Iriomote Island
Over 90% primary jungle and UNESCO World Heritage listed, Iriomote is home to the critically endangered Iriomote wildcat. Dense mangrove river kayaking, remote waterfall trekking, and some of Japan's clearest coral waters.
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Over 90% of Iriomote is jungle — the Iriomote wildcat (yamaneko) lives only here. Mangrove kayaking on the Urauchi River is the signature experience; book in advance as operators fill quickly. Snorkeling and diving around Kabira Bay coral gardens rivals the Maldives for clarity. Stay overnight — day-trippers from Ishigaki miss the island's real character.
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