Okinawa prefecture is the only place that has sub-tropical climate in Japan, and is an immensely popular tourist destination from across the globe.
Iriomote Island is part of Taketomi-cho, Okinawa prefecture, and is located 400km away from the main Okinawa Island. You can get here by taking a ferry from Ishigaki Island.
90% of the land in Iriomote Island is a sub-tropical jungle. This incredible natural habitat is internationally well known, and has been registered as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2021.
In this article, I, an Iriomote resident, will introduce you 4 locations that provide spectacular views of the divine nature from this whimsical Island.
1. Pinaisara Falls
There are more than 100 waterfalls within the jungles of Iriomote. Of these waterfalls, Pinaisara Falls is the most well-known, attracting curious travelers from many corners of the globe.
Pinaisara Falls is the largest waterfall in Okinawa in terms of height, measuring an impressive 55 meters from top to bottom. It is quite a sight to behold.
Visitors are also allowed to hike up to the crest of the waterfall. Once you reach the place where the waterfall starts, a spectacular view of the island awaits.
The water is cold during the winters, but during the summers, you can swim in the basin. You can dive from the nearby big boulders as well.
You can only get to Pinaisara Falls by kayaking and trekking, so the journey here is an adventure in and of itself.
*Entering the jungles of Iriomote without a licensed guide is not only dangerous, it is punishable by law. If you want to visit Pinaisara Falls, schedule a guided tour from a licensed travel agency.
2. Mayagusuku Waterfall—Hidden in the depths of Iriomote
The Mayagusuku Waterfall is located right in the center of Iriomote Island.
In the Okinawan language, “maya” means “cat,” and “gusuku” means “castle.”
There is a type of feline called Iriomote cat which only lives in this island, and Mayagusuku is a place that has literally been called their castle.
Rapid waters cascade from step-like boulders, creating a unique, magnificent spectacle of nature.
The scenery is simply majestic from all angles.
Mayagusuku Waterfall is only approachable either by kayaking & trekking, or by liner ship & trekking. Either way, getting to Mayagusuku Waterfall is notoriously known for its difficulty.
It has been called “Phantom Falls” due to its exclusivity from being barred by its treacherous paths.
Can you imagine the sense of accomplishment that you’ll get when you reach this glorious site? If you are confident in your trekking abilities, this waterfall is very much worthy of a visit.
*Entering the jungles of Iriomote without a licensed guide is not only dangerous, it is punishable by law. If you want to visit Mayagusuku Waterfall, schedule a guided tour from a licensed travel agency.
＞ Schedule a guided tour of Mayagusuku Waterfall here (website in Japanese only)
3. Unarizaki Park
Unarizaki Park is famous for its gorgeous views of the sunset & night sky.
Unarizaki Park is known as the sunset location of Iriomote Island.
You can lay down, chill on the lush grass, or sit and cool down in one of the pavilions.
Sunsets are beautiful here, but on a clear day, the night skies you can see from here is nothing short of breathtaking.
There is nothing to obstruct the panoramic view of the starry skies.
Iriomote Island has been counted as one of the International Dark Sky Places in 2018, and from here, you can see innumerable stars along the Milky Way.
Unarizaki Park is always populated by photographers, eager to capture sceneries from the sunset & night skies. If you’re into photography, this island park should be listed in your bucket list.
*Free parking available
4. Hoshizuna Beach
The last location I’d recommend visiting is Hoshizuna Beach. (“Hoshi-zuna（星砂）” literally translates to “star-sand”.)
On a sunny day, Hoshizuna Beach provides a spectacular blue-green gradient for sightseers. This place is also an immensely popular snorkeling destination.
The distinctive boulders in the shallow waters off the beach act as a natural form of embarkment, which makes the waves very calm. This makes the conditions ideal for snorkeling, even for complete new-timers.
If you don’t own equipment, no worries! You can borrow snorkeling equipment from nearby shops.
The beach also boasts impressive views of the sunset.
If you’re hungry, you can go to any of the close-by restaurants. If you get tired off all the activities, there are plenty of places to rest. Here, there is fun to be had at any hour.
Take a break and sit down on any of the boulders, relax, listen to the calm waves—immerse yourself in the heavenly atmosphere.
*Free parking available
Memorable times guaranteed in Iriomote
As you can see from the locations in this article, Iriomote Island is a place where nature thrives, providing unique spectacles that can only be experienced here.
Hope you discover your view of a lifetime, here in Iriomote!
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