Often called "Japan's last remaining wilderness," Iriomote Island, located in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture, is a special island where untouched nature and rare flora and fauna coexist. Registered as a World Natural Heritage site, its rich ecosystem captivates many people. The most common way to visit Iriomote Island is by boat from Ishigaki Island. This article will provide easy-to-understand information for first-time visitors, including how to get to Iriomote Island, the travel time, and information on its two ports.

1. First, head to Ishigaki Island. ~There is no airport on Iriomote Island.~

Iriomote Island does not have an airport, and the only way to get there is by boat. Therefore, you first need to fly to Ishigaki Island from Okinawa Main Island or Honshu.

Direct flights to Ishigaki Airport (Painushima Ishigaki Airport) are available from major cities such as Naha, Tokyo (Haneda and Narita), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya (Chubu), and Fukuoka. The airlines operating regular flights are:ANA,JAL,PeachThere are 3 companies.

It takes about 30 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport to Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal. Buses are also available via local buses.Higashi Transport) and direct bus (Curry TourismTwo companies operate approximately five buses per hour during the daytime. The regular route bus takes about 40 minutes and costs 540 yen, while the direct bus takes about 30 minutes and costs 550 yen. There are also discounted fares, such as a round-trip discount that saves you 100 yen, so if price is your priority, check out each company's website.
If you take a taxi, the fare will be approximately 3,000 to 3,500 yen. If you go by rental car, there are plenty of coin-operated parking lots around the ferry terminal.

2. Ferry information between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island (travel time and fare)

Access to Iriomote Island from Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal is by high-speed ferry. The following ferries are in operation:Yaeyama Sightseeing FerrywithAn'ei KankoThere are 2 companies.

Both companies operate two routes: Ishigaki Port to Ohara Port and Ishigaki Port to Uehara Port. The travel times are as follows:
Ishigaki Port → Iriomote Island, Ohara Port: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Ishigaki Port → Uehara Port, Iriomote Island: Approximately 45-55 minutes
*If going via Hatoma Island, the journey will take approximately 70-75 minutes.

The adult fare is approximately 2,990 yen one way. Discounts are available when purchasing round-trip tickets.
The number of departures varies depending on weather conditions and season, but there are approximately 15 to 20 departures per day across the two ferry companies and two routes mentioned above. It is recommended to check the latest schedule on their official websites.

3. Iriomote Island has two ports.

Iriomote Island has two ports where ferries arrive and depart. Uehara Port is located in the north of the island, and Ohara Port is located in the south, about 50 minutes apart by car.

Public transportation within the island is limited, with only four round trips per day by the local bus service (Iriomote Island Transportation). Since accommodations and activity departure points vary depending on the port you use, it's crucial to carefully check which port you'll be using when making reservations.

4. Sea routes from Iriomote Island to destinations other than Ishigaki Island

While there are some direct ferry routes from Iriomote Island to islands other than Ishigaki Island, the number of services is very limited.
● Ohara Port → Taketomi Island: 1 trip per day (An'ei Kanko)
● Uehara Port ⇔ Hatoma Island: 2 round trips per day (Yaeyama Kanko Ferry / An'ei Kanko)

If you wish to travel to any other islands, you will need to return to Ishigaki Island and then transfer again. Since ferries can be cancelled due to weather conditions, it's best to allow for some flexibility in your itinerary.

5. If efficiency is your priority, consider a day trip from Ishigaki Island.

For those who want to make efficient use of their time and visit various islands, a day trip to the outlying islands departing from Ishigaki Island is highly recommended.

There are also one-day tours that include Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, and Taketomi Island, with transportation, meals, and activities all included, making it easy for first-timers to participate.

Furthermore, you can easily enjoy wild nature experiences such as mangrove kayaking and waterfall trekking on Iriomote Island through day trips departing from Ishigaki Island.

Summary

A trip to Iriomote Island might seem a little complicated in terms of access, but the feeling of accomplishment when you finally arrive is all the more rewarding.
First, fly to Ishigaki Island, then take a ferry from the remote island terminal to Iriomote Island. Checking port and transportation information in advance will help ensure a smooth trip.
Why not spend a special time away from your daily routine on Iriomote Island, where magnificent nature and culture thrive?

Yuhei Tonosho, a cyclist and photographer who delves deep into Japan

Born in 1993 in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. Graduated from Doshisha University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Cultural History and Department of English Literature. While working as a salaryman, he is a travel writer who travels all over Japan by bicycle and mountain climbing. He captures and shares the changing seasons of Japan with all his senses.

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