Ranking of 12 popular Iriomote Island tours!

Have you decided what kind of tour you will join when you visit Iriomote Island? Iriomote Island is a very attractive island and there is no end to the number of repeat travelers. However, it is not an easy place to visit considering the travel distance and time. So, this time, we will introduce tours to make the most of your time on the island, ranked in order of popularity.

The top-ranked tours for first-time visitors are the royal road tours, while seasonal tours and night tours recommended for repeat visitors are also ranked, so please refer to them when planning your trip.

 

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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.

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What is Iriomote Island?

Iriomote Island, one of the Yaeyama Islands, can be reached from Ishigaki Island in 35 to 40 minutes by high-speed boat, and there are two ports, "Uehara Port" and "Ohara Port. Since there are two routes, you need to be careful not to make a mistake in boarding. The distance between the two ports in Iriomote Island, the largest island in the Yaeyama Islands, is 50 minutes by car, so you need to plan in advance according to your purpose and destination.

The mild climate throughout the year allows for comfortable sightseeing even in winter. About 90% of the island is covered with virgin forest, and about 40 rivers, both large and small, run through the island. The island has 15 kinds of national natural treasures such as the Iriomote wild cat, and you can feel the great nature. In addition, the area around Iriomote Island is home to one of the largest coral reef groups in Japan, "Ishinishi lagoon," which is popular around the world as a snorkeling and diving spot.

The sky, sea, and rivers can all be enjoyed to the full, and sightseeing on Yubu Island, which has been preserved since ancient times, is the perfect way to experience Okinawa.

Iriomote Island Popular Tour Ranking 12

We introduce popular tours in Iriomote Island in ranking form. What kind of tours are popular in Iriomote Island, which is full of sea, river, and island, is finally revealed...!

14th . Cruising Tours

Iriomote Island, a tropical resort island, is a popular field for both the crystal clear sea and the mangrove river covered with dense jungle. Cruising slowly through both of these fields on a cruise ship, you can enjoy the dynamic and beautiful scenery around you. You can have a rich experience. You can visually see colorful corals and tropical fishes at the bottom of the highly transparent Iriomote Island ocean.

In addition, the jungle cruise is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a very relaxing forest bathing experience.

If you are traveling to Iriomote Island with small children or the elderly and are not comfortable with SUP or canoe cruising experiences, cruising by cruise ship is recommended. Cruising on the Urauchi River, the longest river in Okinawa Prefecture, you can enjoy the dynamic scenery of the wide river. You can also see waterfalls and nearby uninhabited islands.

Cruise ships used for cruising tours are built with a high slip so that small children do not have to worry about falling off, and they are also safe for fishing. In addition, the large hull is less affected by waves than the canoes and sup used for boating and activities, so even those who are not familiar with boats can enjoy cruising with ease.

13th . Charter Tours

Private tours are a great way to create memories with loved ones, company trips, graduation trips, and other private tours. Since you are not with other guests, you can proceed with the tour at your own pace, and you will be given explanations and lectures by your own personal guide. The private tour plan is perfect for commemorations and special occasions, and is recommended for those who want to enjoy the tour to the fullest!

As this is a completely private tour plan, you can join a tour of your choice and enjoy it to the fullest without having to worry about other visitors.

Guided tours are also available for small children and for those who wish to take their time and take pictures. You can enjoy the tour at your own pace.

Iriomote Island has a wilderness that one would not expect to find in Japan, and there are many activities to enjoy. There are many beautiful and photogenic spots. For this reason, many people choose to travel to Iriomote Island for special anniversaries. Activities and commemorative photo shoots in Iriomote Island, an island rich in nature, which is also called the Galapagos of the East, will surely remain in your memories for a lifetime.

During the tour, the guide will also take pictures so that you can concentrate on the activity and enjoy it without worrying about other guests.

Canoe cruising along the mangrove river or lying on a SUP board while watching the sunset is unparalleled in beauty. Many people come here to make memories of their honeymoon or wedding anniversary, so don't hesitate to visit. It will surely be a wonderful memory.

12th . Fishing Tour

The waters near Iriomote Island are clean and rich in nutrients, making it the best spot for fishing. Even beginners can easily fish because staffs prepare bait and rod sets for you.

Many people make their fishing debut in Iriomote Island, which is very popular among small children and women. If you try fishing in Iriomote Island, which is also known as a great fishing spot, you will surely be addicted to it. Among 100 kinds of fish that can be seen only in the Yaeyama Islands, even beginners can catch rare fish that even the guides do not know!

On Iriomote Island, you have a chance to catch Okinawa's three most expensive fish, akajinmibai, makubu, and akamachi, which are sold for several thousand to several tens of thousands of yen in the market. There are also trolling tours for intermediate and advanced anglers who want to catch big fish, so please enjoy fishing in the blue sea and sometimes at sunset.

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11th . Seasonal (Sagaribana firefly)

The tour to see sagaribana and Yaeyama fireflies is popular with many repeat visitors because of its beauty, even though it is only available seasonally.

The sagaribana is a flower that grows wild in mangroves and other wetlands and can be seen in summer from late June to early August. It is also called "phantom flower" because it can only be seen in bloom for one night. Why don't you come and see such a fragile and beautiful flower whose petals gradually begin to open in the evening and fall off the next morning without anyone being able to see its beautiful appearance?

Sagaribana can be seen on night tours or early morning cruise tours. The sweet vanilla-like fragrance of the sagaribana is a seasonal flower that will enchant you not only with its appearance, but also with its fragrance.

Yaeyama fireflies can be seen in spring from mid-February to mid-April. Yaeyama fireflies have a habit of gathering in one place, and one or two will begin to glow around 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. after sunset. When the other fireflies begin to glow, the whole area is transformed into a mysterious "carpet of light! The carpet of light can be seen for only about 30 minutes, and before you know it, you are back in the real world... Come and see the mysterious world created by fireflies that is not the sky, the sea, or the river.

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10th . Jungle Trekking

Jungle trekking allows you to trek in the jungle, where more than 90% of Iriomote Island is covered with subtropical plants. In jungle trekking, you can see caves and limestone caves through the thickly growing trees. Along the way, you will encounter rare animals and plants, hear the sound of the wind and birdsong, and enjoy the experience with all five senses. There are many waterfalls in the jungle, and it is the perfect spot to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and heal from the fatigue of daily life while soaking up the negative ions.

While children as young as 3 years old can participate, hiking-style jungle trekking is also available for ages 3 and up, allowing families to enjoy a leisurely adventure in the jungle together.

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9th . Playing with waterfalls & exploring limestone caves (caving)

We recommend a tour where you can play at waterfalls, one of the attractions of Iriomote Island. Among many waterfalls in the island, Pinaisara Falls is the most popular one! You can play in the basin of the waterfall, which has a drop of 55 meters, and many people are healed while being bathed in negative ions. The Kampilee Falls, with a width of 200 meters, is also recommended.

The limestone cave exploration takes you around two limestone caves, one large and one small. As you walk through the jungle, a cave with a gaping hole in its mouth appears, and the air changes at once. The moss growing thickly and the light streaming in is like a scene from a Ghibli movie. The cave also offers a sense of exploration in the great outdoors, with narrower paths and headlights illuminating the way.

Why don't you go and look for the hidden mysteries of Iriomote Island?

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8th . Canyoning

Canyoning is a dynamic river activity that includes jumping into natural water slides and pools. The thrill of sliding down a mountain stream with a difference in elevation with only one's body is a great thrill! Even adults will have so much fun that it will bring back their childhood memories. Canyoning in Iriomote Island is truly an adventure as you go through the jungle, which you cannot feel so much in Japan!

As you proceed through the jungle with waterfalls selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan, you will encounter rare animals and plants that you would not normally see, and you will wonder if you are really in Japan. Iriomote Island is the only place in Japan where you can slide down in such a lighthearted manner.

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7th . Diving

Iriomote Island is one of the most popular diving spots among divers from all over the world. Everyone who dives in Iriomote Island, which has a group of coral reefs with high sea transparency and colorful corals, is captivated by it.

There are many diving spots in Iriomote Island, and the great thing about diving in Iriomote Island is that it can respond to a wide range of requests from people who want to see manta rays and other big fish, Nemo (clownfish) and Dolly (snapping turtle) as well as corals! It is also famous as a place where you can enjoy diving all year round due to the high water temperature caused by the Kuroshio Current, even if the temperature is low.

Even those who do not have a diving license can experience diving. Rest assured that you will receive a thorough lecture from an instructor before actually diving into the sea. See the mysterious world with your own eyes, which is different from snorkeling. You may discover a new world.

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6th . Snorkeling

The surroundings of Iriomote Island are surrounded by one of the largest coral reef groups in Japan, "Ishinishi lagoon", so the island is a snorkeling spot itself. One third of the coral species grow wild in its reefs, and you can see the colorful world of corals which is rarely seen in other places. If you visit Iriomote Island, please take a look at the numerous fish that live with the coral and swim comfortably.

In Iriomote Island, there are many beaches and snorkeling spots that have not yet been developed, and their beauty is still immeasurable. Are there any of you who think that you can meet sea turtles only by diving? In Iriomote Island, you can go to the spots where you can see sea turtles even by snorkeling. Please enjoy the best snorkeling where you can meet the sea turtles that you can see only in aquariums.

