Journeys in Japan - 2012/06/12 - Iriomote, Okinawa

Jun. 12, Tue.
Pristine Paradise Iriomote, Okinawa

Having fun at a waterfall

Kayaking through brackish waters

Huge board-like roots

On this edition of "journeys in japan," Lana Bergmann, who is studying design in Japan, visits the island of Iriomote-jima, one of the Yaeyama Islands in the southwestern end of the country. With subtropical virgin forests that cover about 90 percent of the island and several rare species of animals found there, Iriomote-jima is viewed as a highly important place from an academic viewpoint in addition to being popular for eco-tours.

Lana first participates in a kayaking tour through Japan's largest mangrove forest and learns about plants and animals in the tidal flats living together in a clever manner. Then she treks to the top of the largest waterfall in Okinawa to savor a spectacular view. She also takes part in a yacht tour to observe the diversity of marine life in a coral reef that has nearly 400 different types of corals. All these activities take full advantage of the unspoiled natural environment.

River kayaking and trekking tour / Iriomote Osanpo Kibun
Participants kayak through a mangrove forest for about 1 hour and observe plants and animals in the tidal flats. After the kayaking, they walk for 1 hour to the top of the Pinaisara waterfall, which drops 55 meters.
Fees: Adult 9,000 yen / Children (under 16) 7,000 yen
Address: 10-189, Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port (Iriomote-jima island). Pick-up and drop-off service to and from the port or hotel is available.
Season: year-round
Tel: (+81) 980-84-8178 (English-speaking staff available)
URL: http://english.iriomote-osanpo.com

Hotel in the forest / Nilaina Resort
At this resort hotel in a subtropical jungle, guests can see the sunset in the evening and stars at night while relaxing in a whirlpool bath on the terrace. The hotel provides accommodation for only up to 3 groups per night, which makes it popular among guests who prefer a private atmosphere.

Room rate: from 11,500 yen per person (including breakfast)
Address: 10-425, Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port (Iriomote-jima island). Pick-up and drop-off service to and from the port is available.
Tel: (+81) 980-85-6400 (English-speaking staff available)
URL: http://nilaina.com/english

Snorkeling and yacht tours / Nilaina Holidays
Tour participants can enjoy snorkeling and diving in the waters around Iriomote-jima, one of the world's best places to see a wide variety of corals, as well as landing on a deserted beach and staying on board for the night.

Fees: One-day snorkeling: Adult 10,500 yen / Child 6,300 yen
Overnight stay on the yacht: Adult 25,000 yen / Child 18,000 yen
*rate per person, including 2 meals
Address: 10-425, Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port (Iriomote-jima island). Pick-up and drop-off service to and from the port is available.
Tel: (+81) 980-85-6100 (English-speaking staff available)
http://www.nilaina-holidays.com (Japanese only)

Traveler: Lana Bergmann
Access Map

Access:
From Tokyo, take a plane to Ishigaki-jima for about 3.5 hours and then a boat to Iriomote-jima for 40 minutes.

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