 2. Diving in one of Japan's most famous seas♪
- 3.3 3. A flower that blooms only one night in summer
- 3.4 4. cruise to the "Miracle Island" of Baras
- 3.5 5. snorkeling on pristine beaches
- 3.6 6. The best in Okinawa Prefecture! Pinaisara waterfall basin
- 3.7 7. Canyoning to feel the clear stream with your body
- 4 5 recommended sightseeing spots in Iriomote Island in summer
- 5 summary
Summer Fun in Iriomote Island♪
The hazy rainy season is over, and summer has finally arrived.This summer is exciting and thrilling, and you want to make it the most memorable one yet! But you are still wondering where to go! If you want to have fun, Iriomote Island is the right place for you!Iriomote Island, a candidate for registration as a World Natural Heritage site surrounded by sea, mountains, and mangrove rivers, is full of summery activities that can be enjoyed only during this season!
So, this time, we would like to present you a selection of summer activities that you can enjoy in Iriomote Island. With more than 100 kinds of tours and activities such as mangrove canoeing, trekking, canyoning, SUP, snorkeling, and diving, let's make the best summer memories with your friends, family, and lover while feeling the great nature in Iriomote Island.
How to get to Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island can be reached in about 40 minutes by boat from Ishigakijima Remote Islands Terminal. There are many day-trippers from Ishigaki Island, and its popularity is rapidly increasing since it became a candidate for registration as a World Natural Heritage site. *It is recommended to bring a jacket even in summer because the inside of the boat is the coldest in Japan.
For more information, click here↓.
How to get to Iriomote Island
7 summer fun in Iriomote Island
When you think of Iriomote Island, do you have an image of jungle and Iriomote wild cat?
Yes, I am correct! Yes, you are right. But actually, Iriomote Island is not only jungle and wild cat.In addition to the subtropical jungle that can only be seen here, there are many undiscovered tourist attractions such as one of the most emerald green seas in Japan, unexplored waterfalls, and an uninhabited island called "Miracle Island.Here are some of the recommended summer activities in Iriomote Island.
1. "Paddle surfing" (SUP), a bicycle on the water
Stand Up Paddle Surfing (SUP) is a popular summer activity that originated in Hawaii and is gradually gaining recognition in Japan as a popular summer activity in places such as Shonan and Kamakura. Recently, SUP is gaining popularity in Japan as a great exercise activity, as it allows you to work out just by riding on a big board like surfing. You will feel as if you are pedaling a bicycle on the sea.
The charm of sup in Iriomote Island is that you can cruise through the World Heritage Site in the jungle. It is an experience that can only be had here!Iriomotejima Tours' summer SUP tour is a cruise from the ocean into the river. Those who wish can trek for about 10 minutes to the unexplored waterfall that brings good luck and see the waterfall.Iriomote Island is the only place where you can take a cruise on the ocean and river at the same time! Cruising while feeling the cool water under your feet is perfect for summer. You can choose the view (sunrise, daytime, sunset) according to the time of day, so you can take pictures of various spectacular views while SUPing, which will be your best memory!
Click here for recommended related tours
2. Diving in one of Japan's most famous seas♪
Diving is an activity that allows you to feel the summer sea with your whole body. The Yaeyama Islands including Iriomote Island are one of the top three diving spots in the world.Ishigaki Island is famous for diving in Japan, but local people say that Iriomote Island has more coral reefs, clearer waters, and a greater variety of fish.
Iriomotejima Tours uses the most luxurious two-story diving boat in Iriomotejima, so you can enjoy the feeling of being a celebrity by itself. You will feel the best when you cruise to the destination under the bright summer sun, and after the cruise, dive into the clear ocean with your body on fire. Why don't you dive into the sea of Iriomote Island where there are many tourists from Europe? *You can also participate in a day trip from Ishigaki Island.
For more information about Iriomote Island diving and a list of plans, click here↓.
3. A flower that blooms only one night in summer
Have you ever heard of a summer-only overnight flower called sagaribana that blooms in subtropical regions?Sagaribana, a flower that blooms only one night, starts blooming at night and falls off at dawn... Sagaribana often blooms along mangrove rivers and is famous for its sweet vanilla-like fragrance.It is such a famous flower that many customers who travel to Iriomote Island in June come to see the sagaribana.
