Things to know before enjoying trekking in Iriomote Island
Table of Contents
Trekking is the best way to enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island. Iriomote Island has the largest virgin mangrove forest in Japan, and all mangroves that can be seen in Japan can be seen on Iriomote Island. The Iriomote wild cat, a protected species, also inhabits the island. The whole island is designated as a national park, and the nature is protected not to be destroyed.
Here we introduce the features of Iriomote Island, precautions to take when trekking, and the purpose of trekking.
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Trekking in Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island is a place where 901 TP3T of its area is covered by jungle and has remained natural for many years. It does not have the same transportation system as urban tourist destinations, so trekking is necessary to get to various places.
Iriomote Island, the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture after the main island of Okinawa, has more than 40 rivers flowing through it, and its surroundings are home to mangroves, other plants, creatures that can be found only here, and waterfalls. By trekking, you can experience these natural wonders firsthand.
If you are a first time visitor, we recommend that you take a tour. There are short tours only for trekking, and also tours combined with other activities such as kayaking and so on. Guides who are well versed in Iriomote Island will teach you various things so that you can enjoy the tour with peace of mind.
Things to keep in mind when trekking in Iriomote Island
UV protection
The amount of ultraviolet rays in Iriomote Island is said to be five times higher than that of the mainland. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures such as sunscreen and not to expose your skin. Even so, it is not suitable for trekking if you are dressed too hot, so be sure to wear cool clothes with long sleeves.
Many people wear sunglasses and hats to protect themselves from the sun, but these should be removed in dark areas, as the jungle can be dark and tree branches may be sticking out. However, there are places where sun protection is necessary, so it is important to adapt accordingly.
Prepare a change of clothes
While trekking, your clothes may get wet or dirty. It may also rain suddenly. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a change of clothes for trekking.
If you are signing up for a tour, it is also a good idea to check if there are changing rooms available. It may be hot when you are trekking, but it can suddenly become cold, so be sure to change as much as possible.
climate change
Iriomote Island seems to have hot days all year round, however, there are temperature differences. In winter, you may need a windbreaker depending on the time of the year, and in spring and autumn, the weather is not stable and it may suddenly become cold instead of continuing hot days. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare clothes according to the season when trekking in Iriomote Island. During trekking, we recommend you to bring a raincoat that can protect you from both cold and rain. If you join a tour, please make sure to check in advance because some tours lend out raincoats.
During typhoon season, it is important to pay attention to typhoon information, as flights and ships may be cancelled. It is also important to avoid typhoon season as much as possible.
Private Trekking
In the jungle, there are dangerous creatures that you would not normally see or touch. Also, cell phone service is not available in some areas, so it is not recommended that you go alone if at all possible. If you get stuck due to injury or other reasons, you may not be able to contact anyone. If possible, it is recommended to trek with a guide who knows Iriomote Island well.
Contents of Trekking Tour in Iriomote Island
There are several trekking tours in Iriomote Island, but the following tours can be done in less than half a day. In addition, many of the tours are a combination of the following contents. All of them allow you to fully enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island, and since a tour guide is provided, you can not only learn about Iriomote Island in detail, but also trek safely.
Enjoy the mangroves
Mangroves grow in areas where saltwater and freshwater mix, and are often found in tropical regions. Mangroves are characterized by their isolation, and their roots are home to a variety of organisms, such as crabs, which attract birds and other animals that feed on them. Mangroves also provide fishing grounds for fish and shellfish by protecting them from storm surges.
There are many mangroves on Iriomote Island, and it is no exaggeration to say that you will go through them wherever you go. Although it is mainly traveled by kayak, it is also possible to go by sightseeing boat or on foot.
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mountain climbing
Mountain climbing courses range from those requiring a certain level of experience and physical strength to hiking courses that even small children can enjoy. There are a variety of objectives, levels of difficulty, and time required, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
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location thought to be flowing with mystical energy
In Iriomote Island, which has many sacred places, there are trekking tours for power spot purposes. Among them, the Early Morning Retreat & Jungle Healing Tour is especially popular, where you trek to the ocean and get power from the ocean.
Pinaisara Falls, which boasts the largest drop in Okinawa Prefecture, is another power spot created by Mother Nature. Pinaisara, from which its name is derived, means "white beard," and it is said that a god with a white beard lives here, making it a sacred place.
The Saxifragaceae tree, a natural treasure that can be seen in the upper reaches of the Nakama River, is said to be 400 years old, and many tourists visit this power spot to feel the energy from the earth in their whole body.
basin under a waterfall
Pinaisara Falls is a standard destination in Iriomote Island. The standard tour to Pinaisara Falls includes trekking and canoeing. The canoeing through the mangroves allows visitors to see the mangroves up close, and then trekking to the top of the falls. There are many other large waterfalls in Iriomote Island, and some of them are selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan.
There are tours that aim for waterfalls by trekking, although the methods are different. Waterfall tours are also available, some of which are serious and some of which are fun even for children, and are appreciated by people of all ages.
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Encounters with Plants and Animals
Trekking offers the possibility of encountering a variety of animals, including those designated as special natural treasures. Meeting various animals is one of the pleasures of trekking. If you are lucky, you may be able to see Iriomote wildcat, which is said to live only in Iriomote Island. If you join a tour, the tour guide may take you to the habitat of these animals.
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summary
Jungle occupies 90% of the area of Iriomote Island. Nature is carefully preserved, and the entire island is designated as a national park. Therefore, trekking is the basic way to get around.
When trekking, take a tour and work with a tour guide whenever possible. Tour guides are familiar with dangerous places, plants, and creatures, so you can act safely. Also, they can tell you various things about Iriomote Island. It will make your trip more enjoyable.
All the fun in Iriomote Island is here↓.
Iriomotejima Tours
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
