Iriomote Island is the biggest of all the Yaeyama Islands. It is 284.44km2,
and its population is approx.1,800 people.
It is famous for untouched nature and biodiversity. Most of the island is mountainous area, and it is covered with tropical and subtropic old-grow forest. There are animals and plants unique to the island.
From Ishigaki Island, it takes about 45min to get to the island by ferry. See the Transportation page for details.
We arrived in the island in the morning. As we approach to the island by ferry, we could already see the emerald color of water.
A tour guide was already waiting for us with their tour car. This time, we joined
a tour organized by Murata Shizen Juku. The owner is famous for his research on Iriomote
Yamaneko (or wild cat original to Iriomote.) Since we had only one night stay
in Iriomote, in order to see as many things as possible in a limited time,
we decided to go on a tour for snorkeling and trekking to one of the famous
water fall.
Tour was good as it was well organized, and the guide seemed to have thorough knowledge and explained well about the islands, trees, plants, sea life as we watched them. There is no doubt the best is to spend a week or more to appreciate the nature of Iriomote, though.
A bit before 10am, we left for snorkeling by tube boat. It took us 10 to 15 minutes before arriving at the designated little island. Before we land, Murata-san stopped at a spot where table coral was beautiful, and let us float a little bit. Though waves were a bit rough, undersea world was beautiful. The snorkeling near the island was good and safer, and we enjoyed our snorkeling for about 1 hour.
When we get back to the Iriomote, Murata-san's wife & children were waiting for us with our lunch. After a quick bite, we headed for a spot where we started our canoeing.
Canoeing in mangroves turned out to be just great. Feeling of being among mangroves make you feel great, and free. While we were paddling, we had a very heavy rain which is like a sqall. After suffering for the rain for 10 minutes or so, it stopped, and we could enjoy watching trees, insects and many other natural lives unique to mangrove area.
Paddling for half an hour or so, we arrived at a point where we got off canoe and climed up mountain area
for 15 mintues to see a water fall. The path to the water fall was full of
surprise. So many unusual shape of trees! I was so impressed with the unique forest of Iriomote. We finished the tour
something like 4 o'clock or little later.
After Murata-san drove us to the camp site, we went for a walk. We tried some Okinawa food for suuper at a nearby restaurant, we went further for a walk to explore the island. We must have walked about 1 hour before we arrvied at the center of the island. The center area in a country side isn't much to look around. But at least there was a supermarket, where we could get some fruits and ice cream.
The campsite we stayed was very clean & nice. Other travellers were quite friendly, and we even got some free beers from one of the campers.
Next day, we woke up early and headed for Hoshinosuna beach.
We hich-hiked to the beach. Luckily, one car stopped for us and drove to the beach. When we get there it was still 8:30 or so, and nobody was in the beach! Snorkeling there was very nice. We saw many different kind of fish, water was clear.
by Murata Shizen Juku
Phone: 0980-85-6425
10:00 - 12:00 snorkelling
13:00 - 16:00 Canoeing in magrove, and trekking to a waterfall
bus
Iriomote is a big island, and its transportation system (bus) is not frequent.
I put bus table here, just to give you an idea. Please check up-to-date timetable by visiting official website for an actual planning.
Hich-hiking
We were told hich-hiking is not difficult in the island but it turned out to be more difficult than we thought. Eventually, people stooped for us, but it took time. It is good idea to rent a car or bike as the island is big.
Rent-a-car/bike
Camping
Mitorea Camp site is where we camped. It is one of the best camp site I've been in Japan. It was a
very nice campsite, with good atomosphere, its adjacence is a Mitorea fruits
Garden.
The camp site
is equipped with very clean toilets & showers, washing machine, hammbock, kitchen,
table and chair, shared fridge, washing line and limited number of fixed tent
huts.
We slept in one of the fixed hut, and there were even fan & light.
Getting to the campsite: They have a pick-up service with an advanced notice. Also, the ferry port and the camp site isn't far apart if you take the shorter way. It took us about 10 minutes from the campsite to the ferry port. However, going to campsite from the ferry port, it is an up hill. It could be a bit hard with your backpack.