Enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island! Complete Guide to Mangrove, Waterfall, and Night Tour
Table of Contents
- 1 What is Iriomote Island, registered as a World Natural Heritage site? A Thorough Explanation of an Undiscovered Natural Paradise
- 2 Attraction of Nature Experience in Iriomote Island Mangrove Forest
- 3 Recommended Mangrove Tours
- 4 Attraction of trekking experience in Iriomote Island
- 5 Recommended trekking tours in Iriomote Island
- 6 Sea nature to enjoy in Iriomote Island! What is popular snorkeling?
- 7 Recommended snorkeling tours in Iriomote Island
- 8 You may be able to meet Iriomote wildcat? Attraction of Iriomote Island Night Tour
- 9 Recommended Night Tours in Iriomote Island
- 10 summary
What is Iriomote Island, registered as a World Natural Heritage site?
Thorough description of an undiscovered natural paradise
Iriomote Island is the second largest island in Japan, located in the Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, yet about 901 TP3T of the island is covered with subtropical virgin forest.
The area is rich in biodiversity, with a diverse mix of natural environments including mangrove forests, beautiful rivers, waterfalls, and the ocean, and is often referred to as the "Galapagos of the East.
The island, designated as a national park, is home to valuable wildlife, including the endangered Iriomote wildcat,A true paradise for travelers seeking nature experiences.It is!
This article provides a thorough guide to mangrove experiences, trekking, snorkeling, night tours, and other activities to enjoy the nature of Iriomote Island to the fullest.
Those who want to enjoy the beautiful nature of Iriomote Island.
Those who want to know about tours to enjoy the nature of Iriomote Island.
Click here for Iriomote Island Tour Popularity Ranking
Attraction of Nature Experience in Iriomote Island Mangrove Forest
Iriomote Island is a treasure house of nature with the largest mangrove forest in Japan.
Especially around the Nakama and Urauchi Rivers, mangroves such as Yaeyama Hirugi and Ohirugi are densely populated, fostering an ecosystem that cannot be seen anywhere else. Because these mangrove forests are located at the boundary between the river and the sea, the unique brackish water environment provides a habitat for many plants and animals, and is often referred to as a "natural cradle!
It is precisely this "sense of connection with nature" that makes the park popular with a wide range of visitors, from families to adult nature lovers.
Mangrove Held!
Click here for recommended tour ranking
Explore by canoe tour!
Experience the mangroves of Iriomote Island!
Iriomote Island is famous for its mangrove forests, one of the largest in Japan.
The mangroves in the estuaries of the Nakama and Urauchi Rivers are thick with hollyhocks, which are rare in Japan, and look like aExperience like moving through the jungle'It's good to be here'
Canoe tours allow visitors to learn about the mangrove ecosystem, the island's culture, flora, and fauna as they slowly navigate the calm river with a guide.
It is easy for even beginners to participate, and the attraction is that you can enjoy an extraordinary time as if you were blending into nature☆.
Click here for our recommended canoe tour rankings.
Enjoy the Urauchi River!
Jungle cruise and nature observation
Urauchi River is the longest river in Iriomote Island, and a "jungle cruise" by boat upstream is a standard nature experience!
Along the river are giant tropical trees such as the saxifrage tree and a variety of wild birds and insects.
After the jungle cruise, there are many trekking courses to the waterfalls, which are popular because they allow visitors to experience the changing natural environment from mangroves to forests to waterfalls all at once.
Held at ⬇︎ Urauchi River! Click here for recommended tours
Recommended Mangrove Tours
Popular mangrove experience tours in Iriomote Island include "Nakama River Canoe Tour" and "Urauchi River Boat Cruise & Trekking.
These tours are easy to choose, ranging in duration from two hours to half a day,Beginners are also welcome as they are accompanied by a guide.Â
We recommend early morning or evening tours, which, depending on the time of day, offer a fantastic view and are highly photogenic!
