Iriomote Island—A Nature Wonderland
Balancing People And Preservation

At the southern extreme of the Okinawan archipelago lies the Yaeyama Islands, a group of sub-tropical islands with some of the most impressive scenery and precious biodiversity to be found in all of Japan. Less than an hour’s boat ride from the Yaeyama’s main island of Ishigakijima is Iriomote, an island of great natural beauty and home to a number of endemic and endangered fauna such as the Iriomote Mountain Cat. The scenery of Iriomote is simply stunning. Lush green mountains rise majestically out of the water, large mangrove ecosystems share the coastline with picturesque beaches. And all this is nestled within reefs that are home to beds of vivid coral and abundant sea life.

Renowned for its outstanding nature, Iriomote is in the process of being classified as a World Heritage site. However, the island is more than its natural beauty. Inhabited for thousands of years, it is home to 2500 residents living in small villages dotted around the island. The people of Iriomote prize their relaxed pace of life and harmonious relationship with the surrounding nature, and they richly celebrate the flow of seasons that have traditionally sustained their communities. Spend a night in the village of Hoshidate, and you will soon feel the deep relaxing power that comes from living life at a different pace. If lucky enough to coincide your visit with their annual Fall harvest rituals, the Shichi Festival, you will witness ancient songs and dance as well as acts of physical prowess. It is a fitting tribute to their surroundings, and shows the villagers’ deep reverence for the cycle of life and veneration of sacred traditions.

Even though it has a postcard-perfect coastline, Hoshitate is no generic 5-star beachfront resort. It is a living community, something to be kept in mind while traveling anywhere on the island. Of course, being considerate of nature and the surrounding communities should cover the basics— take responsibility for any trash you generate, don’t make excessive noise, and drive safely—but you can take it deeper. For example, bring a refillable water bottle to take advantage of the island’s free-refill system, and be extra cautious on the roads at night to avoid animal roadkill—a common fate for the island’s endangered wild cat species. Above all, the people of Iriomote want to maintain their quiet lifestyles and preserve the natural beauty, and need the cooperation of all visitors to achieve this.

While Iriomote runs at a different pace, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the surrounding nature. Whether you are off to the ocean or the jungle, make the most of the experience by engaging one of the many professional guides on the island. When choosing a guide, though, remember the very best guides are usually long-term residents with deep roots in the community and intimate knowledge of the island’s unique environment. As the island heads toward World Heritage status, and becomes prominent on the radar of nature lovers the world over, it will be more important than ever to be guided by professionals to ensure this natural beauty remains for generations to come.