5 Recommended Sightseeing Spots on Iriomote Island, Where Untouched Wilderness Spreads Out
Located about 450km from the main island of Okinawa, Iriomote Island is the largest of the Yaeyama Islands. Known as the habitat of the Iriomote cat, this island is home to vast stretches of untouched nature. It is packed with highlights, including cruises through subtropical jungles, breathtaking scenery you will never see in the city, and star-filled skies. Here are 5 recommended sightseeing spots where you can fully enjoy Iriomote Island, also known as the "Galapagos of the East."
1Subtropical Plant Paradise Yubu Island
A healing island where time flows slowly
This is a spot you absolutely cannot miss when sightseeing on Iriomote Island. It is located just 400m from Iriomote Island, and you can walk there at low tide. However, if you are going to visit Yubu Island, you should definitely take a water buffalo cart.
They depart from Iriomote Island every 30 minutes from 9:30 AM to 3:15 PM daily. Feel the gentle flow of island time through the leisurely pace of the water buffalo. On the water buffalo cart, staff members also perform Okinawan folk songs. The pleasant sound of the sanshin will further enhance the tropical mood.
Bougainvillea Garden, where colorful flowers bloom in abundance
Although it is a small island with a circumference of about 2km, there are various sightseeing spots scattered throughout. Among them, you should definitely visit the "Bougainvillea Garden." It is about 400m from the water buffalo cart boarding area, and you can reach it in a 10-minute walk. Inside the greenhouse, colorful bougainvillea and hibiscus in red, pink, purple, and other colors are in full bloom, creating a tropical atmosphere.
Other highlights include the "Butterfly Garden," where you can see the large tree nymph, one of the largest butterflies in Japan, as well as the natural beach "Manta Beach" and the "Water Buffalo Pond."
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The area around Yubu Island is a shallow sea that is only about 1 meter deep even at high tide. While it is possible to walk across, we do not recommend it as there are dangerous creatures. It takes longer than walking, but please enjoy the leisurely pace of the water buffalo carriage.
- Subtropical Plant Garden Yubujima
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689 Komi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP 
Approx. 15 minutes from the water buffalo carriage boarding area for Yubujima
9:15–16:30 *Opening time may be delayed depending on the tide level
Open every day *May close due to typhoons or strong winds
Round-trip buffalo cart & admission fee: Adults (junior high school students and older) 2,000 yen, Children (elementary school students) 1,000 yen
0980-85-5470
Available (free, approx. 50 spaces)
2Nakama River
The river with the largest mangrove basin area in Japan
Flowing from Taketomi Town in the eastern part of Iriomote Island, this river spans approximately 17.5 km in total length and boasts the largest mangrove basin area in Japan. Surrounded by the magnificent nature of Iriomote, you can see the "mayapushiki," a type of mangrove that can only be found in specific regions, along this river.
Furthermore, the Yaeyama palm grove growing on the slope of the middle left bank is designated as a National Natural Monument known as the "Ubundoru Yaeyama Palm Community," and the mangrove forest spreading across the lower reaches, which has the largest area in Japan, is designated as the "Nakama River Natural Conservation Area." Be sure to join an optional tour and experience nature from the river surface.
Nakama River sightseeing boat, allowing you to enjoy Iriomote Island sightseeing even on rainy days
If you want to fully enjoy the nature of the Nakama River, the Nakama River Mangrove Cruise is recommended. There are two courses: the "Sakishima-suonoki Course," which includes a cruise and a walk along a promenade of about 30 meters, and the "Mangrove Course," which is just the cruise.
The former is popular for allowing visitors to see the largest Sakishima-suonoki tree in Japan. The roots of the Sakishima-suonoki, which grow as if crawling along the ground, are truly impressive. However, since the operating days are limited, please check the cruise schedule and plan accordingly.
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The Sakishima-suonoki (Heritiera littoralis) has been selected as one of the "100 Forest Giants" as a tree that should be preserved for the next generation. Just seeing this tree makes the trip to Iriomote Island worthwhile. Another great point is that you can board the mangrove cruise without a reservation.
- Nakama River
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- 201 Haemi, 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 by experience course. Please check the official website for details.
- Open every day
- Sakishima-suonoki (Looking-glass tree) Course: Adults 4,500 yen, Children 2,250 yen
Mangrove Course: Adults 3,500 yen, Children 1,750 yen
*One preschooler is free per adult; discounts for people with disabilities are available.
*As of October 2026, the Sakishima-suonoki Course is suspended due to repair work on the observation deck. Please check the Nakama River Mangrove Cruise website for information on when it will resume.
