Very popular! One day trip from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island!

 

One-day trip from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island!

Iriomote Island, located about 40 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island, is the second largest island after the main island in Okinawa Prefecture, and is full of sub-tropical flora and fauna. Different from Ishigaki Island, it is the southernmost sightseeing spot in Japan with a unique culture as if it were overseas, but if you want to have fun in Iriomote Island, an outdoor tour is recommended.

Iriomote Island is surrounded by colorful coral reef groups, and the entire island is made of natural jungle. It is a place that can be easily enjoyed as a day trip if you are in Ishigaki Island.
There are many day-trip tours to Iriomote Island, from the standard nature sightseeing tours to tours that are held only here.

It is good to stay in Ishigaki Island for a long period of time, but why don't you enjoy sightseeing in Iriomote Island surrounded by great nature? This time, we will pick up recommended Ishigaki Island day tours that you should definitely enjoy when you visit Iriomote Island.

How to get to Iriomote Island?

To get to Iriomote Island, you will take a high-speed boat from Ishigaki Island remote islands. There are two ports in Iriomote Island, so if you join the one-day tour, you will come to Uehara Port in Iriomote Island. If you make a reservation for the tour in advance, the guide will come to pick you up when you arrive at Uehara Port.

As for the time, head for Uehara Port from Ishigakijima Remote Island Terminal at 8:30 a.m. and depart from Uehara Port at 4:40 p.m./5:30 p.m. We have selected set plans by physical strength and by places of interest for you to enjoy Iriomote Island on a day trip, so please find the right plan for you.

 

Click here to buy ferry tickets to remote islands.

Only Tours can make ferry reservations! Since you pay in advance, you can easily board the ferry by simply showing your smartphone on the day of the cruise. You don't have to worry about getting caught in the queue at the ticket booth on the day of boarding.

Click here to book ferry tickets to Iriomote Island!
Iriomote Island Ferry Tickets

 

Plans by Physical Fitness

Since there are many day-trip tourists from Ishigaki Island, we have prepared a set plan so that you can enjoy the two sights to satisfy everyone from those who want to play with gusto to those who are not too tired.

For those who want to play hard in a single day trip

If you come to Iriomote Island, why don't you enjoy snorkeling, diving, and various activities?

The entire Iriomote Island is designated as a national park because of its precious nature. The surrounding sea is inhabited by more than 400 species of corals and rich marine life, and the vast coral reef area between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island, the largest in Japan, is designated as a national park as Ishinishi lagoon.

Why don't you spend a whole day in Iriomote Island to play and enjoy yourself?

Click here to make a reservation.

Iriomote Island Complete Conquest Course (No78)

This is a luxurious plan that allows you to enjoy five activities in one day, including SUP or canoeing to a waterfall, jungle exploration, limestone cave exploration, and landing on Barasu Island, a miraculous island.

First, you can choose whether to paddle a SUP or a canoe on the popular mangrove river and cruise among the trees. You can choose between SUP or canoeing, and if there are two of you, you can take turns on the way to and from the tour, so you can fully enjoy the different subtropical environment that is not possible in everyday life.

After enjoying the mangroves to the fullest, let's go to Koola Falls, which is said to bring good luck. Take a refreshing dip in the cool Koola waterfall basin, swim in the waterfall basin, or take a mangrove cruise while being battered by the waterfall to soothe your burning body, and then enjoy exploring three limestone caves deep in the jungle of Iriomote Island.

Explore the jungle and experience caving when you reach the cave.

The shape of the limestone caves varies widely, so please enjoy the experience of limestone caves that you may not often encounter.

The last spot you have been waiting for is the most popular spot of the day, the miraculous Barasu Island, which is made of only coral pieces and only appears when the tide is low.

Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour

The remote islands of Yaeyama.Efficient SightseeingFor those who want to do so, a tour around the islands is recommended.