There are three major ways to view the flowers: the first is to walk and view them at night, the second is to view them while paddling a canoe along the mangrove river at night, and the third is to view them while paddling a canoe at dawn when the coral reefs have fallen into the mangrove river. Many visitors participate in both tours because they have different ways to enjoy the same coral reef. This summer-only tour is a must-see when you visit Iriomote Island on a trip.
For more information about the Sagaribana Tour and a list of plans, click here↓↓.
4. cruise to the "Miracle Island" of Baras
The most photogenic place in Iriomote Island is the miraculous island "Barasu Island"! Barasu Island is a miraculous island made of only pieces of coral reef located about 10 minutes by boat from Iriomote Island.The miraculous island is uninhabited, with a circumference of only a few dozen meters, and is said to be one of only two islands in the world made entirely of coral reefs!
Barras Island is gradually becoming popular as a photo spot through social networking sites. The reason for its popularity as a photo spot is the color of the island, which changes from deep ocean blue to cobalt blue as you approach the island. The contrast of the pure white coral reefs made entirely of coral reef fragments is spectacular. The island is also a popular tourist spot, with many visitors coming to enjoy the sunset and sunrise.
Click here for details of the "Miracle Island" Barasu Island tour.
5. snorkeling on pristine beaches
Summer is all about the sea! Iriomote Island is full of beaches from famous beaches with star sands to unexplored beaches beyond the jungle.All beaches in Iriomote have a large number of fish, and if you bring a bait like a fish sausage, you will be surprised at how big fish come right to your feet, even for small children.
It is good to swim and see colorful coral reefs, etc. at such beaches, or just sit back and soak up the sun. There are some beaches in Iriomote Island that are not known on the Internet, so if you are interested, please contact us and we will guide you to snorkel at a beach that suits your preference.
Click here for Iriomote Island snorkeling details
6. The best in Okinawa Prefecture! Pinaisara waterfall basin
If you want to soak up the summer sun, enjoy the gentle breeze of a canoe and dive into a clear waterfall basin, this is the place to go!Pinaisara Falls has the highest drop (55 meters) in Okinawa Prefecture and is the most standard course in Iriomote Island.Paddle a canoe down the mangrove river to the base of Pinaisara Falls and trek from the base. At the base of the falls, it is common to spend time relaxing at the falls, which are filled with negative ions. The power of the waterfalls seen from below the falls will exceed your imagination.
Click here for details of the one-day canoeing and trekking course to Pinaisara Falls.
7. Canyoning to feel the clear stream with your body
If you want to fully experience the clear summer streams of Iriomote Island, this is the place for you! This canyoning is limited to summer, but you can enjoy Pinaisara Falls in the morning and canyoning in the river called Omisha River in the afternoon.Floating on the water wearing a life jacket and letting the current carry you down the river is an indescribably exhilarating experience. Floating in the water and looking up at the blue sky and subtropical jungle.You will be impressed by the contrast between the primary colors blue and green!
Click here for more information about Mangrove Canoeing & Canyoning Tours ↓↓ Click here for more information about Mangrove Canoeing & Canyoning Tours
5 recommended sightseeing spots in Iriomote Island in summer
Star Sand Beach
Hoshi-suna Beach is located in the northern part of Iriomote Island, about 5 minutes by car or 15 minutes by bicycle from Uehara Port. It is a popular spot for snorkeling with many star-shaped sands on the beach and colorful corals and colorful tropical fishes in the sea. You will be amazed at the abundance of life that can be found in the shallows!
There are many large rocks scattered off the coast of Hoshisuna Beach, which serve as breakwaters, allowing even small children to enjoy swimming in the sea without worry. While the shallow water makes the water temperature high, there are many tropical fish swimming in the knee-deep water, and some of them can be seen as large as 30-40 cm or more.
Snorkeling sets and towels are available for rent at Hoshisuna Beach, so as long as you have a change of clothes, you can come and play with a shake. There is also a rest house Hoshi no Suna on the beach, which is perfect for having lunch or tea! Take a break and enjoy the activities.
