Advantages of Iriomote Island sightseeing in autumn and recommended ways to play
Table of Contents
For those who want to enjoy Iriomote Island slowly and do not like crowded places, sightseeing in autumn is the best choice. In this issue, we will introduce the reasons why we recommend Iriomote Island in autumn and activities that you should try.
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What is autumn in Iriomote Island?
It is easy to imagine summer in Iriomote Island, but it is difficult to imagine autumn. However, autumn season hides different advantages from summer and spring.
Why Iriomote Island is recommended in autumn
There are five main reasons why Iriomote Island is recommended in autumn. Let's look at them one by one as soon as possible.
No.1. You can still swim in the ocean.
Being a tropical island, you can swim even in autumn in Iriomote Island. Especially in the case of private beaches, you will feel as if you have the whole beach to yourself because there are few people. It is the perfect season for those who want to enjoy the sea slowly.
No.2. Pleasant weather
The average temperature of Iriomote Island in autumn is about 25 degrees Celsius. It is not too hot nor too cold, but comfortable. Moreover, there are few cloudy skies, and there is no need to worry about typhoons or heavy rain compared to summer. Even if you are worried about sunburn, you can stroll around Iriomote Island comfortably.
No.3. Lower prices compared to summer
The best season for Iriomote Island is summer. Hence, the prices of air tickets and rental cars tend to be high. Especially, special rates may be set for rental cars that allow you to move around freely. However, in the case of autumn, after the best season has passed, in many cases, the prices are back to normal, and you do not have to spend as much as in summer. However, when it comes to consecutive holidays, prices may be the same as in summer.
No.4. Fewer tourists
For those who want to take their time to explore Iriomote Island, it is difficult to relax when there are many people. Since there are fewer tourists in autumn, you can go sightseeing at your own pace. You can also catch a glimpse of Iriomote Island in its usual state, which you cannot see in summer when there are many people.
5. Talk with local people and tour guides
Because there are fewer tourists, you will have more opportunities to talk with local people and tour guides. You may be able to learn about the history of the island, sightseeing spots known only to local residents, and other secret information not written on the Internet. For those who want to know Iriomote Island deeply, autumn is recommended rather than summer.
Iriomote Island Famous Spots for Autumn
Iriomote Island is dotted with various sightseeing spots. Among them, we picked up four spots recommended for autumn.
Nala Falls
Nala Falls is a waterfall located deep in the Iriomote Island, and is also called "unexplored waterfall" or "phantom waterfall. The waterfall itself is one of the largest in Iriomote Island, and the sound of the large waterfall echoes through the tropical forest. The main way to get there is by canoe. Since the canoe takes you through the river with mangroves growing around it, you will feel like an adventurer while going to Nala Falls. Once you arrive, you can not only admire the view, but also dive or even get hit by the waterfalls as a kind of training.
You can also play in the water with your children, which is a great option for those looking for a family activity to participate in.
⇒Nala FallsFor more information on
Myra River (Maera River)
Myra River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Iriomote Island and is a popular spot. It is surrounded by mangroves, and the river itself has a calm atmosphere. There is a canoe paddling through the Myra River, which is perfect for couples and families who want to have fun together. Since the temperature is cooler than in summer, visitors can enjoy nature while taking in the pleasant breeze.
⇒Myra River (Maera River)For more information on
Barras Island
Barras Island is a sandy island whose size changes with the tide. It is also known as "Miracle Island. It is floating in the emerald green sea, and it takes about 10 minutes by boat from Iriomote Island.
There are a number of activities that can be enjoyed on Barras Island, including snorkeling where you can observe the coral reefs and fishing where you can catch colorful fish. Of course, it is also possible to go ashore on the island to take pictures with friends and loved ones and play on the beach. It also has an aspect as a spot with a spectacular view, where you can watch the sunset on the horizon.
⇒Barasu Island, the "Miracle IslandFor more information on
Star Sand Beach (Star Sand Beach)
Hoshi-suna Beach is located in the northern part of Iriomote Island. As the name suggests, this beach has countless star-shaped sands and is popular among tourists who want to enjoy the sea. In autumn, when it is out of the best season, there are few people and you can enjoy snorkeling and playing in the water without worrying about your surroundings. For snorkeling in particular, tours are available where you can rent equipment, so those who want to see coral reefs and colorful fish casually can join a tour.
There is also a small island floating right in front of the Star Sand Beach, which can be swum to. The underwater scenery around the beach is slightly different from that around the small island.
⇒Star Sand Beach (Star Sand Beach)For more information on
Maya Rock Waterfall
Maya Rock Falls is a waterfall that can be accessed by going up a tributary stream on the road to Yutun Falls. The field is surrounded by jungle and lush greenery, making it suitable for trekking. However, the course to Maya Rock Falls is one of the hardest trekking courses in Iriomote Island. It is highly recommended for those who are confident in their physical strength and legs and back!
Maya Rock Falls is not limited to the season, but is also a spot where only a few tourists visit, so it can be a fun and exciting place to visit with just your friends. Tours are rarely offered, so be sure to do your research well in advance.
Address:- (in Japanese)
Access:-
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
pale chub (Zacco platypus)
The Nakama River is the second largest river in Iriomote Island after the Urauchi River. The width of the river near the mouth is over 200m, and from the Nakama Bridge, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the calm river and mangrove jungle. The majestic mangroves extend over approximately 300 hectares and are known as the largest mangroves in Japan. It is also designated as a national natural monument. The mangroves of the Nakama River are mainly composed of plants such as Yaeyamahirugi, Ohirugi, and Mehirugi, and the Saxifragaceae tree, which is said to be 400 years old, grows wild.