This tour allows you to fully enjoy the charms of Yaeyama's remote islands such as Iriomote Island, where 90% of the island is covered by jungle, Taketomi Island, where traditional townscapes remain, and Yubu Island, which is reached by a buffalo crossing the sea from Iriomote Island.

Unlike marine activities,Basically, it never gets wet.Therefore, it is also recommended for those who do not like the sea.

Click here to make a reservation.

Check out more Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour Plans!

 

Iriomote Island 2 major regular courses (No92)

SUP/Canoe & Barasu Snorkel on the Miracle Island, let's SUP & canoe in Iriomote Island where more than 90% is filled with virgin forest! The cruise, which is also famous as a candidate for registration as a World Natural Heritage site, is a moment to experience an extraordinary experience.

After lunch, we dived into the sea at Barasu Island, a miraculous island made of only pieces of coral, which we have been waiting for, and even looking at the lower part of Barasu Island, you can see that it is made of only pieces of coral.

Barras Island, which keeps changing its shape according to the tides, is a must-see island at least once in your lifetime. You can also see clownfish and other tropical fish, as well as endangered sea turtles with a high probability of encountering them.

Why don't you join such a standard tour of Iriomote Island?

Click here to make a reservation.

Mangrove SUP/Canoeing & Canyoning

Here is a course where you can enjoy a mangrove cruise and canyoning down a clear stream in a single day. The sensation of cruising down a narrow mangrove river surrounded by subtropical jungle is indescribably exhilarating. You can enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island.

After the SUP cruise, go trekking. The flora and fauna along the way will make you feel like you are on an adventure in a subtropical jungle. Since there are few differences in elevation, the trekking is similar to hiking, so even small children and the elderly can enjoy themselves without getting tired.

It would be nice to take pictures on the modama tree, one of the largest trees in Iriomote Island. You can also play in the waterfall basin, so let's heal your body tired from SUP and other activities near the waterfall.

Next, we changed the location and went canyoning in the Omija River. Although summer in Iriomote Island is much sunnier than in Honshu, it is very pleasant to dive into the cool water.

Why not enjoy activities unique to Iriomote Island?

Click here to make a reservation.

Those who want to enjoy both sightseeing and activities in one day trip

There are nature and activities unique to Iriomote Island. There are many day-trip activities in Iriomote Island, so why don't you enjoy a variety of activities in a luxurious way?

Mangrove Canoeing & Yubu Island Sightseeing

This is a set plan of popular mangrove canoeing and buffalo cart sightseeing that can be joined as a day trip from Ishigaki Island.

Canoeing on the Koola River, a popular spot in Iriomote Island, is very popular among women as the mangrove river leading to the Koola Falls has many photo spots. The mangrove of Koola River is the best spot to feel the jungle because of its narrow width. The attraction is that it is very easy to come and go, about 30 minutes one way, and Koola Canoe is famous as an area where you can feel the four seasons in Iriomote Island.

After canoeing on the Kula River, a short 15-minute trek awaits you, trekking through areas where water flows from the mangroves. After arriving at Kula Falls, you can play in the waterfall basin or take a relaxing break. Paddling a canoe and taking a cool dip in the water after trekking is very refreshing. Near Koola Falls, there is a giant vine tree, Modama, growing thickly, which can be enjoyed just by observing and taking pictures.

In the afternoon, a sightseeing tour of Yubu Island awaits you.

Enjoy the blissful island time with a buffalo cart at Yubu Island, the most popular sightseeing spot in Iriomote Island. The whole island is a botanical garden, and it is so large that you can go around the island in about 30 minutes.

There are restaurants and museums on the island, and it is the best area to relax after a hard morning's work, so let yourself be carried along in a buffalo cart walking on the sea and enjoy Iriomote to the fullest.

Click here to make a reservation.

