10 beautiful night views and starry sky spots in Iriomote Island, the first starry sky reserve in Japan!

Let's see the night view in Iriomote Island!
10 beautiful night view & starry sky spots in Iriomote Island

When you hear the word "night view," what kind of scene comes to mind?

Many people imagine beautifully illuminated cityscapes and Japan's three most beautiful nightscapes.

However, the night view of Iriomote Island is distinct from such artificial illumination. Here, the night sky is a scene of the night sky shining with full of stars.

Iriomote Island in April 2018.Recognized as the first starry sky reserve in Japanand is one of the best stargazing spots in Japan. The entire island is covered with jungle and the air is clean, making it possible to enjoy an even clearer night sky.

Such Iriomote Island is dotted with numerous observatories and hills where you can enjoy night views. This article introduces 10 night view spots in Iriomote Island.

Click here for ferry reservations to Iriomote Island.

10 Night View Spots in Iriomote Island

(1) Hoshisuna Beach (Star Sand Beach)

Hoshisuna Beach is located at the northernmost tip of Iriomote Island, and is so named because there are many star-shaped sands on the beach.

It is also on the west side of Iriomote Island, so you can see the whole scene until the sun hides its face in the horizon as far as the eye can see, and enjoy star gazing as it is. Since it is far from the city, you can see stars spreading all over the sky at night.

Located about 5 minutes by car or 15 minutes by bicycle from Uehara Port, it is easily accessible for a visit after dinner. There is also a rest house Hoshinosuna nearby, which is perfect for stargazing after dinner!

Basic information about Hoshisuna Beach (Hoshisuna Beach)

Iriomote Island - Hoshi-suna Beach (Star Sand Beach)   About Hoshi-suna Beach Hoshi-suna Beach is located in the northern part of the island, about 5 minutes by car or 15 minutes by bicycle from Uehara Port in Iriomote Island. It is named "Hoshi-suna beach" (star sand beach) because there are many star-shaped sands. It is the most famous in the World Heritage Iriomote Island, [...].

Name: Hoshisuna Beach (Star Sand Beach)
Location: Aza-Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes

(2) Sonai Forest

Sonai Hometown Forest is located about 15 minutes by car from Uehara Port, and is spread out around Mt. It is known as one of the best sunset spots on the island, and visitors can enjoy the sunset over Shirahama Bay while relaxing at the rest area and observation deck.

At sunset, the contrast between the color of the sea, which gradually turns azure, and the glimmering sea, is very beautiful. Enjoy the night sky as it is.

The Sonai Forest is particularly enjoyable for stargazing because it is in the middle of a forest and there are no light sources around.

Sonai Hometown Forest is also famous as a spot for viewing fireflies, and in early spring you can enjoy the fantastic sight of Iriomote fireflies glowing through the forest. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may also be able to enjoy the sight of fireflies.

Basic Information on Sonai Hometown Forest

Iriomote Island - Sonai Hometown Forest   Sonai Hometown Forest is a rest area on Mt. Sonai, located about 15 minutes by car from Uehara Port in Iriomote Island. You can drive to the rest area, and there is a small observatory nearby where you can look down on Shirahama Bay. You can bring your lunch here at noon and enjoy a large [...].

Name: Sonai Hometown Forest
Location: Iriomote, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 15 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None

Unarizaki Park

Unarizaki Park is a grassy green park located in the western part of the island, about a 10-minute drive from Uehara Port.

The park is very spacious, with a playground and an observation deck overlooking the ocean, making it one of the most popular spots for families and couples!

Just outside of Unarizaki Park is Zembe Beach, perfect for sunset and stargazing.

The location away from the village makes it possible to see the stars clearly at night, away from light sources.

Unarizaki Park is also famous as a sunset spot, so you may visit there early and enjoy the sunset before stargazing. In Iriomote Island, where Akane is replaced by a deep blue and then jet-black, why not lose track of time and gaze at the stars, bathed in the light from the stars shining in the dark night? It will surely be the best refreshment.

