How to get to Iriomote Island? Can I enjoy a day trip? Our local staff will give you a thorough and easy-to-understand explanation of how to access the island by ferry!
Table of Contents
- 1 The shortest way to get there from Ishigaki Island! One-day trip to Iriomote Island Complete Guide to Iriomote Island
- 2 Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on how to get to Iriomote Island and day-trip sightseeing
- 3 Japan's last unexplored region What is "Iriomote Island" of great nature?
- 4 Where is Iriomote Island? How to get there from Ishigaki Island!
- 5 Two ports in Iriomote Island Where are "Uehara Port" and "Ohara Port"? What is the difference?
- 6 Points to know before going to Iriomote Island! Points to know before using ferry
- 7 How to move around the island in Iriomote Island
- 8 Iriomote Island can be visited on a day trip!
- 9 Experience the great nature of Iriomote Island! 4 recommended activities
- 10 Experience the World Heritage Iriomote Island☆. 5 popular spots in Iriomote Island
- 11 Recommended for day trip sightseeing! Iriomote Island Tour with Ferry Ticket
- 12 summary
Check out ⬇︎ for more information!
The shortest way to get there from Ishigaki Island! Enjoy yourself on a one-day trip☆.
Complete Guide to Iriomote Island Access
It is the second largest in Okinawa Prefecture after the main island of Okinawa,90% of the island is jungleIriomote Island, one of the Yaeyama Islands, with features covered withThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
In this issue.How to get to Iriomote IslandAn overview of theHere are some of the places you can enjoy even a day trip from Ishigaki Island. You can also enjoy a day trip from Ishigaki Island, so please check it out!
◆If you are considering a trip to Ishigaki Island or Iriomote Island
◆For those who want to know about the situation of airplanes (direct flights) and ferries to Iriomote Island.
Click here for Iriomote Island Tour Popularity Ranking
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on how to get to Iriomote Island and day-trip sightseeing
It takes about 40 to 50 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island.
The time required depends on the destination port (Uehara Port or Ohara Port) and sea conditions,
For day trips, be sure to confirm round-trip times in advance.
Because the rooms may be fully booked during peak season,
Advance reservations from the Ishigaki Island ferry reservation pageis recommended.
Iriomote Island isOkinawa prefecture (including Okinawa island)It belongs to the
Although it is far from the main island of Okinawa, it is administratively classified as part of Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture,
Ishigaki Island is the most common base for access.
The population of Iriomote Island is approximatelyAround 2,300 peopleIt is.
The island is dotted with several villages,
The island is a place where people can enjoy the peace and tranquility of living together with Mother Nature.
Iriomote Island is "the island oftextile type imported from Iriomote Island (sometimes specifically from Ishinomaki, Kyoto)It reads as.
Also, there are no convenience stores on the island.
There are stores and concession stands, but they are limited in number,
Drinks and snacks can be prepared in advance on Ishigaki Island.
Japan's last unexplored region
What is "Iriomote Island" of great nature?
Iriomote Island coexists with rivers of mangroves, pristine jungles, and crystal clear waters, and the scenery with few man-made structures invites you to an extraordinary experience.
It is not a flashy tourist destination, but because of this, it has continued to be chosen by "those who want to experience real nature.
Even for short stays.You can feel nature on a large scale.The point is the biggest attraction of Iriomote Island.
What are the Yaeyama Islands?
The Yaeyama Islands is the collective name for the southernmost islands of Okinawa Prefecture, including Ishigaki, Iriomote, Taketomi, Kohama, Hateruma, and Yonaguni Islands,12 inhabited islands of various sizes and many uninhabited islandsIt consists of
Iriomote Island is easily accessible by ferry from Ishigaki Island, making it an essential destination for Yaeyama tourism, and it is highly popular as an island that is easy to visit on a day trip.
An island of natural heritage recognized by the world
Iriomote Island isRegistered as UNESCO World Natural Heritage in 2021The island was recognized worldwide as one of the most biodiverse islands in Japan.
On the islandIriomote wildcat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis)The area is home to many rare plants and animals, including
For this reason, the emphasis in tourism is on observing the rules of nature conservation, but even a small amount of time spent in the area can be a valuable experience that brings you into contact with "real nature.
↓Click here to read the article about the World Natural Heritage in Iriomote Island.
Where is Iriomote Island?
Learn how to get there from Ishigaki Island!
Iriomote Island is about 400 km southwest of Okinawa Island, as shown in the map above.Approximately 18 km west of Ishigaki Islandposition.
It is also known as the "Galapagos of the East" because of its unique ecosystem, including the Iriomote wildcat. You can only see them here.Endangered species and natural monumentsare numerous and have been registered as a World Natural Heritage site.