We recommend that those whose goal is to observe nature participate during this period, especially from spring to fall, when plant growth is more active and there are more opportunities to observe animals.
Unexplored mangrove cruise by canoe
If you want to fully enjoy the World Natural Heritage "Iriomote Island," this is the place to go☆ Let's go on an adventure in the mangrove forests where you can feel the last unexplored region in Japan!
Iriomote Island is a World Natural Heritage site. Canoeing is the easiest way to experience the overwhelming nature of Iriomote Island.
Canoeing has become very popular among people of all ages, even beginners can enjoy it easily and safely.
⬇︎ Mangrove SUP tours are also recommended!
Sightseeing and activities are combined in a package deal!
Yubu Island" Sightseeing & Mangrove SUP or Canoeing
Let's enjoy both activities and sightseeing! Yubu Island" Sightseeing & Mangrove SUP or Canoe Tour is a great deal!
This is a greedy plan that allows you to explore mangrove forests by SUP or canoe in the great nature of Iriomote Island where more than 90% is surrounded by subtropical plants, and to enjoy sightseeing in "Yubu Island" that you would like to visit at least once.
Attraction of trekking experience in Iriomote Island
In Iriomote IslandTrekking experience through untouched jungle is very popularIt is.
Even beginners can safely participate in guided tours and enjoy not only safety but also explanations about the flora, fauna, and culture of Iriomote Island♪
The major attraction of trekking in Iriomote Island is that you can experience a fusion of sightseeing, adventure, and nature education☆.
Click here for a ranking of recommended trekking tours.
What is the spectacular view from the top of the waterfall and the healing experience in the waterfall basin?
Trekking on Iriomote Island is more than just walking! At the popular "Pinaisara Falls," the top of the waterfall offers a spectacular view of the island jungle and the distant ocean, and you can enjoy playing in the water and taking a rest at the waterfall basin.
The road is muddy, rocky, and full of adventure!
Along the way, Yaeyama flying foxes and Ryukyu red-crowned kingfishers,You can meet creatures unique to Iriomote Island.There are also times when
Guided tours are safe and secure!
Because the trekking routes in Iriomote Island are close to being natural,For beginners, participation in guided tours is recommended!
Accompanied by a guide who knows the local area well, the quality of the experience is greatly enhanced by having a guide who can help you choose a route, avoid danger, and explain the flora and fauna.
Also, since it is easily affected by climate and tides, avoid unreasonable solo activities and enjoy yourself with safety as the first priority.
Recommended trekking tours in Iriomote Island
Recommended trekking tours in Iriomote Island include "Pinaisara Falls Trekking & Canoe Experience" and "Geta Falls Trekking. Half-day to full-day courses are available, and can be enjoyed by beginners as well as those who are confident in their physical strength.
In both cases, the guides will carefully explain the natural highlights of the island, allowing you to learn more about the nature of Iriomote Island.
To the unexplored "Mizu Ochino Waterfall" in Iriomote Island
Great Nature Mangrove Canoeing & Waterfall Fun
Let's proceed toward "Mizu Ochino Waterfall," the unexplored region of Iriomote Island!
In addition to canoeing in the vast mangroves of Iriomote Island, a World Natural Heritage site, you can enjoy playing with waterfalls.
Half-day easy yet authentic nature experienceYou can do it!
To Pinaisara Falls!
Mangrove Canoeing & Trekking Course
Children can also participate☆ Visit the spectacular Pinaisara Falls!
This is an easy half-day tour to the basin of "Pinaisara Falls," the largest waterfall in Okinawa Prefecture with a drop of 54 meters.
The number of people who can go to Iriomote Island per day is limited by the unique rules of the World Natural Heritage "Iriomote Island", so please make reservations as early as possible. Day trip from Ishigaki Island is also welcome☆.
Sea nature to enjoy in Iriomote Island!
What is popular snorkeling?
The waters of Iriomote Island are crystal clear and surrounded by diverse coral reefs and tropical fish, a true snorkeling paradise!