Snorkeling & Yubu Island Sightseeing

There is a one-day plan that includes snorkeling at Hoshi-suna Beach, the No. 1 popular beach in Iriomote Island, and buffalo cart sightseeing in Yubu Island. This is a popular activity for families, which is not so common in Iriomote Island, and can be enjoyed from 3 years old and up. Hoshisuna Beach is a shallow beach and there is a small uninhabited island to block wind and waves, so even small children can enjoy snorkeling without anxiety.

You can also see more than dozens of tropical fish even in knee-deep water, and you can even see the bear fleas made famous in that Finding Nemo movie. Star Sand Beach is so named because of the small star-shaped sand here and there. If you get a little tired from snorkeling, you can enjoy looking for star sand and beautiful seashells on the beach.

After lunch, there will be Yubu Island buffalo cart sightseeing, crossing the sea between Iriomote Island and Yubu Island.

Depending on the time of day, the island is a tidal flat, but you can enjoy a relaxing time while listening to the sanshin (Okinawan guitar) and Ryukyuan songs played while riding on a buffalo cart. Yubu Island is about 2 km in circumference and can be circled on foot in about 30 minutes. The entire island is a subtropical botanical garden, so take your time to see the bougainvillea, hibiscus, and Japan's largest butterfly, the giant sesame butterfly.

Click here to make a reservation.

For those who want to play easily in half a day

SUP (No.2)

Iriomote Island is a resort area where most of the island is covered with subtropical jungle, but you can enjoy cruising through the unexplored region of Iriomote by SUP. The experience of paddling SUP between narrow rivers in the jungle covered with nature can be experienced only in Iriomote Island. Why don't you try paddling at your own pace in the marine blue sea and magnificent nature?

During the free time on the way, you can enjoy posing for pictures on the board or improve your SUP skills.

This plan is to cruise by SUP to the deepest unexplored areas as if seen in a movie. This plan will not only allow you to feel the overwhelming power of Iriomote Island, but will also introduce you to points that cannot be reached by boat or swimming and can only be accessed by SUP.

During the cruise, local nature guides will give you a detailed lecture even if you are a SUP beginner. Also, why not try the unexplored SUP tour, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be played by children and adults alike?

Click here to make a reservation.

Canoe (No.6)

The course recommended for those who want to play hard on a day trip in Iriomote Island is the Pinaisara Falls course. Pinaisara" means "beard" and "sahra" means "downfall," and the name was given because the water falling from Pinaisara Falls is said to look like a white beard. The Pinaisara Falls, with the highest drop of 55 meters in Okinawa Prefecture, is a surprisingly powerful waterfall where you can feel the negative ions from the water.

This course takes you by canoe to the Pinaisara waterfall basin. The subsequent trekking is highly recommended as you can see a variety of subtropical jungle flora and fauna, including itane.

At noon, take a break and have lunch at the Pinaisara waterfall basin. It is recommended to take a break near the waterfall, where you can soak your body in the cool clear water of the waterfall basin and take a rest near the waterfall full of negative ions.

In the afternoon, go trekking to the top of Pinaisara Falls. Because Iriomote Island is surrounded by mountains and has a unique subtropical jungle terrain, you will be able to see flora and fauna that are rarely seen. Stepping into the jungle of Iriomote Island will be a unique experience.

Click here to make a reservation.

SUP/canoe & limestone cave exploration (No.77)

For those who want to enjoy Iriomote Island to the fullest, SUP/Canoe & Limestone Cave Caving is recommended! This tour plan includes four activities: SUP or canoeing, water play in a waterfall pot, jungle trekking, and caving in limestone caves. If you join this tour with two or more people and switch between SUP and canoeing on the way to and from the tour, you can enjoy 5 activities.

You will be very excited to explore the subtropical jungle and limestone caves. After cruising and trekking through the jungle, we will cool our burning bodies at the Lucky Falls. After refreshing yourself in the clear water, you will head to the limestone caves deep in the jungle of Iriomote Island, where you will be satisfied with the three series of limestone caves, each with a different topography!

Click here to make a reservation.