Below you will find a detailed description of Iriomote Island's features and various experiences.
There are no flights (direct flights) to Iriomote Island!
Access by ferry from Ishigaki Island
The Yaeyama Islands is the collective name for a group of islands located in the southwesternmost part of Okinawa Prefecture, with Ishigaki Island at its center, dotted with islands of rich individuality. Among themOnly Ishigaki Island (New Ishigaki Airport) has an airport.It is.
Therefore, if you are going to Iriomote Island, Taketomi Island, Kohama Island, Hateruma Island, Yonaguni Island, and other remote islands, you mustAlways via Ishigaki IslandThe following is a summary of the results of the project.
Click here to book ferry tickets on the web.
How to get to Ishigaki Island
Since Iriomote Island cannot be reached directly by air, you must first head to Shin-Ishigaki Airport.
There are direct flights to Ishigaki Island from Tokyo (Haneda/Narita), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya (Centrair), Fukuoka, and Okinawa (Naha). (* Information as of 2025)
If you take advantage of LCCs and sales.There are airline tickets under 10,000 yen one-way.So, it is now possible to easily travel to Ishigaki Island from Tokyo or Osaka by direct flights.
How to get to Ishigaki Port Terminal
Upon arrival at Shin-Ishigaki Airport, drive to Ishigaki Port Terminal, the port of Ishigaki Island.
From Shin-Ishigaki Airport to Ishigaki Port Terminal, you can take a bus, a rental car, or a cab.
The trip takes about 25 minutes by car or 35-45 minutes by local bus.
Buses are,Higashi Unyu Co. and Currie Tourismis available.
Fee: 540 yen (as of March 2025)
Duration: 35 to 45 minutes
Official site:Higashi Unyu
◆Curry TourismDirect flights from the airport to the port
Fee: 500 yen (as of March 2025)
Time required: 30 minutes
Official site:Curry Tourism
If you are planning a trip based on Ishigaki IslandCar rental is recommended.It is. Paid parking is available at the remote island terminal.
Click here to see why we recommend renting a car on Ishigaki Island.
There is a bus stop on the left outside the main lobby and a cab standby area near the front of the building. The cab fare is about 3,000 yen.
Talking with friendly island cab drivers about various topics is one of the pleasures of traveling.
About Ishigaki Port Location
Learn more
From Ishigakijima Island Terminal
To Iriomote Island by ferry
From Ishigakijima Island Remote Islands Ferry Terminal, there are two routes to Iriomote Island, one to Uehara Port and the other to Ohara Port.The time required is approximately 40 to 50 minutes.It is.
Fees will range from 2,000 yen to 3,000 yen one way.
Ishigakijima Remote Island Terminal is called "the gateway to Yaeyama" and operates ferries not only to Iriomote Island but also to Taketomi Island and Kohama Island.
Therefore, the ferry counter is very crowded during the GW and summer vacation seasons. To avoid missing the flight you want to takeIt is recommended to book ferry tickets in advance.It is.
Two ports in Iriomote Island
Where is "Uehara Port" and "Ohara Port"? What is the difference?
Uehara Port is located in the north and Ohara Port in the southeast, about 50 minutes away by car.
The Uehara Passage isOften cancelled due to northerly windsHowever, depending on the ship, a bus may be available from Ohara Port to Uehara Port.
| Uehara Port | Ohara Port | |
|---|---|---|
| the time required | From Ishigaki Island Approx. 45-50 min. |
From Ishigaki Island Approx. 40-45 min. |
| one-way fare | Approx. 2,500 yen and up Around 3,000 yen |
Approx. 2,000 yen and up Around 2,500 yen |
| feature | Northwest side of Iriomote Island Easy to be affected by winds and cancellations |
Southeast side of Iriomote Island Close to tourist attractions, mainly in the southern part of the island. |
| tourist attraction | Urauchi River Star Sand Beach Hinai River |
Nakama River Yubu Island |
The gateway to great nature activities!
Basic Information on Uehara Port, Iriomote Island
The Uehara Port area is close to Pinaisara Falls and Sangala Falls,Often a meeting place for activitiesIt is.
Access: 45 minutes by boat from Ishigaki Port
Parking: Available
Toilet: Yes
↓arrow (mark or symbol)Around Uehara PortClick here for recommended activities in
Stable access and peace of mind! Convenient for sightseeing in Yubu Island
Basic Information on Ohara Port (Nakama Port), Iriomote Island
Ohara Port offers convenient access to Nakama River mangrove tours and Yubu Island sightseeing.
