Local Guide
5 recommended sightseeing and Activity on Iriomote Island that you can enjoy even in the rain

Iriomote Island is located about 400km southwest of the main island of Okinawa. It's a fun area to enjoy the great outdoors on a sunny day, but there are also many spots that can be enjoyed even in the rain. Here are 5 spots on Iriomote Island that you should definitely visit on a rainy day. If you remember the spots we will introduce below, you won't have to worry about sudden rain. Be sure to enjoy Iriomote Island even on a rainy day.

Mangrove dyeing has a gentle texture

A one-of-a-kind mangrove dyed T-shirt
A one-of-a-kind mangrove dyed T-shirt

Mangroves can be seen everywhere on Iriomote Island. The dyeing Experience using mangroves is very popular. Reservations are limited to one group per day, so you can enjoy Experience at your own pace without having to worry about other customers.
The mangrove dyeing in this workshop is done using the tie-dye method. The fabric is tied with thread to create the pattern you envision, and then dyed with a liquid made from the bark of the Bruguiera mangrove tree. The final product is a surprise after the thread is untied. Your one-of-a-kind piece is sure to become a lasting memory.

The dyed patterns are completely original

Hand-woven tapestries and straps are also available for purchase at the shop.
Hand-woven tapestries and straps are also available for purchase at the shop.

You can choose from T-shirt sizes ranging from 150cm to XL. In addition to T-shirts, you can also dye your favorite items such as eco bags and cotton stoles.
In addition to mangrove dyeing, you can also Experience natural dye weaving, making amulet straps, painting shisa, and more, so choose your favorite menu. The owner moved to Iriomote Island 25 years ago. He will help you create memories while feeling the natural energy of the island.

Comments Local Guide
It takes a little skill to create the patterns, but the owner will teach you carefully. Because it is dyed using natural materials, it is safe even for children. Take home the great nature of Iriomote Island with you through this beautiful dyed item.
Experience Workshop Yukui "Mangrove Dyeing Experience"
  • URLhttps://www.facebook.com/体験工房ゆくい-2305741126382358/
  • 住所11-1 Komi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 10 minutes by car from Nakama Port
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from Ohara Port, get off at "Komi" and walk for about 3 minutes
  • 営業時間10:00～17:30
  • 定休日Irregular holidays
  • 入場料Mangrove dyeing Experience from 3,500 yen
  • TEL090-7986-5646
  • 駐車場free
  • メモReservation required

No reservations necessary, just take your time to explore Japan's largest mangrove forest

Easy Direction with tours departing from Ohara Port
Easy Direction with tours departing from Ohara Port

The Nakama River, the second largest river on Iriomote Island, has a watershed designated as a natural conservation area. Japan's largest mangrove forest stretches along both sides of the river, and you can enjoy viewing the mangrove forest from a cruise ship.
Tickets can be purchased at the shop "Jugon" next to the Ohara Port Terminal. No reservation is required, so it's convenient even if other Activity are canceled due to rain. We recommend the "Sakishimasuonoki Course" where you can see one of the largest giant trees in Japan.

You can enjoy the cruise even on rainy days, so bring a raincoat.

The sightseeing boat has a roof so you don't have to worry about rain
The sightseeing boat has a roof so you don't have to worry about rain

The 400-year-old Hermitage is a designated national natural monument. This cruise boat takes you upstream to the viewing point, and then you walk along a 30m promenade to reach the Hermitage. The course is only available on certain days, so be sure to check the timetable in advance.
Although the cruise ship has a roof, it is a good idea to bring a raincoat on rainy days. This will not only protect you from the rain, but also from the cold. Raincoats are also sold at the ticket office "Jugon", so it is a good idea to purchase one.

Comments Local Guide
The eloquent guide's explanations are also highly regarded as "interesting." It gets a little cold on rainy days, so we recommend wearing clothes that can be adjusted, such as a jacket or a scarf.
Iriomote Island Transportation "Nakama River Mangrove Cruise"
  • URLhttps://iriomote.com/top/onlycruize/
  • 住所201 Minamikazemi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスA short walk from Ohara Port
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from Toyohara and get off at "Ohara Port"
  • 営業時間Please check the official website for timetables
  • 定休日Please enquire
  • 入場料Adults 3,000 yen, Children 1,500 yen (Sakishimasu Onoki Course)
  • TEL0980-85-5304
  • 駐車場free
  • メモIn the event of heavy rain or other bad weather, the captain may decide to cancel or suspend the operation of the cruise ship. Please contact us directly to inquire about the operation status on the day.

A thrilling Experience combining mangrove kayaking and cave exploration

It's a much narrower rock formation than deep caving.
It's a much narrower rock formation than deep caving.

A guide who knows the nature of Iriomote Island will guide you on a mangrove kayak and caving trip on the vast river. You will be picked up at your accommodation or the port at a set time, so transportation is easy. Tour equipment is also available for rental, so you can participate with the minimum of belongings such as a change of clothes and valuables.
The caves visited on the tour are extremely narrow, as the name of the tour suggests, but they are very popular because they offer a more thrilling Experience than regular caving. Participants are very satisfied with the tour, and even if it rains, the tour will proceed without any problems unless there is a significant amount of precipitation.

A fantastical view spreads before you, completely changing from the world of darkness.

The excitement when the light appears is even greater
The excitement when the light appears is even greater

When visiting the river by kayak, a dedicated guide will choose spots that are less crowded, so you can enjoy the feeling of having the place all to yourself. After lunch, it's time to try out the extremely narrow caving. This activity is available all year round, but it gets very hot in the summer, so don't forget to stay hydrated. Once you leave the cave, which is so narrow that only one person can fit through, the scenery changes completely and a mysterious view spreads before you.
In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable tour, please be sure to consult in advance if you are concerned about your body shape, have a chronic illness, or have a phobia. Please note that due to the nature of the tour, only junior high school students and above can participate.