Urauchi River is also popular as an activity spot, and it is traversed by pleasure boats and kayaks. It is a classic spot where you can experience the great nature of Iriomote Island, so be sure to check it out!
Address: Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes on foot from Nakama Port
Parking: No
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: No
Tudumari Beach
Tudumari beach is a crescent-shaped beach characterized by its powdery white sand beach in addition to its easy accessibility (about 5 minutes by car from Uehara Port). It is also called "Tsuki ga hama" (moon beach) because of the crescent shape of the beach. Near this beach is Nirakanai, one of the best resort hotels in Iriomote Island, which is crowded with tourists.
However, the sea at Tudumari beach is not suitable for activities such as snorkeling and diving, as there is little coral development. However, the sand is the finest on the island, and the sand that rises with each wave is very beautiful. It is also a popular sunset spot and stargazing spot, and the sunset over the horizon from the crescent-shaped beach and the star-filled sky will surely be a memory you will cherish for a lifetime!
Location: Aza-Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 5 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Utricularia bifida (species of bladderwort)
Mimi Kiri-no-Hama is a small beach located in the northern part of Sumiyoshi Tribe. As the name suggests, it was named after the ears of sinners that were once cut off at this location. It is a bit scary...but it is a natural beach featuring crystal clear waters with coral reefs, and is a perfect place to feel untouched nature!
To get to this beach, you have to pass through the jungle on the way, so it is a secluded beach with few tourists. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy snorkeling and swimming at a spot with a private beach atmosphere. In the evening, it is also a spectacular spot where you can watch the sun set into the horizon. The beach is pristine and has no facilities of any kind, and is so rich in nature that the sea comes here to spawn.
The ear-cutting beach is a 10-minute drive from Uehara Port and a 3-minute walk after parking, so it is very convenient, so please feel free to visit.
Location: Aza-Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: About 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Gator Falls
Geeta Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls on the island, with clear, clean water flowing down a stairway. The waterfall water flows down in stages, making droplets, and is full of negative ions, which will surely heal you. Autumn in Iriomote Island is still warm season, so the splashing water is very pleasant.
Visitors will enjoy trekking to Gaeta Falls while observing subtropical flora and fauna. The trekking course, which ends at Gaeta Falls, is not very long, and is accessible to those who are not confident in their physical strength or those with children. From the top of Gaeta Falls, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area and clearly see coral reefs at the bottom of the crystal clear ocean.
Tours to Gator Falls generally include trekking and shower trekking, and there are also some combination plans that include cave caving, so be sure to check them out!
Address: Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 15 minutes by car from Uehara
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Iriomote Island Activities Recommended for Autumn
If you want to have fun with friends and family, we recommend you to try activities. There are six activities that are perfect for Iriomote Island in autumn.
Fishing Tour
Fishing tours are popular among fishing enthusiasts and beginners alike. Fishing rods and bait can be rented, so there is no need to prepare them yourself. In addition, lectures are given by staffs, so even those who have never fished before can feel at ease. Since a large number of fish inhabit around Iriomote Island, you may be surprised at the number of fish you can catch. For experienced anglers, tours are held at spots where big fish such as bonito and tuna can be caught.
At the end, you can have the fish cooked and eaten at a restaurant or tavern. Please try to catch tropical fish in Iriomote Island in autumn.
jungle trekking
Most of Iriomote Island is a jungle covered with subtropical plants. Jungle trekking through the jungle allows you to see the island's plants and creatures up close. As the temperature is lower in autumn than in summer, you can enjoy trekking under pleasant weather. The environment is complete with things you cannot feel on the mainland, so even just walking around is exciting. In particular, limestone caves and waterfalls are spots where you can relax from your daily fatigue.
snorkeling
Iriomote Island is dotted with numerous snorkeling spots. It is especially characterized by its abundance of corals, and as many as 400 kinds of corals inhabit the island. The sea of Iriomote Island is highly transparent, but snorkeling allows you to observe fish and coral reefs even more clearly. One of the advantages of snorkeling in autumn is that there are few tourists, so you can swim leisurely without worrying about your surroundings. Try snorkeling at Barasu Island, Hoshi-suna Beach, or other sights that interest you.
SUP Experience
SUP, short for stand-up paddle surfing, is a fun activity that makes you feel as if you are walking on the ocean. You stand on a board that provides stable balance and use a paddle to paddle through the ocean or river. It can be enjoyed in summer and spring, but the heat can be too much for some people because of the strong sunlight. In the fall, the temperature is a little cooler, so you can enjoy SUP without sweating as much as in the summer.
Some tours start in the pleasant morning, while others begin in the evening as you paddle through the orange waters.
diving
Diving allows you to observe the sea even deeper than snorkeling. Iriomote Island is one of the most popular diving spots in the world, and is popular with a wide range of people from beginners to licensed experts. Diving in autumn, when there are fewer tourists, you can talk to the instructor more than in summer, and even first-timers can take time to learn how to swim.
After diving, we have a bar where you can discuss your impressions over drinks. Of course, we have Awamori, an Okinawan specialty, on the drink menu.
summary
In this issue, we introduced the charm of Iriomote Island in autumn and recommended activities. You can enjoy Iriomote Island in a comfortable mood due to the lack of tourists and pleasant temperatures. If you would like to visit the tropical island, let's plan a plan to enjoy Iriomote Island in autumn with reference to this article.
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