Iriomote Island

What to know

Iriomote Island (西表島, Iriomotejima) is Okinawa's second largest island. It remains largely undeveloped, with nearly 90 percent of its land covered by dense jungle and mangrove forests. Vast areas belong to the Iriomote Ishigaki National Park, Japan's southernmost national park and one of the country's most unique.

The island's main draws are tours that showcase its abundant nature, including sea and river kayaking, fishing, and sailing. Other activities can be enjoyed either on tours or independently, such as beaches, snorkeling, and various hiking trails. The most challenging is a 20-kilometer path through the island's interior, suitable only for experienced and well-prepared hikers.

Iriomote is also a popular scuba diving destination, especially at Manta Way, the strait between Iriomote and nearby Kohama Island, where schools of manta rays gather in spring and summer. Diving tours are available for all skill levels.

The island is home to the Iriomote Yamaneko, a wildcat discovered in 1965 that exists only on Iriomote. Chances of seeing one are low, as this nocturnal, house-cat-sized animal is endangered, with fewer than 100 individuals thought to remain.

Most of the island's interior is covered in dense jungle, accessible via several rivers that flow inland from the sea. Jungle boat cruises operate on the two longest rivers, the Urauchigawa (Urauchi River) and Nakamagawa (Nakama River), and guided kayak tours run on both of those as well as many smaller rivers around the island.

Iriomote has beautiful beaches offering swimming, snorkeling, and diving opportunities. Most beaches lack public facilities, and some can only be reached by boat, as the coast is only partially accessible by car.