Iriomote Island (Okinawa)
Local Guide
4 Recommended Sightseeing Spots and Activities on Iriomote Island That You Can Enjoy Even When It Rains

Iriomote Island is located about 400 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa. While it’s a great place to enjoy the great outdoors on a sunny day, there are also plenty of spots to enjoy even when it rains. So, we’ve picked out some spots on Iriomote Island that you’ll definitely want to visit on a rainy day. If you keep the spots we’re about to introduce in mind, you’ll be all set even if it suddenly starts to rain.Be sure to enjoy Iriomote Island to the fullest, even on rainy days.

Mangrove dyeing with gentle texture

The one and only mangrove-dyed T-shirt in the world
The one and only mangrove-dyed T-shirt in the world

Mangroves can be seen everywhere in Iriomote Island. Dyeing experience using these mangroves is very popular. Reservations are limited to one pair per day, so you can enjoy the Experience in a relaxed manner without worrying about other visitors.
Mangrove dyeing at this studio is done by tie-dyeing. Visitors tie a thread to create the pattern they have in mind, and then dye it with a solution made from the bark of the mangrove tree, Ohirugi, which is a type of mangrove. After untying the threads, you will be able to see how it will turn out. Your one-of-a-kind creation will surely become a memory that will never fade away.

Dyeing patterns are completely original

Hand-woven tapestries and straps are also available at the store
Hand-woven tapestries and straps are also available at the store

T-shirts are available in sizes from 150 cm to XL, and in addition to T-shirts, other items of your choice, such as eco bags and cotton scarves, can also be dyed.
In addition to mangrove dyeing, you can also experience naturally dyed weaving, making amulet straps, and painting seersucker. The owner has been living in Iriomote Island for 25 years. He will help you make memories while feeling the natural energy of the island.

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You need a little trick to make the pattern, but the owner will teach you carefully. Since the dye is made of natural materials, it is safe even for those with children. Let's take home the great nature of Iriomote Island with your wonderful dyed goods.

Experience Studio YUKUI "Mangrove Dyeing Experience
  • address (e.g. of house) 11-1 Komi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes drive from Nakama Port
  • Direction Take a bus from Ohara Port, get off at Komi, and walk about 3 minutes.
  • Business Hours 10:00-17:30
  • Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  • Admission Fee Mangrove Dyeing Experience 3,500 yen～
  • TEL 090-7986-5646
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Reservations required

Leisurely visit the largest mangrove forest in Japan without reservation

Tour departs from Ohara Port for convenient Direction
Tour departs from Ohara Port for convenient Direction

The Nakama River, the second largest river in Iriomote Island, has its watershed designated as a natural protected area. One of the largest mangrove forests in Japan extends along both banks of the river, and you can enjoy a tour of the mangrove forest from the cruise ship.
Tickets can be purchased at the store "Jugon" next to Ohara Port Terminal. Reservations are not required, making it convenient in case other activities are canceled due to rain. We recommend the "Saxifragaceae Course" where you can visit one of the largest giant trees in Japan.

Cruise can be enjoyed even on a rainy day with a raincoat

The sightseeing boat is covered, so you don't have to worry even if it rains
The sightseeing boat is covered, so you don't have to worry even if it rains

The 400-year-old saxifrage tree is designated as a national natural monument. The cruise boat will take you upstream to the viewing point by boat, and then you will walk along a 30-meter promenade to the saxifrage tree. The course is only available on limited 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 for rainy days. It will not only protect you from the rain, but also help keep you warm. You can also purchase a raincoat at the ticket sales office "Jugon".

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Explanations by the skillful guide are also popular as "interesting". Since it gets a little cold in the rain, we recommend you to wear adjustable clothes such as a jacket or stole.

Iriomote Island Transportation "Nakama River Mangrove Cruise
  • address (e.g. of house) 201 Minamikazumi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction A short walk from Ohara Port
  • Direction Take a bus from Toyohara and get off at Ohara Port.
  • Business Hours Check the official website for sailing timetable.
  • Closed Inquiry required
  • Admission Fee Adults 3,000 yen, children 1,500 yen (Saxifraga course)
  • TEL 0980-85-5304
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo In the event of heavy rain or other inclement weather, the cruise ship may be cancelled or suspended at the captain's discretion. Please inquire directly about the operation status on the day of the cruise.

