Iriomote is the largest island in the Yaeyama group and was inscribed as a World Natural Heritage site in 2021. There are two ports: Ohara in the south and Uehara in the north. The Nakama River mangrove cruise and Yubu Island are on the Ohara side; the Urauchi River cruise, Mariyudo Falls, Hoshizuna Beach and Pinaisara Falls are on the Uehara side.
Key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | 289.27 km² |
| Population | 2,406 (1,315 households) |
| Municipality | Taketomi Town |
| Ohara Port (south) | About 40–50 minutes from Ishigaki (75–80 via Taketomi). Adult ¥2,520 one way, ¥4,880 round trip (child ¥1,290 one way). Winter timetable: 9 departures a day between the two companies |
| Uehara Port (north) | About 40–45 minutes from Ishigaki (55–60 via Hatoma). Adult ¥3,290 one way, ¥6,370 round trip. Winter timetable: 8 departures a day, last boat back 16:00 |
| Winter cancellations | The Uehara route is often cancelled by north winds, sometimes for several days in a row. The Ohara route is cancelled far less |
| Getting around | Rental cars (rent on the island), one bus line with 4 round trips a day, tour pickups. Taxis must be booked in advance; there is no street hailing |
Every departure time for both ferry companies is on the Ishigaki ferry timetable page.
Which port to use
For the Nakama River mangrove cruise and Yubu Island, land at Ohara. For the waterfalls and the Urauchi River, land at Uehara. In winter the Uehara route is cancelled often, so when it is suspended you can land at Ohara and take the ferry company's connecting bus north.
Getting around
The car ferry from Ishigaki runs only three days a week (Tue, Thu, Sat) and costs ¥12,680 one way for a standard car, so it is easier to cross as a passenger and rent a car on the island. The Urauchi River jungle cruise costs ¥3,000 for adults and ¥1,500 for children, and from the upstream landing it is a 30-minute walk to Mariyudo Falls. The island bus (Toyohara–Ohara Port–Yubu cart stop–Uehara–Shirahama) runs 4 round trips a day; from October 1, 2026, buses leave Ohara Port at 7:38, 10:00, 13:35 and 15:46, reaching the Yubu cart stop in 26 minutes (¥450) and Uehara in about an hour (¥1,070). A one-day bus pass is ¥1,500. The bus is not timed to the ferries.
Day trip or overnight
A day trip works if you choose one side of the island. Night tours and the quiet early morning need an overnight stay. Five areas including Pinaisara Falls require advance registration and a guide; check the rules before you book a tour.
Questions
Ohara or Uehara?
Ohara for the Nakama River cruise and Yubu Island; Uehara for the Urauchi River, the falls and Hoshizuna Beach. In winter Ohara is the safer bet because the Uehara route cancels more often.
Can I do Iriomote as a day trip from Ishigaki?
Yes. There are 9 boats to Ohara and 8 to Uehara a day on the winter timetable. Doing both the falls and the mangroves in one day is not realistic, so pick one.
Can I bring a rental car from Ishigaki?
The car ferry runs Tue, Thu and Sat at ¥12,680 one way for a standard car, and you usually drop the car off the day before. Renting on Iriomote is simpler.
Figures and schedules change. This page was last checked in October 2026.
