Iriomote Island is the most beloved island in Okinawa prefecture by many.
Iriomote Island, which belongs to Yaeyama Islands, was registered as a World Natural Heritage site in 2021.
The lush nature of Iriomote has been attracting more and more visitors over the years, but the only means of transportation to Iriomote Island is by ferry.
There are some points to note for those who visit Iriomote Island for the first time, so I will go over them in this article.
Getting in and out of Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island is the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture, after the main island of Okinawa. However, 90% of the island is covered by jungle, and there is no road that encircles the island, or one that crosses the entire island.
Iriomote Island, a very large island with minimal transportation network, has two ports connecting to Ishigaki Island, one is the Ohara Port in the east and the other is Uehara Port in the west. Travel time between these two ports is less than one hour by car.
If you make a mistake and arrive at the port opposite to your destination, it will be quite inconvenient to get around, so be sure to confirm the nearest port to your destination in advance.
Ohara Port Nakamarin Terminal, the island's gateway to the east
Ohara Port is located in the eastern district of Iriomote Island, and is situated in the southeast.
It takes about 40 minutes from Ishigaki Island, and the fare is 2,290 yen one-way for adults and 1,170 yen one-way for children (the fare varies depending on the season).
There is a store inside the Ohara Port terminal. Specialties of the island, handmade products by artists, and refreshments are available for purchase.
There is also a souvenir shop across from the terminal. Here, you will find confections and sundries perfect for souvenirs. Please take a peek while you are waiting. You may find a nice souvenir.
▼ Ohara Port (Nakamarin Terminal)
Address: Haimi, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Parking: Available (free of charge)
Bus stop: Ohara Port
Uehara Port Densa Terminal, the island's gateway to the west
Uehara Port is located in the western district of Iriomote Island, northwest on the map.
It takes about 50 minutes from Ishigaki Island, and the fare is 2,990 yen one-way for adults and 1,500 yen one-way for children (the fare varies depending on the season).
There is also a cozy store in the terminal of Uehara Port. Here, too, handmade goods by artists and local specialties are sold. The lineup of products is typical of Iriomote Island.
There is a water server in the corner of Uehara Port. This was installed by local elementary school students to reduce the number of plastic bottles for the purpose of environmental protection. It's always better to bring your own bottle on trips.
▼ Uehara Port (Densa Terminal)
Address: 553-1 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa
Parking: Available (free of charge)
Bus stop: Uehara
Cancellations happen often during winter
Uehara Port, which faces the north side of Iriomote Island, oftentimes cancel operations during the winter season. This is because in winter, strong north wind blows and the sea becomes rough.
Even if the Uehara Port is not in operation, the other Ohara Port should be open. As introduced earlier in this article, Ohara Port is located in the southeastern part of the country, therefore, it is not affected by northerly winds during the winter season. Ferry rides will not be canceled unless other major problems occur.
There are two points to be noted when moving to the western part of Iriomote Island via Ohara Port when Uehara Port is cancelled.
・Check the operation status
Operation status will be announced on each ferry company's website around 6 am each day.
(Yaeyama Kanko Ferry announces its schedule around the evening of the previous day.)
Be sure to check earlier in the day if the weather is bad.
・Purchase a ticket for “Uehara Port
The destination port is Ohara Port, but be sure to buy a ticket for Uehara Port.
If Uehara Port is cancelled, there is a free shuttle bus from Ohara Port to Uehara Port. When you purchase your ticket at the Ishigaki Island ticket counter, tell them you are going to Uehara Port and you will receive a bus ticket.
When you arrive at Ohara Port, a bus will be waiting for you near the terminal. Tell the driver where you are going and board the bus. The bus will take you to your destination in the western area.
Enjoy your time in the World Natural Heritage site, Iriomote Island!
There are two ports in Iriomote Island, so use the one closer to your destination.
If the Uehara port is cancelled, you will have to take a bus ride around the island, but you can enjoy the unique scenery of Iriomote Island on the way, so please enjoy the time.
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