"What kind of souvenirs can I buy from Iriomote Island?" "Where can I buy them?"
Many people traveling to Iriomote Island for the first time probably have questions like these.
In fact, Iriomote Island has many limited-edition items that can only be found on the island, as well as local specialties highly recommended by residents. In this article, I, a resident of Iriomote Island, will introduce five recommended souvenirs from the island, along with souvenir shops that you should definitely visit.
Island souvenirs to buy on Iriomote Island
┗Brown sugar
┗Peach Pineapple
┗Iriomote wildcat merchandise
┗HYDRO FLASK (Water bottle with a design exclusive to Iriomote Island)
┗Awamori "Iriomote"
Souvenir shops in the Uehara area of Iriomote Island
┗Yurimina
┗A PICTURE BOOK
┗Santa NU neene
Souvenir shops in the Ohara area of Iriomote Island
┗Minato no Yaoya
┗Shop Dugong
Online and consignment sales
┗Iriomote Island Fruits
┗Banana House
1. Island souvenirs to buy on Iriomote Island
Brown sugar
▶ Mineral crystals nurtured by the island, recognized even by the long-established "Toraya" confectionery shop.
When it comes to representative local products of Iriomote Island, brown sugar is undoubtedly the first thing that comes to mind. Made using a simple method of squeezing and boiling down sugarcane, it is characterized by its deep, rich flavor that condenses the island's abundant minerals. In fact, this brown sugar from Iriomote Island is also used in "Omokage," a brown sugar-infused yokan (sweet bean jelly) from Toraya, a long-established Japanese confectionery shop with a history of approximately 500 years. The fact that such a long-established shop has chosen it speaks volumes about the quality of this island's brown sugar. The individually packaged type is perfect for giving away as souvenirs.
Peach Pineapple
▶ A "phantom pineapple" that smells like peaches
With a sweet aroma reminiscent of peaches and flesh that melts in your mouth, this is the summer delicacy of Iriomote Island: the "Peach Pineapple." Its official variety name is "Soft Touch." It accounts for only a small percentage of pineapples produced in Japan and is sometimes called the "phantom pineapple." Its peak season is from April to June. If you visit during this time, be sure to check it out at farms and souvenir shops on the island. Many shops offer delivery.
Iriomote wildcat merchandise
▶ Iriomote Island's "signboard cat" is now available as a souvenir.
The Iriomote wildcat, a special natural monument found only on Iriomote Island, can be found everywhere on the island. Plush toys, postcards, T-shirts, keychains, mugs—each shop has a different design, making it fun to find your favorite. Because it is a rare wild animal with an estimated population of only about 100 individuals, the souvenirs you receive have a special feeling of "you can only see this animal on this island."
HYDRO FLASK (Water bottle with a design exclusive to Iriomote Island)
▶ Island-exclusive bottles that can only be bought here
Did you know that the popular American bottle brand "HYDRO FLASK" has a design exclusive to Iriomote Island? It's a 16oz (473ml) bottle featuring an Iriomote wildcat, and it's only sold at "Shop Jugon" in Ohara Port. It's practical in that it keeps cold tea cold from morning until night. Its amazing cooling power that can withstand a full day of guiding, and the fact that it's an exclusive item only available here, make it a highly recommended souvenir. I use it myself.
Awamori "Iriomote"
▶ A rare awamori with an alcohol content of 43%, only available on the island.
"Iriomote" is an original awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit) produced by Seifuku Brewery on Ishigaki Island. The label features an Iriomote wildcat, and the bottle bears the island's name. This is a limited edition 43% alcohol version, not the 30% alcohol version of the same name available online. This special item is only available at "Shop Jugon" in Ohara Port. It's a sophisticated drink for connoisseurs, offering the rich aroma and deep flavor that are characteristic of authentic awamori. How about giving it as a gift to someone who loves alcohol?
Souvenir shops in the Uehara area of Iriomote Island
Yurimina
Located inside the Uehara Port Terminal, this small souvenir shop connects local producers with tourists. It boasts a wide selection of goods, from agricultural products from Iriomote Island to handmade dried fruits, handcrafted goods, and trinkets featuring the Iriomote wildcat. Light snacks like rice balls are also available, making it a great place to grab a bite while waiting for your ferry.
