40 sightseeing spots in Iriomote Island! Iriomote Island resident staff will give you a thorough explanation!

Hello everyone!
Iriomote Island is called the Galapagos of the East, where ancient nature still remains. Therefore, it is a recommended island with many activities and sightseeing spots.
In a warm and comfortable environment, you can visit famous classic spots as well as deep holes in the ground that only locals know about.
This article introduces what is Iriomote Island.

 

 

 

What is Iriomote Island? Characteristics and Reasons for Recommendation

 

 

Iriomote Island is the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture and the largest in the Yaeyama Islands. It is located 17 km west of "Ishigaki Island", the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands. It takes about 40 minutes from Ishigaki Island by high-speed ferry.
The ports of Iriomote Island are Uehara Port in the north and Ohara Port in the southwest, which are the gateways to the island. Near Uehara Port, there are many beaches suitable for marine activities, and Pinaisara Falls, which boasts the highest drop in Okinawa Prefecture, and the picturesque Maludu Falls are also located. Near Ohara Port is the Nakama River, which boasts the largest mangrove forest in Japan and is ideal for jungle cruising and trekking.

 

 

Access to Iriomote Island and movement within the island

 

 

Ferries from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island go to Uehara Port and Ohara Port.
Please check the schedule of your local port depending on your accommodations and the tour you are participating in.
The weather in the Yaeyama Islands can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the ferry operation information.

 

 

When choosing a hotel, it is recommended to choose one with good transportation access.
Mainly hotels near Ohara or Uehara will make it very easy to get around. Basically, the tour will meet at Uehara or Uehara, so it is convenient to stay near these locations. Rental cars and other vehicles also congregate near Ohara or Uehara.

 

 

Ishigaki Port Terminal is crowded!

 

Ishigaki Port Terminal is the only window to the remote islands of the Yaeyama Archipelago, including Iriomote Island.
However, since there are only a few ticket counters in the Ishigaki Port Terminal, it is very crowded and "difficult to buy tickets" occurs.

In the past, it took a long time to purchase tickets,There were many instances where the participants were unable to catch the scheduled ferry and missed the tour time in Iriomotejima.

For this reason, we recommend purchasing tickets online rather than locally.

Enjoy your trip in comfort by purchasing in advance!

 

 

 

40 Sightseeing Spots in Iriomote Island

①浦内川

西表島最大の川 「浦内川」 は、ジャングルに囲まれた秘境感あふれるスポット。

 

このエリアでは、カヌーやトレッキングを組み合わせた 大自然を満喫できるアクティビティ が楽しめます！

 

浦内川の穏やかな流れをカヌーで進みながら、壮大なマングローブ林を間近で観察できます。

 

②水落の滝

The "Mizu Ochino Waterfall" can only be reached by boat or canoe from Shirahama Port.Unexplored Funauki AreaThe waterfall is located at

 

It is located at the end of the river, where you can cross Funauki Bay by canoe from Shirahama and enjoy the view of the mangroves!

 

(3) Barras Island

 

 

Snorkeling tours around Barasu Island, where coral reefs are abundant, are very popular.

The waters of Barras Island are not only crystal clear, but in addition to a wide variety of fish, you can observe colorful coral reefs.

Many people are so enchanted with Barras Island that they come back again and again to snorkel.

 

 

④大見謝川

 

 

The Omija River has an observation deck overlooking the ocean and a walking trail through the mangrove forest.

It is a spot with a spectacular view, so it is recommended to stroll around during a drive. Try using it for picnics, etc.

It is also famous as a spot where canyoning (rafting) can be done.

Canyoning is a popular activity that allows you to dive into a waterfall basin, ride a river current, and merge with nature, all with just your body.

 

 

⑤星砂の浜

 

It is a highly transparent and shallow beach that is popular among tourists.

The famous "star sand" from Kaiji Beach on Taketomi Island washes ashore, and you can enjoy collecting star sand here as well.

Under undulating rocks and in crevices, you may encounter schools of fish.

The current tends to be faster offshore, so try to play in front of the rocky area.

