Iriomote Island Trekking Clothing and Recommended Tours
Table of Contents
Iriomote Island has been called the Galapagos of the East, Japan's remaining unexplored region, and the last untouched land in Japan, and it is exactly as the name implies, surrounded by ecologically rich nature and precious plants and animals.The fact that 90% of the island is occupied by forests and the unique and peculiar climate are also wonderful attractions of Iriomote Island.There are more than 40 rivers flowing in Iriomote Island, including the typical Urauchi River, which looks like the Amazon of Japan.
The best way to experience the nature of Iriomote Island is to dive into the wilderness! This time, among many popular activities, we will introduce trekking, which allows you to experience the nature of Iriomote Island using all five senses.
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
I'm curious about trekking attire... what should I wear?
Trekking clothes on Iriomote Island, where the climate is different from that of mainland Japan, are different from those for climbing Mt. Fuji or Mt. Takao. The same precautions apply whether you go trekking on your own or participate in a tour. Here we will tell you what kind of clothes you should wear and what you should pay attention to.
Spring, Fall
During this time of seasonal change, the weather is rarely stable. Some days are very hot, some days are very cold, and sometimes it suddenly starts raining.A windbreaker or raincoat is recommended so that you can put it on quickly when it gets cold.When it gets hot, take them off to adjust your body temperature.
summer
When trekking on Iriomote Island, you may get wet or dirty with mud, so it is fundamental that you wear clothes that you can live with even if that happens.In addition, since the ultraviolet rays in summer in Iriomote Island are extremely strong and many times stronger than those in mainland Japan, you need to take adequate measures against sunburn.Most UV rays can be prevented by applying sunscreen and wearing long sleeves and long pants.
Regarding hats and sunglasses, they are not recommended when trekking through jungle or dark areas. The reason for this is that small branches and trees are everywhere, so hats can get caught on them, and sunglasses increase the risk of tripping over small stones or tree roots because your vision is darker when wearing sunglasses. However, in places where the sun's rays are strong, it is recommended that you wear a hat and sunglasses to protect against UV rays.
winter
Even in Okinawa, it can get cold in winter. When you get on a kayak, your buttocks will get wet while paddling, and some places are muddy after a rain, so you should wear clothes that can get wet just like in other seasons.In case you feel cold, a fleece or windbreaker will be helpful in case of emergency.
Other
Gnats and mosquitoes occur during the rainy season.Be sure to cover your skin well and use insect repellent sprays to protect yourself.On Iriomote Island, you can protect yourself from many things by trekking in long sleeves throughout the year. It is recommended to wear a long-sleeved rash guard so that you can trek and immediately go to the sea to swim. Also, if you happen to fall down walking on slippery surfaces after a rain or on moss, you can protect yourself by simply wearing long sleeves.
What you should bring for trekking
Water, food, trekking shoes OR felt shoes, first aid kit, towel, insect repellent.
Can I go trekking on my own?
I'd rather go where I want, when I want, than take a tour."
I don't want to be tied down by time."
I want to explore Iriomote Island by myself!"
I'm sure there are those who think this way.
Of course, you are not bound by tour times, and can go where you want at your own time. But what about safety? It is very dangerous to rush into the jungle without any knowledge of what you are doing.
Iriomote Island is home to many dangerous creatures such as habu (habu), leeches, and Yaeyamarujasuden, as well as plants that should not be touched. In order not to destroy the rare ecosystem and not to get hurt, you should not touch various things without care. If you are going on your own, it is advisable to form a group of several people, prepare your luggage and clothes well in advance, and do some research on the place you are going.
In addition, since there is often no signal in the jungle, it is quite dangerous to trek through the jungle with a guide if there is an emergency, so if at all possible, join a tour and trek through the jungle with a guide.
I recommend taking a tour!
Tours guided by Iriomotejima Tours will pick you up and drop you off at the port or your lodging place for free. They also rent out necessary items for the tour and prepare lunch, etc. (Some tour companies prepare Yaeyama soba (buckwheat noodles) for you. (Some tour companies prepare Yaeyama soba (buckwheat noodles) for you. The guides are well versed in the topography, flora and fauna of Iriomote Island and know the safe and dangerous places, so you can enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island with peace of mind.
The jungle of Iriomote Island is damp and slippery in many places, and it is sometimes rather dangerous to use ordinary trekking shoes. For this reason, many tour companies rent felt shoes and helmets.
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
Recommended Trekking Tours
1. Pinaisara Falls Canoeing & Trekking
Pinaisara Falls Canoeing & Trekking Course is the most popular course in Iriomote Island. You will paddle a canoe along the magnificent mangrove river and trek to the top of Pinaisara Falls. The spectacular view from the top of Pinaisara is so spectacular that the fatigue of climbing up the mountain will be blown away at once.
Click here for more information about the one-day canoeing and trekking course to Pinaisara Falls ↓ Click here for more information about the one-day canoeing and trekking course to Pinaisara Falls
2. Mangrove Canoeing & Trekking & Canyoning
Mangrove canoeing, trekking, and canyoning tours are available only in summer. Canoeing and trekking through the mangrove to see the waterfall. In the afternoon, you can heal your body from the heat of the sun by canyoning!
For more information about Canoeing & Trekking & Canyoning Tours, click here↓.
3. Mangrove Canoeing & Waterfall Tour for Three Generations
Mangrove Canoe & Waterfall Tour for 3 generations. This is an easy and slow tour for small children and elderly people. This is a very popular plan especially for those who want to canoe with a large group of people, such as three generations.
Click here for more information on mangrove canoe tours for 3 generations ↓.
4. Early morning retreat & jungle healing
Early morning retreat & jungle healing tour is very popular among women! We will take a slow walk in the beautiful sea of Iriomote Island and do morning healing. Let's do a little trekking and observe the waking animals living in the jungle!
For more information on the Early Morning Retreat & Jungle Healing Tour, click here↓.
5. Modama Pond Hiking for children as young as 3 years old.
This tour was created in response to requests from family customers for a tour that can be enjoyed even by small children. This tour is not so much a trekking tour as it is a hiking tour. This tour is very popular because it allows children to play slowly and without danger.
Click here for more information about Modama Pond Hiking Tour ↓↓ Click here for more information about Modama Pond Hiking Tour
summary
Trekking tours vary in their courses and time frames, and some tour companies offer tours across Iriomote Island with a walking distance of about 25 km! Why don't you join a trekking tour and feel the untouched wilderness of Iriomote Island which you can rarely see? New discoveries are surely waiting for you!
For more information about jungle trekking tours in Iriomote Island and a list of plans, click here↓.
All the fun in Iriomote Island is here↓.
Iriomotejima Tours
