Iriomote Island - Sonai Hometown Forest

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🔸[Iriomote Island] Still haven't made a reservation? Why do we recommend you to purchase ferry tickets in advance?

石垣島から西表島への行き方完全ガイド！大原港・上原港の違いやフェリー料金・所要時間を徹底解説Iriomote Island has two ports? Thorough explanation of the difference & access method There are two ports in Iriomote Island, a World Natural Heritage site, Ohara Port in the southeast and Uehara Port in the north. If you are going there for the first time, you may be wondering which one to use. This article describes the ferry to Iriomote Island [...].

🔸[Note that the car is full] Enjoy comfortable sightseeing in Iriomote Island!

Iriomote Island Car Rental 西表島をレンタカーで満喫！送迎無料レンタカー特集 \ 西表島専門の予約サイトだから安心！ / 西表島は公共交通機関の本数が少ないため、レンタカーがあれば秘境や観光地も効率よく訪れることができます！マングローブやビーチ […] (6 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

What is Sonai Hometown Forest?

Iriomote IslandUehara PortThis rest stop is located on Mt. Sonai, about 15 minutes by car from

You can drive to the rest area, and there is a small observation deck nearby that overlooks Shirahama Bay.

It is recommended to bring your lunch here for lunch and enjoy the great outdoors.

祖納ふるさとの森と東屋

It is also a popular spot for viewing sunsets and "Iriomote fireflies," which can be seen from evening to night in spring!

The starry sky is also outstanding, making it a perfect spot for stargazing♪

Column about the starry sky of Iriomote Island
First in Japan! The starry sky of Iriomote Island, a candidate for starry sky reserve!

Column about Yaeyama fireflies
Illumination of nature at night in Iriomote Island!

How to play in Sonai Hometown Forest

It is only a 15-minute drive from Uehara Port and has a few athletic facilities, so it is recommended for families with children and the elderly who are not comfortable walking for long periods of time.

The nature here is beautiful and the air is clean, so it is nice to have a family lunch and watch the sunset and starry sky over Shirahama Bay!
Especially recommended are the night tours.

It is also a sightseeing spot for Iriomote fireflies, which can be seen all around the area during the season.

Also, the starry sky is beautiful in Iriomote Island, and if the weather is fine, it is a superb starry sky spot to see the Milky Way.

However, there are no streetlights in this area after sunset and it is pitch black, so be sure to go with a local or join a stargazing tour at night.

Click here for stargazing tours

Ferry boarding is required to go to Iriomote Island!

Ferry boarding is required from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island.

2022年ゴールデンウィークの離島ターミナル混雑具合

Ishigakijima Remote Island Terminal is very crowded, so purchase in advance and board the boat comfortably!

Advantages of pre-purchase
No need to wait in line at the counter on the day of purchase.
No need to worry about losing your ticket.
No need to worry about missing your ride!
No need to wait in long lines!

Click here to book Iriomotejima Island ferry tickets.

Details of Sonai Hometown Forest

Location	Iriomote, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa, JapanView on Map)
Access	Approximately 15 minutes by car from Uehara Port
parking lot	ant
toilet	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
Business Hours	-