Iriomote Island is the second largest island in Okinawa, after the main island itself. With about 90% of its area covered by subtropical jungle, it’s a place of untouched nature often called the “Galapagos of the East.” In recognition of its unique ecosystem, it was registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2021, along with Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, and the northern part of Okinawa Island.
The island’s greatest allure is its countless waterfalls, which you can reach by canoeing or kayaking down mangrove rivers and trekking through the jungle. It is said that there are over 100 waterfalls on the island, and their sight is nothing short of breathtaking.
This article provides a complete guide with all the information you need for the ultimate waterfall-hopping experience on this World Heritage island. From how to get there from Ishigaki Island, how to choose the right waterfalls for your goals and their detailed charms, sample itineraries, tips for booking tours, what to wear and bring, to the most important rules and manners for protecting the natural environment—we’ve got everything to make your Iriomote trip perfect.
- 1. Getting to Iriomote: The Only Way is by Ferry from Ishigaki Island
- 2. The 9 Best Waterfalls on Iriomote Island: A Complete Guide by Interest
- 3. Sample Itineraries: Iriomote Waterfall Hopping Plans
- 4. How to Choose and Book a Tour (English Support Available)
- 5. The Perfect Packing & Clothing Checklist
- 6. Rules and Manners for Protecting a World Heritage Site
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Start Planning Your Ultimate Iriomote Adventure
1. Getting to Iriomote: The Only Way is by Ferry from Ishigaki Island
There is no airport on Iriomote Island. Therefore, the only way to get there is to first fly to Ishigaki Island from various parts of Japan and then take a ferry.
- Step 1: Fly to New Ishigaki Airport
Direct flights to Ishigaki Island are available from major Japanese cities such as Tokyo (Haneda/Narita), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya (Centrair), and Fukuoka. You can also get there more affordably by using a Low-Cost Carrier (LCC).
- Step 2: From the Airport to Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal
Once you arrive at the airport, you need to travel to the “Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal,” where the ferries to Iriomote depart.
- Bus: Takes about 30-45 minutes. It’s the most reasonable option, costing around 500 yen.
- Taxi: Takes about 25 minutes. The fare is about 3,000 yen, making it suitable for groups.
- Step 3: Take the Ferry to Iriomote Island
It takes about 40-50 minutes by high-speed ferry from the terminal to Iriomote Island. There are two main ports on Iriomote, and the one you use will depend on the tour you join or where you’re staying. During peak seasons like Golden Week and summer vacation, it gets very crowded, so booking your ferry tickets in advance on the official websites of the ferry companies is highly recommended.
| Port Name | Location | Characteristics | Tour Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uehara Port | North side of the island | Often affected by north winds, leading to frequent cancellations, especially in winter. | Close to the meeting points for popular activity tours like Pinaisara Falls. |
| Ohara Port | Southeast side of the island | Fewer cancellations as it’s a main commuter route, with more frequent services. | Convenient for Nakama River mangrove cruises and Yubu Island tourism. |
【Important Note】 If the ferry to Uehara Port is cancelled, you will need to go to Ohara Port and take a local bus to the Uehara area. However, this bus service is very infrequent, running only four round trips a day, which can add a significant amount of travel time. If you have a tour booked in the Uehara area, especially during the winter, be sure to build plenty of buffer time into your itinerary.
2. The 9 Best Waterfalls on Iriomote Island: A Complete Guide by Interest
The waterfalls on Iriomote range from those reached by a combination of canoeing and trekking to those accessible by trekking alone. Choose the waterfall you want to visit based on your adventure level and physical fitness.
