11 recommended driving courses and spots in Iriomote Island!

Let's tour the World Heritage "Iriomote Island" by car!
Introducing Iriomote Island spots carefully selected by our staff.

Iriomote Island is the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture after Okinawa Island, and it takes about half a day to go around the island.Approximately 70 minutes by carIt will take a lot of time to get around. There are many sightseeing spots scattered throughout the city, so if you go to the trouble of visiting them, you will want to do so in an efficient manner.

In this issue, we will introduce 11 recommended spots to stop by on a drive in Iriomote Island!

Click here to book ferry tickets to Iriomote Island.

Includes Iriomotejima⇆Ishigakijima ferry ticket
Click here for recommended plans

 

Rental cars are recommended for sightseeing!
Traffic Conditions in Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island is 90% of the island is covered with jungle, and there is a local bus service, but no train service. Therefore, if you want to tour the island freelyRental car required.It is.

There are no complicated roads in Iriomote Island, and even the longest road is a single road about halfway across the island (about one hour from one end to the other), but wild animals sometimes jump out suddenly at night.Be sure to observe the speed limit (40 km/h, 30 km/h in the village).

Iriomote Island recommended car rental plan is here↓.

See more Iriomote Island Car Rental Plans

 

There are two ports on Iriomote Island!

From Ishigaki Island to Iriomote IslandBound for Uehara Port and Ohara PortThere are two routes, which take about 50 minutes and 40 minutes respectively from Ishigaki Island.

If you are coming from Uehara PortUrauchi Riveris close by, and if you are from Ohara PortAround Nakama Riverspots andYubu Island (Hiroshima-Nagoya Island)You can go to

Both ports have their own rental car stores, so it is best to choose a route according to your sightseeing plans.

Learn more about the rental car situation in Iriomote Island

 

From classic to hole-in-the-wall spots!
11 recommended Iriomote Island driving courses

This article introduces both standard courses and slightly maniacal ones, so if you are considering a trip to Iriomote Island, please refer to this article.

 

1. Urauchi River

◆ 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port

The first recommendation is the Urauchi River. The Urauchi River isFreshwater river with the largest variety of fish in JapanIt is said to be the river with the largest number of fish in Iriomote Island.

The tour held here is one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan.Maridou Fallsand is said to be the seat of God.Kanpire WaterfallYou can see such things as

Urauchi River is held! Click here for recommended tours

 

2. Minamikaze Mida (Haimida) beach

◆5 minutes drive from Ohara Port

About a 5-minute drive south from Ohara Port, you will see the beach of Minamikaze Mida (Haimida).Shallow beachTherefore, even small children can enjoy swimming in the sea, making it a popular spot.

 

3. Yubujima Island

◆20 minutes from Ohara Port (to traveler's station)

Yubu Island, adjacent to Iriomote Island, is a botanical garden where the entire island is planted with subtropical trees and flowers, and there are also restaurants and stores, making it a recommended spot to relax and enjoy.

You buy your ticket at the "Traveler's Station."Ride on a buffalo cartYou can cross the street......not by rental car, but by canoe or SUP.Activity setWe also recommend the use of tours that have become

↓Click here for recommended plans related to Yubu Island.

 

4. Star Sand Beach

◆Approx. 10 minutes from Uehara Port

Hoshisuna beach is located about 10 minutes by rental car from Uehara Port,One of the five most beautiful in the world.It is said.

Hoshisuna Beach is safe and has restrooms and restaurants nearby, so families with children can relax and play.

Held at Star Sand Beach! Click here for recommended tours

 

5. Omisha River (Omisha River)

◆Approx. 10 minutes from Uehara Port

The Omija River (Omija River) isThe clearest stream in Iriomote IslandAnd the water is clean enough to drink as it is.

Many potholes, or holes, are formed when pebbles in the hollows of the river are blocked by water currents over a long period of time, carving the rocks into rounded shapes.

River shrimps and crabs live in those potholes, and when you take them out and eat them fried, they are excellent! Please look for them.

Click here for Omija River related recommendations

 

6. Unarizaki Park

■10 minutes from Uehara Port

It is a park with a great view in the northern part of Iriomote Island. There is a precipitous cliff, which is rare in Iriomote Island,Great spot for sunsetThe night sky is also full of stars because of the lack of light! Also, since there is little light at night, a star-filled sky can be seen if the sky is clear!

 

7. Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center

■About 15 minutes from Ohara Port, about 40 minutes from Uehara Port

Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center isIriomote wildcat conservation activitiesThe facility was built as a base for

It is located on the popular driving course, Prefectural Road 215, north of Gora Bridge, and at the end of the two-turn road, turn left.

In addition to the Iriomote wildcat exhibit, bones and other materials of Iriomote Island creatures are on display.

You can learn about the Iriomote wildcat and other natural features of Iriomote Island, so please stop by.

Learn more about the Iriomote wildcat

 

8. Taketomi Town Meridian Fureai Kan

■About 3 minutes from Uehara Port

In Sonai village in Iriomote IslandMeridian at 123 degrees 45 minutes 6.789 seconds north latitudewas discovered in 1997 that the passage of

To commemorate this event, the Taketomi Town Meridian Fureai Kan and the Meridian Monument were erected.

A green laser beam is emitted from the monument here every 30 minutes at 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, and 22:00 toward the meridian line in the night sky. It is very beautiful and makes for a great souvenir photo.

 

9. Todumari beach (Tsukigahama beach)

■Five minutes from Uehara Port

Todumari beach is located on the west coast of northern Iriomote Island, and a parking lot is available for easy access.

The beach at Todumari is also called "moon beach" because the beach is shaped like a crescent moon. Because the beach is on the west coast, the sunset as it fades into the horizon is truly a must-see!

Coral and tropical fish are less abundant than on other beaches, but the fine sand is characteristic of the area.beautifulThe contrast between the sandy beach and the ocean is just beautiful.It is.

 

10. Sonai Hometown Forest

■About 15 minutes from Uehara Port

Sonai Hometown Forest is a rest spot located on Mt.

Sunset over Shirahama BaySo, it is recommended to spend a relaxing time at the pavilion until sunset.

From February to May, they fly through the dark forest in a fluffy flight.Glowing Iriomate fireflies can be seenThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

 

11. Saxifraga japonica community in Komi

■About 10 minutes from Ohara Port

Iriomote Island, where 901 TP3T of the island is covered by jungle, has a variety of plants unique to the subtropical zone.

The saxifrage is an unusual plant with flat, protruding plate roots that have been designated a natural treasure.

In this neighborhoodA promenade is in place.The Saxifragaceae tree is located on the south side of the park, so you can walk around and admire the Saxifragaceae tree.

 

summary

This article introduced recommended driving courses and spots in Iriomote Island.

Iriomote Island is full of attractions! Please try to visit as many spots as possible in your precious travel time efficiently!

Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.