Understand

Prepare to be enchanted by Iriomote, the second-largest island in Okinawa. While its size may not be massive, with a population of just over 2,300, Iriomote captivates visitors with its untouched natural beauty. Outnumbering residents almost 100 to 1, over 150,000 people flock to this island paradise each year. With 90% of its land covered in dense jungles and swampy mangroves, much of which falls under the protection of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park or state land, Iriomote stands as one of Japan's last great wildernesses. Live like a true islander along the coast, where the majority of the population resides. Starting from the west, you'll encounter the major settlements of Shirahama, Uehara, Funaura, and Ohara. As you travel along the southern stretch from Ohara to Shirahama, you'll be met with untouched coastline devoid of roads and dotted with only a few isolated fishing villages near the western end. Get ready to experience the unspoiled beauty of Iriomote!

Get in

Iriomote is a captivating island that can only be reached by boat, adding to its allure and exclusivity. Although there is no landing strip on the island, the nearest airport is in Ishigaki, a neighboring island. To get to Iriomote, you can take advantage of the ferry services operating from Ishigaki. Two ports on the island offer these services, which are provided by Anei Kank and Yaeyama Kank Ferry, as well as Ishigaki Dream Kank Ferry. Most visitors opt for the rapid services provided by these companies. However, if you're on a budget, and up for an adventure, you can choose Yaeyama's thrice-weekly slow cargo boats, which take you to Ohara in 2 hours or Uehara via Hatoma in 3 hours. Round-trip tickets often come with a discount of approximately 10%. If you're lucky, you might come across a 4-trip ticket opportunity for 5,000 yen. This especially good deal is perfect for those planning to visit Uehara, as a round-trip typically costs around 4,000 yen to Ishigaki. No matter how you choose to get there, Iriomote promises an extraordinary and unforgettable experience for any traveler seeking natural beauty and adventure.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing