Dive into the untouched beauty of Iriomote Island with an exclusive 2-day overnight tour – the only way EXO offers access to this special island. With respect for local culture in mind, we’ve designed this package as a seamless addition to a stay on the more well-known Iriomote Island. This responsible look at the heritage of the island is the ideal way to fully enjoy Iriomote, overcoming the island’s famously challenging remoteness to reward guests with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience authentic Ryukyu Kingdom traditions.
Embark on the 11:00 ferry from Ishigaki to Iriomote. Upon arrival, meet a hotel representative and hop on a shuttle bus. Drop luggage and meet a guide at the hotel lobby at 14:00.
Drive to the starting point, where a kayaking expedition awaits to outfit guests in waterproof gear and provide safety instruction. Join a skilled adventure guide and set off on a trip down tranquil mangrove-lined rivers to the heart of the sacred jungle, a journey of approximately 40 minutes. Leave the kayaks and make a short trek on foot to a lush waterfall where guests can enjoy tranquil scenery and take a dip in the shallow pool. After trekking and kayaking back to the starting point, return to the hotel and relax until dinner.
Tonight’s hotel, Hoshino Resort Iriomote, is surrounded by dense jungle, providing captivating scenery and a chance to catch a glimpse of rare animal species.
Due to ocean conditions, the ferry from Ishigaki may have to change arrival ports. If this happens, the ferry will arrive at Ohara Port on Iriomote instead of Uehara Port. Ishigaki departure times may change slightly, but the hotel shuttle bus will be waiting at Ohara port.
Overnight on Iriomote
Time:
Start (Kayaking): 14:00
Duration: 3 h
Inclusions:
🍗 Dinner
Spend the morning enjoying nature around the hotel. We suggest a sunrise beach run or going for a walk in the mangrove forests. After breakfast, a local culture guide will be waiting in the hotel lobby to take guests on a tour focusing on the culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom that once ruled the Okinawan Islands.
Begin by admiring a picturesque islet that sits in the beautiful water off the coast. This is the perfect spot to start discussing Ryukyu history and learn a few words in the local dialect.
Move on to Sonai Village, where visitors can enter historic locations like old shrines and thatched-roof homes, as well as learn about local edible plants. Snack on sugar cane grown in the fields surrounding the village.
Next up is a walk through Hoshidate Village, where the locals practice secret religious rites specific only to this community. Sip local herbal tea while learning about life in the village and examining old photographs and objects.
Depart the villages with a greater understanding of the heritage of the Ryukyu Islands, having met the locals and seeing their culture first-hand. The tour will end back at the hotel lobby.
Get on the hotel shuttle bus to the port and say goodbye to this amazing island that only a select number of travelers will ever visit. After the ferry ride, arrive at Ishigaki port and head to a hotel or the airport for an evening flight.
Return ferry may be subject to port or schedule changes as well due to ocean conditions.
Time:
Start (Culture tour): 9:00
Duration: 3 h
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast
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