For those who want to spend half a day but still have a lot of fun

 

Click here to buy ferry tickets to remote islands.

Only Tours can make ferry reservations! Since you pay in advance, you can easily board the ferry by simply showing your smartphone on the day of the cruise. You don't have to worry about getting caught in the queue at the ticket booth on the day of boarding.

Click here to book ferry tickets to Iriomote Island!
Iriomote Island Ferry Tickets

 

snorkeling

Around Iriomote Island, an island formed by uplifted coral, there is Ishinishi lagoon, the largest coral reef area in Japan. The Ishinishi lagoon is home to more than 400 species of corals and vivid tropical fishes swimming comfortably.

There are also spots on the island's beaches where you can view tropical fish even at knee-deep water, so feel free to try snorkeling.

One of the best places for beach snorkeling is Star Sand Beach. This beach is so named because of the abundance of star-shaped sand on the beach, and the ocean facing it is home to more than 100 species of tropical fish and coral colonies.

It is also a pristine natural beach where sea turtles come ashore. We highly recommend Hoshisuna Beach for beach snorkeling!

Boat snorkeling provides access to snorkeling spots such as Barasu Island, called the Island of Miracles, Hatoma Island, and Ida Beach. Boat snorkeling is also a great way to see creatures that cannot be seen when snorkeling at the beach, so be sure to try boat snorkeling as well as beach snorkeling.

You can enjoy snorkeling not only during the day, but also with a view of the sunset. As the sun begins to set, the beach becomes less crowded, and the quiet sounds of small and medium-sized waves reverberate. Snorkeling while watching the romantic scene of the cobalt blue ocean turn into madder red is an exquisite experience.

canyoning

Canyoning is another popular activity that represents Iriomote Island! Canyoning is a stream descent, and it is an activity that combines mountain play and water play originated in the West. Descending through canyons and streams while bathing in cool, clear water is very pleasant and dynamic.

During the canyoning, you can also jump on natural water slides, slides, and waterfalls made by the power of nature, which is very exhilarating! During the canyoning, both banks of the river are covered with virgin mangrove forests, and the mangroves of the Nakama River, the largest river in Japan, are especially dense and very impressive.

In addition to mangroves, subtropical plants such as saxifrage, nipa palm, and mangroves grow wild, and many creatures not seen on the mainland can be observed.

You may wonder if it is dangerous to jump into natural water slides or waterfalls, but guides who are familiar with the rivers and ravines of Iriomote Island will select safe spots for you to experience them, and you will be equipped with safety gear so that you can participate in the tour with peace of mind.

diving

Iriomote Island is a great diving spot with one of the best coral reef areas in Japan. As mentioned above, Iriomote Island is home to Japan's largest coral reef area, Ishinishi lagoon, which is a great place for observing and exploring with over 400 species of corals and marine life.

In addition, you can enjoy diving throughout the year due to the year-round warm climate. Therefore, many people, both domestic and foreign, visit Iriomote Island for diving.

The sea of Iriomote Island is warm because of the inflow of the warm current of the Kuroshio Current. It is common that the water temperature is around 23 degrees Celsius even if the temperature is close to 16 degrees Celsius. You will be surprised to feel the warmth when you enter the sea.

The sea of Iriomote Island is world class in terms of the size, variety, and quality of corals, and is known as one of the best diving spots in the world.

Most of the beaches in Iriomote Island are shallow, so you can see coral reefs by snorkeling, but diving allows you to dive at depths inaccessible by snorkeling and for long periods of time. As the depth of the water changes, so do the creatures that inhabit it, so diving allows us to observe a wide variety of creatures.

In Iriomote Island, there are other dive sites such as Barasu Island, Funauki, Amitori, Kanokawa Bay, and Nakanomikami Island in addition to Ishinishi Jogoko introduced earlier. You can enjoy the changes of topography, living creatures, and corals at each spot, so it is fun to dive at different places.