 

⑥ピナイサーラの滝

 

 

Pinaisara Falls is a huge waterfall with the largest drop of about 55 meters in Okinawa Prefecture! Pinaisara" means "beard" and "sahra" means "lowered thing" in the Okinawan language, so the name is exactly modeled after Pinaisara Falls. As you can see in the picture, it looks like an old man's face with a drooping beard.
It is not possible to walk to this huge waterfall. Therefore, many visitors take canoes or SUPs to the falls. The sight of paddling through the jungle toward the basin of the falls is breathtaking.

 

 

⑦西表島鍾乳洞

 

 

It refers to a spot where three limestone caves in Iriomote Island are in a row.

The first is a stalactite cave with a large entrance, the second is a smaller stalactite cave, and the third is a stalactite cave with a very narrow entrance.

There is a beautiful sight of a river beyond the limestone caves. Why don't you explore caving in Iriomote Island?

 

 

(8) Nakama River

 

 

The Nakama River near Ohara Port has a vast expanse of thick mangroves.

For this reason, mangrove cruising and trekking tours have become popular spots.

 

 

(ix) Ida beach

 

 

It is a secluded beach that can only be reached from Iriomote Island and cannot be reached by land.

It is about a 10-minute boat ride from Shirahama Port and a 10-minute walk from Funauki Port.

It is said to be the cleanest in Iriomote Island, and the spotless sea is like a swimming pool.

When the wind suddenly stops, you will be impressed by the beautiful scenery.

 

 

(2) Coola Falls

 

 

Kula Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions and power spots in Iriomote Island, and is often visited by tours.
To get to the Coola Falls, one must continue on the Coola River.
After making your way through the jungle with ivy that looks like something out of Jack and the Beanstalk, you will emerge at the Coola Falls!
Koola" means "to bring good luck," and this is where the locals come to pay their respects. Koola Falls, loved by the locals and famous as a tourist spot, is nothing but a photogenic point of interest.

 

 

(10) Uehara Port

 

 

Uehara Port is one of the entrances to Iriomote Island, where ferry services are regularly operated.

From Uehara village, Hoshisuna beach and Tsukihama beach are nearby, making it a popular port for those who want to enjoy marine activities.

All PiPi activities will meet at Uehara Port.

 

 

(11) Ohara Port

 

 

Ohara Port is one of the entrances to Iriomote Island, where ferry services operate regularly.

Ohara village is close to a mangrove forest, and many people who want to enjoy activities in the river visit here.

It is also a transit point to other islands, so people who go sightseeing to other islands also use this area.

 

 

⑫Mariudo Falls

 

 

This waterfall is selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, located in the upper reaches of the Urauchi River. The waterfall is characterized by its two-tiered structure and rounded basin.

This round waterfall basin is the origin of the name.

 

⑬Campilee Falls

 

 

Kampilay Falls, also known as the Seat of God, boasts a total length of 200 meters.

It looks more like a rushing stream than a waterfall and is often visited by trekkers.

 

⑭ Yutun Waterfall

 

 

Yutun Waterfall is located in the eastern part of the island, upstream from the Yutun River. The forest leading up to the falls is just as fantastic as it looks in the movies.

After passing through the forest, you will see the dynamic Yutun Waterfall. Why don't you visit Yutun Falls in Iriomote Island, where both the waterfall and its path are enjoyable?

 

 

(15) Urauchi River

 

 

The Urauchi River is known as the longest river in Okinawa Prefecture.

Because the salinity of the water differs between fresh water, brackish water, and sea water upstream and downstream of the estuary, different mangrove forests grow according to the salinity of the water.

Tours and other activities cruise upriver from the ocean side.

This makes it possible to observe the spectacle of shifting mangrove species.

 

 

⑯Hinai River

 

 

The Hinai River branches off from the Mare River on its way, and if you paddle the main stream by kayak, you will find a dense mangrove forest near the Pinaisara waterfall basin.

When you go to see Pinaisara Falls, you will go up the river here.

 

Rivers of the ⑰Gorara River

 

 

The Gora River offers a panoramic view of the vast virgin mangrove forest.

Mangrove forests grow thickly along a gentle S curve. Most of them are untouched, and the scenery interwoven with the mountains in the back is truly spectacular.

The river retains a rich natural environment, and in early July, you can even see the sagaribana in its mangrove forests.

 

Rivers before

 

 

Maera River runs along the mangrove forest, which is one of the most beautiful rivers in Iriomote Island with a gentle current.

