Iriomote Island Tour: Urauchi River Cruise, Maryudo Falls Hike and Kayak Tour
Ishigaki, Japan
Trip Type: Kayaking & Canoeing
Duration: 9 hours
Explore the vast jungles, waterfalls and mangroves of Iriomote Island (Iriomote-jima) on this full-day adventure from Ishigaki. Cruise along the Urauchi River — Okinawa's longest river — and hike to Maryudo Falls and Kanpire Falls, followed by an easy 2-hour kayak tour highlighting the regional flora and fauna. Lunch and round-trip ferry transport from Ishigaki are included. Numbers are limited to 10 people to ensure quality attention from an experienced guide.
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Explore the vast jungles, waterfalls and mangroves of Iriomote Island (Iriomote-jima) on this full-day adventure from Ishigaki. Cruise along the Urauchi River — Okinawa's longest river — and hike to Maryudo Falls and Kanpire Falls, followed by an easy 2-hour kayak tour highlighting the regional flora and fauna. Lunch and round-trip ferry transport from Ishigaki are included. Numbers are limited to 10 people to ensure quality attention from an experienced guide.
Click on “View Additional Info” for the meeting locations.
Make your own way to the tour office in the morning to pick up a round-trip ferry ticket before departing from Ishigaki Port. Ride the 50-minute ferry on your own to Iriomote Island (Iriomote-jima), where you’ll join a Japanese-speaking tour group and be met by an English-speaking assistant who provides limited translation for the day’s activities.
From Uehara Port, take a bus to the Urauchi River, the longest river of Okinawa Prefecture. Board a boat for a sightseeing cruise through the lush mangrove estuary. Disembark at the start point of your jungle hike.
Head down an easy forest trail for about 30 minutes until you reach an observation platform. Here, take in the splendor of Maryudo Falls, a 52-foot (16-meter) cascade that is considered one of Japan's must-see waterfalls. Linger longer or walk another 10 minutes to the end of the trail to marvel at another waterfall, Kanpire Falls.
Cruise back along the Urauchi River and enjoy a bento box lunch upon arrival at the dock. After fueling up, receive a brief kayak instruction and embark on a 2-hour guided kayak journey along the Urauchi River and Utara River, a branch of the larger waterway. Paddle through mangroves and listen as your guide describes the flora and fauna of Iriomote Island and the surrounding region.
Back at the dock, you can take a warm shower before riding the bus back to Uehara Port. Return by ferry to Ishigaki in the evening.
Click on “View Additional Info” for the meeting locations.
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