5 Recommended Tourist Spots on Iriomote Island, Where Untouched Nature Spreads
Iriomote Island, the largest of the Yaeyama Islands, is located about 450 km away from the main island of Okinawa. Known as the home of the Iriomote wildcat, this island is filled with untouched nature. There are plenty of things to see, such as cruises through the subtropical jungle, spectacular views that you would never see in the city, and star-filled skies. Here are five recommended tourist spots where you can enjoy Iriomote Island, also known as the "Galapagos of the Orient," to your heart's content.
1Subtropical Plant Paradise: Yubu Island
A relaxing island where time flows slowly
This is a spot that you cannot miss when sightseeing on Iriomote Island. It is located only 400m from Iriomote Island and can be Direction on foot at low tide. However, if you are going to visit Yubu Island, we recommend that you take a water buffalo cart.
Departures depart from Iriomote Island every 30 minutes from 9:30 to 15:15 every day. Feel the gentle flow of island time from the leisurely pace of the buffalo. On the buffalo cart, Staff/staff member will play Okinawan folk songs. The soothing sound of the sanshin will further enhance your tropical mood.
Bougainvillea Garden, where colorful flowers bloom in abundance
Although it is a small island with a circumference of about 2km, there are many tourist spots scattered throughout the island. One place you should definitely visit is the Bougainvillea Garden. It is about 400m away from the buffalo cart ride point and can be reached in a 10-minute walk. Inside the greenhouse, colorful bougainvillea and hibiscus in red, pink, and purple bloom in abundance, giving the place a tropical atmosphere.
Other attractions include the Butterfly Garden, where you can see one of Japan's largest butterflies, the Idea leuconoe, the natural beach Manta Beach, and the Buffalo Pond.
- Subtropical Plant Paradise: Yubu Island
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https://yubujima.com/
689 Komi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
About 15 minutes from the Yubu Island Buffalo Boarding Point
9:30-16:00 *Opening times may be delayed depending on the tide
Open everyday *May be closed due to typhoons or strong winds
Round-trip water buffalo cart and admission fee: Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,760 yen, Children (elementary school students) 880 yen
0980-85-5470
none
2Nakama River
The river with the largest mangrove basin area in Japan
This river, which flows from Taketomi Town on the eastern side of Iriomote Island, is about 17.5 km long and boasts the largest mangrove basin area in Japan. In this river, surrounded by the magnificent nature of Iriomote, you can see "Mayapushiki", a type of mangrove that can only be found in certain areas.
Additionally, the Yaeyama palm trees growing in clusters on the left bank of the middle reaches of the river are known as the "Ubunduru Yaeyama Palm Colony," and the mangrove forest downstream, Japan's largest in area, is known as the "Nakama River Natural Conservation Area." We recommend joining an optional tour to experience nature from the surface of the river.
Enjoy sightseeing on Iriomote Island on the Nakamagawa River sightseeing boat even on rainy days
If you want to enjoy the nature of Nakama River, we recommend the Nakama River Mangrove Cruise. There are two courses: the "Sakishimasu Onoki Course", which includes a cruise and a 30m walk on the promenade, and the "Mangrove Course", which is just a cruise. You can join either course at any time, as no reservations are required.
The former is popular because you can see the largest hermit tree in Japan, the Sakishimasu-no-onoki. The roots of the Sakishimasu-no-onoki tree that grow like they are crawling along the ground are very impressive. However, the tour is only available on limited days, so be sure to check the operating timetable and make your plans accordingly.
- Nakama River
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- https://iriomote.com/top/onlycruize/
- 201 Minamikazemi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- A short walk from Ohara Port
Take the bus from Shirahama and get off at "Ohara Port"- Varies depending on Experience course. Check the official website for details.
