Top 10 Sightseeing and Scenic Spots on Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island is about a 40-minute high-speed ferry ride from Ishigaki Island.
It is larger than Ishigaki Island, and is a large-scale island where you can experience untouched nature, with jungles and mangrove forests that extend right up to the coastline on land, and endless coral reefs in the sea.
This time, I'll introduce the top 10 must-see tourist spots on the massive Iriomote Island.
This is based purely on my personal opinion, but I've tried to summarize the appeal of each spot in an easy-to-understand way, so please use it as a reference when sightseeing on Iriomote Island!

<Table of Contents>
1. Pinai-sara Falls | A classic waterfall on Iriomote Island!
2. Maryudu & Kampile Falls | Visit two waterfalls at once
3. Ida Beach | The breathtaking scenery of the secluded village of Funauki.
4. Star Sand Beach | Find star-shaped sand on the beach
5. Baras Island | A miraculous island floating alone in the sea
6. Yubu Island | Crossing the sea by water buffalo cart
7. Relax in the photogenic jungle at Kura Falls.
8. Tudumari Beach | Known for its romantic sunsets
9. Minamikazemita Beach | The site where wildcats were discovered
10. Grounded Ship | Hidden Scenic Spot
Summary

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1. Pinai-sara Falls | A classic waterfall on Iriomote Island!

Iriomote Island, with its mountainous terrain, has many waterfalls, several of which are popular tourist attractions.
Pinai-sara Falls is famous as the tallest waterfall in Okinawa Prefecture, with a drop of 54 meters!
The sight of the waterfall, with its thin, white stream of water falling straight down, is said to resemble an old man's beard.
Both the top of the waterfall, with its spectacular views, and the waterfall basin, a natural swimming pool, are highly recommended.
Many tours to Pinai-sara Falls involve canoeing and jungle trekking. You can fully experience the rivers, sea, mountains, and nature of Iriomote Island.

2. Maryudu & Kampile Falls | Visit two waterfalls at once

Photo Stock - Photo Library

Both Maryudu Falls and Kanpire Falls are located upstream of the Urauchi River, the longest river in Okinawa Prefecture, and it takes about 15 minutes to walk between them.
The defining features of Maryudu Falls are the two-tiered waterfall that suddenly appears in the middle of the jungle, and the round pool at its base, which is approximately 130 meters in diameter.
The powerful waterfall and the abundant water flowing into the pool, viewed from the observation deck, are truly breathtaking. It's also been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.

Furthermore, the Kampire Falls stretch for about 200 meters, featuring numerous small waterfalls, and you can descend to the rocky area to cool off.
Visiting both together is a surefire way to enjoy the experience.

3. Ida Beach | The breathtaking scenery of the secluded village of Funauki.

Image provided by: Kaito Yaeyama

The Funauki settlement is located off the coast of Shirahama Port in western Iriomote Island, accessible by boat. The settlement faces a bay and has a population of about 50 people. It is not connected to any other settlements by road, making it truly an isolated, secluded village. It is perfect for those who want to spend a relaxing time amidst unspoiled nature. One of Funauki's attractions is Ida Beach, located about a 15-minute walk from the settlement. The sea there is teeming with tropical fish and coral. Since there are few snorkeling spots on Iriomote Island, those who want to swim should definitely visit Ida Beach.

4. Star Sand Beach | Find star-shaped sand on the beach

Hoshizuna Beach is a beach located about a 5-minute drive from Uehara Port, a tourist hub in western Iriomote Island. It features white sand, shallow waters, and is characterized by its star-shaped sand grains. The sea is warm and calm, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can even swim to the small island visible from the beach. Another fun aspect is the abundance of fish you can see when you wade into the water up to your knees.

5. Baras Island | A miraculous island floating alone in the sea

Barasu Island is located about a 10-minute boat ride from Uehara Port in western Iriomote Island. It is a small, uninhabited island, only a few dozen meters in diameter, made up of fragments of white coral. There are only two islands in the world made from fragments of white coral. Because the size of the island changes with the tides, it is also called the Island of Miracles. If you dive into the emerald green sea, you can see many tropical fish and beautiful coral reefs. It is popular not only during the day but also in the evening, and the beauty of the gradually changing colors of the sky and the sun setting on the horizon is truly a spectacular sight.

6. Yubu Island | Crossing the sea by water buffalo cart

Yubu Island is an island adjacent to the eastern coast of Iriomote Island. The only way to get to Yubu Island is by water buffalo cart. Even at high tide, the water between Iriomote Island and Yubu Island is only about 1 meter deep. Therefore, water buffalo carts are used to connect the two islands and as a means of transportation. A unique feature of the island is that the entire island is a subtropical botanical garden. You can spend a relaxing time surrounded by Okinawan plants such as hibiscus and birds that live in nature.

7. Relax in the photogenic jungle at Kura Falls.

Kura Falls is a small waterfall with a drop of about 5 meters. Sunlight streams in through the gaps in the trees, and the sounds of birdsong and the waterfall create a soothing atmosphere. It's also a popular photo spot, with people taking pictures with the waterfall as a backdrop or sitting on a tree that grows like a swing. Popular activities around the waterfall include stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), trekking, and canoeing through the mangrove forest.

8. Tudumari Beach | Known for its romantic sunsets

Tudumari Beach is a small beach located about a 5-minute drive from Uehara Port in western Iriomote Island. The sand at Tudumari Beach has the finest particles of any beach on Iriomote Island, and is white and powdery. It's characterized by a squeaking sound when you walk on it. The biggest attraction at Tudumari Beach is the sunset. From the crescent-shaped beach, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sun sinking below the horizon. You can spend a romantic time relaxing amidst the vibrant colors of the sunset and the sound of the waves.

9. Minamikazemita Beach | The site where wildcats were discovered

Haemida, located in the southeast of Iriomote Island at the end of the road that encircles the island, is famous as the site where the Iriomote wildcat was discovered. The beach is shallow and boasts the longest beach on Iriomote Island. However, there is a lot of washed-up debris, which can be a bit disappointing in some places. There are no facilities such as restrooms, so it is best suited for short stays. There is free parking available, making it a recommended spot for sightseeing by car.

10. Grounded Ship | Hidden Scenic Spot

One of the hidden scenic spots on Iriomote Island that I recommend is the shipwreck (stranded ship). A rusty ship suddenly appears floating on the beautiful sea. It's like a scene from a movie, and gazing at it will make you feel nostalgic. The ship's name is Tetsuei Maru. It was originally a cargo ship and is said to have been shipwrecked in a coral reef. You can take pictures from afar, or there are tours that take you closer by canoe (the tour level is for intermediate to advanced paddlers).

Summary

Iriomote Island offers an opportunity to fully experience its rich natural beauty. From famous waterfalls and beaches to hidden scenic spots, there's plenty to enjoy. Adding an Iriomote Island itinerary to your Ishigaki Island trip is a great idea, and it's also recommended as a day trip from Okinawa Main Island. When you visit Okinawa, be sure to check out Iriomote Island!