Iriomote Island

Discover the wild beauty of Iriomote Island, Okinawa's second-largest island. Covered almost entirely by dense jungle and mangrove forests, this tropical paradise is home to the endangered Iriomote wildcat and offers incredible kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling experiences. It's a completely different side of Japan, focusing entirely on untouched nature.

Experience the Best of Iriomote Island

Whether you are exploring nature, enjoying local cuisine, or learning about traditional culture, Iriomote Island has something for everyone. This destination is highly recommended for travelers looking for an authentic Japanese experience intertwined with rugged tropical beauty.

Top Attractions & Activities

Urauchi River (Urauchigawa): The longest river in Okinawa offers popular jungle cruise boat rides. For a closer look at the mangroves, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and navigate the narrow, twisting tributaries.

Pinaisara Falls: As the highest waterfall in Okinawa, reaching the base of Pinaisara Falls is a rewarding adventure involving a mix of kayaking and jungle hiking. The dramatic drop against the green jungle backdrop is an unforgettable sight.

Star Sand Beach (Hoshizuna-no-Hama): Unlike typical beaches, the sand here is composed of tiny, star-shaped shells—the exoskeletons of microscopic marine organisms. It's also an excellent spot for snorkeling in the shallow, warm waters.

Yubu Island: Located just off the east coast of Iriomote, Yubu Island is famous for its water buffalo carts. Visitors ride across the shallow strait on these carts, accompanied by guides playing the traditional sanshin. The small island is a relaxing botanical garden.

Wildlife & The Iriomote Cat

Iriomote's isolation has allowed unique species to thrive, most notably the critically endangered Iriomote wildcat. While the chance of spotting one of the roughly 100 remaining cats is incredibly slim, you can learn all about them at the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center. Drive carefully on the island to protect these rare animals!

Where to Stay

Despite its wild nature, Iriomote offers a range of accommodations, from simple minshuku (guesthouses) to eco-resorts. Staying on the island allows you to experience the incredibly starry night skies and early morning jungle tours before day-trippers arrive. Most accommodations are clustered around Uehara Port in the north and Ohara Port in the southeast.

Best Time to Visit

Iriomote has a subtropical climate, meaning it's warm year-round. The best times to visit are from late March to May, and October to November, avoiding the intense heat of mid-summer and the peak typhoon season (August to September). Winter (December to February) is cooler but still comfortable, though water activities might require a wetsuit.

Getting There & Around

There is no airport on Iriomote. You must fly into Ishigaki Island (New Ishigaki Airport) and take a high-speed ferry to either Uehara Port (about 40 minutes) or Ohara Port (about 35 minutes). Note that ferries to Uehara are frequently canceled due to rough seas, especially in winter.

Once on the island, public buses run along the single coastal road, but they are infrequent. Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore, though many tour companies offer pick-up services from your hotel or the ports.