- Open daily
- Sakishimasu Onoki Course Adults 3,000 yen, Children 1,500 yen
Mangrove Course Adults 2,000 yen, Children 1,000 yen
Nakama River Canoe Experience Adults 7,000 yen, Children 6,000 yen - 0980-85-5304
- free
3Star Sand Beach
A beach with excellent transparency where you can also enjoy snorkeling
An emerald green beach that represents Iriomote Island. Hoshizuna Beach has shallow waters and a small island between it and the open sea, so the waves are very calm. Children can play safely here, so it is popular with families. At low tide, you can walk around in marine shoes and observe the marine life.
Snorkeling is also recommended when the tide is high. The water is so clear that you can see the corals and colorful fish from the water. In particular, you can see a wide variety of fish near the small island in front of the beach.
There are many convenient Property within walking distance of Hoshizuna Beach.
Iriomote Island has many natural beaches that lack facilities such as toilets and showers, but here you can rent a shower at Pension Hoshinosuna, which is adjacent to Parking. This rest Property is a reliable place for tourists, as it can store your luggage (including valuables) and you can make reservations for snorkeling.
There is also a cafe open with a wide selection of drinks and food on the menu. If you get tired after playing, we recommend relaxing on the terrace, which has a great location.
- Star Sand Beach
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- https://painusima.com/859/
- Okinawa Prefecture Yaeyama District Taketomi Town Uehara MAP
- Approximately 8 minutes by car from Uehara Port
- Rest House Hoshinosuna 12:00-19:00
- 0980-82-5445（竹富町観光協会）
- free
4Unarizaki Park
A spectacular spot on Iriomote Island where the dazzling blue of the ocean spreads out below
This is a recommended spot for those who want to take photos at a spectacular spot on Iriomote Island and feel the great outdoors. In the park, which has a wide lawn, you can also find athletic equipment for small children to play on. If you go to the very back of the park, you will see the popular observation deck.
The two-storey building offers a panoramic view of the East China Sea on a clear day. In the opposite direction, you can also enjoy a great view of the mouth of the Urauchi River, the longest river in Okinawa Prefecture, and Tsukigahama Beach, a famous spot for watching the sunset.
A place that shows different faces depending on the time of day
From early morning until midday, the park is crowded with families, but in the evening it turns into a date spot for couples. The two-story observation deck at the end of the promenade is a great spot to watch the sunset. You can enjoy the dramatic sunset as it slowly sinks into the sea.
Unarizaki Park is also famous as a spot for astronomical observation, so much so that stargazing tours are held here. With nothing to obstruct your view, you can immerse yourself in the world of the stars. The promenade leading to the observation deck is well maintained, so you can walk safely at night.
- Unarizaki Park
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- https://okinawan-pearls.ogb.go.jp/kanko/unarizakikoen/
- Okinawa Prefecture Yaeyama District Taketomi Town Uehara MAP
- About 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port
- free
5Omija Road Park
A promenade surrounded by mangroves
Located along the Omija River, this promenade is a popular tourist spot for people of all ages who come for walking and wildlife watching. Surrounded by mangroves, the sunlight filtering through the trees on sunny days is beautiful, making it a pleasant place to take a walk even in summer. Another attraction is being able to get up close and personal with the mangroves and rare creatures that live near the water.
You may even be able to see small fish swimming happily in the Yoshikera River, a small stream on the premises.
The mouth of the Omisawa River is the main attraction
A normal river mouth is a brackish area where fresh water and sea water mix, but the Omija River has a step that allows the river water to flow directly into the sea. You can see the river mouth of the Omija River from a bridge close to Parking. The view of the river flowing from the jungle into the mangrove forest and eventually into the sea is worth seeing.
You can also see Hatoma Island, located next to Iriomote Island, from the observation deck. After taking in the view, why not go down to the beach and take a walk along the white sandy beach? At low tide, you can spot fiddler crabs and gobies.
- Omija Road Park
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- https://painusima.com/824/
- Okinawa Prefecture Yaeyama District Taketomi Town Takana MAP
- About 15 minutes by car from Uehara Port
- Take the Toyohara bus and get off at "Omija Road Park"
- free