Its gentle current and relaxing atmosphere is the best in Iriomote Island, and it is perfect for observing the vegetation at a leisurely pace.

 

(19) Nishida River

 

 

The Nishida River has a waterfall in the upper reaches of the river. The waterfall is 30 meters wide and is a hidden scenic spot.

It is also famous for its large number of tenaga shrimps, and near the waterfall you can enter a pothole in the ground or under the waterfall.

 

river in the western part of the country

 

 

The Quila River is the river that connects to the Shikagawa Bay.

Nearby is a powerful waterfall that cascades down a precipitous cliff called Mizuochi Falls.

 

Polish coastline

 

 

The beach is located at the entrance of Nakano village in the Uehara district. It is reached by a side road from the road about 5 minutes by car from Uehara Port.

This beach is visited by many locals, and with its balance between lack of popularity and the beauty of the beach, this Nakano beach is recommended for those who want to relax on the beach.

The offshore area is also a major dive site, with spectacular coral colonies.

 

㉒Kurile Islands

 

 

It is a large island located in front of Shirahama Port. In the Taisho era (1912-1926), it had a lively history as an island of coal mines.

The island also has a history of malaria, which has closed the mines many times.

There are local guided tours that allow visitors to see the ruins of the coal mines that still remain, so if you are interested, please join the tour.

 

㉓outlying islands

 

 

The outer islands on the ocean side of the inner islands also once prospered as coal mining islands.

A coal mine was opened for a time after the war. The coal mine later went out of business, but around 1998, a black pearl processing plant was built.

 

 

㉔Maruma Beach

 

 

It is a relatively small beach located just outside of Uehara Port. Although the water is clear and the quality of the water is clean, it is not well known and is a popular hidden spot with few tourists.

The waves are not so big and the beach is shallow, so even children can swim safely.

 

㉕Nambu Mita Beach

 

 

Minamikazumida beach is the longest beach in Iriomote Island, stretching to the southern tip of the island.

The sandy beach is white and shallow, so you can enjoy playing on the beach and picking up seashells, etc. On the west side of the beach, a jungle unique to Iriomote Island spreads out, and you can enjoy a completely different view from the ocean at the same time.

 

㉖stone of forget-me-not (esp. the water forget-me-not, Myosotis scorpioides)

 

 

At the end of the Pacific War, the residents of Hateruma Island were forced to evacuate to the beach, and many lost their lives to malaria.

The forget-me-not stone was carved into a stone to remember the experience of that time.

A monument was erected in the southern sea where Hateruma Island is clearly visible, and a memorial service is held there every year to pray for lasting peace.

 

㉗Nainu beach

 

 

This beach is a 30-minute walk further down the coast from Minamikazumida Beach, and is the end of the beach that you can walk to, as the cliffs continue onward from here.

Here, just offshore from the middle of the beach, there is a deeper beach, which is suitable for snorkeling and canoeing, where there is also coral.

 

㉘net fishing

 

 

The Amitori village site is a village that has already been abandoned in a remote area among the remote areas in Iriomote Island.

Many people visit by chartered (private) boat. It can also be visited on foot, but the walk at low tide takes several hours.

The site is home to Tokai University's Marine Research Institute facility.

 

㉙Tudumari Beach

 

 

Tudumari beach is located at the base of Unarizaki.

The beach is also called Tsukigahama because of its curved, crescent-shaped arc.

Most of Okinawa's beaches are made of coral fragments, but the beach at Tudumari was created by the accumulation of sand brought in from the Urauchi River.

The sand is pure white and makes a light squeaking sound when walked on.

 

㉚Utara Coal Mine Site

 

 

It is the site of a coal mine that operated until about 1943 near the Utara River.

A 1-kilometer promenade has been established from near the Urauchi Bridge on the prefectural road to the coal mine.

Utara Coal Mine Site is one of the Iriomote coal mines and is also a historic site recognized as one of the Heritage of Industrial Modernization.

There are also signs about life in the mines, allowing visitors to imagine what life was like in those days.

 

Unarizaki Park

 

 

Unarizaki Park, located at Unarizaki in the western part of Iriomote Island, has a boardwalk and a two-story observation deck at the end of the walkway, which offers a panoramic view of the East China Sea and the magnificent island scenery.

