5 recommended sightseeing spots in Iriomote Island where untouched nature spreads
Iriomote Island, the largest of the Yaeyama Islands, is located about 450 km from the main island of Okinawa. The island is known as a habitat of the Iriomote wildcat, and is home to unspoiled nature. There are many attractions such as cruises through the subtropical jungle, spectacular views that can never be seen in the city, and the HOSHINOYA sky full of stars. Here are five recommended sightseeing spots where you can fully enjoy Iriomote Island, which is also called "Galapagos of the East.
1Subtropical Botanical Paradise Yubujima
An island of healing where time passes leisurely
In sightseeing in Iriomote Island, you cannot miss these spots in particular. It is located only 400m away from Iriomote Island and can be Directioned on foot when the tide is low. However, if you are going to visit Yubu Island, we would like you to use a buffalo cart by all means.
It departs from Iriomote Island every 30 minutes from 9:30 to 15:15 everyday. You can feel the peaceful island time from the slow pace of the buffaloes. Staff/staff members also perform Okinawan folk songs on the buffalo cart. The pleasant sound of sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument) will make you feel more tropical.
Bougainvillea Garden" with colorful flowers in full bloom
Although the island is small (about 2 km in circumference), there are many sightseeing spots scattered throughout the island. Among them, "Bougainvillea Garden" is a must-see. It is about 400 meters from the buffalo cart stop, and a 10-minute walk will get you there. The greenhouse is filled with colorful bougainvillea and hibiscus flowers in red, pink, purple, and other shades, creating a tropical mood.
Other attractions include the "Butterfly Garden" where you can see Japan's largest butterfly, the "Manta Beach" with its natural beach and "Buffalo Pond".
- Subtropical Botanical Paradise Yubujima Island
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689 Aza-Komi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa MAP
15 min. from the buffalo boarding point to Yubu Island
9:30-16:00 *Opening may be delayed depending on the height of the tide.
Open daily, but may be closed due to typhoons or strong winds.
Round-trip buffalo cart & park entrance fee: Adults (junior high school students and older): 1,760 yen, children (elementary school students): 880 yen
0980-85-5470
None
2Nakama River
The river with the largest mangrove basin area in Japan
The river is about 17.5 km long and flows from Taketomi Town in the eastern part of Iriomote Island, and boasts the largest mangrove basin area in Japan. In this river surrounded by the magnificent nature of Iriomote, you can see "Mayapushiki", a kind of mangrove, which can be found only in certain areas.
In addition, the Yaeyama palms growing on the slope on the left bank of the middle reaches of the river are designated as "Ubundle's Yaeyama Palm Community" and the mangrove forest downstream, the largest in Japan, is designated as "Nakama River Natural Protected Area," both national natural treasures. Be sure to join the optional tour and feel nature from the river.
Nakama River sightseeing boat where you can enjoy sightseeing in Iriomote Island even on a rainy day
The Nakama River Mangrove Cruise is a great way to enjoy the nature of the Nakama River. There are two courses: the "Saxifrage Course," which includes a cruise and a 30-meter promenade walk, and the "Mangrove Course," which is a cruise only. Both can be boarded without reservations and can be joined at any time.
The former is popular for viewing Japan's largest saxifrage tree. The roots of the saxifrage tree, which grows as if crawling on the ground, are very powerful. However, since the tour is available only on limited days, please check the operation timetable and make a plan accordingly.
- Nakama River
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- 201 Minami Kazami, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa MAP
- A short walk from Ohara Port
Take a bus from Shirahama and get off at Ohara Port.- Varies depending on the Experience course. Check the official website for details.
- No holidays
- Saxifraga course: Adult 3,000 yen, Child 1,500 yen
Mangrove course Adult 2,000 yen, Child 1,000 yen
Nakama River Experience Canoeing Adults 7,000 yen, children 6,000 yen - 0980-85-5304
- Free of charge
3Star Sand Beach
The beach with excellent transparency where you can enjoy snorkeling
The emerald green beach is representative of Iriomote Island. The shallow water of Hoshisuna-no-hama and the small island between it and the open sea make the waves very calm. It is popular among families with children because children can play there safely. At low tide, visitors can walk around in marine shoes and observe marine life.
When the tide is high, snorkeling is also recommended. The water is so clear that you can see coral reefs and colorful fish from the water. Especially near the islets in front of the beach, you can see many different kinds of fish.
A variety of convenient Properties are within walking distance of Hoshisuna Beach.
Many natural beaches in Iriomote Island do not have facilities such as toilets and showers, but here, you can take a shower at "Pension HOSHINOYA" adjacent to the parking lot. The Property, which is a rest house, is a reliable place for tourists to keep their luggage (including valuables) and to make reservations for snorkeling.
A coffee shop is also open, offering a full menu of drinks and food. When you get tired of playing around a bit, we recommend relaxing on the terrace, which has a great location.
- Star Sand Beach
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- Uehara, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa MAP
- Approximately 8 minutes drive from Uehara Port
- Rest house Hoshinosuna 12:00-19:00
- 0980-82-5445（Taketomi Town Tourist Association)
- Free of charge
4Unarizaki Park
A spectacular view spot of Iriomote Island with the dazzling blue of the sea spreading out below
This is a recommended spot for those who want to take pictures at the most beautiful spots in Iriomote Island and feel the great nature. In the park where lawn spreads out, you can see athletic equipments for small children to play. The popular viewing platform can be seen as you proceed to the far end of the park.
It is a two-story structure that offers a panoramic view of the East China Sea on a clear day. In the opposite direction, you can see the mouth of Urauchi River, the longest river in Okinawa, and Tsukigahama Beach, a famous sunset spot.
A place that shows different faces depending on the time of day
From early morning to midday, the park is crowded with families, but in the evening it transforms into a date spot for lovers. The two-story observatory at the end of the promenade is an excellent sunset spot. You can enjoy the dramatic sunset as it slowly sinks into the sea.
Unarizaki Park is also famous as an astronomical observation spot, with stargazing tours available. With nothing to obstruct your view, you can simply immerse yourself in a world of stars. The promenade leading to the observatory is well maintained, so it is safe to walk there at night.
- Unarizaki Park
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- Uehara, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa MAP
- About 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port
- Free of charge
5Omija Road Park
A promenade surrounded by mangroves
The promenade is located along the Omija River and is a popular tourist spot for walkers of all ages to walk and observe living creatures. Surrounded by mangroves, the sun shining through the trees on a clear day is beautiful, making it a comfortable walk even in summer. Another attraction is the opportunity to observe the mangroves and the rare creatures that live near the water up close.
You may even see small fish swimming pleasantly in the stream (Yoshikera River) located on the property.
The mouth of Omija River is the best spot
Ordinary estuaries have brackish areas where fresh water and sea water mix, but the Omija River has a system where river water flows directly into the sea due to the difference in levels. The mouth of the Omija River can be seen from a bridge not far from the parking lot. The view of the mouth of the river, which flows from the jungle into the mangrove forest and eventually leads to the sea, is worth seeing.
Hatoma Island, located next to Iriomote Island, can also be seen from the observatory. After admiring the view, why not go down to the beach and take a walk on the white sandy beach? At low tide, you can find sea turtles and gobies.
- Omija Road Park
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- Takana, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County, Okinawa MAP
- 15 minutes drive from Uehara Port
- Take a bus departing from Toyohara and get off at Omija Road Park.
- Free of charge
