Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Okinawa Japan

As of August 2007 the name of park was changed from Iriomote National Park and is now officially called the “Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park”. The park was extended to a total size of 205.69 km² and now includes Taketomi Island, Kuroshima Island, Kohama Island and some of the other small islands in the Yaeyama Islands group. The sea surrounding the islands and the coral lagoon between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island has also been designated part of the National Park.

Considered to be the most Southern National Park in Japan this beautiful piece of preserved Okinawa eco-system is densely covered with virgin forests of subtropical trees such as mangrove, oak and pasania, and is also famous as the habitat of indigenous Iriomote Wild Cat, a mammal that was not officially discovered by science until the 20th century.

As mentioned above the coral lagoon between Iriomote Island and Ishigaki Island is now part of the park. The crystal clear blue waters of the lagoon stretch 20 km east west and 15 km north south, and is considered the largest coral lagoon in Japan. The lagoon is famous for providing some of the most stunning marine park zones in all of Japan.

Another area of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park worth mentioning is Nakanougan Island. Most well know for its nature the small island features large sea birds, spectacular white sand beaches, limestone cliffs and traditional Yaeyama houses with stone fences.

The variety and combination of areas and scenery available in the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park make up some of the most glorious views in all of Japan making it the perfect place to visit for nature lovers or those just wanting to escape the city for a few days.