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

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

The Yaeyama mincer was once a gift from a woman to a man when there was a custom of common marriages, and the five-and-four kasuri pattern is a symbol of the wish "for ever and ever (four) and forever (five).
Iriomote Handicraft Center, a Property for the inheritance and development of such traditional textiles, offers not only a tour but also a Yaeyama Minsa weaving Experience by advance reservation. You can experience weaving a table center of 9 cm in width and 20 cm in length. The work you weave by yourself will be loved by you. It will surely be an unforgettable memory of your trip.

The store in the center has a wide variety of mincer weaving items

Colorful mincer weaving is a good souvenir
Colorful mincer weaving is a good souvenir

Members of Taketomi Town Textile Cooperative Association who live in the island will teach you how to weave. They dye fabrics using familiar plants that have been used in Iriomote Island for a long time, and weave fabrics such as "Yaeyama Minsa Weaving" using 100% natural dyes.
There is also an attached store where visitors can purchase various hand-woven products such as bags, stoles, pouches, and letter sets. The texture of each piece, which is made entirely by hand from the dyes, is different from one another. Please find your favorite item.

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You can take home what you weave in the weaving Experience. You may feel the power of nature from the textiles, which are dyed one by one from Iriomote plants.

Iriomote Handicraft Center
  • address (e.g. of house) 870-277 Uehara, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction About 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port
  • Business Hours 10:00-12:00, 13:00-16:30
    Lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00
  • Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  • Admission Fee Free to visit, weaving experience: 2,000 yen per person
  • TEL 0980-85-6039
  • Parking Free of charge (10 cars)
  • Memo Due to the spread of the new coronavirus, the Iriomote Handicraft Center will not be open for tours and Experience weaving for the time being. Products of Iriomote Handicraft Center can be purchased at the following stores.
    Store in Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel
    Store "Yurimina" in Uehara Port Terminal
    Ohara Port Terminal Shop "Suoh Tree
    Store "Island Souvenirs" in Ishigaki Airport

Deepen your understanding of Iriomote Island's wildlife and nature

Many valuable Iriomote Island's birds and animals are on display (before renovation). ©️ Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center, Ministry of the Environment
Many valuable Iriomote Island's birds and animals are on display (before renovation). ©️ Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center, Ministry of the Environment

The Iriomote wildcat, designated as a special natural treasure of Japan, lives only in Iriomote Island. The estimated number of inhabitants is thought to be about 100. This Property was established by the Ministry of the Environment in 1995 for the purpose of protection, research and education of wildlife including the rare Iriomote wildcat.
At this Property, visitors can watch videos of the Iriomote wildcat, which was previously protected, in action during the daytime. Since bobcats are usually nocturnal, it is rare to see them in the daytime.

The precious Iriomote wild cat is very impressive.

A rarely seen Iriomote wildcat (before renovation) ©️ Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center, Ministry of the Environment
A rarely seen Iriomote wildcat (before renovation) ©️ Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center, Ministry of the Environment

In addition to exhibiting materials about the Iriomote wildcat, the center also provides protection for injured Iriomote wildcats. If you find an injured Iriomote wildcat, you can call the "Bobcat Emergency Dial (0980-85-5581)," which is available 24 hours a day.
The Iriomote wildcat is listed as an extremely endangered species in the Red Data Book of Threatened Species. Why not visit this Property to deepen your understanding of the Iriomote wildcat?

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Original goods of Iriomote wild cat are also sold at the center. All sales of the goods are donated to the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Fund.

Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center
  • address (e.g. of house) Aza Komi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction 15 minutes drive from Ohara Port
  • Direction Get off at the bus stop "Wildlife Conservation Center" and walk about 10 minutes.
  • Business Hours 10:00-16:00 (temporarily closed from 12:00-13:00 on weekends and holidays)
  • Closed Mondays (closed on the following Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday), national holidays (except Children's Day and Culture Day), June 23 (Memorial Day), year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 - January 3)
    *The museum is closed on other days on a temporary basis.
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0980-85-5581
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo The museum will be closed for renovation work from December 11, 2021 to the spring of 2022. Please check the official website for details as the exhibition contents, operating hours, and regular closing days may change after the renovation.
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.