西表島 世界自然遺産の魅力を徹底解説！独自の生態系と大自然を遊び尽くす体験ガイド
Table of Contents
- 1 Iriomote Island is registered as a World Natural Heritage site!
- 2 Background of World Natural Heritage registration
- 3 What is a World Heritage Site anyway?
- 4 Why Iriomote Island was registered as a World Natural Heritage site
- 5 Along with Iriomote Island, registered as a World Natural Heritage Site Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, and northern Okinawa Island are
- 6 Future Issues
- 7 Enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island! 7 Recommended Activities
- 8 Enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island Recommended Spots
- 9 西表島の世界自然遺産に 関するよくある質問（FAQ）
- 10 summary
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Iriomote Island is registered as a World Natural Heritage site!
Iriomote Island will be added to the list along with Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, and northern Okinawa Island on July 26, 2021.Registered as a World Natural Heritage siteThe first time the company was founded, it was in the process of being reorganized into a new company.
This article introduces the background of Iriomote Island's registration as a World Natural Heritage site and its world-renowned natural attractions.
◆For those who want to know the recommended activities in Iriomote Island
◆Iriomote Island recommended sightseeing spots
◆Those who want to know why Iriomote Island was registered as a World Natural Heritage site.
Click here for Iriomote Island Tour Popularity Ranking
Background of World Natural Heritage registration
Japan's World Natural Heritage registration follows Tokyo's Ogasawara Islands.First time in 10 years, 5th casewill be.
Iriomote Island was not registered as a World Natural Heritage site at one time.It was first nominated in 2017, but UNESCO's International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recommended that the registration be postponed.
The Japanese government then strengthened environmental protection measures, including the expansion of protected areas, and re-nominated the site in 2019. Finally, in 2021, the site was officially registered.
The rich ecosystem of Iriomote Island hasIt is home to many endemic and endangered species,A globally valuable natural environment is maintained.It was recognized that
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What is a World Heritage Site anyway?
World Heritage is a World Heritage Treaty.Outstanding Universal Value."is, in other words, a culture or nature that is recognized as "unique and valuable to everyone in the world.
It refers to nature and culture that are worthy of protection and preservation as "treasures common to all humankind. By being inscribed on the World Heritage List,International recognition and promotion of conservation activitiesThe following is a summary of the results of the project.
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Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Yellowstone National Park (United States of America)
Lake Baikal, Russia
Shiretoko, Japan
◆Major Cultural Heritage
Taj Mahal, India
Great Wall of China
○Cultural heritage of the ancient capital Kyoto (Japan)
◆Major Heritage Complexes
○Historic Reserve of Machu Picchu, Peru
Tasmanian Wilderness Area (Australia)
Rock Island Group and Southern Lagoon, Palau
Why Iriomote Island was registered as a World Natural Heritage site
UNESCO to register as a World Heritage Site.10 Evaluation CriteriaThe company has established Among themMeet one or more of the followingThis makes it a World Heritage Site.
Why was Iriomote Island in the Yaeyama Islands registered as a World Natural Heritage site? We will introduce the specifics!
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Precious ecosystems and endemic species
Iriomote Island has one of Japan's largestmangrove forestand subtropical virgin forests, forming a diverse ecosystem.
In particular, the entire islandApproximately 901 TP3T is subtropical natural forestThe area is covered by a pristine natural environment.
Also,Iriomote wildcat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis)The area is considered extremely important in terms of biodiversity, as it is home to many endemic and endangered species, including
High biodiversity conservation value
Iriomote Island is home to internationally valuable flora and fauna. In particular, there areendangered specieshas been confirmed.
Crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela)
○ ○ Yaeyama Semaru Tortoise
Saximas geo (snake)
from the habitat of these rare species,An area that preserves valuable biodiversity from a global perspectiveIt was evaluated as a
Unspoiled natural environment where development has been controlled.
Because of the small population and the low level of development on Omotejima, the island's natural environment has been preserved in a largely intact state.
suchNatural environment unaffected by human influencewas recognized as globally valuable.
Along with Iriomote Island, it was registered as a World Natural Heritage site.
What is Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima and Northern Okinawa Island?