A promenade has been set up along the seashore, where visitors can take a leisurely stroll while gazing at the clear emerald blue sea and the horizon that points to Akane.

The park also has an outdoor stage, lawn, and playground equipment, making it popular with families.

 

FUFUUUKI Settlement

 

 

Funauki village is a village that can only be visited by boat with no land route from other villages in the same Iriomote Island.

It is also a popular spot for tourists, with a superb beach, a guest house with an ocean view, and a famous bakery called "Funauki Bread.

The area is full of attractions, including the place where the Iriomote wildcat, a natural treasure, was discovered and the ruins of a war.

 

Ana village

 

 

The village of Sonai, located in the western part of Iriomote Island, is about a 15-minute drive west from Uehara Port.

Sonai is one of the larger settlements in Iriomote Island, and is also one of the earliest villages on the island to be inhabited.

 

㉞ Meridian Monument

 

 

A meridian line of 123 degrees 45 minutes 6.789 seconds was found to run through Sonai on Iriomote Island, and a "Meridian Line Monument" was erected.

A green laser beam is emitted every night at 19, 20, 21, and 22:00 for 30 minutes.

 

Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center

 

 

The Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center, a facility of the Ministry of the Environment, exhibits stuffed specimens of Iriomote wild cat and other rare animals inhabiting Iriomote Island.

It is a perfect place for families with children to visit on their trips, as they can learn about the nature of Iriomote Island and deepen their understanding of and interest in the island's wildlife and conservation of the natural environment.

 

 

 

Nohnoharazaki Observation Deck

 

 

This observation deck overlooks the Yonara Channel, famous for its manta rays.

展望台からは小浜島、石垣島を眺めることができ、サンライズスポットとしても人気があります。

周辺のコーラルラインと呼ばれる道は、観光バスの車窓から美しい海がよく見えます。

 

Saxifraga japonica (㊲)

 

 

平らに突き出た板根が特徴的なサキシマスオウノキがつくっている群落で、天然記念物に指定されており、沖縄でしか見られない風景です。

現在は群落保全のため立ち入りは禁止されているのですが、遊歩道から見学することができます。

 

㊳Gorabashi Road Park

 

 

後良川河口近くにある橋を後良橋を越えた場所にある展望スポットです。

一面に広がるマングローブの向こうに山々が眺めることができるので散歩に最適のスポットです。

 

 

㊴Sonna Hometown Forest

 

 

祖納岳にある休憩所です。近くに小さな展望台があり、白浜湾を見下ろすことができます。

夕焼け時には海上に沈んでいく茜色と徐々に蒼に染まる夕闇、そしてキラキラと光る海の色のコントラストが非常に綺麗です。

春の夕方から夜にかけて見ることが出来るイリオモテボタルの鑑賞スポットとしても知られており、春から夏にかけては夕焼けとイリオモテボタルの２つが楽しめます。

 

㊵ Ear-cut beach

 

 

西表島上原港から車で約10分の所のあるビーチ。こちらのビーチはジャングルを3分程歩いて行く、秘密のビーチです。ウミガメも産卵しに来るほどきれいで、観光客もほとんど来ないため、静かにゆっくりしたいときにおすすめです。

 

Recommended model course for two days and one night in Iriomote Island

 

Day 1

12時　石垣港離島ターミナルから、西表島へ

↓移動時間：船で50分

13時　西表島到着

13時半　西表島のド定番！「幸運の滝」を目指すマングローブカヌーツアー参加

 

 

西表島のド定番の幸運の滝クーラ川をカヌーでクルージングするツアーです。マングローブ林の中はまるで異世界に来たかのようなジャングルが待っています。

「本当にここは日本なのだろうか？」と疑いたくなる本格的な熱帯ジャングルが手軽に体験できます。

そして沖縄に来たら外せないカヌーを漕ぎ、トレッキングも交えて幸運の滝を目指します。

 

 

気分はまるでディズニー映画のターザンになったかのよう。カヌーが定番アクティビティであるワケは、その安定性と安全性にあります。

初心者の方でも簡単に、安全に楽しめるカヌーは幅広い年齢層の方に大変人気となっております。

ご参加されるお客様の多くが初心者の方です。ガイドさんがしっかりサポートしてくださるので、心配せずカヌーとトレッキングを楽しんできてください。

世界遺産登録地の本格的な大自然をお手軽に楽しみませんか？

 

