Enjoy Iriomote Island to the Fullest: 3 Days/2 Nights at "Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel by Hoshino Resorts", Eco-tourism Resort|Recommended Model Courses
Iriomote Island is one of the Yaeyama Islands in southwestern Okinawa Prefecture and is located in Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. In July 2021, the island was registered as a World Natural Heritage site along with Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, and northern Okinawa Island in recognition of its rich biodiversity. The island is located in Taketomi, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture.
Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel by Hoshino Resorts", built in the northwestern part of the island, aims to be Japan's first "Ecotourism Resort", which is committed to sustainable tourism while protecting the natural environment. How about a 3-day/2-night trip to fully enjoy the charms of the island, including activities in the great outdoors and tours that expose you to the diverse ecosystem of the island?
Points of the model course
- Experience the nature of Iriomote Island through Activities
- Buffet with foods familiar to the island
- Go to the places of interest on the island by cycling at your leisure.
Day 1
13:30 Ishigaki Port Terminal
Approx. 45 minutes by high speed boat from Ishigaki Port Terminal (Take either "An-ei Kanko" or "Yaeyama Kanko" high speed boat.)
14:30 Uehara Port, Iriomotejima
10 minutes by shuttle bus (Staff/staff member with hotel signboard will be standing at the port)
15:00 Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel by Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel
Jungle resort in the national park
The largest resort hotel in the island, with a total of 139 Guest rooms, all over 42㎡ in size. In addition to the substantial Properties such as outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, various Activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, trekking, and so on are waiting for you. A buffet featuring foods popular on the island is also an attraction.
- Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel by Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel
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2-2 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa MAP
Recommended Guest room Deluxe twin room
We recommend the Deluxe Twin Room, which is the largest room (54 square meters). Lying on the daybed, you can hear the sound of the waves and birdsong. The terrace overlooking the vibrant forest allows you to experience nature from the comfort of your room. To protect the environment, toothbrushes, combs, and razors are not provided, so bring your own.
15:30 Refill your own bottle of water
Required before Activity! Make full use of your own bottle!
If you don't have your own bottle, rental bottles are available. Also available at the store in the museum.
As part of our efforts to become an "eco-tourism resort," we are "PET bottle free" and "1-way plastic free. Bottled water and beverages are not served or sold, so don't forget to bring your own bottle. Water and hot water can be replenished at the free water server.
16:00 Iriomote Guided Walk
Jungle and beach are full of wonders
In the "Jungle Course," you will be amazed at the coexistence of animals and plants, and you will discover a lot of things. You may be able to see rare animals.
The first of the many activities to experience is the Iriomote Guided Walk, where you can experience the diversity of life on Iriomote Island. The "Jungle Course," in which a guide leads you through the jungle on the grounds, and the "Mangrove Course," which takes you from the beach in front of the hotel to the mangrove colony, are held every day.
17:30 Mangrove Kayak at sunset
Once-in-a-lifetime evening view from the water
The golden color of everything you see is a spectacular sight that you can only see if you stay at the hotel.
Held at dusk on the Urauchi River that runs beside the hotel. Visitors can enjoy kayaking while looking closely at mangroves such as the Yaeyama Hirugi. As you paddle along, the bright green mangroves glow orange in the setting sun and eventually become silhouettes. The luxurious view that can only be enjoyed on the water is breathtaking.
*Hours vary depending on the season.
20:00 Dinner
Dinner buffet featuring island delicacies and delicacies
Spices that enhance the tropical atmosphere, such as piperchi and kidachi peppercorns, will also be on your radar!
The buffet in the Restaurant, decorated with tropical flowers, offers a variety of foods that are familiar to visitors to the island. The menu boasts dishes such as gazami (blue crab) and brown sugar, and once you try them, you will never forget them. The Asian cuisine that incorporates the spices and herbs used on the island is also well received.
21:00 Star gazing
Stargazing at Tsukigahama Beach right in front of the hotel
Enjoy looking for the Milky Way and constellations
Tsukigahama (Tudumari beach) is said to have gotten its name from its arc-shaped crescent moon. The fine-grained white sand makes a squeaking sound when you walk on it, and you can enjoy star gazing at night. The sound of the waves is the only sound as you look up at the sky and see a star-filled starry night sky.
Day 2
07:00 Wake-up mangrove stretch
Stretching your legs while overlooking the mangroves
Take a deep breath while gazing at the mangroves, which are said to release about five times more oxygen than ordinary plants.
In the morning, stretching sessions are held on the beach near the hotel in the fresh air. Stretching with bare feet feels good and the sand is pleasant to the touch. After stretching, you will feel refreshed and ready to start your day.
The time varies depending on the time of sunrise.
08:00 Breakfast
Fresh morning at the breakfast buffet
Brown sugar French toast" baked right in front of you
For breakfast, enjoy the bounty of the earth, including vegetables and fruits, in a restaurant bathed in tropical sunlight. We recommend the "Brown Sugar French Toast" soaked overnight in a special liquid. The fluffy texture and gentle sweetness of the brown sugar make it an exquisite dish.
Meet at the hotel lobby
09:00 Dynamic Iriomote Island Adventure
Join "Dynamic Iriomotejima Adventure" and visit "Nala Falls
A well-known spot for those who know about the waterfall that flows down with great force in the great outdoors
Kayak along the Nakara River, which is lined with mangrove forests, and walk through the jungle to reach the unexplored Nala Falls. This is a recommended tour that allows you to fully experience Iriomote Island through kayaking, trekking, cruise, playing with waterfalls, and observing flora and fauna. Sun protection is a must. Don't forget to refill your own bottle of water.
09:30 Dynamic Iriomotejima Adventure Kayak
Let's go kayaking along the magnificent Nakara River!