Comments Local Guide
Caving through places where you are barely able to pass is thrilling! The scene of sunlight shining through the dark cave is like a scene from a movie and is very moving.
Iriomote Island Outdoor Tour POLEPOLE "Canoe (Kayak) + Extremely Narrow Caving"
  • URLhttps://polepole-iriomote.jp/tourmenu/kayak_gekisema-html/
  • 住所Okinawa Prefecture Yaeyama District Taketomi Town Aza Minamihazamine Naka 29-66 MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 3 minutes by car from Ohara Port *Shuttle service available to the port or accommodation
  • 営業時間8:00 to 16:00 (Experience time)
  • 定休日Irregular holidays
  • 入場料15,000 yen per person
  • TEL0980-85-5867
  • 年齢制限Middle school and above

Experience "Yaeyama Minsa", a traditional textile from the Yaeyama region

Everything from dye cultivation to weaving is done by hand.
Everything from dye cultivation to weaving is done by hand.

Yaeyama Minsa was once a gift from women to men during the time when the custom of commuter marriage existed. The five and four kasuri patterns express the wish for "everyday life, even in the future (five)".
The Iriomote Handicraft Center, Property dedicated to the inheritance and development of this traditional textile, not only offers tours, but also accepts Yaeyama Minsa weaving Experience with advance reservations. You can Experience weaving a table center 9cm wide and 20cm long. The work you weave yourself is even more precious. It will surely become an unforgettable memory of your trip.

The shop inside the center has a wide selection of Minsa weaving items

The colorful Minsa weaving makes a perfect souvenir
The colorful Minsa weaving makes a perfect souvenir

The instructors are members of the Taketomi Town Textile Business Cooperative Association who live on the island. They dye fabrics using familiar plants that have been used on Iriomote Island since ancient times, and weave fabrics such as "Yaeyama Minsa weaving" using threads that are 100% dyed with natural dyes.
There is also an adjoining shop where you can purchase various handwoven items such as bags, stoles, pouches, and letter sets. Each item is made entirely by hand, from the dyeing process onwards, so the texture is unique. Be sure to find your favorite item.

Comments Local Guide
You can take home what you have woven during the weaving Experience. You may feel the power of nature from the fabric, which is dyed one by one with plants from Iriomote.
Iriomote Handicraft Center
  • URLhttps://www.facebook.com/西表手仕事センター-103132671229297/
  • 住所870-277 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port
  • 営業時間10:00-12:00, 13:00-16:30
    *Lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00
  • 定休日Irregular holidays
  • 入場料Free tour, weaving Experience 2,000 yen per person
  • TEL0980-85-6039
  • 駐車場無料（10台）
  • メモDue to the spread of COVID-19, the center's tours and weaving Experience are suspended for the time being. Products from the Iriomote Handicraft Center can also be purchased at the following shops.
    ・ Hoshino Resorts Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel Shop
    ・Yurimina shop inside Uehara Port Terminal
    ・Shop "Suou no Ki" inside Ohara Port Terminal
    ・Ishigaki Airport Shop "Shima Souvenirs"

Deepen your understanding of Iriomote Island's wildlife and nature

Many stuffed specimens of rare birds and animals that live on Iriomote Island are on display (before renovation) ©️Ministry of the Environment Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center
Many stuffed specimens of rare birds and animals that live on Iriomote Island are on display (before renovation) ©️Ministry of the Environment Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center

The Iriomote wildcat, designated as a special natural monument by the government, lives only on Iriomote Island. The estimated population is thought to be around 100. This Property was established by the Ministry of the Environment in 1995 with the aim of protecting, researching and raising awareness of wildlife, including the rare Iriomote wildcat. It is scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2022.
At this Property, you can watch videos of the previously rescued Iriomote wildcats being active during the day. As wildcats are normally nocturnal, it is rare to see them during the day.

The precious stuffed Iriomote cat is very impressive

A rare specimen of the Iriomote wildcat (before renovation) ©️Ministry of the Environment Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center
A rare specimen of the Iriomote wildcat (before renovation) ©️Ministry of the Environment Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center

センターでは、イリオモテヤマネコについての資料を展示するだけでなく、怪我をしたイリオモテヤマネコの保護も行っています。もし負傷したイリオモテヤマネコを見つけたら、24時間受け付けている「ヤマネコ緊急ダイヤル（0980-85-5581）」へ連絡すると良いでしょう。
絶滅の恐れのある種を掲載したレッドデータブックにおいて、絶滅の危険性が極めて高い種とされているイリオモテヤマネコ。ぜひこの施設で理解を深めてみてはいかがでしょうか。

Comments Local Guide
The center also sells original Iriomote cat merchandise, with all sales going to the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Fund.
Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center
  • URLhttps://iwcc.jp/
  • 住所Okinawa Prefecture Yaeyama District Taketomi Town Komi MAP
  • アクセスAbout 15 minutes by car from Ohara Port
  • バスアクセスGet off at the bus stop "Wildlife Conservation Center" and walk for about 10 minutes
  • 営業時間10:00-16:00 (closed temporarily on weekends and public holidays from 12:00-13:00)
  • 定休日Closed on Mondays (and the following Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday), public holidays (except Children's Day and Culture Day), June 23rd (Memorial Day), New Year's holiday (December 29th - January 3rd)
    *There may be other temporary closing days.
  • 入場料free
  • TEL0980-85-5581
  • 駐車場free
  • メモThe museum will be closed for renovation work from December 11, 2021 to around spring 2022. After the renovation, the exhibits, opening hours, and regular holidays may change, so please check the official website for details.
*The contents listed are current as of the date of article update. They may be subject to change, so please check before using.