The recommendation to inscribe the World Natural Heritage site on the World Heritage List this time was made by."Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, northern Okinawa Island and Iriomote Island"It is a complex of four regions called
We will introduce a few of the attractions of areas other than Iriomote Island!
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Amami Oshima
Amami-Oshima Island is the island of "Galapagos of the OrientThe island is also known as "the island of the world," and it makes the most of its natural beauty.Plenty of activitiesThe company is doing so.
In addition to canoeing and trekking through virgin forests, snorkeling and diving can be enjoyed in the clear Amami blue waters.
Local dishes such as brown sugar shochu and chicken rice are also attractive.
Click here for popular tours of Amami Oshima
Tokunoshima
Tokunoshima is also known as an island of longevity, mild climate, and rich nature. The entire island is surrounded by coral reefs and dotted with beautiful beaches.
Particularly,Sea turtle spawning groundsThe area is also famous as a "spawning and hatching place," and if you are lucky, you may be able to witness the moment of spawning or hatching.
Northern Okinawa Island
Yanbaru," the northern part of Okinawa's main island, is a treasure trove of biodiversity with its subtropical forests.
Okinawa rail (Gallirallus okinawae)It is home to rare endemic species such asJungle tours and night toursis popular.
Also,Cape Hendo and Mt.The area is also dotted with scenic spots, such as the "Kintamani" and "Kintamani Kaikyo," where visitors can enjoy the dynamic natural beauty of the area.
This is an area full of attractions where you can experience a "deep Okinawa" that is different from urban resorts.
Click here for popular tours in Northern Okinawa and Yanbaru
Future Issues
In Iriomote Island, which is expected to attract more tourists now that it has been registered as a World Natural Heritage site,Promotion of ecotourism and environmental conservationis required.
Iriomote Island is a precious island that retains its great nature and unique ecosystem.
Each one of us has a heart to care for nature,Ensure that garbage is taken out of the building and that animals and plants are taken care of.We are asking for the following
With a little ingenuity, we can protect the beautiful nature of Iriomote Island and convey its splendor to future visitors.
Let's work together to protect the charm of Iriomote Island!
Enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island!
7 recommended activities
Now, let us introduce some recommended activities to fully enjoy the world-renowned nature of Iriomote Island!
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(1) Canyoning
Canyoning is an exciting activity that involves jumping into waterfalls and playing on natural slides!
Thrilling and exhilaratingChildren and adults alike will have a blast and relieve stress at the
Life jackets and helmets are worn, and guides provide support to ensure safety and security.
Click here for recommended canyoning tours
Learn more about canyoning
(2) Snorkeling
In snorkeling to experience in Iriomote Island,Unspoiled coral reefs and colorful tropical fishYou can easily enjoy the rich marine world, including
If you are lucky, you may see sea turtles.
Click here for plans including snorkeling
Learn more about snorkeling
(3) Diving
Iriomote Island is loved by divers from all over the worldDiving SpotsThere are many
including sea turtlesmanta pointThere are also many drop-offs and other topographic points. Both beginners and advanced divers can enjoy the area.
Experience diving isNo license requiredHow about making a diving debut in Iriomote Island? How about making your diving debut in Iriomote Island?
Learn more about diving
Mangrove Canoeing/SUP
Mangrove cruise is one of the most popular activities in Iriomote Island. It is a refreshing activity to feel the great nature up close.
Standing on a surfboard, which has become popular in recent years, and moving forward smoothly.SUPand is very stable and can accommodate two people.Canoe (Kayak)There are many tours available, including those that cruise by SUP and those that offer a choice of SUP and canoeing.
Click here for plans including mangrove cruise.
Learn more about SUP
Learn more about canoeing
5) Exploration of limestone caves (caving)
The limestone caves of Iriomote Island are famous for the popular Nippon Television programItte Q to the end of the world!" The "Degawa Girls' Club" corner was also filmed on location!
With limestone caves of various sizes existing deep in the jungle, visitors may encounter nature, flora, and fauna that cannot be experienced only in the mangroves.
Click here for plans that include a limestone cave experience.
Learn more about the limestone cave experience
6) Trekking to Pinaisara Falls
It is said that there are more than 1,000 waterfalls, large and small, in the jungle that covers 90% of Iriomote Island.
among (other things)Pinaisara FallsThe highest drop-off point in Okinawa Prefecture, the "Gorge of the Dead" is said to be the highest in the prefecture, and is a popular spot that can only be reached by trekking, which makes it very special.