The tour takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the distance is about 8 km.
We will have a lecture on how to paddle at Shirahama Port and depart by kayak. Approach from the ocean and head upstream on the Nakara River. A refreshing breeze blows through the mangroves that cover both banks as we proceed. There will be breaks along the way, and the sight of crabs and other tidal flat creatures will soothe your fatigue.
12:00 Dynamic Iriomotejima Adventure Trekking
Trekking in the jungle and observing flora and fauna
The one-way trip takes about 40 minutes. There are slippery spots along the way, so watch your step!
After disembarking from the kayaks, we will trek to Nala Falls. As you walk along a path lush with plants unique to the subtropical zone, you may encounter unfamiliar creatures. The jungle will look completely different and the trekking will become more enjoyable as the guide explains about the flora and fauna to you.
12:40 Dynamic Iriomotejima Adventure Nala Waterfall
Arrive at the destination! Impressed by the mysterious waterfall
This is one of the most unexplored areas worth taking the time to visit!
As you continue through the jungle, the sound of the water gradually becomes stronger, and the waterfall you have longed for is right in front of you. The sight of the waterfall cascading down in the untouched wilderness is so powerful that it will leave you speechless. Once you enter the pure waterfall basin, all your fatigue will be gone in one fell swoop. After playing in the water, it is time for lunch. The bento lunch you enjoy while gazing at the waterfall is exceptional.
14:30 Dynamic Iriomotejima Adventure Jungle Cruise
Easy return trip by jungle cruise
It takes about 40 minutes to get to the starting point, Shirahama Port. The cruise is comfortable and winds along in the wind.
After trekking back to the kayak disembarkation point, the last part of the tour is a cruise experience. The cruise is a pleasant and relaxing way to enjoy the varied scenery from the narrow upper reaches of the river to the middle reaches, and then to the spacious lower reaches.
Depending on the tide level, round trip kayaking or outbound cruise and return kayaking may be available on some days.
18:00 Dinner
Enjoy freshly prepared food from the live kitchen
Take out is OK, so you can enjoy it at your favorite place.
At the dinner buffet, different dishes from the previous day will be served. The main dish, the pride of the hotel, is prepared in front of your eyes, and second helpings are a must. Various kinds of Yaeyama Awamori, which is a perfect match with the ingredients of Iriomote Island, are also available. The exquisite pairing with the dishes will make you drink and eat more.
19:15 World Heritage School - Iriomote Cat Lecture
What kind of cat is the Iriomote wildcat?
Enjoyable introduction from the origin of Iriomote Island to the ecology of Iriomote wild cat.
The "Iriomote wild cat" is a national special natural treasure inhabiting only Iriomote Island. It is an endangered species, and it is said that there are only about 100 of them on the island. The "World Heritage School" introduces the Iriomote wildcat's ecology, including its characteristics and range of behavior. Visitors can also learn about road accidents involving wild cats, which have been increasing in recent years. The program is held on a daily basis with different themes depending on the season.
Day 3
07:00 Breakfast
A feast buffet to brighten up your tropical morning
Recharge your energy with breakfast full of seasonal blessings.
The daily breakfast features a different menu from yesterday's. Japanese food lovers will appreciate the local delicacies and pickles. The famous "brown sugar French toast" is a fun way to create your own original plate by arranging whipped cream, fruit, and other ingredients.
About 20 minutes by electric bicycle
10:00 Star Sand Beach
A white sand beach with emerald green waters
The waves are calm in the shallow sea. You can walk to the sea with marine shoes at low tide.
On your last day, why not rent an electric bicycle from the front desk and enjoy a leisurely tour of the island? We recommend the "Star Sand Beach" in the northern part of the island. As the name suggests, the star-shaped sand is actually the shell of a creature called a foraminifera. You may get caught up in the search for them, but do not take them home with you to protect the resource. The clear waters are popular not only for swimming but also for snorkeling. It is a precious spot where you can see beautiful coral reefs and colorful tropical fish.
- Star Sand Beach
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Uehara, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa MAP
Rest house Hoshinosuna 12:00-19:00
0980-82-5445(Taketomi Town Tourist Association)
About 10 minutes by electric bicycle
11:00 Unarizaki Park
Enjoy the spectacular view of the sea and the island from the observatory on the cape
From the observatory, you can see the whole view of the East China Sea and Iriomote Island.
Located on the cape of Unarizaki, the park is popular for its spectacular view. If you climb up to the red-tiled observatory built at the tip of the cape, you will have an unobstructed view. The park also has a lawn area and playground equipment such as swings, making it the perfect location for lunch or a break. There is also a promenade along the ocean, making it a great place for a stroll. It is also famous as a spot for watching the sunset and starlit sky. The sunset over the horizon with the sky and sea turning red is divine. At night, the sky overhead is filled with stars.
- Unarizaki Park
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Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa MAP
About 10 minutes by electric bicycle
12:00 Shop
Popular island handicrafts as souvenirs
You can purchase handicrafts from many artists in the island. Home delivery is also available.
For souvenirs of your trip, the hotel's in-house store is convenient. The shop offers a full lineup of souvenirs, including handicrafts made by island artists, Iriomote wildcat goods, famous confections, and awamori (Okinawa rice wine). There are also outdoor goods such as trekking and marine goods, so you can get everything you need for your activities.
10 minutes by shuttle bus
12:30 Uehara Port, Iriomote Island
About 45 minutes by high speed boat from Uehara Port (Board one of "An-ei Kanko" or "Yaeyama Kanko" high speed boat)
13:30 Ishigaki Port Terminal
MAP
- Day 1
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- Day 2
- Day 3
- Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby



