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Island within Ryukyu Islands
Photo: Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center (IWCC), CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Iriomote (西表) is the largest of the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa, Japan.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
西表野生生物保護センター
This center provides information on Iriomote wildlife, including the Yamaneko wild cat.
ピナイサーラの滝
Pinaisala Falls is the largest waterfall in Okinawa prefecture, with a height of about 55 m. Pinai means a beard and sala means a waterfall, based on the dialect in Yaeyama islands. You can see this fall like a beard man from a long distance. There are several ways to get close to the waterfall.
星砂の浜, Hoshizuna-no-hama
One of two beaches in Japan — the other is on Taketomi — where, for some reason, deposits of tiny white star-shaped shells regularly wash up. These days most of it ends up in bottles in souvenir shops. This area is also well suited for snorkeling. At low tide the corals form ponds that can be quite deep and semi secluded from others, so you may have to walk to get to the next pond. Coral life is limited but still worth taking a dive. The views from the terrace of the visitor center and restaurant just above the beach are beyond beautiful. If you can stand the heat and sun, make sure to sit here for a drink or some food.
由布島 Yubujima
This tiny island is just offshore from Iriomote's east coast, accessible on carts pulled through the shallow waters by water buffalo (as featured on many a postcard). There is a tropical fruit orchard and restaurant on the island. Either walk across in ankle-deep water during low tide or take a buffalo ride, which departs every thirty minutes.
イダの浜
A remote pristine beach, can only be reached by ferries from Shirahama port at the west end of the island's road. For lunch, there is a nice small restaurant at the north side of the Funauki village. Just walk straight from the port, stay close to the water and don't turn left onto the path to the Ida beach.
One of the largest dive operators on Iriomote. Free pickup from Funaura Port, no English spoken.
西表島カヌーツアー風車
This well-famed company provide various kinds of canoeing and trekking tours from approximately ¥7,000, Free pick-up and drop-off in west area of Iriomote. Free shoe rental. Tours in English are available.
浦内川観光
Take a cruise on the Urauchi River (浦内川), the longest river in Okinawa. This river runs deep inland through dense mangroves on the west side of the island and is sometimes likened to a little Amazon. The views can be quite spectacular, especially on a still morning. On your way back, pop into the little museum on the second floor of the cruise pier building, featuring a selection of stuffed and mounted big bugs and crabs including the scary-looking yashigani.
西表カフェ
Light snacks and cold drinks. Outdoor terrace with river views. 6 windmills will lead your way to the cafe. Before it was named Court Chalet Plaza but now it is called iriomote cafe. This European-bar styled cafe located near the Urauchigawa cruise pier offers a fair selection of local souvenirs, and has a café-restaurant and rental eco-car. 10:30-sunset daily.
Pleasant beachside café offering views out into the bay and a selection of daily set lunches with drink for ¥1000.
新八食堂
Good soki soba and other wholesome meals, and packed with locals.
デンサー食堂
Soba and teishoku meals, lunch only.
西表自然学校
Dormitory beds are no longer available, private rooms are. The facilities are basic, and if it rains there is a leak in the roof. The bathroom and toilet is one room with no dividers.
民宿やまねこ
The facilities are basic, and the bathroom and toilet are two rooms with dividers.
ヴィラうなりざき
Japanese-style lodge operated by Diving Team Unarizaki and populated mostly by divers.
民宿パイン館
A B&B shaped like a pineapple. Free pickup, free air-con, and in the summer, free all-you-can-eat pineapple. The owner's specialty is the smaller, sweeter peach-pineapple.
西表島モンスーン
Overlooking the bay south of Uehara, this tranquil setting offers 6 Japanese-style tatami rooms and tours including kayaking and hiking to the Pinaisala Falls, snorkeling, and horse riding. Staff only speak Japanese.
カンピラ荘
A conveniently-placed B&B. Rooms are Japanese-style with a futon instead of a bed. The staff don't speak much English, but are willing to book tours for you.
いるもて荘
A B&B that has been running since 1974. It started off as a Youth Hostel, but as the years went on, new wings and detached units were added. The extensive area has beautiful palm trees, gardens, and even a pond. It also is on the hill clearly overlooking Uehara Port and Hatoma Island. The owner, Seki, built the minshuku with her own hands and also is an authority on Japanese and Okinawan cuisine.
西表島ジャングルホテル パイヌマヤ
A self-proclaimed "nature hotel".
East coast
Ohara, in the south-east coast, is the busiest port on the island and accessible in all but the very worst weather.
Northwest coast
Anei and Yaeyama boats both service to Uehara in the north of the island. Both services cost ¥2,000 and take about 40 minutes. Some of them also stop in Hatoma, which makes the trip 15 minutes longer.
By bus
Iriomote Kōtsū runs 5 services per day in each direction from Shirahama to Funaura (30 min, ¥390), 3 of which continue across the north coast to Ohara on the east (from Funaura 50 min, ¥670).
On foot
The 20 km-long and demanding "Iriomote-jima Island Nature Trail" crosses the island.
By car
You can rent a scooter or car at several locations on the island.
By bike
If all else fails or you like the idea, you can rent a bike. Locks are usually not necessary and as a result you won't get one with your rental.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Ishigaki · Regional · ISG
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