In addition, some diving plans in Iriomote Island include the acquisition of a license. If you have a license, you can access to the depths where non-licensed divers cannot go. Why don't you get into diving at this time?

Ishigaki Island tends to be associated with diving spots in Japan, but Iriomote Island also offers a diving experience that cannot be found on Ishigaki Island, so please try diving in Iriomote Island.

 

Super easy sightseeing tour

Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour

The remote islands of Yaeyama.Efficient SightseeingFor those who want to do so, a tour around the islands is recommended.

This tour allows you to fully enjoy the charms of Yaeyama's remote islands such as Iriomote Island, where 90% of the island is covered by jungle, Taketomi Island, where traditional townscapes remain, and Yubu Island, which is reached by a buffalo crossing the sea from Iriomote Island.

Unlike marine activities,Basically, it never gets wet.Therefore, it is also recommended for those who do not like the sea.

Click here to make a reservation.

Check out more Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour Plans!

 

Pleasure Boat Tour (No.47)

For those with small children, the elderly, or those who are not physically fit but still want to participate in activities, we recommend the sightseeing boat tour! Children as young as 3 years old can participate in this tour, and since the boat cruises around the tourist spots, older people and those who are not physically fit can also enjoy the tour.

Cruise the Urauchi River, the largest river in Okinawa Prefecture, on a sightseeing boat. Visitors can also enjoy seeing the changes in the native flora of the jungle river as it transforms from seawater to brackish and then to fresh water.

After enjoying a 30-minute cruise through the jungle on a sightseeing boat, visitors will trek to see Malludu Falls, one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan. The trekking course is well-maintained and safe. Experience the powerful water of Malludu Falls!

 

A set plan including a ferry ticket is also recommended!

To Iriomote Island, from Ishigaki IslandferryHowever, many people feel that purchasing a ferry ticket is a hassle.

For those who don't want to bother with ferry reservations, we offer a "ferry ticket" and "activity" package.set planis recommended!

Rather than booking each ferry and activity separatelyeconomicaland save you the trouble of purchasing a ferry ticket.

Let's enjoy Iriomote Island easily!

Click here for popular Iriomote Island tours (set plan)

Check out more details about Iriomote Island tours from Ishigaki Island!

 

Day Trip Plan by Spot

Barasu Island, the "Miracle Island

Barasu Island, an uninhabited island that does not exist on any map, is located in the blue sea that can be seen from Uehara Port to the north. The island is visible only at low tide, and disappears into the sea as the tide rises, changing its shape. The island is about 10 meters in diameter, made entirely of coral fragments.

This is the only island in the northern hemisphere that is made entirely of coral, and the only two in the southern hemisphere.

There are no regular boat services to this island, so you will need to land on a tour boat. The contrast between the pure white pieces of coral and the surrounding blue ocean is very beautiful and very photogenic. Because of its beauty, the island is used not only for filming TV programs and commercials, but also for wedding movies.

The surrounding area is also home to colorful coral and tropical fish, and many snorkeling and diving tours are offered. The shape of the island changes with the tide, so there are always different ways to enjoy the island. If the timing of the tide is right, sunrise and sunset can be seen on Barasu Island, so you may want to check it out.

Click here to make a reservation.

Pinaisara Falls (No.12)

Pinaisara Falls, a representative sightseeing spot of Iriomote Island, known as the Galapagos of the East, is a huge waterfall with the largest drop of 55 meters in Okinawa Prefecture. To access this waterfall, you need to take a jungle cruise upstream on the Hinai River, which flows into Funaura Bay located in the western part of Iriomote Island.

The canoes used for jungle cruising tours are highly stable and can accommodate two people, so children can enjoy the tour with ease. Each paddle is very fast, so even if you are not so confident in your physical strength, you will be able to move along easily.

After cruising, we will trek to Pinaisara Falls. We will observe subtropical plants such as large trees and unusual shapes that cannot be seen on the mainland. The Pinaisara Falls, which appear at the end of the trek through the dense jungle, are very dynamic and breathtaking.