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5th . Barras Island

Barasu Island is not on any map, and is nicknamed "Miracle Island" because of the different face it shows every day. Barasu Island can be reached by boat from Iriomote Island in about 10 minutes. The size and shape of the island changes depending on the tide and ebb and flow because the whole island is made of coral fragments. Therefore, you will never be able to land on the island with the same shape again, so please keep your eyes on the island.

Barras Island can only be reached by tour, but its beauty has made it a popular location for commercials and photo shoots! In addition to enjoying the blue sea and sky, it is a very popular spot for diving and snorkeling. After enjoying the island during the daytime when it is crowded with tourists, it is a great time to relax and watch the sunset over the ocean while listening to the sound of the waves and reflecting on the day ahead. Despite the fact that the island is uninhabited, it is a great spot to enjoy a variety of activities.

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4th . Night Tours

If you go to Iriomote Island, please visit Iriomote Island at night. It has a different face from that of the daytime, and you can step into the jungle at night which you cannot go by yourself.

Since more than 90% of the island is covered with jungle and it is very dark at night in Iriomote Island, you would not think of going there by yourself. However, if you join a tour, an experienced guide will guide you well and even take you to spots that even the locals do not know much about...?

This is an opportunity to see nocturnal animals not seen during the daytime and to encounter many creatures such as the endangered coconut crab and the semarucous tortoise, a protected species. You may even be able to see animals that were vigorously active in the jungle during the daytime sleeping soundly.

Taketomi Town, to which Iriomote Island belongs, was recognized as the first "starry sky protected area" in Japan. Since the island is pitch-dark, you can look up at the sky at night and see so many stars in the sky. The air is so clear that the Milky Way and shooting stars can be seen with the naked eye if the weather is good! However, if you join a tour, you can also go to spots where you can see even more beautiful starry skies. Please enjoy the beautiful night sky that you cannot see in the city.

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3rd . Yubu Island Sightseeing

If you go to Iriomote Island, you should definitely visit Yubu Island. Yubu Island is a small island whose circumference is about 2 km and it takes only one hour to go around on foot. The island used to be prosperous with immigrants from Kuroshima and Taketomi Island, but it was severely damaged by a typhoon, and many of them moved to Iriomote Island. Among them, the residents who remained in Yubu Island planted subtropical plants and protected them, so the whole island became a beautiful place like a subtropical botanical garden, and now it has become a must-visit spot for sightseeing in Iriomote Island.

Access to the island is a 15-minute buffalo ride from "Tabibito no Eki" (Station of Travelers) in Iriomote Island. The sea between Iriomote Island and Yubu Island is not deep even at high tide and can be reached on foot, but one of the pleasures is to listen to the songs and stories of the guide while enjoying the scenery slowly on the buffalo.

There are many places to visit on Yubu Island, including a playground area for children and the golden pupa of the world's largest butterfly, the Oogomadara. The buffaloes are very familiar with people and are not afraid of them. They are very popular with visitors, who often take pictures with them. There is also a restaurant and a store where visitors can buy souvenirs of their trip.

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2nd place . Canoeing

Mangrove canoeing has long been a popular activity in Iriomote Island. Mangrove canoeing is an activity to go through one of the largest mangroves in Japan, which is the pride of Iriomote Island.

Iriomote Island is surrounded by nature, and canoeing through the jungle is truly an adventure! You will encounter creatures that you have never seen before, and you will be excited to try canoeing into places that are inaccessible on foot. The stability of the canoe makes it almost impossible to fall over, making it an activity that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages.

Iriomote Island is dotted with many spots where you can canoe, and trekking to the waterfall with the largest drop in Okinawa Prefecture is more than you can do once. It is an indispensable activity to enjoy Iriomote Island to the fullest.

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1st.SUP

Stand Up Paddle surfing, or SUP for short, is a popular form of surfing. SUP is popular all over the world, and recently we have been hearing more and more about it on TV.

SUP is a larger, thicker version of a surfing board that is easy to balance on the ocean or river. The paddle is used to move around, so you don't need to be able to swim! SUP is stable, easy to operate, and does not require swimming, so the best advantage may be that you do not get wet.

SUP is very popular among small children and women, and the view of the beautiful sea and mangroves of Iriomote Island is unparalleled. 2 or 3 people can ride together, so you can enjoy a spectacular ocean walk with your children. If you are lucky, you will be able to see the most beautiful sunset on the sea and have an unforgettable time.

SUP also has training benefits, making it a popular activity to enjoy while getting in shape. Doing yoga while riding the board is also recommended.

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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

Iriomote Island is an island with so many attractions that a single visit is not enough. Sea activities, which reign at the top of the ranking, are very popular because of the unimaginably beautiful coral reefs, which are among the largest in Japan, in the nearby waters. However, Iriomote Island, where you can play not only in the sea but also in the jungle, is an island full of nature that will make you change your itinerary. Please enjoy every day of your trip to the distant southern island without any regrets.

All the fun in Iriomote Island is here↓.
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