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Iriomote Island is Okinawa's second largest island. Largely undeveloped, nearly 90 percent of the island is covered by dense jungle and mangrove forests, much of which makes up the Iriomote National Park, the southernmost of Japan's national parks.
The island's attractions are based around tours to Iriomote's abundant nature including sea and river kayaking, fishing and sailing. Other activities can be enjoyed either on tours or individually such as beaches, snorkeling and various hiking trails, the most challenging of which is a 20 kilometer path through the interior of the island which should only be tackled by experienced and well prepared hikers.
Kayaking tour to the interior of the island
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A mangrove lined river
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Iriomote is also a popular scuba diving destination especially at Manta Way, the strait between Iriomote and nearby Kohama Island, where schools of manta rays congregate in spring and summer. Diving tours are available for all skill levels.
The island is also home to the Iriomote Yamaneko, a type of wildcat, which was discovered in 1965 and is only found on Iriomote Island. The chances of encountering an Iriomote Yamaneko are low as the nocturnal, house cat sized animal is an endangered species that is thought to number less than 100 individuals.
The reef around Hoshizuna Beach
River Activities:
Most of the island's interior is covered in dense jungle accessible by a number of rivers that head inland from the sea. Jungle boat cruises are organized on the island's two longest rivers, the Urauchigawa (Urauchi River) and Nakamagawa (Nakama River), and guided kayak tours operate on both of those as well as many of the smaller rivers around the island.
Beaches:
Iriomote has its share of beautiful beaches which offer swimming, snorkeling and diving opportunities. Most of the beaches around Iriomote do not have any public facilities, and some of them can only be reached by boat as the island's coast is only partially accessible by car.
When using the beaches always beware of strong currents that can pull you out to sea and poisonous creatures such as Habu Jellyfish, a type of box jellyfish, that are most prevalent from June to October. Signs in English inform about the dangers while some beaches have netted off swimming areas. Although stings are rare, if stung you should pour vinegar over the sting, remove any tentacles, and seek medical help as it may become life threatening.
Other Attractions:
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How to get there
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Three ferry companies operate high speed ferries, as well as an infrequent car ferry, between Iriomote and Ishigaki Island. Boats depart every 30 minutes from Ishigaki Port to Uehara Port (2000 yen, high speed ferry 40-50 minutes, car ferry 105 minutes) in the north of Iriomote, and Ohara Port (1540 yen, high speed ferry 35-40 minutes, car ferry 45 minutes) in the south. As of 2006, Funahara port on the north of the island no longer has regular ferry traffic.
There is only one main road on Iriomote, running along the coast from Shirahama to Ohara. A public bus runs between Shirahama and Ohara five times per day. The complete journey takes about 90 minutes and costs 1200 yen.
Besides the public buses, there are shuttle buses, operated by ferry companies and by the various diving and sightseeing companies on the island. Lastly, it is also possible to rent a car from one of several outlets near the ferry terminals.
How to get to and around the Yaeyama Islands
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Travel Community
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Popularity of Iriomote Island:
Users who have been to Yaeyama Islands: 37
Users who have been to Iriomote Island: 222nd of 3 most visited sights in Yaeyama Islands.
370th of 554 most visited sights nationwide.
Ratings for Iriomote Island:
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japan-guide.com Rating:
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best of the best
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User Rating (by 17 users):
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96/100
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highly recommended
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