Visitors can also swim and observe living creatures in the waterfall basin. From the top of Pinaisara Falls, visitors can see Hatoma Island and Barasu Island, which are remote islands in the surrounding area.

Also, you can see the whole Iriomote Island, so you can check the path you have taken. The view from the top of the waterfall is one of the best in Iriomote Island, so we would like you to see it.

 

beach of star sand

Hoshi-suna-no-hama" is the most popular beach in Iriomote Island. More than 100 species of tropical fishes live here, and many colorful corals are growing in colonies. You can enjoy snorkeling safely even in the shallow water below your knees because many fish are swimming there.

Also, you will see a lot of star sand on the beach because the famous "star sand" from Kaiji Beach on Taketomi Island has washed ashore. Hoshi-suna is a star-shaped sand, and it is said to bring you good luck if you pick it up, so you can collect it at the end of the tour to make a memory!

Hoshi-suna beach is often used as a field for activities such as snorkeling, but since it is located in the western part of Iriomote Island, it is also a spot for star gazing as well as a beautiful sunset view. After watching the sunset on the horizon, it is good to finish the day by admiring the stars spreading all over the sky.

It is a highly transparent and shallow beach, and is a popular beach in Iriomote Island. The famous "star sand" from Kaiji beach in Taketomi Island is washed ashore, and you can enjoy collecting star sand.

Hoshisuna Beach is located on the west side of Iriomote Island, where you can see the whole scene until the sun hides its face in the horizon as far as the eye can see. The contrast between the rocks offshore and the evening view is exceptional. It is a good plan to play beachcombing while the sun is high in the sky and return home after watching the sunset.

Family Fun Day Plan

Mangrove cruising & snorkeling (No.84)

There is a set plan of mangrove cruising and snorkeling as a tour where you can enjoy both ocean and river, which is the highlight of Iriomote Island. The tour starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m., so you can join even for a day trip from Ishigaki Island!

First, we will experience snorkeling at the Hoshi-suna beach introduced above. The beach is safe and shallow, so it is very popular among families with small children. You will be surprised to see many fish swimming around even in shallow water. The fish on this beach are so accustomed to people that you can see them even in shallow water.

Near the main beach is the Rest House Hoshinosuna, where you can take a break or have lunch.

In the afternoon, we will move to a different location for mangrove cruising by SUP or kayak. It is an exhilarating experience to move swiftly along the river where magnificent mangroves spread out. The green surroundings also provide a relaxing forest bathing experience. Even if it is your first time, you will be given a lecture at the beginning of the tour on snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP, so you can participate without any worries.

At the end of the tour, you will play in the water at the power spot Coola Falls, which is called the waterfall of good luck! Let's heal your body from the heat of the fire with the clear and clear water.

 

Click here to buy ferry tickets to remote islands.

Only Tours can make ferry reservations! Since you pay in advance, you can easily board the ferry by simply showing your smartphone on the day of the cruise. You don't have to worry about getting caught in the queue at the ticket booth on the day of boarding.

Click here to book ferry tickets to Iriomote Island!
Iriomote Island Ferry Tickets

 

summary

This time, we have carefully selected tours that can be done as a day trip, departing from Ishigakijima Remote Island Terminal at 8:30 a.m. for Uehara Port. It would be a bit lonely if you can only do one tour even though you came all the way from Ishigaki Island for a day trip. Iriomote Island has a lot of attractions such as jungle covered with nature and the clearest ocean in Japan, so why don't you take a long vacation and enjoy both islands while staying in Ishigaki Island!

There are many sights to see in Iriomote Island, so please do as much sightseeing as you can. Our sister company Ishigakijima Tours also has other tours you can do in Ishigakijima, so please take a look at them as well.

Popular Iriomote Island Tour (with Ishigaki - Iriomote ferry ticket) is here↓.