Enjoy Iriomote Island to the fullest with the "Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel" 2 nights 3 days ecotourism resort | Recommended itinerary

Iriomote Island is one of the Yaeyama Islands in the southwest of Okinawa Prefecture and is located in Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Jungle makes up about 90% of the island, and it is also known as "Japan's last unexplored region" because it is home to rare plants and animals, including the Iriomote wildcat, a national special natural monument. In July 2021, the island was recognized for its rich biodiversity and was registered as a World Heritage Site along with Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, and the northern part of Okinawa Island.
Located in the northwest of the island, the Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel aims to be Japan's first ecotourism resort, working towards sustainable tourism while protecting the natural environment. Why not take a three-day, two-night trip to fully enjoy the island's attractions, including Activity in the great outdoors and tours that allow you to experience the island's diverse ecosystems?
Model Course Points
- Experience the nature of Iriomote Island through Activity
- A buffet featuring familiar island ingredients
- Take a leisurely cycle to the island's famous sites
Day 1
13:30 Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal
Approximately 45 minutes by high-speed boat from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal (board either the "Anei Kanko" or "Yaeyama Kanko" high-speed boat)
14:30 Iriomote Island, Uehara Port
Approximately 10 minutes by shuttle bus (a hotel Staff/staff member holding a hotel sign will be standing at the port)
15:00Iriomote Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel
Jungle resort in a national park

The largest resort hotel on the island, with 139 Guest room, all over 42 m2 in size. In addition to a full range of Property such as an outdoor pool and jacuzzi, a variety of Activity await you, including kayaking, snorkeling, and trekking. The buffet, which features a variety of ingredients that are popular on the island, is also an attraction.
- Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel
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https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/iriomote/
2-2 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
Recommended Guest roomDeluxe Twin
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The most recommended room is the deluxe twin room, which is 54㎡ in size. If you lie down on the daybed, you can hear the sound of the waves and the birds. There is also a terrace overlooking the vibrant forest, so you can feel nature even while staying in your room. To protect the environment, toothbrushes, combs, and razors are not provided, so please bring your own.
15:30 Refill your water bottle
A must before Activity! Make full use of your own bottle

As part of their efforts to become an "ecotourism resort," they are "PET bottle free" and "1-way plastic free." They do not provide or sell bottled water or beverages, so don't forget to bring your own bottle. You can refill your water or hot water at the free water server.
16:00 Iriomote Guided Walk
Jungles and beaches are full of wonders

Among the many Activity, the first thing you should Experience is the "Iriomote Guided Walk," which allows you to experience the biodiversity of Iriomote Island. The "Jungle Course," where a guide leads you through the jungle on the premises, and the "Mangrove Course," which starts from the coast in front of the hotel and heads towards the mangrove forest, are held every day.
17:30 Sunset Mangrove Kayaking
A once-in-a-lifetime evening view from the water

This event is held at dusk on the Urauchi River that flows next to the hotel. You can enjoy kayaking while looking at mangroves such as Mangrove Grove up close. As you paddle, the vibrant green mangroves glow orange in the setting sun, and eventually become silhouetted. The luxurious scenery that can only be seen on the water is overwhelming.
*Event times vary depending on the season.
20:00 Dinner
A dinner buffet featuring island delicacies and delicacies
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Restaurant buffet, decorated with tropical flowers, features a variety of ingredients that are popular on the island. The proud menu includes dishes that use blue crab and brown sugar, and are unforgettable once you have tried them. The Asian cuisine, which incorporates spices and herbs used on the island, is also highly rated.
21:00 Stargazing
Stargazing at Tsukigahama Beach, right in front of the hotel

Tsukigahama (Tudumari Beach) is said to have gotten its name from its crescent-like arc shape. Enjoy stargazing at night on this beach, with its fine white sand that makes a squeaking sound when you walk on it. If you look up at the sky on this quiet beach where only the sound of the waves can be heard, you will be treated to an astronomical show with a sky full of stars.
Day 2
07:00 Wake up mangrove stretch
Wake up with a stretch while looking out over the mangroves

In the morning, we will hold a stretching session on the beach near the hotel in the fresh air. Stretching barefoot feels good against the sand, and taking a deep breath will make you feel the fresh air permeating every corner of your body. After stretching, you will start your day feeling refreshed.
*The implementation time varies depending on the sunrise time.
08:00 Breakfast
A fresh start with a breakfast buffet

For breakfast, enjoy plenty of the earth's bounty, including vegetables and fruits, in Restaurant bathed in tropical sunlight. The recommended dish is the "Brown Sugar French Toast," which is soaked overnight in a special liquid. The fluffy texture and gentle sweetness of the brown sugar are exquisite.
Meet at the hotel lobby
09:00 Dynamic Iriomote Island Adventure
Join the "Dynamic Iriomote Island Adventure" and head to "Nara Falls"

