What are the waterfalls of Iriomote Island, the "Galapagos of the East"?
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Iriomote Island, with its great natural beauty, has many large waterfalls. Many waterfalls are located in great seclusion, and trekking, mountain hiking, or canoeing is required to reach them. Here, we introduce the characteristics of each waterfall, how to get there, and points to note.
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Iriomote Island and Waterfall
Iriomote Island is about 440 km away from the main island of Okinawa, and has the second largest area in Okinawa Prefecture after the main island. However, about 90% of the island is jungle, and there is no airport. There are many nature activities on the island, but canoeing and trekking tours to waterfalls are popular. Many of the waterfalls are large and unique, and on the way to the waterfalls, you will pass through mangroves, which is an experience that you would not normally have.
Waterfalls along the Urauchi River
First, we will introduce two waterfalls that can be seen along the Urauchi River and are located in a great secret area. The way to get there is the same, so you can enjoy both waterfalls with completely different faces.
Mariyudu Falls
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The word "mari" comes from the word "to turn," and the name "mari" refers to the way the water turns as it falls from the waterfall. It is selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, and is a majestic waterfall with two levels, each with a drop of more than 20 meters. The waterfall basin is 130 meters high, and you can see subtropical plants unique to Iriomote Island.
⇒Mariyudu FallsFor more information on
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At Mariyudu Falls, visitors can take a sightseeing boat ride upstream on the Urauchi River where the falls are located. This boat is called Urauchi River Jungle Cruise, and you can enjoy an 8-km trip to the upstream landing. The cruise takes about 30 minutes, and you will be able to fully enjoy it as the captain tells you about the surrounding plants and Iriomote Island.
The river is calm and there are few such concerns, even with children. However, it is advisable to have a raincoat or something similar prepared, as sudden sideways rain can occur. From the boat, you can enjoy the mangroves that are unique to the tropics up close. In addition to sightseeing boats, you can also enjoy kayaking depending on the season.
Once you arrive at the landing site, you will have to follow a mountain path to the waterfall. The mountain path is almost completely unmaintained, and you should wear comfortable clothing such as athletic shoes. The trail is mountainous and may have rocks and roots, so you must be very careful. Even elementary school students can walk, but they must be very careful.
After a 30-minute walk, you will reach the viewing platform from which you can see the Marioudou waterfall. It is about 1.5 km from the landing site, but due to the difficult mountain path, it will take an adult about 30 minutes without resting at all.
Cambieray Waterfall
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The Cambilay Falls are named after the seat of God. Although there is not much difference in height, it is 200 m long and very wide, offering a powerful view. Unlike the Mariyudu Falls, you can not only see the falls from the observation deck, but also get very close to them. You can see the water flowing right in front of your eyes.
⇒Kampilay FallsFor more information on
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Cambilay Falls is located further from Marioudou Falls. It is located another 15 minutes or 0.6 km from the lookout from which Marioudou Falls can be seen. After seeing Marioudou Falls, visitors who still have time to spare should extend their visit to Cambilay Falls.
Points to keep in mind when visiting each waterfall
To get to Mariyudu Falls or Cambieray Falls, you will need to take a cruise boat. Be sure to check the time of the return boat ride. Depending on the time, you may have to give up the idea of going to Cambieray Falls.
The only paved paths to any of the waterfalls are those around the boat landing. In some places, the paths are bare of rocks and branches, so you need to walk carefully. It is also recommended to wear comfortable clothing such as athletic shoes because the path is slippery.
Since the weather in Iriomote Island is changeable, you should prepare a raincoat. The inside of the sightseeing boat has a roof, but you will inevitably get wet if it is raining sideways.
Observe living things
The path to the waterfall is home not only to plants, but also to many creatures that have been designated as natural monuments. It is no problem to see them, but please be careful because you are not allowed to bring them back home with you. Please be sure to enjoy the nature and creatures unique to Iriomote Island on the way to the waterfall.
Pinaisara Falls
Pinaisara Falls is famous as the largest waterfall in Okinawa Prefecture. With a height of 54 meters, it has a sense of power that is hard to find in other waterfalls. The word "Pinaisara" comes from the root of the word "downfall," and this is exactly what it looks like.
⇒Pinaisara FallsFor more information on
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This waterfall is located in the middle of the Hinai River flowing vertically from Mt. The drop is 54 meters, the highest in Okinawa Prefecture, and the width is 200 meters. There are many waterfalls in Iriomote Island, but Pinaisara Falls is recommended for its dynamism. The surrounding area is surrounded by subtropical plants and mangroves. The waterfall faces the ocean side and can be viewed from Funaura Bridge.
There are various trekking spots on Iriomote Island, and Pinaisara Falls is one of the most popular courses. The waterfall is popular not only for viewing but also for playing in the basin, which is also popular among families.
(one's) whereabouts
The only way to reach Pinaisara Falls is by canoe on the Hinai River, as there are no sightseeing boats like on the Urauchi River. However, canoeing is not difficult, even for beginners, and there is no strong current, so anyone can try it. The river is surrounded by mangroves, and canoeing allows visitors to go under the mangroves, an experience that is not possible on a pleasure boat.
If you are a beginner, we recommend taking a tour to Pinaisara Falls. Instructors will show you how to use the canoes and explain the mangroves. The tours are crowded in the summer, but in the winter, the tours are relatively quiet, and you may be given one-on-one time with an instructor.
Canoeing, trekking
Trekking and canoeing are also part of the fun when visiting Pinaisara Falls. The course includes a 40-minute canoe trip and a 30-minute trek to the Pinaisara Falls basin. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, subtropical plants and creatures that you would not normally see, while feeling the negative ions.
Nala Falls
Nala Falls, famous for its staircase-like waterfalls, is the waterfall where you can feel the spray of water the most.
⇒Nala FallsFor more information on
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Located in the upper reaches of the Nala River, it is dynamic because the water constantly hits the stair-stepped rock surface. It also has a different charm from a straight waterfall.
(one's) whereabouts
What makes it different from other waterfalls is that it is located deep in the forest and is difficult to reach. It takes a full day of preparation to reach Nala Falls. It is a difficult waterfall for beginners, but the sense of accomplishment when you reach it is irreplaceable.
summary
About 90% of Iriomote Island is jungle, and the nature that has been cultivated over the years remains intact. There are also various waterfalls, and more and more tourists are heading to the waterfalls while enjoying trekking and canoeing along the way. Tours are available, so even first-time canoeists and trekkers can enjoy themselves without worry. Along the way, you can meet mangroves and other creatures that live only here.
All the fun in Iriomote Island is here↓.
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