Especially in the waters from the western to the northern part of the island, a rich ecosystem is protected,A great spot to meet colorful fish and sea turtles.are scattered throughout the area.
Click here for recommended snorkeling tour ranking.
Recommended snorkeling areas
The ocean of Iriomote Island has many clear areas surrounded by coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling. Recommended spots are as follows!
An uninhabited white coral island in the sea. The water is crystal clear and colorful tropical fish can be seen.
◆Hatoma Island and vicinity
Accessible by ferry ◎ You can enjoy snorkeling and exploring the island at the same time.
Recommended snorkeling tours in Iriomote Island
Snorkeling tours in Iriomote Island range from beginner to advanced,Many plans include equipment rental and transportation.The company has been
The "Barasu Island Half-Day Snorkeling Tour" and the "Hatoma Island & Barasu Island Round Trip Tour" are especially popular, and even inexperienced divers can easily participate.
You may see sea turtles☆.
Snorkeling tour to "Barasu Island," a miraculous island
Hot topic now on SNS!Barasu Island, the No. 1 popular spot in Iriomote Island and a miraculous island.Enjoy snorkeling tours!
Landing on "Barasu Island," a miraculous island formed entirely of coral fragments
You have a high probability of swimming with sea turtles and swimming with colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.
Mangrove SUP/Canoe &
"Miracle Island" Barasu Island Snorkeling Tour
Enjoy the two major spots with two activities!Popular 1-day plan that also includes a day trip to Ishigaki IslandThe company is now in the process of
Let's enjoy exploring mangrove forests by SUP or canoe in Iriomote Island where more than 90% is surrounded by jungle!
You may be able to meet Iriomote wildcat?
Attraction of Iriomote Island Night Tour
After the sun sets, Iriomote Island looks completely different from the daytime.
The "night tour" to observe animals and plants that become active at night is popular among many tourists as a special experience unique to Iriomote Island!
During the night tour, you will observe nocturnal creatures. And the endangered Iriomote wildcat! If you are lucky, you may be able to catch a glimpse of it.
Click here for a ranking of recommended night tours.
What is a night safari experience walking through the jungle at night?
Another attraction of Iriomote Island is "nature at night". In the night tour held after sunset, you can encounter nature with a completely different face from that of the daytime!
Walk along forest trails and through the forest with a guide to observe nocturnal creatures such as fireflies, coconut crabs, and kestrels.
The tour with flashlight in hand is a thrilling experience,Excitement never stops for children and adults alike.
Ecology of the Iriomote wildcat and the possibility of encountering it
The Iriomote wildcat is an endangered feline species that lives only on Iriomote Island.
They are very wary and are rarely seen during the day, but participants' expectations are raised when they happen upon them during night tours!
Although the chance of encountering these rare animals is not high, you can deepen your understanding of them by touching their footprints, droppings, and other traces, and by learning more about their ecology from the guides.
Recommended Night Tours in Iriomote Island
There is also an educational component, as local guides lead the tour and are knowledgeable about the flora and fauna.
Safety management is also thoroughly implemented,You can enjoy yourself in the dark... ♪
Enjoy Iriomote Island at night☆.
Starry sky & subtropical jungle night tour
Experience a world-renowned natural planetarium☆.
The most popular night activity in Iriomote Island is "Tropical Jungle Night Tour". You will surely be excited and thrilled by the totally different atmosphere from that during the daytime!
Why don't you go on an adventure with a guide who knows Iriomote Island well to look for creatures unique to the subtropical zone and the star-filled sky?
summary
Iriomote Island is a precious place with unspoiled nature unparalleled in Japan. Canoeing through mangrove forests, trekking to waterfalls, snorkeling to enjoy the vivid colors of the sea, and night tours through the forests at night - all will be special experiences for travelers who love nature.
Please take advantage of the tours and spots introduced in this article to fully enjoy the charm of Iriomote Island. By experiencing the beauty and power of nature, your trip will surely be an unforgettable one.
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