Destinations

Iriomote

 

"Being on Iriomote feels like you are in unchartered jungle and much of it is. Kayaking up from the clear blue sea, cutting through the mangrove rivers or trekking through the jungle you feel as though you are in one of the last frontiers of Japan"

James Mundy - PR Manager

Iriomote is part of the subtropical Yaemyama island chain. It is actually the second biggest island in the whole of Okinawa but has a population of only 2000. The island only has access from the sea and the main reason for its small population is the fact that the majority of the island is covered in dense protected jungle and mangrove.

Iriomote was largely unpopulated up until World War 2 due to the dense jungle and malaria. During the war residents of the nearby islands such as Ishigaki took refuge on the island and since US forces eradicated malaria the population has grown. Even with the small population, the jungles are still dominant on the island with an array of rare flora and fauna that is mostly protected.

Perhaps the most famous resident of Iriomote is the extremely rare Iriomote Nekko. This wild cat, only discovered in 1965, is considered a primitive subspecies to the leopard cat but is similar looking to the domestic cat. The chances are that you will not see this shy beast as it is thought that there are fewer than a 100 animals in existence. You could, however, visit the Yamanekko museum where you may be lucky to see rescued specimens. You could also buy the chocolate “Yamanekko Poo” sweets which are a popular gift from the area.

As well as the dense jungle, there are empty golden beaches and some beautiful coral around the island with rich marine life making it a great place for snorkelling. The island does have a growing eco-tourism industry based on the jungle and the life within it. One of the best ways to see the island is by joining a group which will take you kayaking through sea and up the mangrove rivers deep into the heart of the island. Here you can trek to untainted waterfalls that seem to appear from nowhere and witness all sorts of strange jungle wildlife on the way.

Eco-tourism is the growing industry in Iriomote but along with fishing, the islands main produce is pineapple which are very refreshing after a day's trekking in the jungle. An alternative form of relaxation is the traditional Japanese pastime of hot spring bathing. There is on hot spring in Iriomote which is thought to be the most southerly hot spring in all of Japan.

In short, Iriomote is a true subtropical adventure.