Iriomote Island ー
西表島
The most primitive in Japan:
It is the biggest island in the Yaeyama Islands, and 90% of areas is covered with the subtropical nature forest, and the slope of the mountain and forest nearly approach the sea where there is no level ground. The residence is limited to a piece of small land along the shoreline. On Iriomote Island, the rich nature of subtropical remains primitive, and it is only here Ishigaki Island that all seven kinds of mangroves of Japan are seen. In addition, the endemic animals and plants inhabit and grow on the island such as wild cats called Iriomote Yamaneko, which makes it the most primitive in Japan. Therefore, it is more attractive for those who prefer the activities in the nature rather than enjoying beaches on other islands in Okinawa.
Access and Getting Around
Because there is not an airport on Iriomote-jima, all the accessing routes are by vessel. Be aware that there are two ports, Ohara Port and Uehara Port, at the northern and southern part respectively, so make sure to confirm the route before planning a tour from Ishigaki Island. It is necessary to take the port into consideration depending on the destination and the tour type. A bus goes round among the villages, but because it is large, using a rental car or motorcycle is recommended in case of a personal tour. In addition, the most entertainment on the island is experiencing outdoor sports, which is suitable for a team tour.
By high-speed boat
45 minutes from Ishigaki Port to Uehara Port; 40 minutes from Ishigaki Port to Oohara Port.
By ferry
1 hour from Ishigaki Port to Uehara Port; 45 minutes from Ishigaki Port to Ohara Port. Though the number of services change in different seasons with 1 high-speed service per 15 minutes to 60 minutes in summer while 1 service per 60 to 90 minutes in winter. Sea route for Uehara is closed in winter, which every tourist should pay attention to.
Features
Nakama River Nature Reserve Area
-Mountain View -Outdoor Activities
Nakama river flows through the east side of Iriomote and is proud of about 12 km long,a scale of basin area of 32.3 square km, and is a representative river of Iriomote island.Magnificent mangrove forest grows in the basin for 5 km from the river mouth of the Nakama River,which is said to be nation's largest.Because there are various active tours such as taking sightseeing boat, canoeing, going ar...
-Sea View
It is a long beach in the south of Iriomote island, most suitable for a beachcombing to pick upthe shellfish of a fragment or flotsam of the changed shape coral.It is a beautiful beach of small sand and shallow water around it.But it is not suitable for a long stay because there are no rest rooms or shops.It may be nice to get by rental car and play there a little....
-Sea View -Recreational Facilities
Yubu Island is a small island of neighborhood less than 2 km,and the whole island is the subtropical botanical garden where besides southern flowers, wild animalssuch as wild boars, goats and buffalos can be seen.What is popular here is buffalo cars.It is pleasant to cross the sea of the tideland on a water buffalo car from Iriomote Island leisurely....
-Sea View
Omija Road Park is 10 km away to the east of Uehara Port.There is an observatory near the Road Park Parking Lot,where the bay and the sea of Omija can be seen panoramically.Down from the right side of the observatory is a promenade among the mangroves.Down from the left side of the observatory is the beautiful Omija River, playing in the river is also pleasant....
-Mountain View -Outdoor Activities
It is a water of the greatest drop (about 55 meters) in Okinawa Prefecture,located at the upper part of the Hinai River, the Funaura Port which is 2.5 km away from the Uehara Port.It takes 40 minutes by canoe or 50 minutes by trekking to get to the top of the waterfall.What can be seen on the top of the waterfall is the mountain, the river and the sea in Iriomote Island.It is one of few spots to s...
-Sea View -Outdoor Activities
Hoshisuna Beach is located at the northern tip of Iriomote Island, where snorkeling is enjoyed easily.Hoshinosuna means that star-shaped sand can be seen.The wave is calm, many fishes can be visible among the rocks, which is suitable to have a leisure time....
-Sea View -Outdoor Activities
Ballase Island is an island of the coral rising and ten minutes away from the Uehara Port by ship,from the surrounding colorful fish and coral reefs are seen.Snorkeling is popular here.Hatoma Island is a beautiful island on the hill with a promenadeand tourists may be healed by the green of the island and private houses of the red cement tile roofs.A one-day tour course is available during which i...
-Sea View
The sand of the beach is so small, there are no stones at all, it is suitable to walk on bare foot.Even at the bottom of the sea is the river sand.There are no fish and corals, it is suitable for short sea bathing or playing with sand....
-Mountain View -Outdoor Activities
The two waterfalls are at the upper side of Urauchi River, the longest river in Okinawa Prefecture.A sightseeing boat is used as a jungle cruise from the boarding spot near the entrance of the riverto the Gunkaniwa Rock (Destination: 8 km upward from the boarding spot), then walking to the waterfall.A promenade is built from the Gunkaniwa Rock to the Maryudu Waterfall or to the Kanpire Waterfall,w...
Accommodation around Iriomote Island