Kayaking on the Nakara River, lined with mangrove forests, and walking through the jungle to the hidden "Nara Falls". This is a highly recommended tour that allows you to fully experience Iriomote Island, including kayaking, trekking, cruising, playing in the waterfall, and observing the flora and fauna. Sun protection is essential. Don't forget to fill your own water bottle.
09:30 Dynamic Iriomote Island Adventure Kayaking
Kayak your way through the majestic Nakara River
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After receiving a lesson on how to paddle at Shirahama Port, we set off in our kayaks. We approach from the sea and head upstream along the Nakara River. As we proceed along the way, admiring the mangroves that line both banks, a fresh breeze blows through us, making us feel refreshed. There are rest stops along the way, and the sight of crabs and other creatures living on the tidal flats will help soothe your fatigue.
12:00 Dynamic Iriomote Island Adventure Trekking
Trekking in the jungle and observing flora and fauna

After getting off the kayak, we started trekking towards Nara Falls. As we walked along the path covered with plants unique to the subtropics, we might encounter some unfamiliar creatures. If you listen to the guide's explanations about the plants and animals while walking, your perspective of the jungle will change completely, making the trekking even more enjoyable.
12:40 Dynamic Iriomote Island Adventure Nara Falls
Arrived at the destination! Be amazed by the mysterious waterfall
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As you go through the jungle, the sound of the water gradually gets stronger, and the long-awaited waterfall is right in front of you. The sight of the water flowing down in the untouched wilderness is so powerful that it leaves you speechless. Once you enter the pure waterfall basin, all your fatigue will disappear in an instant. After playing in the water, it's time for lunch. There's nothing better than eating your lunch while watching the waterfall.
14:30 Dynamic Iriomote Island Adventure Jungle Cruise
Return is easy on the Jungle Cruise

After trekking back to the kayak disembarkation point, you will Experience a cruise at the end of the day. As you watch the varied scenery from the narrow upstream to the middle and wide downstream of the river, you will feel a comfortable tiredness.
*Depending on the tide levels, there may be days when the trip will be a round trip kayak or a cruise on the way there and a kayak on the way back.
18:00 Dinner
Enjoy freshly cooked food from the live kitchen

The dinner buffet features different dishes from the previous day. The main dishes, which the hotel is proud of, are prepared right before your eyes, and you will definitely want seconds. A variety of Yaeyama Awamori, which goes perfectly with the ingredients of Iriomote Island, is also available. The exquisite pairing with the food will make you want to drink and eat.
19:15 World Heritage School ~Iriomote Wildcat Lecture~
What kind of cat is the Iriomote wildcat?

The Iriomote wildcat, a special natural monument that lives only on Iriomote Island, is an endangered species, and it is said that there are only about 100 of them on the island. At the World Heritage School, you can learn about their characteristics, range of movement, and other aspects of their ecology. You can also learn about the increasing number of road accidents involving wildcats in recent years. Different themes are held each day depending on the season.
Day 3
07:00 Breakfast
A feast buffet to brighten up your tropical morning

The daily breakfast menu is different from the previous day, so be sure to check it out. For those who prefer Japanese food, the local side dishes and pickles are popular. You can also enjoy creating your own original plate by adding your own toppings, such as whipped cream and fruit, to the specialty "brown sugar French toast."
Approximately 20 minutes by electric bicycle
10:00 Star Sand Beach
White sand beach with emerald green sea

On your last day, why not rent an electric bicycle from Front desk and take a leisurely ride around the island? We recommend the "Star Sand Beach" in the northern part of the island. As the name suggests, the sand is shaped like stars, but they are actually the shells of a creature called foraminifera. You might get engrossed in searching for them, but please refrain from taking them home to protect the resource. The crystal clear waters are popular for swimming and snorkeling. It is a rare spot where you can see beautiful coral reefs and colorful tropical fish.
- Star Sand Beach
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https://painusima.com/859/
Okinawa Prefecture Yaeyama District Taketomi Town Uehara MAP
Rest House Hoshinosuna 12:00-19:00
0980-82-5445(竹富町観光協会)
Approximately 10 minutes by electric bicycle
11:00 Unarizaki Park
Enjoy the spectacular view of the ocean and islands from the observation deck on the cape

Located on the cape of Unarizaki, this park is popular for its spectacular views. If you climb up to the red-tiled observation deck at the tip of the cape, you can enjoy an unobstructed view. The park also has a grassy area and playground equipment such as swings, making it a great location for lunch or a short break. There is also a promenade along the sea, so it is also recommended for a stroll. It is also famous as a spot to view the sunset and starry skies, and the sun sinking into the horizon while painting the sky and sea red is almost divinely beautiful. At night, a sky full of sparkling stars fills the sky overhead.
- Unarizaki Park
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Okinawa Prefecture Yaeyama District Taketomi Town Uehara MAP
Approximately 10 minutes by electric bicycle
12:00 Shop
Popular island crafts to take home as souvenirs

If you are looking for souvenirs, the shop inside the hotel is convenient. There is a full lineup of items, including handicrafts by local artists, Iriomote cat goods, famous sweets, and awamori. There are also outdoor goods such as trekking and marine goods, so you can get everything you need for Activity.
Approximately 10 minutes by shuttle bus
12:30 Iriomote Island, Uehara Port
Approximately 45 minutes by high-speed boat from Uehara Port (board either the "Anei Kanko" or "Yaeyama Kanko" high-speed boat)
13:30 Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal
MAP
- Day 1
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- Day 2
- Day 3
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property