Iriomote Island | World Natural Heritage, Mangroves, Pinaisara Falls, Access & Sightseeing

Okinawa Prefecture’s second-largest island, the Yaeyama group’s largest, “Iriomote Island.” About 90% of the island is covered in subtropical jungle, and it’s a precious treasure house of nature, registered as a World Natural Heritage site in July 2021 as “Amami-Oshima, Tokunoshima, the northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island.”

The nationally Special Natural Monument Iriomote wildcat, one of Japan’s largest mangrove forests, the Yubu Island water-buffalo cart, Pinaisara Falls, the star-sand beach—it’s truly a “jungle island of Japan” where you can encounter subtropical great nature and rare creatures absolutely invisible on Honshu. In this article, we’ll fully cover Iriomote Island’s charm, highlights, activities and access.

What Kind of Island Is Iriomote Island? A World-Natural-Heritage Subtropical Jungle Island

Iriomote Island boasts Okinawa Prefecture’s second-largest size after the main island, with an area of about 290 km². Though it’s the Yaeyama group’s largest island, its population is small at just about 2,400, an island of nature just as it is, with about 90% of the island covered in subtropical primeval forest.

In July 2021, it was registered as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage “Amami-Oshima, Tokunoshima, the northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island.” World-Heritage-class biodiversity, endemic species, primeval nature—precious experiences you can encounter only on this island spread out.

Two ports | Ohara Port and Uehara Port

Port	Features	Main sightseeing bases
Ohara Port (south)	Base for Yubu Island & Nakama River mangrove	Yubu Island, Nakama River, star-sand-beach area
Uehara Port (north)	Base for Pinaisara Falls & Urauchi River	Pinaisara, Urauchi River, star-sand beach

Iriomote Island’s Highlights

Iriomote wildcat | a nationally Special Natural Monument

Iriomote Island’s greatest symbol is the Iriomote wildcat, found only on this island in the world. A nationally Special Natural Monument, it’s an endangered species with an estimated population of just around 100. Seeing one in the wild is extremely rare, but you can learn about its ecology at the “Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center.”

Nakama River mangrove cruise

The Nakama River, flowing near Ohara Port, is a river boasting one of Japan’s largest mangrove basin areas. Cruising on a sightseeing boat, you can encounter the superb subtropical-jungle view and a 400-year-old Sakishima suounoki tree.

Pinaisara Falls | Okinawa’s largest falls, a 55 m drop

Pinaisara Falls in the north is a spectacular falls boasting Okinawa Prefecture’s largest drop of 55 m. A half-day to full-day tour accessing it by kayak + trekking is hugely popular. You can have a dynamic experience—swimming in the basin or gazing at a superb panorama from atop the falls.

Yubu Island | an island you cross by water-buffalo cart

About 15 minutes by car from Ohara Port, Yubu Island, a remote island of a remote island that you cross by water-buffalo cart. A spot popular with families too, where you can enjoy a subtropical botanical garden and interacting with water buffalo. The travel mood of the water-buffalo cart advancing with the sound of the sanshin is irresistible.

Urauchi River | the Amazon of the subtropics

Okinawa Prefecture’s longest river, the Urauchi River, holds Mariudo Falls and Kanpire Falls upstream—the “Amazon of the subtropics.” On a full-day tour combining a sightseeing boat and trekking, you can explore the primeval jungle.

Star-sand beach | look for star-shaped sand

The northern star-sand beach is a popular beach where you can find star-shaped sand. You can enjoy snorkeling too (taking it is prohibited).

Activities You Can Enjoy on Iriomote Island

Activity	Fee guide	Time needed
Pinaisara Falls kayak + trekking	¥10,000–15,000	About 7–8 hours
Nakama River mangrove cruise	¥1,800–2,500	About 70 min
Urauchi River jungle cruise	From ¥2,200	About 4 hours
Mangrove SUP / kayak	¥7,000–9,000	About 3 hours
Yubu Island water-buffalo cart	¥2,000	20 min
Snorkeling	¥5,000–8,000	Half day

Iriomote Island Basic Information & Access

Item	Details
Location	Iriomote, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa
Area	About 290 km² (2nd in Okinawa Prefecture)
Population	About 2,400
World Natural Heritage	Registered July 2021

Departure point	Time needed	Fare
Ishigaki Port → Ohara Port	About 35–40 min by high-speed ferry	About ¥2,090 one way
Ishigaki Port → Uehara Port	About 40–45 min by high-speed ferry	About ¥2,690 one way

Getting Around & Cautions on Iriomote Island

A rental car or rental bike is essential

Since the island is large, a rental car or rental bike is essential for sightseeing. There are rental shops at the ports, and advance booking is reassuring.

World Natural Heritage manners

Precisely because it’s a World Natural Heritage site, strictly observe nature-conservation manners—no taking of creatures or plants, take your trash home, don’t stray from designated routes, and join nighttime wildlife-observation tours with a proper guide.

Beware of habu & large land crustaceans

Iriomote Island is home to the habu and Sakishima habu (vipers). For trekking, a proper guided tour is recommended. You can encounter nocturnal creatures such as the coconut crab too.

Nearby Spots to Enjoy Together with Iriomote Island

Yubu Island | a subtropical botanical garden you cross by water-buffalo cart

About 15 minutes by car from Ohara Port. A standard the whole family can enjoy, including the water-buffalo-cart crossing.

Phantom Island (Hama Island)

Phantom Island, floating near Iriomote Island. Famous for its emerald-green crescent-shaped sandbar.

Hatoma Island | a snorkelers’ mecca

Hatoma Island, about 15 minutes by boat from Uehara Port. You can enjoy snorkeling in a sea of superb transparency.

Iriomote Island FAQ

Can I enjoy it on a day trip?

The main spots are doable on a day trip, but staying one or more nights lets you enjoy full-on activities like Pinaisara Falls.

Can I see the Iriomote wildcat?

Wild sightings are very rare. We recommend seeing the ecology exhibit at the “Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center.”

Can I enjoy it with kids?

It has abundant elements kids can enjoy—the Yubu Island water-buffalo cart, mangrove cruise, and the Yubu Island botanical garden. Check activity age limits in advance.

What’s the best season?

April–October is best. A period when you can enjoy both the sea and the falls.

Summary | Savor the World-Natural-Heritage Subtropical Jungle on Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island is the island boasting Okinawa Prefecture’s second-largest size, a subtropical jungle island registered as a World Natural Heritage site in 2021. The Iriomote wildcat, Pinaisara Falls, Nakama River mangrove, Yubu Island water-buffalo cart—it’s a treasure house of great nature you absolutely can’t experience on Honshu.

About 35–45 minutes by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Port, ¥2,090–2,690 one way. On your next trip, be sure to experience the magnificent nature of the World Heritage island.