I’m an Okinawa-based blogger who loves both city life and remote islands and resorts! I run a travel and lifestyle blog, capturing photos and videos from my adventures both in Japan and abroad. Have you ever been to Japan, or are you interested in visiting?
This time, it’s all about the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa!
On a solo summer trip, I finally set foot on Iriomote Island, a remote Okinawan island accessible only by boat from Ishigaki Island. I discovered a beautiful, lush accommodation that was perfect for a refreshing retreat. I’ll be sharing my experience to help inspire your future travels.
・About Iriomote Island.
Iriomote Island is one of Japan’s islands located in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture, and it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. You can reach the island by boat.
The island is mostly covered in vast subtropical forests and mangrove swamps, home to many rare and protected species, including the famous Iriomote wildcat. The island features rivers, well-known waterfalls like Pinaisara Falls, and offers popular outdoor activities such as canoeing and trekking.
With many beautiful beaches, Iriomote Island is a popular resort destination for tourists seeking nature. About 2,400 people live on the island.
・How to get from Ishigaki Airport to Iriomote Island.
To get to Iriomote Island from outside Okinawa, you first need to aim for the ferry terminal at the Euglena Ishigaki Port Terminal, where high-speed boats and ferries depart for Iriomote Island.
Here’s the route I took. Feel free to use this as a reference for costs and times.
11:40 AM: Arrive at Ishigaki Airport → Actual arrival was about 20 minutes late.
Since my flight arrived later than scheduled, I took a taxi to the Euglena Ishigaki Port Terminal. The trip took about 30 minutes and the taxi fare was 3,400 yen. (It actually took 35 minutes.)
*Note: I chose to take a taxi for convenience, but there’s also a bus option. If you’re planning a day trip around the islands with Ishigaki as your base, renting a car is also a good idea.
On this particular day, Ishigaki Island was under a heat stroke alert due to the high temperatures, but the taxi’s air conditioning kept it comfortable. The ride from the airport was pleasant, with lush, serene landscapes to enjoy along the way.
・Euglena Ishigaki Port Terminal
12:40 PM: Arrive at Ishigaki Port.
I decided to have lunch on the boat, so I bought some rice balls and snacks from the shop. While there are small supermarkets on Iriomote Island, there are no convenience stores, so I also stocked up on drinks beforehand.
Drinks were cheaper at the travel center across the street from the shop.
I booked my ferry ticket in advance through the AnEi Kanko website, where you can also check the current operating status.
Since ferries can be canceled due to typhoons or rough seas, I was hoping no typhoons would occur once I booked my flight.
The round-trip ticket cost 5,700 yen, and the trip takes about 45-55 minutes.
There are two ports on Iriomote Island: Uehara Port and Ohara Port. If you’re staying overnight on Iriomote, choose the port closest to your accommodation.
Before boarding, I bought a limited-edition Ishigaki Island Maria Shake. I chose the mango flavor and was excited to enjoy it on the high-speed boat. However, as I walked to the ferry terminal, a sudden gust of wind blew the shake out of my hands, and I spilled it all without taking a single sip!
I informed the shop staff about what happened, but unfortunately, they couldn’t replace it. Rather than regret not drinking it (because it was limited-edition, after all), I bought another one. This time, I had them put it in a plastic bag to prevent it from being blown away.
Hello, Mr. Gushiken! (This statue is of a famous boxer from Ishigaki Island.)
The weather was still sunny when we arrived at the port, but the sky quickly turned cloudy, and the wind picked up, strong enough to nearly blow away my cap.
1:30 PM: Depart from Ishigaki Port.
The high-speed boat was cleaner than I expected, and there was even a TV onboard. To prevent seasickness, I listened to music.
It started to rain.
The rain got heavier.
2:25 PM: Arrived at Uehara Port.
When I arrived at the port, the hotel owner was there waiting to pick me up. Even though the rain continued, they took me to a supermarket before checking in.
・”Kawamitsu” Island Supermarket
”Kawamitsu” Supermarket 547-1 Uehara, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa 907-1541, Japan
Kawamitsu Supermarket is located right along the road from Uehara Port, and it’s a good idea to stop by here to pick up any necessities before heading to your accommodation.
They offer a variety of items such as bento boxes, prepared foods, bread, and daily necessities, making it a very convenient stop. I bought mineral water and other essentials here in advance.
When a big typhoon hits, remote islands often face shortages of supplies. However, this supermarket was well-stocked with vegetables and other essentials, so I thought it must be a great support for the island residents.
・Stay at Nilaina Resort on Iriomote Island: Part 1
I arrived at Niraina Resort, where I’ll be staying for two days.
Although it was raining heavily, the plants glistened with the rain, giving the place a lovely atmosphere.
There was plenty of time before sunset, so I had hoped to visit a nearby beach if the weather cleared up. However, since the rain continued, I decided to relax in my room instead.
During this time, I called a restaurant I wanted to try to make a dinner reservation. Unfortunately, they were fully booked for the duration of my stay. I asked the hotel staff for other recommended dining options.
By the way, the restaurant I wanted to visit was “Shima Italian en.” As a wine lover, I thought it would be a nice treat to enjoy some wine and Italian food during my solo trip. It’s a popular spot, so I should have booked earlier.
This is the pathway leading to the rooms, and the whole resort is surrounded by subtropical plants, which creates a calming atmosphere.
The space has a lodge-like feel, made with teak wood, offering a warm and cozy atmosphere. Natural light streams in through the skylights, enhancing the ambiance.
There are two room types: Deluxe Rooms with a bathtub and Standard Rooms with just a shower. Since I was in a corner room, I was surrounded by greenery no matter where I looked. It’s absolutely wonderful.
Stepping out onto the balcony, the sound of the rain combined with the chirping of birds and insects was incredibly soothing. I enjoyed a quiet evening while slurping on some cup noodles lol.
The reason? I only managed to get a dinner reservation for 9 PM! I’m glad I bought those cup noodles at the supermarket.
Slurping hot noodles in the rain isn’t so bad, right?
With the rain pouring down steadily and feeling tired from traveling, I dozed off a bit. zzz
This hotel has so many wonderful features, so stay tuned for Part 2 of the stay report!