Location: Aza-Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Pinaisara Falls
Pinaisara Falls, the largest waterfall in Okinawa Prefecture with a drop of 55 meters, is one of the most popular tourist spots in Iriomote Island. The unusual name "Pinaisara" comes from the Okinawan words "pinaisara," meaning "beard," and "sahra," meaning "down," and the long stretch of the Pinaisara Falls looks like a beard growing long.
Since Pinaisara Falls is a very popular tourist spot in Iriomote Island, many tours are held to visit the falls, and you can go cruising by SUP or river kayak and trekking along the river where mangroves are growing in colonies. While cruising, you can observe the changes in the species of mangroves and the creatures of the mud flats, and while trekking, you can see subtropical creatures that cannot be seen on the mainland.
You will feel the dynamic power of the huge waterfall that appears at the end of the jungle. You can feel the spray full of negative ions falling from 55 meters above you with your whole body. In the basin of the waterfall, you can also see goby, shrimp, and funeama mussel, which are typical creatures living in the clean water area. From the top of the waterfall, you can see not only Iriomote Island but also Barasu Island and Hatoma Island in the surrounding islands.
Location: Aza-Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 5 minutes by car from Uehara Port, then about 30 minutes by trekking
Parking: -
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Malludu Falls
Malyudu Falls is an atmospheric three-tiered waterfall selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan. Malyudu Falls is 20 meters wide and 16 meters high, and as the name Malyudu means "circular stagnation," there are potholes, or hollows, everywhere in the waterfall basin.
Such a waterfall of Maludu is located in the upper reaches of the Urauchi River. After taking a boat to Gunkan Iwa, the landing place, you will reach the viewing platform after a 30-minute trek. From here, you can see Malludu Falls, which can then be accessed by walking along the road for about 10 minutes.
Address: Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 1) 25 minutes by bus from Funaura Port + 20 minutes by boat + 30 minutes by foot
2) Approximately 20 minutes by car from Uehara Port to the mouth of the Urauchi River
Parking: No
Dining (vicinity)
Toilet: -
Zenbe Beach
During the summer season in Iriomote Island, the number of tourists visiting the island for marine activities and swimming increases, and popular beaches become very crowded. Some people may feel uncomfortable because of many people even though they have come all the way to a tropical beach. Zembe Beach is recommended for those who want to experience a private beach.
Zenbe Beach is located about 15 minutes by car from Uehara Port, at the end of Unarizaki Park. The entrance is covered with dense vegetation and is difficult to find, so it is rarely crowded. If you are lucky, you may even have the whole beach to yourself.
Address: Aza-Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 15 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Parking: No
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: No
Yubu Island (Hiroshima-Nagoya Island)
The last recommended spot is Yubu Island! Yubu Island is an island that was formed by the sedimentation of sand in the river of Iriomote Island washed away by the tide. Yubu Island is a small island with a circumference of about 2 km and a population of a dozen or so, but it is the No. 1 spot in Iriomote Island with many sightseeing spots. It takes about 10 minutes by boat from Iriomote Island, but it is common to cross the sea on a buffalo cart.
While the buffalo cart crosses the sea, the driver will play shamisen (three-stringed musical instrument) and sing songs, creating an Okinawan atmosphere. The buffalo cart is covered with a roof to protect you from the strong summer sun, so you can relax and enjoy the comfortable swaying of the buffalo cart.
When you arrive at Yubu Island, you will find a buffalo pond nearby, where buffaloes rest. If you are lucky, you can even see baby buffaloes as they are cared for here when they are born. Yubu Island is home not only to bougainvillea, palm trees, and adan trees that grow in the subtropical climate, but also many plants that can only be found on Yubu Island. Many of the subtropical plants are richly colored, so you will never get tired of looking at them.
Other tourist attractions include the Butterfly Garden, where the pupa of Japan's largest butterfly, the giant sessile butterfly, is cultivated, and the Manta Ray Trail, where there is a high probability of encountering manta rays.
summary
Iriomote Island also offers many other summer fun activities such as caving and Hatoma Island cruise. Please make the best memories when you come to Iriomote this summer.
All the fun in Iriomote Island is here↓.
Iriomotejima Tours