 

16時　ツアー終了

↓移動時間：車で１５分

16時半　ホテルチェックイン

17時　夕食などの自由時間

20時　天然のプラネタリウム！亜熱帯&星空ジャングルナイトツアー

 

 

夜の西表島をめぐり、現地の人しか知らないような秘密の場所へ連れていってくれるツアーです。

亜熱帯気候帯に属する西表島の独自の生態系に属しているここでしか出会ない生き物がたくさん日没後に姿を見せます。

めったに見られない夜行性の生物たちを観察するチャンスです。

 

西表島に行ったならぜひ亜熱帯特有の動植物を探しに行きましょう！そして西表島の夜は、そして見上げれば息を呑む星空が広がっています。

また人口の光がほとんど無い西表島は、日本初の「星空保護区」にも認定された星空は圧巻。日本では滅多に見られない南斗十字星を見てみましょう。

 

 

21時半　ホテルに帰宅

 

2nd day

5時半　日の出とともに朝から爽快！サンライズSUP

 

 

西表島のサンライズスポットでSUPを体験できます。

現地ガイドオススメのサンライズスポットで、近年世界中で話題となっている注目のニューアクティビティSUPに乗ってクルージングができます。

一日目に遊びまわって疲れた身体にムチを打ち朝活しても行ってよかったと思えるツアーです。

 

 

8時半　ホテルに戻り朝食

9時半　「奇跡の島」でウミガメと泳ごう！バラス島シュノーケリング

 

 

奇跡の島と呼ばれるバラス島を訪れシュノーケリングを楽しみましょう。

バラス島はサンゴの白砂が盛り上がってできた小さな島です。干潮時にしか出現しないので「奇跡の島」とも呼ばれています。

PV撮影のロケ地としても利用されており、インスタ映えする写真スポットとして知られています。

 

 

バラス島の直径は大きくても、数十メートル程度で、時間が経つと潮の満ち引きによって徐々にバラス島の形が変わっていきます。

バラス島付近の海域は石西礁湖と呼ばれ、日本最大級の美しいサンゴ礁が広がるポイントで、国立公園にも指定されています。

バラス島周辺の海はため息が出るほど青く透き通っています。

そんな透き通った海をシュノーケリングしながら、カラフルなサンゴや魚たちと一緒に泳ぎながら観察しましょう。

 

 

運が良ければウミガメも見ることができるかもしれません。

透明度の高くサンゴがきれいな海で、カラフルな魚と一緒に泳ぐ体験は思い出に残ること間違いなしです。

ご参加されるお客様の多くが初心者の方ですので、安全具とガイドさんがしっかりサポートしてくださいます。

初心者の方も怖がらずに参加できるアクティビティです。

せっかくの西表の海を満喫しましょう

 

 

12時　お昼ご飯

13時半　由布島観光

 

 

西表からいくことができる有名な離島の一つである由布島。

由布島へは水牛車に乗り、ゆっくりと揺られながら海を渡ります。水牛車では三線を聞いて楽しむこともできます。

そして由布島へ着くと自由に観光ができます。由布島の人口は約50名ほどでとても自然が豊かな島です。

水牛と写真をとるもよし、植物園に行くもよし、自由に楽しみましょう！

 

 

16時　ホテルチェックアウト　自由時間

16時45分　フェリーで石垣島へ

18時　石垣島到着

 

Points to keep in mind when going to Iriomote Island

 

 

西表島は島の8～90％をジャングルに覆われた島で貴重な生物が多く生息している場所です。羽目を外しすぎて動物や植物に危害を加えるような行動は慎みましょう。またジャングルは虫も多いですので防虫対策が必須です。ほかにも南の島なので紫外線が厳しく肌が弱い方は荒れてしまう可能性があります。紫外線予防もしておきましょう。

 

At the end.

 

 

西表島についてご紹介いたしました。いかがだったでしょうか。
西表島はマングローブ林やサンゴ礁など豊かな自然が残る土地です。また近くの島にも訪れることができる立地のため石垣島からの中継地点としての役割もありましたね。
西表のジャングルには興味深い独自の生態系が出来がっており、その生態系を作り上げた風景も興味深いものがあったかと思います。
もし興味を持っていただけたら幸いです。
Thank you for reading to the end.