Okinawa Pictures
Okinawa Japan photography group featuring unique pictures of Okinawa
Iriomote-jima, Okinawa Japan
The 2nd largest of the Okinawa Islands and the largest of the Yaeyama Islands has a population of just 2,000 people yet is visited by more than 150,000 tourists each year arriving by ferry. These visitors from other parts of Okinawa, Japan, and the world come to discover the natural beauty that makes up Iriomote Island. The island is also a SCUBA Divers and snorkeling paradise because of the abundant coral reefs that surround it.
Over 90% of Iriomote Island is covered in lush subtropical virgin jungle making it a great destination for nature seekers trying to escape the concrete world for a while. Most of the island is a Japanese National Park due to its diverse eco-systems that contain unique vegetation and animals such as the famous Iriomote Wild Cat.
Besides the spectacular jungles and wildlife, culture on Iriomote Island is a shining example of a traditional Yaeyama Islands way of life. Stone fenced houses with Okinawa style red roofed houses are a common sight amongst the farm fields in the small towns that dot the coast line.
Iriomote Island is located about 450 km Southwest of the main Okinawa Island and is actually 200 km closer to Taiwan than Naha. Much of the cultural influences here come form a mixture of China, Taiwan, South Pacific Islands, Mainland Japan, and elsewhere in the region.
Transportation to / from Iriomote Island
Getting There by Ferry
The only way to reach Iriomote Island is by boat. Ferries leave from Ishigaki Island regularly and take approximately 40 minutes depending on your destination
Traveling to the Northern Iriomote Port of Uehara costs Adults: 2300yen one way, 4400yen round trip. Children: 1150 one way, 2200 round trip. The journey takes 40 – 50 minutes, 8-10 boats travel each day between 07:00am–17:00pm
Docking at the Southern port of Ohara from Ishigaki Island takes 35 minutes. Costing Adults: 1770yen one way for Adults, 3390yen round trip. Children: 890yen one way, 1690yen round trip. 10–12 boats make the journey each day from 07:00am–17:00pm
Getting around Iriomote Island
Once on the Island there are a few options for seeing the sights and enjoying the beaches. Keep in mind the infrastructure on the island is limited to one main road that follows the coast.
Shuttle bus: If you have arranged for a tour or activity such as SCUBA diving or sightseeing many of the operators will pick you up at hotels or major ports.
Car: Rental cars can be obtained at Ohara Port or Uehara Port from several different agencies near where the boats dock.
Sightseeing Activities on Iriomote Island |
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| Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park Iriomote Onsen Pinaisaara Waterfall Yubu-jima Unarizaki Observatory Hoshidate Natural Conservation District Nakama River Urauchi River |
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Beaches on Iriomote Island |
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Haemida Beach |
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Hoshisuna Beach |
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Tsukigahama Beach |
North Okinawa Hotels & Accommodations |
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| Location | Rating | Hotel Name |
| Yomitan | ![]() |
Okinawa Zanpamisaki Royal Hotel |
| Onna | ![]() |
Spa Resort Exes |
| Onna | ![]() |
ANA INTERCONTINENTAL MANZA BEACH RESORT |
| Onna | ![]() |
Renaissance Okinawa Resort |
| Onna | ![]() |
Sunmarina Hotel |
| Onna | ![]() |
Okinawa Kariyusi Beach Resort Ocean Spa |
| Onna | ![]() |
Rizzan Sea-Park Hotel Tancha-Bay |
| Onna | ![]() |
Hotel Moon Beach |
| Nago | ![]() |
The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa |
| Nago | ![]() |
Okinawa Marriott Resort & Spa |
| Nago | ![]() |
Kanucha Bay And Villas |
| Kunigami | ![]() |
JAL Private Resort Okuma |
| Onna | ![]() |
Onna Marine View Palace |
| Nago | ![]() |
Kise Beach Palace |
| Kunigami | |
Live Max Amms Hotel CanNa Resort Villa |
| Nago | ![]() |
Okinawa Sun Coast Hotel |
| Nago | ![]() |
Hotel Mahaina Wellness Resort Okinawa |
| Motobu | ![]() |
Chisun Resort Okinawa Chura-umi |
| Nago | ![]() |
Hotel Route Inn Nago |
North Okinawa Tours |
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On this tour visit many of the North Okinawa’s famous sites like Churaumi Aquarium ( the world's third largest aquarium), Ryukyu Mura where you can experience living history, and many more exciting places. Lunch included. |
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On this tour visit many of the North Okinawa’s famous sites like Cape Manza, Churaumi Aquarium ( the world's third largest aquarium), Nakijin-jo Castle, Nago Pineapple Park. Lunch included. |
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Enjoy walking underwater through Okinawa's clear ocean by simply putting on a special helmet which draws air from the surface, you can breathe normally even while underwater and explore Okinawa's beautiful coral reefs. |
| >> Details | |
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Enjoy all 3 of these thrilling marine sports out on the open water. |
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South Okinawa Hotels & Accommodations |
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| Location | Rating | Hotel Name |
| Naha | ![]() |
The Naha Terrace |
| Naha | ![]() |
Hotel JAL City Naha |
| Naha | ![]() |
Okinawa Harborview Hotel Crowne Plaza |
| Naha | ![]() |
Loisir Hotel Naha |
| Naha | ![]() |
Okinawa Miyako Hotel |
| Naha | ![]() |
Hotel Sun Okinawa |
| Naha | ![]() |
Hotel Nikko Naha Grandcastle |
| Naha | ![]() |
Hotel Royal Orion |
| Naha | ![]() |
Hotel Ocean Kokusai Dori |
| Naha | ![]() |
Ryukyu Sunroyal Hotel |
| Naha | ![]() |
Tokyo Dai-ichi Hotel Naha City Resort |
| Naha | ![]() |
Okinawa Hotel |
| Naha | ![]() |
Nest Hotel Naha |
| Naha | ![]() |
Pacific Hotel Okinawa |
| Naha | ![]() |
Naha Central Hotel |
| Naha | ![]() |
Okinawa Kariyushi Urban Resort Naha |
| Naha | ![]() |
Hotel Grand View Okinawa |
| Naha | ![]() |
GRG Hotel Naha |
| Naha | ![]() |
Hotel Hokke Club Naha Shintoshin |
| Naha | ![]() |
Hotel Palm Royal Naha |
| Naha | ![]() |
Hotel Route Inn Naha Tomariko |
| Naha | ![]() |
Hotel Sun Coral |
| Naha | ![]() |
Smile Hotel Okinawa Naha |
| Naha | ![]() |
Hotel Route Inn Grandia Naha |
| Naha | ![]() |
Hotel Taira |
Miyako Islands Hotels & Resorts |
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| Location | Rating | Hotel Name |
| Miyako Is. | ![]() |
Hotel Atoll Emerald Miyakojima |
| Miyako Is. | ![]() |
Miyakojima Tokyu Resort |
| Miyako Is. | ![]() |
Hotel Breeze Bay Marina |
| Miyako Is. | ![]() |
Shigira Bayside Suite ALLAMANDA |