| Waterfall Name | Category | Fitness Level | Round Trip Time | Family-Friendly | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinaisara Falls | Canoe & Trekking | ★★★☆☆ | Approx. 4-5 hours | Ages 6+ | Okinawa’s tallest drop. Stunning views from the basin and top. |
| Sangara Falls | Canoe & Trekking | ★★☆☆☆ | Approx. 3 hours | ◎ (Excellent) | Unique experience of going behind the waterfall. Great for families. |
| Mizuochi Falls | Kayak | ★★☆☆☆ | Approx. 4 hours | Ages 6+ | A remote spot only accessible by boat. Inspires a sense of adventure. |
| Kura Falls | Trekking | ★☆☆☆☆ | Approx. 30 mins | ◎ (Excellent) | Beginner-friendly. Popular for its giant Modama vine swing. |
| Geeta Falls | River Trekking | ★★★☆☆ | Approx. 2 hours | Upper elementary+ | A beautiful river trekking course with multiple falls to see. |
| Mariyudo Falls | Boat & Trekking | ★★☆☆☆ | Approx. 3 hours | ◯ (Good) | One of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. Viewed from an observatory. |
| Kanpire Falls | Boat & Trekking | ★★☆☆☆ | Approx. 2.5 hours | ◯ (Good) | A sacred place located just beyond Mariyudo Falls. |
| Yutsun Falls | Trekking | ★★★★☆ | Approx. 4 hours | Junior high+ | For fit hikers. Panoramic views of the jungle and sea. |
| Mayarock Falls | Trekking | ★★☆☆☆ | Approx. 1.5 hours | ◯ (Good) | A quiet “twin falls” on the way to Yutsun Falls. |
Category A: Waterfalls Reached by Canoe/Kayak & Trekking
Pinaisara Falls
Boasting the largest drop in Okinawa Prefecture (approx. 55m), Pinaisara is the iconic waterfall of Iriomote Island. You’ll paddle a canoe through a mangrove river and then trek through the subtropical jungle to reach the waterfall basin. If you’re feeling energetic, there’s a course that takes you to the top of the falls, where the breathtaking view of the vast mangrove forest and coral reef sea below is simply spectacular.
Sangara Falls
This waterfall offers the unique and captivating experience of being able to walk behind the cascade. Although the drop is small, it makes it perfect for playing in the water, enjoyable for everyone from children to adults. It’s an ideal course for families, offering a light combination of canoeing, a short trek, and waterfall fun.
Mizuochi Falls
This is a remote waterfall located deep within the Funauki settlement, an area only accessible by boat from a public port. Getting there by kayak is a special, adventure-filled experience that truly excites the spirit.
Category B: Waterfalls Reached by Trekking (Hiking)
Kura Falls
A healing, beginner-friendly waterfall that can be reached with a short 15-minute trek one-way.
Though it’s a small waterfall with a drop of about 5 meters, it’s enveloped in a mystical atmosphere, quietly nestled in nature. Simply sitting and watching it is a true luxury.
Opposite the falls, a giant vine from the world’s largest bean, the “Modama,” has naturally formed a huge swing, making it a popular photo spot.
Geeta Falls
An adventure-packed waterfall reached via a one-hour river trek. The charm of this course lies not just in the destination but in the beauty of the journey itself. You’ll enjoy the deep green world created by Iriomote’s flora and see three waterfalls with different atmospheres before reaching the goal. The spectacular view that awaits only those who make it to the top will become an unforgettable memory.
Mariyudo Falls & Kanpire Falls
These two waterfalls are located upstream on the Urauchi River, which flows through the central part of Iriomote Island. “Mariyudo Falls” is a beautiful waterfall selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls,” and you can view its entirety from an observation deck. A further 15-minute walk brings you to “Kanpire Falls,” where water flows fiercely over a massive rock bed for about 200 meters. “Kanpire” means “seat of the gods” in the local dialect, marking it as a sacred place. This course can be accessed relatively safely on your own, as a sightseeing boat on the Urauchi River takes you to the trailhead.
Yutsun Falls
This is a full-scale jungle trekking course recommended for experienced hikers who love to walk. The trail itself, which takes just under two hours one-way, is full of highlights, including a magical moss-covered forest and a walk across an unimaginably large single slab of rock. The goal, Yutsun Falls, is a powerful three-tiered waterfall. The 360-degree panorama of the vast sky, sea, and jungle from the top of the falls at an elevation of 250 meters is a reward reserved for those who conquer the long and challenging path.
Mayarock Falls
A hidden gem located along the path to Yutsun Falls, about a 45-minute trek one-way. It is also known as the “Twin Falls” because two cascades flow side by side. It’s recommended for those who want to enjoy a waterfall view in peace and quiet, as relatively few people visit.
3. Sample Itineraries: Iriomote Waterfall Hopping Plans
Here are some sample itineraries to help you visualize your trip.
【Day Trip Dash from Ishigaki】
For those who want to actively enjoy the highlights of Iriomote.
- Morning: Take the first ferry from Ishigaki Port to Uehara Port → Join a Pinaisara Falls (Half-Day Tour). Get a condensed experience of Iriomote’s nature with canoeing and trekking.
- Afternoon: After the tour, have lunch around Uehara Port. If time permits, take a stroll on Hoshizuna-no-Hama (Star Sand Beach).
- Evening: Take one of the last ferries from Uehara Port back to Ishigaki Island.
【Relaxing 1-Night, 2-Day Getaway】
For those who want to enjoy not just the waterfalls but also other attractions of Iriomote.
