Iriomote Island is perfect for kids — it’s a real jungle island made for adventure.
Night walks, wild creatures, and canoe rides feel like a movie come to life.
Adults will love it too — for the calm beaches, hidden cafes, and peaceful sunsets.
This 3-day itinerary is based on our real family trip to Iriomote.
We packed it with personal tips, family-tested routes, and hidden gems you won’t find on Insta.
✨ Scroll for the full story — and discover more from our Okinawa adventures.
Day 1: Ferry to Iriomote & Night Adventure Begins
After arriving at Iriomote Island, we took it slow — soaking in the tropical atmosphere and easing into island time.
From the moment we stepped off the ferry at Ohara Port, everything felt relaxed and remote.
We checked in at the resort, enjoyed a delicious local dinner, and then joined a guided jungle night walk.
If you’re traveling with kids, this tour is a must — spotting crabs, frogs, and glowing fungi in the dark was pure magic!
Keep scrolling for photos and tips from our Day 1 highlights.
Day1 Highlights
⛴ Uehara Port – The adventure begins!
We arrived at Uehara Port full of excitement — ready to explore the jungle island of Iriomote.
A hotel shuttle bus was waiting to pick us up, making the transfer super easy and stress-free.
🍴 Okinawan Dinner at Kitchen Inaba
This cozy izakaya is just a short walk from our hotel.
Kitchen Inaba is a local favorite, known for its Blue Crab Pasta and colorful tropical drinks.
Tip: If you visit during July–August (Japan’s peak season), arrive a bit before opening time to avoid the wait!
This night jungle walk was a highlight for our whole family.
With a flashlight in hand, our child turned into a little explorer — searching for crabs, frogs, and glowing mushrooms under the stars.
The guide was fantastic with kids, explaining each animal in a fun and friendly way.
We felt completely safe the entire time, and it was a rare chance to experience the jungle at night — something you can’t do in everyday life.
If your child loves nature or adventure, don’t skip this tour.
It’s the kind of memory they’ll talk about for years.
Klook.com💡 Planning to join a night jungle tour?
If you’re looking for a stress-free way to book, Klook offers easy reservations for English-speaking tours on Iriomote Island.
It’s a great option for international travelers — quick, reliable, and language-friendly.
Day 2: Snorkeling & Canoeing Adventure
This was our biggest adventure day — but it didn’t feel too busy at all.
We joined an optional guided tour that handled all the planning, so we could just relax and enjoy each moment.
Snorkeling in the morning, canoeing and trekking in the afternoon — everything ran smoothly and was kid-friendly, with plenty of time to rest in between.
Best of all, we didn’t have to leave the hotel for dinner.
The buffet was full of Okinawan favorites and family-friendly options, making it easy to end the day with full stomachs and happy smiles.
Day2 Highlights
Start the day with a snorkeling tour to Barasu Island, a tiny coral island floating in crystal-clear waters.
It’s the perfect spot for families to see vibrant marine life up close — from colorful corals to tropical fish.
◆ Family Tip: This snorkeling trip was one of our favorite memories.
We even swam alongside a sea turtle, which was a huge highlight for our child!
The coral reefs were stunning — honestly, even more impressive than what I saw at the Great Barrier Reef.
It was fun, safe, and surprisingly easy — perfect for first-time snorkelers, even kids.
We had so much fun that we’re already talking about going back next summer.
🌿 Afternoon: Canoeing through the Mangroves
In the afternoon, we joined a guided canoe tour to Pinaisara Falls — the tallest waterfall on Iriomote Island.
Paddling through the lush mangrove forest was both peaceful and adventurous.
Our child loved spotting tiny crabs and fish along the way, and the short jungle trek to the falls added just the right amount of excitement.
It was a great balance of movement and rest, and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking.
The perfect ending to a big day of adventure.
After exploring the jungle and the sea, we took our drinks to the beach in front of the hotel and watched the sun slowly set over the water.
