Iriomote Island - Sonai Hometown Forest

NEW] What's New

🔸[Iriomote Island] Still haven't made a reservation? Why do we recommend you to purchase ferry tickets in advance?

The latest] Complete guide to how to get to Iriomotejima from Ishigaki Island! Thorough explanation of the difference between Ohara Port and Uehara Port, ferry fare and time required.Contents1 Are there two ports in Iriomote Island? Thorough explanation of differences & access 2 What is Iriomote Island like? First, let's go to Ishigaki Port Terminal4 How to use the ferry to Iriomote Island4.1 Ferry to Iriomote Island [...].

🔸[Note that the car is full] Enjoy comfortable sightseeing in Iriomote Island!

Iriomote Island Car Rental Enjoy Iriomote Island with a rental car! Free Pick-up & Drop-off Rental Car Special Since the number of public transportation is limited in Iriomote Island, you can visit unexplored areas and sightseeing spots efficiently if you have a rental car! You can freely visit sightseeing spots such as mangroves and beaches, so you can enjoy your own [...]. (3 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

What is Sonai Hometown Forest?

Iriomote IslandUehara PortThis rest stop is located on Mt. Sonai, about 15 minutes by car from

You can drive to the rest area, and there is a small observation deck nearby that overlooks Shirahama Bay.

It is recommended to bring your lunch here for lunch and enjoy the great outdoors.

祖納ふるさとの森と東屋

It is also a popular spot for viewing sunsets and "Iriomote fireflies," which can be seen from evening to night in spring!

The starry sky is also outstanding, making it a perfect spot for stargazing♪

Column about the starry sky of Iriomote Island
First in Japan! The starry sky of Iriomote Island, a candidate for starry sky reserve!

Column about Yaeyama fireflies
Illumination of nature at night in Iriomote Island!

How to play in Sonai Hometown Forest

It is only a 15-minute drive from Uehara Port and has a few athletic facilities, so it is recommended for families with children and the elderly who are not comfortable walking for long periods of time.

The nature here is beautiful and the air is clean, so it is nice to have a family lunch and watch the sunset and starry sky over Shirahama Bay!
Especially recommended are the night tours.

It is also a sightseeing spot for Iriomote fireflies, which can be seen all around the area during the season.

Also, the starry sky is beautiful in Iriomote Island, and if the weather is fine, it is a superb starry sky spot to see the Milky Way.

However, there are no streetlights in this area after sunset and it is pitch black, so be sure to go with a local or join a stargazing tour at night.

Click here for stargazing tours

Ferry boarding is required to go to Iriomote Island!

Ferry boarding is required from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island.

2022年ゴールデンウィークの離島ターミナル混雑具合

Ishigakijima Remote Island Terminal is very crowded, so purchase in advance and board the boat comfortably!

Advantages of pre-purchase
No need to wait in line at the counter on the day of purchase.
No need to worry about losing your ticket.
No need to worry about missing your ride!
No need to wait in long lines!

Click here to book Iriomotejima Island ferry tickets.

Details of Sonai Hometown Forest

Location	Iriomote, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa, JapanView on Map)
Access	Approximately 15 minutes by car from Uehara Port
parking lot	ant
toilet	nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta)
Business Hours	-