*Please check the website for operating hours, as they change daily. - 0980-85-5304
- Free
As of October 1, 2026, boarding reservations can be made online via the website (phone reservations are not accepted). If there are seats available, you can board without a reservation, but reservations are required for groups of 10 or more.
3Hoshizuna-no-hama (Star Sand Beach)
A beach with exceptional clarity where you can also enjoy snorkeling
This is an emerald green beach that represents Iriomote Island. Hoshizuna-no-hama (Star Sand Beach) is a shallow beach with very calm waves due to a small island located between it and the open sea. It is popular with families with children, as even young ones can play there with peace of mind. At low tide, you can walk around in marine shoes and observe sea creatures.
Snorkeling is also recommended when the tide is high. The clarity of the water is outstanding, allowing you to see coral and colorful fish from the surface. In particular, you can see various types of fish near the small island directly in front of the beach.
Convenient facilities are abundant within walking distance of Hoshizuna Beach
While many natural beaches on Iriomote Island lack facilities like toilets and showers, you can rent a shower at Pension Hoshinosuna, which is adjacent to the parking lot here. As a rest house, this facility is a reliable resource for tourists, offering services such as luggage storage (including valuables) and snorkeling reservations.
They also operate a cafe with an extensive selection of drinks and food. If you get a little tired from playing, we recommend relaxing on the terrace seats, which offer a superb location.
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The most popular natural beach on Iriomote Island. You can also find clownfish, familiar from movies and the like, so be sure to look for them.
- Hoshizuna-no-hama (Star Sand Beach)
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- Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 8 minutes by car from Uehara Port
- Rest House Hoshinosuna 12:00-19:00
- 0980-82-5445 (Taketomi Town Tourism Association)
- Free
4Unarizaki Park
A scenic spot on Iriomote Island with a dazzling view of the blue sea spreading out below
This is a recommended spot for those who want to take photos at scenic locations on Iriomote Island or feel the grandeur of nature. In the park, which features expansive lawns, you can also find athletic playground equipment for small children. As you head to the very back of the park, you will see the popular observation deck.
It is a two-story structure, and on clear days, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the East China Sea. The view of the mouth of the Urauchi River, the longest river in Okinawa Prefecture, which can be seen in the opposite direction, as well as Tsuki-ga-hama Beach, famous as a sunset spot, is also outstanding.
A place that shows a different face depending on the time of day
While the park is bustling with families from early morning to daytime, it transforms into a date spot for couples in the evening. The two-story observation deck at the end of the promenade is a perfect spot for watching the sunset. You can enjoy the dramatic sight of the sun slowly sinking into the sea.
Unarizaki Park is also famous as a stargazing spot, to the point where stargazing tours are held there. With nothing to obstruct your view, you can simply immerse yourself in the world of the starry sky. The promenade leading to the observation deck is well-maintained, so it is safe to walk at night.
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Since there are no streetlights at night to allow for stargazing, be sure to bring a light to illuminate your path. You can lie on the grass and gaze at the stars forever.
- Unarizaki Park
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- Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 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 tourist spot visited by a wide range of age groups for walking and observing wildlife. Surrounded by mangroves, the sunlight filtering through the trees on a clear day is beautiful, making it comfortable to walk even in summer. Another attraction is the ability to observe mangroves and rare creatures living by the water up close.
In the small stream (Yoshikera River) on the premises, you might even see small fish swimming around happily.
The mouth of the Omigja River is the main highlight
While typical river mouths have brackish areas where fresh and seawater mix, the Omija River is structured so that river water flows directly into the sea due to a drop. From the bridge near the parking lot, you can see the mouth of the Omija River. The view of the river mouth, which flows from the jungle into the mangrove forest and eventually connects to the sea, is well worth seeing.
Also, Hatoma Island, located next to Iriomote Island, can be seen from the observation deck. After taking in the scenery, why not head down to the beach and take a stroll along the white sand? At low tide, you can spot fiddler crabs and gobies.
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The parking lot is large, making it a popular stop for those on a drive. Please be careful as the rocky areas can be slippery.
- Omija Road Park
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- Takana, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 15 minutes by car from Uehara Port
- Take the bus from Toyohara and get off at "Omija Road Park"
- Free
MAP
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
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Iriomote Hotel
Iriomote Island, Okinawa Prefecture
A resort hotel nestled on Iriomote Island, a World Natural Heritage site. You can spend a luxurious time surrounded by great nature.
Access 10 minutes by shuttle bus from Iriomote Island Uehara Port
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥6,000