Not only Chen Jinfu’s offshore islets — Iriomote Island, the “last hidden gem,” also boasts stunning beaches.

▲ The stunning, deserted beach on the islet “Ida no Hama.”

Reported and photographed by reporter You t
ru / Iriomote Island

Located just about a 40-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island, over 90% of Iriomote Island is covered in pristine subtropical jungle and is home to the endangered Iriomote cat. This mysterious second-largest island in Okinawa has been dubbed the “last hidden gem of Japan” by many, and for good reason — the outdoor scenery here is exceptionally beautiful and rare. Even Chen Jinfu, the victim of the “Mom’s Mouth Case,” once purchased nearby inner and outer islets just to fulfill his dream of being an island owner.

Staying at the Hoshino Resorts Nirakanai, which offers a wide range of outdoor activities, you can freely choose different outdoor adventure packages based on price and time. This time, I opted for a two-hour boat trip to a deserted island beach and mangrove area. Around 4 p.m., we set off from Iriomote Island’s pier. The sunlight was just right, slanting across the sea surface, casting an extraordinary shimmer across the turquoise-tinted water.


▲ The deserted islet “Inner Islet” purchased by Chen Jinfu.

It takes about 20 minutes to reach the renowned deserted beach “Ida no Hama” from Iriomote Island. The boat departs from Iriomote Pier, passing by islands of various sizes. “On your right is the Inner Islet, one of the inner and outer islets purchased by Chen Jinfu,” said the guide from Taiwan. Looking to the right, this uninhabited island, which recently gained fame in Taiwan as the one bought by Chen Jinfu, the victim of the “Mom’s Mouth Case,” is quietly nestled in the sea, covered in lush greenery. It is said that in addition to fulfilling his dream of owning an island, Chen Jinfu had hoped to create an ideal utopia of equality, truth, goodness, and beauty.


▲ Just past the Inner Islet, the famous deserted beach “Ida no Hama” comes into view.


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▲ This is one of the rare beaches in all of Japan that cannot be reached by road.

Just past the Inner Islet, the famous deserted beach “Ida no Hama” appears. The extraordinary beauty of “Ida no Hama” lies in the fact that it is one of the rare beaches in all of Japan that cannot be reached by road — you must take a boat to get there. As you approach “Ida no Hama,” the surrounding sea is almost transparent, allowing you to clearly see coral and fish from the boat — the clarity is truly breathtaking.

“The beach and ocean here are known as the hidden gems of Japan’s seas,” the guide said. The water here is extremely clear, and the beach is pure white and pristine. Many visitors opt for a full-day trip to snorkel here. Sure enough, upon arriving at the hidden gem beach “Ida no Hama,” a couple of travelers were leisurely sunbathing in the distance, as if time had stopped — the tranquil atmosphere made it hard to leave.


▲ The seawater is crystal clear and pure.

 
▲ Hermit crabs can be spotted all over the beach.

Another highlight of Iriomote Island is its lush mangrove forests. Many visitors explore the mangroves by kayak, immersing themselves in the mysterious, canopy-covered subtropical jungle scenery. This time, I took a boat directly from “Ida no Hama” to the mangrove area. After navigating through winding, narrow waterways, we arrived at a water pool at the end, where several waterfalls converged. As the boat passed under the waterfalls, the refreshing sensation of water droplets falling on us added to the natural charm of Iriomote Island.


▲ The mangrove area.


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▲ At the end lies a water pool.

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For more information about the “Iriomote Island trip,” please contact Tang Guizhen International Travel Agency →http://www.rolisa-tour.com.tw/