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Iriomote island
西表島
In three words: Japan’s Amazon Rainforest
Recommended for: Nature lovers, hikers, kayakers, snorkelers and divers.
Size: About 300 km²
Population: About 2,300
Boats depart from: Ishigaki Port’s Island Terminal (石垣港離島ターミナル)
In Brief:
The largest in the Yaeyama Islands. About 70% of Iriomote Island is designated land of the Iriomote National Park. Often described as the Amazon of Japan, this stunning island is thick with jungle and covered in rivers. It boasts the largest waterfall in Okinawa. The diving and the beaches are stunning too. Iriomote’s mascot is the critically endangered, indigenous Iriomote Mountain Cat.
Too Touristy?:
It never feels too touristy. Iriomote is semi well developed tourist destination. It has been a national park of Japan for a long time and is a little famous among the Japanese. That is why there are all the amenities you could need. Car rental, restaurants, etc. However with 2,300 people living on an island half the size of Tokyo, Iriomote is so vast and spacious you could never feel it is over touristic.
Getting There:
Getting to Iriomote is best done by boat from Ishigaki Island. Ishigaki is quite easily gotten to by plane. Domestically you can fly there direct from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, Naha, Miyako and Yonaguni. It also has international flights from Hong Kong and Taipei. Low cost carriers go there as well as more upmarket airlines so getting there won’t break the bank.
From Ishigaki you will take a ferry from Ishigaki Port in the south, to either Uehara Port in the north of Iriomote or Ohara port in the south of Iriomote. Which one you should choose will depend on where you decide you want to stay.
The boats are run by two main competing companies. Their websites can be found here and here. They offer very similar services at a similar price. The boats start from 6:50 and run until 17:30. There are about 10 services per day, per company, per port. It sounds a little complicated so the timetables are here and here.
They take 35-45 minutes. They’re quick little boats and they ask that you wear a formula 1 style seatbelt while riding, which adds to the fun. The costs are low comparative to other islands in Japan. You will be paying around 1800 yen for a one way ticket to and from Ohara, and 2360 yen for a one way ticket to and from Uehara.
In the high season reservations do come recommended and can be done online. It can be tricky on Japanese websites so you can always contact us and we can
Getting Around:
Iriomote is huge and getting around is best done by a rented car. There are several suppliers on the island with the prices quite different depending on the company. Contact us and we will endeavour to secure you the best deal that you couldn’t find on English sites.
There is a bus that runs 5 times a day, with a 1000 yen, three day pass. But I really recommend saving yourself that trouble and enjoying the island freely with a car.
Cycling around is a good idea for anyone training hard but not recommended for the faint of heart or anyone weak to the heat of the Okinawan sun. I will say it again: this island is big. Second biggest in Okinawa in fact.
Food and Drink:
Most of the cafes, restaurants and human life evolves around the villages Ohara and Uehara, in the south and the north.
In Ohara: Restaurant and Bar Azahaemi (字南風見) is popular and equipped for English speakers.
In Uehara: An Italian restaurant called Shima Italian En is delicious and popular for dinner. Lunch at Tohenboku gets you a satisfying lunch handmade by an elderly couple (as is usually the case on Japanese islands).
There are literally loads of other choices so we won’t begin to list them all. But I think it is safe to simply rock-up and enjoy. The nights won’t go on late in the towns so buy your own drinks before the stores close if you want a late night. In other locations Manta Ray Beach Cafe is on Yubu Island does great ice creams and getting there is fun too. You can either get carried in a cart by a buffalo or walk across the shallow sea although it does cost a little to make the trip.
The fishing in Iriomote is good and you should definitely try some of the local sashimi and seaweed. Then the island also grows sweet peach pineapples which you can see growing around the island. Another fine delicacy is the coconut crab.
Accommodation:
There are budget options starting at around 2500 yen per person per night at Shimaotoya guest house. There are also higher end options with Hotel Nilakanai offering rooms for 26000 yen for two people. There is also everything else in-between. Uminoie Pine Ukaji is a popular mid range choice right on the sea.
A lot of the guesthouses are near impossible to book online in English so please get in touch if you would like some help booking a place.
The Sights:
Pinaisala Waterfall - The biggest waterfall in Okinawa is a gorgeous sight from the northern coast of Iriomote. The view gets better when you get up close and personal. You can kayak up the Hinai River until you are close to it and even hike up and get a view from the top. The word ‘Pinai’ means beard and the ‘sala’ is waterfall in the language of the Yaeyama islands.
The Urauchi River - In the North West, it is the longest river in Okinawa. There are 1800 yen cruises on a pretty regular basis from morning until evening that can take you up the river. From there you can hike to see the Mariyudu Waterfall, the Campire Waterfall and beyond.
The Nakama River is in the south. Here you can see the biggest mangrove trees in Japan and a cruise will cost 1500 yen. There are several other rivers which are less popular with tourists. You can book kayaking trips as well as being able to rent kayaks and guide yourself.
Trekking in the jungle - A renowned, difficult and dangerous 20km hike through the interior of the island starts at the Campire Waterfall on the Urauchi River. Because some hikers went missing during this hike, the police ask that you fill out a form with them before you take on this hike, so tell your accommodation before you take it on and they should be able to help you register with the police. But do know what you are taking on! Stay safe.
Hoshizuna-no-hama (Star Sand Beach) - On the northern tip, this beach is one of two beaches in Japan with star shaped sand. It’s not really sand, it’s the skeleton of a really simple sea creature. There are several other lovely beaches so please explore.
Yubu Island - From 9:15-16:15 you can visit the tiny and beautiful Yubu. You can either get there via the iconic water buffalo for around 1300 yen per person or you can walk across the shallow stretch of water for 600 yen.
Tours and Organised Activities:
There are a huge range of guided tours and self guided tours you can get up to.
Diving and snorkelling are really popular. The Manta Way is a rare chance to glimpse a gathering of manta rays. The season is April-June but regardless of the timing the sea life is always great in Iriomote.
Kayaking, shower climbing, trekking etc. A lot of guides will offer a combination of activities on a full day or a half day out.
Renting your own kayak - It is possible to rent a kayak or small boat from a few shops on the island and then get to the spots yourself in your own time.
If you are finding it tough to book it all through difficult Japanese websites, we can help. Just get in touch.
A 2-3 Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - I recommend that you start renting your car from the day you arrive. Enjoy some free exploration time in the car/on foot and try to get a feel for the place. It is a big island and it is easy to stumble across a nice beach, pretty river, tasty lunch, stunning wildlife etc.
Day 2 - Get into the rivers. Do it however you like: take a tour, rent a kayak, see a waterfall or take on the big trek if you are prepared and registered with the police. There are plenty of rivers and so this can be done the next day and the next.
Day 3 - Time for the sea. Snorkelling or diving. Again do it how you like but definitely get yourself in the water. See the Manta Way and check out the star shaped sand. There are plenty of great spots so this can also be done the next day and the next.
Wildlife:
The Yamaneko or the mountain cat of Iriomote is said to number less than 100 and sightings are very rare. Yet you can find out all about them in the Iriomote Wildlife Centre. There are tons of other life such as large lizards and fireflies.