Island-Hopping in Okinawa: A Canoeing & Jungle Adventure on Iriomote Island
Reporter Ma Junjie / Reported and photographed from Japan
Iriomote Island is located off the northeastern coast of Taiwan, about 200 kilometers from Suao Port in Yilan, Taiwan. It is the largest island in Japan’s Yaeyama Islands chain of the Ryukyu Archipelago and the second-largest in Okinawa Prefecture after Okinawa Island itself, covering 289 square kilometers with a population of around 2,300. The island retains abundant natural landscapes and is home to the Iriomote cat, an endangered species with only about 100 remaining. Thanks to its rich nature, Iriomote is perfect for an ecological journey.
Canoeingis a popular outdoor activity on Iriomote Island. Travelers can join a guide to paddle into the jungle for an eco-adventure. Coach Yuto Kondo explains details carefully in Japanese—no prior canoeing experience? No problem. Before setting off, he provides thorough instruction on paddling techniques, so you’ll get the hang of it right away.
The canoeing is done in pairs, with the person in front responsible for steering and the one at the back paddling in sync—if not, the paddles get tangled and you can’t move forward. The boarding point is a wide river area near the estuary, and you slowly paddle deeper into the jungle. The ecosystem is mainly wetland, rich with mangroves, mudskippers, fiddler crabs, and other wildlife. As you venture further into the forest, you’ll disembark to visit an abandoned local mine, surrounded by rich natural surroundings. Since Iriomote is just about 200 kilometers from Taiwan, its ecology and plant life are quite similar to Taiwan’s.
After canoeing, visit Kitchen Inaba, a well-known local restaurant on Iriomote Island, serving mainly Japanese cuisine. The delicious multigrain rice pairs well with local mountain bitter melon, along with fresh vegetable tempura—absolutely tasty.
%The store also offers special vegetarian options for guests with dietary needs.%
After lunch, head to Star Sand Beach on the northern part of Iriomote Island to search for star sand. The beach has crystal-clear waters and attracts many visitors for swimming and snorkeling. Star sand is a unique local grain, shaped like tiny stars—hence the name. At the shore, just press your hand into the sand and look for these distinctive grains.
▲%This spot is great for families and offers some of the most beautiful star sand in the area.%
Besides Star Sand Beach, Yubu Island in the eastern part of Iriomote is also quite unique. It’s a sandbar developed as a tropical botanical park, accessible mainly by water buffalo carts or off-road vehicles, and you can even wade into the park.
Before entering Yubu Island, purchase a water buffalo cart ticket here—no extra fees are needed once inside. While riding, the driver may even serenade you with a sanshin performance.
At the Yubu Island entrance, you’ll also find lots of cute water buffalo souvenirs perfect for bringing home.
After a full day, back on Ishigaki Island, there’s one more private evening experience:a Star Bath.As Ishigaki is the southernmost island in Japan and closest to the equator, its low-light-pollution environment lets you see 84 constellations. The experience involves sitting on reclining chairs while a guide explains the stories and positions of various constellations in Japanese. You can also use high-powered telescopes to observe Jupiter. Interested travelers can inquire at their hotel front desk.
Star Bath
Inquire at major hotel front desks
Time: 21:00–22:00
Cost: ¥3,800 for adults
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