Iriomote Island, a secluded paradise registered as a World Natural Heritage site, boasts 90% of its area covered in untouched nature! With over 100 waterfalls, Iriomote Island offers a variety of ways to enjoy it, from waterfalls where you can jump into the pools to those accessible by kayak or SUP.
This time, I'll introduce some of my personal favorite waterfalls, carefully selected based on my three months of living on Iriomote Island. Two of them were even featured on a popular variety show!

<Table of Contents>
Introduction: Iriomote Island Waterfall Map – It's best to use a tour.
1. Pinai-sara Falls
2. Mizuochi Waterfall
3. Nara Falls
4. Yutsun Falls
5. Geta Falls
6. Mariudu Falls
7. Kampire Falls
8. Mayagusuku Falls

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Introduction: Iriomote Island Waterfall Map – It's best to use a tour.

Iriomote Island has many waterfalls, but it's essential to join a tour to see all of them except for ⑥ Mariyudu Falls and ⑦ Kanpire Falls. Enjoy yourselves while taking precautions to avoid accidents such as getting lost.

1. Pinai-sara Falls

Pinai-sara Falls boasts the largest drop in Okinawa Prefecture at 54 meters and is a popular waterfall on Iriomote Island, having even been featured on a popular variety show. "Pinai" means "beard" and "sara" means "hanging," so the waterfall is named because it looks like a beard hanging down.

The main attractions of Pinai-sara Falls are the spectacular view from the top of the falls and the opportunity to dive into the pool at the bottom. Plus, the journey there is full of fun points, including canoeing along a river lined with mangroves on both banks.

The waterfall pool is covered in spray, and the negative ions create a refreshing mist! In the summer, you can wear a life jacket and jump in or play in the river.

The typical way to reach Pinai-sara Falls is to access the starting point by canoe, enjoy the top of the falls and the pool at the base, and then return by canoe.
Most tours last 5-7 hours and include transportation to and from accommodations in the Uehara area and the port, making it possible to participate as a day trip from Ishigaki Island.

My personal recommendation: ★★★★★
Accessibility: ★★★

2. Mizuochi Waterfall

Image provided by: Iriomote Island ADVENTURE PiPi

Mizuochi Falls is located in the Funauki area on the west side of Iriomote Island. The waterfall itself is small, but the straight rock formations surrounding it give it an ancient ruin-like appearance, creating an indescribable atmosphere. On hot days, there are plenty of ways to have fun, such as soaking up the waterfall or jumping into the river.

Image provided by: Iriomote Island ADVENTURE PiPi

The Funauki area is only accessible by boat (there are no roads), making it one of the most secluded and remote areas on Iriomote Island. You can also access Mizuochi Falls by canoe, and you can enjoy a wild, Iriomote-like experience by crossing Funauki Bay and navigating rivers surrounded by mangroves.

My personal recommendation: ★★★★
Accessibility: ★★★

3. Nara Falls

Nara Falls, with its secluded and secluded atmosphere, boasts a beautiful, towering waterfall with a large, deep pool in front of it, offering plenty of opportunities for river activities. One of the highlights of the activity is that you spend most of the approximately 2.5-hour journey, about 2 hours, paddling through the sea and river by kayak.

After canoeing, a 20-30 minute trek through the jungle leads to a magnificent waterfall. The sense of accomplishment is immense.
The return kayak trip is easier as you're going downstream, but a four-hour round trip kayak might be challenging if you're not used to it. Even beginners will receive an initial lesson, so if you'd like to give it a try, please do!

My personal recommendation: ★★★
Accessibility: ★★★

4. Yutsun Falls

The charm of Yutsun Falls lies in its three-tiered waterfall and jungle trekking! Yutsun Falls is located on a hill about 250m above sea level, and the trek is for intermediate hikers and takes about two hours one way. Because it's at the end of a somewhat challenging trek, the moment you see the magnificent waterfall with its powerful spray, you'll involuntarily exclaim "Wow!"

The path to Yutsun Falls takes you through a gently sloping mossy forest and gradually uphill. You'll splash through the river and cross large rock formations like the one pictured, giving you a real sense of adventure.
During the summer months, it's recommended to cool off at one of the many swimming spots. The paths are complex, so be sure to hire a tour guide. Tours generally run from around 9 am to 16 pm and include lunch.