Basic Information on Unarizaki Park

Iriomote Island-Unalizaki Park   About Unarizaki Park (Unarizaki Park) Unarizaki Park is located in the western part of Iriomote Island and offers a spectacular view of the ocean from the observatory. The park is spacious and has lawn and playground equipment, so it is recommended for families. Nearby is "Zenbe Beach", a very [...].

Name: Unarizaki Park
Address: Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes

4) Observatory at Omijie

The Omishe Observatory is located in the Omishe Road Park, which has a rest area near the mouth of the Omishe River, where the riverbank is rocky and wall-like.

There is a promenade near the observatory where visitors can enjoy a walk while looking at the starry sky. Located between Ohara and Uehara districts, the observatory is far from the villages, so there are no unnecessary light sources and you can enjoy the night sky to the fullest.

There is a parking lot and the place is easy enough to visit that it can be used as a rest stop on a road trip, so why not visit after dinner or with a rental car?

Omija Road Park Basic Information

Iriomote Island-Omimiyoshi Road Park   About Omija Road Park Omija Road Park is located at the mouth of Omija River. It is one of the most precious spots in Iriomote Island where you can see mangroves right from the parking lot! There is a promenade nearby, and mangrove trees full of greenery spread [...].

Name: Omija Road Park
Address: Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 35 minutes by car from Ohara Port, 15 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None

(5) Uehara Port

It is a port in the western part of Iriomote Island and the most prosperous place in Iriomote Island. Port

There is a concentration of inns, supermarkets, general stores, and eateries in the surrounding area, but a short distance away, activity spots such as Pinaisara Falls are also nearby, allowing you to get out into the great outdoors. The air is clearer in this natural setting, and you can enjoy the night view to the fullest.

This harbor has also been a location for "Suiyodo-Don't you know it?", and it is well-known among fans as a sacred place for night fishing. Why don't you enjoy watching the starlit sky of Iriomote Island while sleeping fishing?

Basic Information on Uehara Port

Iriomote Island-Uehara Port   About Uehara Port is a port in the western part of Iriomote Island. Around the port, there are many inns, supermarkets, general stores, and restaurants. Activity spots such as Pinaisara Falls and Koola Falls are also nearby, and if you participate in an activity tour in Iriomote Island, the meeting place [...].

Name: Uehara Port
Address: Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 40 min. by ferry from Ishigakijima Island Terminal
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes

Click here for ferry reservations to Iriomote Island.

(6) Ohara Port

Ohara Port, one of the two ports at the entrance to Iriomote Island, is located in the southwestern part of the island. Ohara Port is also known as one of the best sunrise spots on the island, and there are many sunrise spots in this area. In other words, there are many open areas.

The spot on the east side of Iriomote Island is recommended when viewing the night sky with many lights such as the night of full moon. Please enjoy the night sky of Iriomote Island, such as looking for the evening star together.

Ohara Port Basic Information

Iriomote Island - Ohara Port (Nakama Port)   Ohara Port (Nakama Port) is a port in the eastern part of Iriomote Island. Unlike Uehara Port, which is easily cancelled due to its northern route, it is a living route and has few cancellations. There are stores and restaurants around the port, and several car rental and motorcycle rental companies. [...].

Spot name: Ohara Port
Address: Aza-Namikazumi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama-gun, Pref.
Access: 30 minutes by ferry from Ishigakijima Island Terminal
Parking: Available
Dining (vicinity)
Yes: Restrooms (located at the Nakama Port Passenger Waiting Area)

Click here for ferry reservations to Iriomote Island.

(7) Shirahama Port

Located in the center of Shirahama village, this port is at the farthest end of Iriomote Island's land route. The parking lot is wide and parking is free of charge.

Although it is near a village, there are few light sources, making stargazing easy. The edge of the quay in particular is an excellent spot for stargazing because the forest blocks the light from the village.

Stargazing in harbors is often cold when the sea blows in, but at Shirahama Port, the wind rarely blows strongly thanks to the inner and outer islands in front of the port. However, there are really no street lights on the quay, so please be careful not to accidentally fall into the sea.