- Day 1: Take a ferry from Ishigaki Port to Ohara Port → Join a Nakama River Mangrove Cruise → After lunch, take a water buffalo cart to Yubu Island for sightseeing. Stay overnight at a lodge in the southern area and, if the weather is clear, enjoy some incredible stargazing.
- Day 2: Travel to the Uehara area by local bus or rental car → Join a Sangara Falls (Half-Day Tour) and have fun playing in the water → After lunch, take a ferry from Uehara Port back to Ishigaki Island.
4. How to Choose and Book a Tour (English Support Available)
Iriomote’s jungle has unmarked trails and rapidly changing weather, making it extremely dangerous to enter on your own. To enjoy nature safely, participating in a guided tour with local professionals is strongly recommended.
- Types of Tours: Options include canoeing, trekking, SUP, canyoning, and more. There are full-day tours that combine multiple activities, as well as half-day tours.
- How to Book: Most tours require advance reservations. You can book through the tour company’s website, by phone, or via messaging apps like Email or WhatsApp.
- English Support: Some tour companies offer guides who can speak English for international travelers (e.g., “Hanauta”). Be sure to confirm English availability when you book.
- Private Tours: Ideal for families with small children or those concerned about their fitness level, as you can go at your own pace without worrying about other groups. They often come with perks like free photo data.
5. The Perfect Packing & Clothing Checklist
When preparing for jungle activities, it’s crucial to be ready to get wet.
- Clothing: Wear quick-drying clothes like a rash guard or synthetic T-shirt and pants over your swimsuit. Avoid cotton, as it dries slowly and can make you cold.
- Footwear: Non-slip marine shoes or trekking shoes are essential (many tours offer rentals).
- Must-Have Items:
- Hat, sunglasses (for sun protection)
- Towel
- Drinking water (to prevent heatstroke; bringing a reusable bottle is recommended)
- Sunscreen and insect repellent (eco-friendly products, such as those that are “reef-safe,” are preferred)
- Other useful items: An eyeglasses strap, a waterproof bag (to protect valuables; often available for rent from the tour company)
6. Rules and Manners for Protecting a World Heritage Site
To pass on Iriomote’s precious nature and culture to future generations, all visitors are asked to adhere to the following rules.
- For Your Safety
- Check the Weather: The weather in the mountains and rivers can change quickly. Always check the forecast and have the courage to turn back if you sense danger.
- Wear a Life Jacket: Always wear a life jacket during water activities like canoeing or SUP.
- Go with a Guide: For your safety, avoid trekking alone except on a few well-maintained trails. Always go with a guide.
- Respect for Nature and the Community (Ecotourism)
- Protect Wildlife: To protect rare animals like the Iriomote wildcat, strictly adhere to the 40 km/h speed limit on the island. Never feed wild animals.
- Pack Out Your Trash: The island does not have adequate waste disposal facilities. Please take all of your trash home with you.
- Do Not Harm Nature: Do not collect plants or animals, and do not step on coral. To prevent introducing invasive species, thoroughly clean the mud off your shoes before entering the forest.
- Respect Local Residents: The villages are where people live. Please be respectful by not entering shops in wet clothing and by acting quietly.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Do I need a rental car to get around Iriomote Island?
A. It’s not essential, but it will significantly expand your range of activities. The local bus service is very infrequent, so a rental car is convenient for getting to your accommodation, restaurants, or if you want to explore multiple areas. However, the number of cars is limited, so booking several months in advance is necessary during peak season.
Q. Can I see the waterfalls without joining a tour?
A. Kura Falls, as well as Mariyudo and Kanpire Falls (which are accessed via a sightseeing boat), can be visited on your own. However, for places with unclear paths and potential dangers, like Pinaisara or Geeta Falls, you must join a guided tour to ensure your safety.
Q. Do tours still run on rainy days?
A. Tours often proceed in light rain. Being in the jungle when it’s wet can enhance the mystical atmosphere, which is a charm in itself. However, tours will be cancelled for safety reasons in the event of heavy rain causing high water levels, strong winds, or lightning warnings. The final decision to cancel is made by the tour operator, so please check with them.
Start Planning Your Ultimate Iriomote Adventure
Exploring the waterfalls of Iriomote is more than just seeing beautiful scenery; it’s a special experience where you can feel the island’s magnificent nature with all five senses.
The key to success is “planning early.” During peak seasons like Golden Week and summer vacation, flights, accommodations, rental cars, and popular tours get booked up quickly. Start planning and making your reservations as soon as possible.
Use this article to prepare thoroughly, remember to respect nature, and set off on your own unforgettable adventure.