My personal recommendation: ★★★
Accessibility: ★★★★

5. Geta Falls

Geta Falls is another waterfall that has been featured on popular variety shows. Its appeal lies in the fact that it's a magnificent three-tiered waterfall that offers a sense of being in a hidden paradise, despite being only a 30-40 minute walk away!
You can get close to the waterfall and feel the refreshing spray full of negative ions.
Actually, if you continue climbing for another 10 minutes from here, you'll find a hidden waterfall called "Okugeta Falls."

Okugeta Falls is a magnificent waterfall that flows over layers upon layers of rock. The photo shows the view from the second tier. Can you see the person lying down on the rocks of the first tier? Hopefully, the small size of the person in the photo conveys the grandeur of Okugeta Falls...
The path to Oku-Geta is a steep climb, so most tours only go as far as the first tier of Geta Falls. However, if you'd like to go all the way to Oku-Geta, it's a good idea to ask or request this from your guide when booking your tour.

The trail is short, but it starts in a subtropical jungle and involves wading through the river during a river trek. Towards the end, there are more large rocks, so you'll need to use both hands to walk through the river. It's about a 40-minute trek, so it's enjoyable for anyone with average fitness, but I, a writer in my late twenties, ended up with sore muscles!

My personal recommendation: ★★★★★
Accessibility: ★★★

6. Mariudu Falls

Most waterfalls on Iriomote Island are difficult to access without a tour guide, but Mariudu Falls and Kanpire Falls are appealing because they have trail markers and toilets along the hiking trails, making them easily accessible even for individuals.
The Mariudu Falls, which is also selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, can be viewed from the observation deck.
The sightseeing boat ride down the Urauchi River takes about 30 minutes, during which a guide will explain the mangroves and the Iriomote wildcat. After disembarking, it's about a 25-minute walk to the observation deck shown in the photo. Mariudu Falls is viewed from a distance, so even children can enjoy it.
The Urauchi River sightseeing boat dock is about a 16-minute bus or car ride from Uehara Port on Iriomote Island. If you take the bus, get off at the Urauchi River bus stop and it's a 2-minute walk from there.

My personal recommendation: ★★★
Access difficulty ★

7. Kampire Falls

A 15-minute walk from Mariudu Falls will take you to the wide Kampire Falls. I always thought waterfalls were defined by water falling from high places, but Kampire Falls is as gentle as a river.

Sitting on a rock in the middle of the waterfall, lost in thought, I found solace in the changing expressions and sounds of the water as it crashed against the rocks.

My personal recommendation: ★★★
Access difficulty ★

8. Mayagusuku Falls

Mayagusuku, a hidden gem on Iriomote Island, is considered one of the most challenging waterfall tours on the island, and is geared towards advanced hikers. Its appeal lies in the exceptional, pyramidal waterfall created by nature and the sense of accomplishment it provides. Climbing from the side reveals a narrow stream connecting to the back. The view is also spectacular! The round trip trek takes six hours, and the path is steep and challenging, making it a highly difficult experience.

Mayagusuku is located beyond the Kanpire Falls and Mariudu Falls, and the fact that you have to catch the last boat at 16 PM is one of the reasons why it's considered a challenging destination. Along the way, we waded across several rivers and crossed three swamps, and we could hear the cries of wild boars. The photo shows us crossing some of the rivers at the beginning. The feeling of accomplishment when we finally arrived, after slipping, hitting our heads on trees, and jumping, was immense. We made it back safely, but our muscles were definitely sore!

My personal recommendation: ★★★★★
Accessibility: ★★★★★

Final thoughts

We've introduced you to the waterfalls of Iriomote Island, each with its own unique charm. Choose a waterfall that suits your schedule, physical condition, and purpose, and enjoy your trek!
As mentioned at the beginning, please be sure to hire a tour guide for all waterfalls except Mariudu Falls and Kampile Falls. Also, since you may be bitten by leeches, it is recommended to wear clothing that covers your ankles and other exposed areas.