Access: 40 minutes by boat from Ishigaki Port
Parking: Available
Toilet: Yes
↓arrow (mark or symbol)Ohara Port AreaClick here for recommended activities in
↓Click here to read the article.
Notes on how to get to Iriomote Island!
Points to know before using the ferry
To get to Iriomote Island, you will have to take an airplane and a ferry, but the charm of Iriomote Island is that you can enjoy the transportation itself as a part of your trip.
By understanding the flow of the event in advance, anxiety and loss of time on the day of the event can be greatly reduced.
Approximate number of ferry services and travel time
It takes about 40 to 50 minutes from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island by ferry. The number of flights is relatively large, and several services are operated mainly in the morning.
However, the number of buses and hours of operation vary from port to port,Select flights according to your destination and the tours you plan to participate in.is important.
Be aware of flight cancellations and delays due to weather
Ferries to Iriomotejima are easily affected by wind and waves. Especially in winter or on days when the weather is unstable, it is not unusual for the ferry to be canceled or its destination to be changed.
The day before and the day ofAlways check flight statusThe key to a safe and enjoyable trip is to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for alternate routes and time.
↓Click here to read an article about the weather in Iriomote Island.
Scheduling for day trips is important.
When enjoying Iriomote Island by day trip, the biggest point is "time management". If you miss the last ferry, you will have to stay overnight on the island,Acting on the basis of return flightsThe ironclad rule is to
Advance preparation is the key to a successful day trip to Iriomotejima.
Includes ferry ticket
Click here for Iriomote Island Tour List
How to move around the island in Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island is the second largest island in Okinawa,50 minutes by car between Uehara Port and Ohara PortIt will take
Buses are infrequent, so renting a car or a motorcycle is recommended for transportation around the island. Cabs are also available, although not many.
⬇︎ for more information on car rentals in Iriomote Island.
If you join a tour with pick-up and drop-off, you can enjoy the area without renting a car.
After enjoying canoeing and canyoning at the waterfalls around Uehara Port, you can use the transportation to go sightseeing on Yubu Island, which is not far from Ohara Port, and then return to Ishigaki Island.We recommend making good use of tour transfers.It is.
↓arrow (mark or symbol)with a shuttle serviceClick here for recommended tours
Iriomote Island can be visited on a day trip!
Iriomote Island is surprisingly close, only 40 to 50 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island, which is another attraction.
You don't have to give up just because you have to stay overnight in Ishigaki Island. You can have a full day of fun even if it is a day trip!
furthermoreTour with round-trip ferry ticket from Ishigaki IslandThen, you don't have to worry about transportation, and all participants can enjoy a fun and affordable experience.
See more popular tour ranking of Iriomote Island
Experience the great nature of Iriomote Island!
Four recommended activities
Iriomote Island, with its pristine nature, is a resort where you can enjoy activities in every field, such as ocean, mountains, and rivers.
Here is a selection of popular activities.Combine several activities and enjoy multiple fields in one dayis also recommended.
↓Click here for popular set tours
(1) Mangrove Canoeing
Mangrove canoeing is a very popular activity in Iriomote Island!Largest mangrove community in JapanThe canoe ride is a leisurely cruise through the
Iriomote Island has many rivers and waterfalls, so the field is rich in variety, including Pinaisara Falls, which has the highest drop in Okinawa Prefecture at 55 meters, and Sangara Falls, where you can play behind the falls.
Mangrove canoeing can be enjoyed on calm water compared to marine activities, which are easily affected by wind,For those with small childrenand elderly people.You can participate in the program.
↓Click here for recommended half-day canoe tours.
↓Click here for recommended tours including canoeing
Learn more about ↓Canoeing
(2) Mangrove SUP
Mangroves offer SUP cruising as well as canoeing.
SUP tends to give an image of a marine activity, but in Iriomote Island, you can enjoy cruising on rivers lush with greenery. Please enjoy the difference of scenery from the sea.
↓Here are some recommended half-day SUP tours
↓Click here for recommended tours including SUP
Learn more about ↓SUP
Canyoning
Canyoning (shower climbing) is a unique activity that is not easily experienced on Ishigaki Island!
In the jungle of Iriomote Island, enjoy sliding down natural slides created by nature and diving into waterfall pools.
natural athletic facilityEnjoy the nature of Iriomote Island by You will surely be excited by the exhilarating feeling!
↓Click here for recommended tours including canyoning
Learn more about ↓Canyoning
Snorkeling
Because Iriomote Island is an island of coral raised from the sea bottom, you can see coral colonies, tropical fish and sea turtles that make it their home in the surrounding area.
Easily enjoy the vivid world of the seaThen snorkeling is recommended! Even small children can participate in this activity with the help of a guide.
↓Click here for recommended half-day snorkeling tours.
↓Click here for recommended tours including snorkeling
Learn more about ↓Snorkeling
Experience the World Heritage Iriomote Island
5 Popular Spots in Iriomote Island
When you visit Iriomote Island, you may want to visit some of the popular spots.
Some spots are restricted by eco-tourism from the viewpoint of nature conservation, so you need to visit them safely and securely.Participation in tours is recommended.It is.
Check out the popular tour ranking of Iriomote Island
(1) Pinaisara Falls
As mentioned briefly above, Pinaisara Falls is the largest waterfall in Okinawa, with a drop of 55 meters.
Paddle a canoe through the mangroves for about 30 minutes each way, followed by a 20-minute trek to the waterfall.not seen on the mainlandWhile observing the unusual flora and fauna of the subtropicsWe will proceed.
Last to appear.I was impressed by the power of Pinaisara Falls!
If you are confident in your physical strength, it is recommended to go to the top of the waterfall. From the top of the waterfall, you can see the whole Iriomote Island.
↓ Held at Pinaisara Falls! Click here for recommended tours
Access: 15 minutes by car from Uehara Port
(2) Waterfalls
The waterfalls are,Only accessible by boat from Shirahama Port.Located in Funauki areaUnexplored SpotsIt is.
Accessible by canoe or boat, visitors can view the mangroves as they make their way to the waterfall.
At the waterfall basin, visitors can enjoy the spray from the waterfalls,You can experience the dynamic nature of Iriomote Island.
The experience of canoeing to the falls is sure to provide a special sense of adventure!
Click here for tours held at ↓Mizutoshi Falls
Access: about 1.5 hours from Shirahama Port (by canoe)
(iii) Sangala Falls
Sangala Falls is a wide waterfall, approximately 30 meters wide.Can enter the back of the waterfall.is a feature of this product.
It can be visited by canoe and trekking, and together with waterfall play, three activities can be enjoyed in a short time!
Canoes are also available for two people,Safe even for those with small children or those who are not confident in their physical strength.It is.
↓Click here for tours to Sangala Falls
Access: 7 minutes by car from Uehara Port
(4) Yubu Island
Yubu Island is,The entire island is a subtropical botanical gardenIt is a popular tourist spot that has become a
One of the most popular features of the island is that you can go there by buffalo cart. There are also cafes and souvenir shops on the island.
There is a bus service from Ohara Port to the buffalo boarding area, but it is not frequent and inconvenient,Recommend using the pick-up and drop-off service for tours that include sightseeing on Yubu Island.It is.
In the Butterfly Garden, pupa of the "Oogomadara," the largest butterfly in Japan and a lady of the tropics, are cultivated. When you visit Yubu Island, be sure to take a commemorative photo.
Access: 10 minutes by bus from Ohara Port
↓Click here for recommended tours that include sightseeing on Yubu Island.
See more recommended tours including Yubu Island Sightseeing
5) "Miracle Island" Barasu Island
Barasu Island" is a small island floating in the north from Uehara Port. It can be accessed from Iriomote Island in about 10 minutes by boat.Uninhabited island not on the mapThe Barras Island is a unique island that appears and disappears depending on the difference in tides. Barras Island is unique in that it appears and disappears depending on the tide level.
It is also an island formed entirely of coral fragments, and there are only two such islands in the northern hemisphere (Barras Island in the northern hemisphere and Barras Island in the southern hemisphere), making it truly a miracle island!
Because the largest coral reef in Japan, "Shihsi lagoon," is located in the surrounding area.Colorful corals, colorful tropical fish and sea turtlesYou can also meet with
The contrast between the cobalt blue sea and the white sand is very beautiful.
Access: 10 minutes by boat from Uehara Port
↓Click here for tours held on Barasu Island.
Recommended for day-trippers!
Iriomote Island Tour with Ferry Ticket
Popular among day-trippers is a set plan that combines a "ferry ticket" and "activity" together.
No need to purchase a separate ferry ticket, plus ferry and activityCheaper than booking eachYou can enjoy Iriomote Island!
Since a ferry ticket is required to go to Iriomote Island, we recommend you to get a great deal with a set price☆.
↓Click here for recommended tours with ferry tickets.
Learn more about ↓Set Tours
summary
We have provided an overview of how to get to Iriomote Island, with its pristine nature, its features, and how to enjoy it.
If you have any questions about how to board the ferry or how crowded it is, please feel free to contact us.
↓Click here to read the article.