(8) Minamikaze Mita beach

This is a secluded beach located at the end of Route 215 from Ohara Port.

The area is far from the village and there is almost no light source around the beach. The air is very clear and the stars can be seen clearly from here.

Since not many people come to this place, it is recommended for couples or families who want to enjoy stargazing in a relaxed and private setting. There is also a campground called Minamikazumida nearby, and stargazing at the beach is an activity that cannot be missed when camping here.

Basic Information on Minamikazumida Beach

Iriomote Island-Minamikazumida beach   About Minamikazumida beach It is a beach located in the southeast of Iriomote Island, facing the shallow sea surrounded by reefs. It was the place where Hateruma islanders were forcibly evacuated during the war, and many precious lives were lost due to malaria. In order not to forget this sad event, the " [...].

Name: Minamikaze Mita Beach
Address: Iriomote Island, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: about 10 minutes by car from Ohara Port
Parking: -
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: No

Nine Months Beach

Tudumari beach is a 5-minute drive from Uehara Port and is located in the northern part of the island, and is nicknamed "Tsuki ga hama" (moon beach) because of its crescent moon shape.

The coral reefs are not well developed, so the beach is more suitable for swimming than snorkeling. Its location on the west side of the island allows visitors to watch the sunset on the horizon, and after sunset, the stars can be seen all over the sky.

The beach is located near the resort hotel, so after a meal at the hotel, why not take a walk on the beach to refresh your stomach and look up at the night sky?

Basic information on the beach at Tudumari

Iriomote Island-Tudumari beach (Tsukigahama beach)   Tudumari Beach (Tsukigahama Beach) is a beach near the resort hotel "Nirakanai" in Iriomote Island. It is also called "Tsuki ga hama" (moon beach) because the topography of the beach is shaped like a crescent moon. The best thing to do at Tsukiga-hama is to enjoy the sun [...].

Name: Tudumari Beach
Location: Aza-Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: 5 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes

(10) Urauchi River

The Urauchi River is the longest river not only in Iriomote Island but also in Okinawa Prefecture. Upstream, there exist Kanpire Falls, which has the meaning of the seat of God, and Mariyudu Falls, which is selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan.

There is an observatory at the mouth of Urauchi River from where you can enjoy the night view of Iriomote Island. It is located right after Urauchi Bridge from Uehara direction. There is a parking lot a little further ahead, so it is a spot easily accessible by car. Although there are power lines nearby, there are no street lights, and this is a highly recommended place where you can enjoy only the light of the starlit sky without being disturbed by the surrounding light.

It is only a 10-minute drive from the Uehara area, so why not take a drive to visit to refuel after dinner?

Urauchi River Basic Information

Iriomote Island-Urauchi River   About the Urauchi River The Urauchi River is said to be "the largest river in Okinawa Prefecture" and is bordered by the largest mangrove forests in Japan. It is also home to more than 400 species of fish unique to the subtropical zone! Wild birds and wild boars come here in search of fish.

Name: Urauchi River
Location: Aza Iriomote, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Access: About 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: Yes

Advance purchase of ferry tickets is recommended☆.
Visit Iriomote Island conveniently and comfortably!

If you purchase ferry tickets in advance, you can easily board the ferry by simply showing your smartphone on the day of boarding!

There is no need to worry about getting caught in a line at the ticket booth on the day of the event.

Click here to book Iriomote Island ferry tickets.

summary

How was it? Iriomote Island is designated as a national park and is the second island in Asia to be recognized as a starry sky reserve, and is said to have the second most beautiful starry sky in Asia. There are many spots with beautiful night views in such Iriomote Island.

Thank you for reading to the end.

Click here for ferry reservations to Iriomote Island.

⬇︎ very popular! Click here for details of Iriomote Island Night Tour

Iriomotejima Night (star gazing) Tour Night tour is recommended to see the deep nature of Iriomote Island! If you come all the way to Iriomote Island, it would be a waste if you don't enjoy the island until night! (14 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る