Click here for plans including Pinaisara Falls
Learn more about jungle trekking
7) Night Tour
If you stay at Iriomote Island, you should definitely join the night tour.nocturnal animaland the star-filled starry sky that can be seen only on Iriomote Island with its clean air, exciting experiences await both adults and children!
Click here for recommended plans including night tours
Learn more about night tours
You can enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island.
Recommended Spots
Let us introduce some recommended spots where you can enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island!
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(1) Nakama River
The Nakama River is the second longest river in Iriomote Island (approximately 17.5 km in length) and is covered with rich mangrove forests,National Monumentdesignated to the
Boat cruises through the mangroves are available, and are recommended for family and group trips.
Access: 15 min. walk from Nakama Port
Click here for recommended plans including Nakama River
Canoeing and SUP adventure in the Nakama River mangrove! (No.153)開始時間10:00-16:00所要時間6 hrs.16,000 yen
(2) Barras Island
The "Isle of Barras" isYou can only go ashore by taking a tour.It is an uninhabited island formed by uplifted coral fragments and is also known as "Miracle Island.
Surrounded by 360-degree ocean, the view is truly spectacular! The surrounding area is an excellent snorkeling spot.
Access: Depends on the tour
Click here for recommended itineraries including Baras Island
(3) Yutun River (Yutun Falls)
In the Yutun River, ,Yutun WaterfallRiver trekking tours are being held to
This was also introduced in the Degawa Girls' Club corner of Itte Q to the Ends of the World!
The elevation of Yutun Falls is higher than that of Pinaisara Falls, and the three-tiered structure is very powerful!
Access: 20 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Click here for plans including Yutun River (waterfall)
(4) Mariyudu Falls
Mariyudu Falls is characterized by its two-tiered terrain within the Urauchi River,100 best waterfalls in JapanIt was also selected as one of the
Take a sightseeing boat on the Urauchi River to the halfway point, disembark, and then trek for about an hour.
If you are feeling energetic, you can go another 20 minutes to Campire Falls!
Access: 1 hour walk from the cruise ship terminal
Click here for recommended itineraries including Mariyudu Falls
(5) Waterfalls
Funauki area, an isolated island on land only accessible by boat from Iriomote IslandThe most unexplored of all unexplored areas, Mizrauchi Falls, is located in the If you join a tour, you can go on a guided adventure with peace of mind.
This is a spot where visitors can jump into the waterfall basin, be struck by the waterfall, and directly experience the energy of Mother Nature.
Access: Depends on the tour
Click here for recommended plans including Mizuochi Falls.
(6) Haemida beach in the south wind
The beach at Haemida (Minamikaze Mita) is a 1.5-km long white sand beach and emerald green ocean, with few people and a quiet environment.
The shallow waters are crystal clear,Beachcombing and walksIt is also ideal for At dusk, you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset view.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Ohara Port
Parking: Available
(7) Omija River (Omija River)
In the Omija River, the river level does not drop even at low tide, and sea water does not rise even at high tide.It is a special terrain in Iriomote Island.The canyoning tours are held to take advantage of the terrain.
Located near the river.Omija Road Parkis a spot with a beautifully paved boardwalk where you can walk and observe mangroves up close.
Access: 15 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Click here for the plan including Omija River
Learn more about Omijie Road Park
西表島の世界自然遺産に
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
通年楽しめますが、特におすすめは以下の時期です。
- 春（3〜5月）：気候が穏やかで快適
- 夏（6〜9月）：海やアクティビティが充実
※台風シーズン（夏後半）は天候に注意が必要です。
世界自然遺産として自然保護が重要視されているため、以下を守りましょう。
- 動植物を採取しない
- ゴミは持ち帰る
- 指定されたエリア以外に立ち入らない
- ガイドの指示に従う
summary
Iriomote Island offers spectacular nature and precious ecosystems worthy of being a World Natural Heritage site.
Explore activities and spots where you can experience the great outdoors and enjoy a unique and inspiring experience. When you visit, cherish nature and make your trip a memorable one!
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