It was quiet, calm, and so relaxing — just the reset we needed.
Our child played in the sand while we enjoyed a peaceful moment together as a family.
The best part? We didn’t have to go anywhere.
This private beach is just steps from the hotel, making it easy to enjoy even with tired little feet.
💡 Looking for day tours on Iriomote Island?
Whether you’re planning a full-day or half-day adventure, Klook makes it easy to book tours with English-speaking guides.
It’s perfect for international travelers who want a hassle-free experience.Here are some of the most popular options you can book in advance:
👀 Interested?
Click any photo to read reviews and book your tour easily — all in English.⚠️ Note: The “View More” button leads to Klook’s homepage.
For Iriomote tours, use the cards above.
Day 3: Scenic Drive & Local Cuisine
🐃 Water Buffalo Ride to Yubu Island
Crossing the shallow sea to Yubu Island by water buffalo cart was such a unique experience.
As we slowly moved across the water, we listened to traditional island songs — it was peaceful and full of charm.
The island itself is small and easy to explore.
We enjoyed a relaxing 30-minute stroll, surrounded by tropical plants and ocean views on all sides — a real treat for both adults and kids.
We also stopped at Yubu Chaya, a cozy café on the island, and had tropical fruit gelato made with local flavors.
Our daughter was all smiles — it was the perfect sweet break during our island walk.
🍜 Lunch: Yaeyama Soba in a Local Café
For lunch, we found a cozy little café that served Yaeyama soba, a classic Okinawan noodle dish.
The warm broth, soft noodles, and tender pork made it a perfect choice for the whole family — especially after a busy morning.
The café was quiet and welcoming, with a local, no-frills feel.
Our child loved the noodles, and we appreciated the simple, tasty comfort food and quick service.
Sometimes, the best meals are the ones you stumble upon during your travels — and this was one of them.
🛥 Back to Ishigaki Island & A Relaxing Final Night
After our adventures on Iriomote Island, we took the ferry back to Uehara Port and returned to Ishigaki Island in the late afternoon.
Instead of rushing home, we chose to spend one extra night near the ferry terminal — and it was the perfect way to unwind.
We enjoyed a calm evening with one last Okinawan meal, picked up souvenirs, and didn’t have to worry about rushing to the airport the next morning.
Flying home on a direct flight the next day felt smooth and stress-free — especially important when traveling with kids.
If you’re planning a trip like ours, we highly recommend adding an extra night in Ishigaki.
It gives you breathing room at the end, and turns your return day into a bonus vacation day.
👉 For more details on how our trip started, check out our
4-Day Ishigaki Island Itinerary here
If you’re wondering how to get to Iriomote Island, check out our detailed guide. It covers ferry options from Ishigaki Island and the best ways to reach this jungle paradise.
👉 Complete Guide to Accessing Iriomote Island
Book Your Stay & Rental Car in Advance
🚗 Iriomote Island is a popular destination in Japan, though less known internationally. During peak seasons like summer vacation, rental cars can sell out quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended. Agoda makes it convenient to reserve both your hotel and rental car at the same time.
🏨 For a Hassle-Free Stay, Choose Hoshino Resort Iriomote Island!
📖 Read more about Hoshino Resort Iriomote Island here!
Booking activities on Iriomote Island can be challenging, but Hoshino Resort Iriomote Island makes it simple! With easy tour reservations, comfortable accommodations, and a prime location, it’s the perfect base for your adventure.
From relaxing at a resort to exciting outdoor activities, Iriomote Island offers a perfect balance of adventure and tranquility. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape, this 3-day itinerary ensures an unforgettable experience!
🌺 Planning your next island adventure?
📖 Whether you’re choosing between Miyako, Ishigaki, or Iriomote, our Okinawa Island Comparison Guide helps you decide which island is best for your family.
🧭 Compare highlights, activities, accommodations, and travel tips – all in one place!