★Featured item: Homemade dried fruit
- Address
- 681 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture (Inside Uehara Port Terminal)
- TEL
- 0980-85-7437
- Opening hours
- 8:45 AM - 16:30 PM, Irregular holidays
- Remarks
- Changes may occur depending on the operating status of the Uehara route, etc.
A PICTURE BOOK
Opened in 2006, this specialty shop features T-shirts inspired by the wildlife of Iriomote Island. Based on the concept of "wearing a field guide," the shop offers T-shirts featuring detailed illustrations of plants and animals drawn by nature guides. It's about a 5-minute drive from Uehara Port. In addition to T-shirts, they also offer a wide range of other items, such as "field guide bags" and accessories.
★Featured item: Iriomote wildcat T-shirt
- Address
- 340-3 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-84-8065
- Opening hours
- 10:00~17:00 Closed: Wednesday and Thursday
Santa NU neene
This shop offers a variety of handcrafted and hand-painted goods, including original T-shirts, handmade accessories, and postcards, all created by the owner. Each item is imbued with the spirit of the island and possesses a special quality that mass-produced goods lack. *The shop has moved. It is now operating inside the guesthouse "Villa HIRUGI" in the Funauura settlement. Please take note of this when visiting.
★Featured item: Original towel
- Address
- 984-75 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture (Inside Villa Hirugi)
- TEL
- 0980-85-6641
- Opening hours
- 11:00 AM - 17:00 PM, Irregular holidays
- Remarks
- Even if the shop is closed, we may be able to open it if you contact us.
Souvenir shops in the Ohara area of Iriomote Island
Minato no Yaoya
This souvenir shop is located inside the Ohara Port Terminal. The rows of seasonal island vegetables make it feel like a small roadside station. The shop offers handmade accessories and homemade seasonings made with island ingredients, all products that embody the spirit of the island. There's even a gacha machine featuring "Yachimun chopstick rests" made in collaboration with an island pottery studio. My top recommendation is the "Pineapple Sweet Chili Sauce," made with ripe pineapples. It's a prize-winning product that received a special award for excellent local products at the 2018 Remote Island Fair, and it's one of my personal favorites.
★Featured item: Pineapple Sweet Chili Sauce
- Address
- Inside Ohara Port Terminal, Minamikaze, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 080-6497-3800
- Opening hours
- 9:00-10:00, 12:30-17:10 (Irregular holidays)
Shop Dugong
This souvenir shop, operated by Iriomote Island Transportation, is located next to the Ohara Port Ferry Terminal building. It's a must-visit shop as it offers a wide variety of items that can only be bought here, including Iriomote Island-produced brown sugar and Iriomote wildcat goods, as well as the aforementioned HYDRO FLASK limited edition bottle and Awamori "Iriomote" 43% alcohol. You can also enjoy brown sugar soft serve ice cream, so it's recommended to stop by while waiting for your ferry.
★Featured item: "Plant-dyed Minsaa" handmade by island artisans.
- Address
- 201 Minamikaze, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-847-320
- Opening hours
- 9:00 AM - 17:15 PM, Open all year round
Online and consignment sales
Iriomote Island Fruits
Iriomote Island Fruits Co., Ltd., an agricultural production company, is an online shop that delivers seasonal island fruits, including pineapples and mangoes, directly from the farm. Their 100% pineapple juice and dried fruits, made at their farm-operated processing plant, are also popular. A great advantage is being able to relive the delightful experience of tasting island fruits during your trip, even after returning home.
★Featured items: Seasonal island fruits and juices such as pineapple and mango
URL: https://iriomotejimafruits.raku-uru.jp/
Banana House
Banana House is a long-established guide shop that offers trekking, canoeing, and wildlife observation tours. The owner, Mr. Morimoto, is a leading island guide who knows the nature of Iriomote Island inside and out. In fact, some of the "Beware of Iriomote Wildcats" signs placed throughout the island were designed by Mr. Morimoto. His original map T-shirts and wildcat kitten shirts, which are designed with his love for the island in mind, are sold on consignment at many souvenir shops on the island.
★Featured items: Map T-shirt, Wildcat Kitten T-shirt
Dad on a remote island
A guide and captain who has lived on Iriomote Island for eight years and loves its nature. In his private life, he is a father of two.
This guide provides easy-to-understand explanations of the island's ecosystem and stunning scenic spots. Grab your camera and embark on a family adventure around the island on your next day off.
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