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Photo: Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
Yubu Island is an island of the Yaeyama Islands of Japan, it is located about 0.5 miles east of Iriomote Island. The "Subtropical Botanical Garden" encompasses most of the island.
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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.
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.
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.
One of the largest dive operators on Iriomote. Free pickup from Funaura Port, no English spoken.