Looking for a tropical escape in Japan that’s family-friendly, nature-filled, and filled with cultural gems? An Iriomote family resort stay offers it all. Our stay at Hoshino Resort Okinawa on Iriomote Island was the perfect Japan island retreat! From sea kayaking through mangroves to stone-oven pizzas under the stars, here’s everything we experienced during our unforgettable Iriomote family resort adventure.
This image summarizes our 4-day Iriomote Island itinerary. Day 1 and Day 4 both include ferry travel between Ishigaki and Iriomote, and this trip was part of a 6-night, 7-day family vacation. If you’re flying internationally, note that flights are available via Haneda or Narita—see the Ishigaki Airport website for details.
Day 1: Kayaking, Hidden Beaches & Sunset Champagne
Day 1 was packed with highlights, starting with a morning ferry from Ishigaki to Iriomote. From there, we joined a full-day sea kayaking tour through the lush mangrove jungle, explored Suiraku-no-taki waterfall, and paddled all the way to the secluded Ida-no-hama beach. The tour also included a delicious beachside lunch, making it a perfect blend of adventure and island relaxation.
The route: White Beach Port → Suiraku-no-taki Waterfall → Ida-no-hama → return to port. Our guide’s homemade soki soba on the beach was one of the best meals of the entire trip!
This kayaking tour was a once-in-a-lifetime nature experience for our whole family. At Suiraku-no-taki, we landed and explored on foot due to low water, but on high-flow days, kayaks can paddle straight into the falls! The mangrove around the waterfall was teeming with tiny creatures like mudskippers and fiddler crabs—fascinating for our daughter and us alike.
The paddle from the waterfall to Ida-no-hama took about an hour and required some stamina, but it was totally worth it. The beach view from Ida-no-hama—accessible only by kayak or water taxi—is breathtaking. With almost no one else around, we felt like we had this hidden gem all to ourselves. Hoshino Resort also offers boat tours to the beach for those who prefer a less active route.
Tip: Book your tour through a local company (slightly cheaper than hotel tours). Most offer hotel pickup and English support is available via Klook.
After the tour, we checked into Hoshino Resort and immediately hit the bath to relax our sore muscles (3+ hours paddling really worked our arms and legs!).
Our guide kindly dropped us off at the resort after the tour, and just like last time, we checked in for a 3-night stay at Hoshino Resort. In the lobby, we were welcomed with a refreshing pineapple juice and fruit service—so sweet and juicy that we all went back for seconds! Although our daughter was a bit disappointed to see the pineapple juice tap from last time was gone, she was thrilled by the juicy slices and tropical vibe. Her excitement soared even more when she spotted the pool right beside the lobby.
We headed to the hotel’s dinner buffet, which had something for everyone. The teppanyaki-style Ishigaki beef and crab miso soup were absolute standouts—if they’re available during your stay, don’t miss them! Beyond the mains, there was a wide variety of delicious dishes to choose from. Our daughter especially enjoyed ordering a custom-made alcohol-free mocktail, which made her feel all grown up. And for adults, the unlimited drinks make this dinner experience not just tasty but a great value too.
Just before nightfall, we strolled past the pool to the private beach where the hotel offers sunset champagne service. Dad had a glass of bubbly, while our daughter sipped a fizzy mocktail—all while watching the golden sun dip behind the sea.
Day 2: Spa Day, Rainy Day Reset & Island Eats
Rain was in the forecast all week, but we lucked out—most days had plenty of sun. Day 2 was stormy, so we took it as a hotel chill day. We lounged in the resort’s coffee & herbal tea lounge, did laundry using the app-based washing machines (no coins needed!), and Mom got a dreamy foot & scalp spa treatment.
We headed to the hotel’s dinner buffet, which had something for everyone. The teppanyaki-style Ishigaki beef and crab miso soup were absolute standouts—if they’re available during your stay, don’t miss them! Beyond the mains, there was a wide variety of delicious dishes to choose from. Our daughter especially enjoyed ordering a custom-made alcohol-free mocktail, which made her feel all grown up. And for adults, the unlimited drinks make this dinner experience not just tasty but a great value too.
Just before nightfall, we strolled past the pool to the private beach where the hotel offers sunset champagne service. Dad had a glass of bubbly, while our daughter sipped a fizzy mocktail—all while watching the golden sun dip behind the sea.
The lobby lounge at Hoshino Resort is a perfect spot to unwind anytime during your stay. Guests can help themselves to complimentary water (both hot and cold), ice, herbal teas, and coffee. It’s open throughout the day, and we found it especially helpful for quick refreshment breaks between activities. The herbal tea corner added a relaxing touch, while the self-serve coffee machine kept us energized.
Outside the room, the resort amenities made island life even more relaxing. Mom booked a spa treatment that included a soothing foot bath and a head massage—pure bliss! Meanwhile, the pool was a huge hit with our daughter, who couldn’t wait to jump in every afternoon. We also loved having access to the laundry room on the first floor, which let us pack light and wash as needed. The machines are easy to use with a smartphone, and no coins are required.
Dinner was at Ichitaka, a popular restaurant offering free pickup from Hoshino. We devoured:
- Stone-baked pizza with local toppings
- Goya Champuru (Okinawan stir-fry)
- Okinawan herb ajillo
- And the ultimate: a fresh pineapple sour served in an actual pineapple!
Must-know: Ichitaka is extremely popular—make reservations in advance! And go easy on the pineapple drinks—they’re amazing but strong!
Why We Loved This Iriomote Family Resort Trip
- Hoshino Resort Okinawa offered everything we needed for a relaxing and exciting family trip: spacious rooms, friendly staff, and great food.
- Activities like the Iriomote kayaking tour and snorkeling were not only scenic but felt like secret island adventures.
- It was the perfect Japan island retreat to unplug, explore, and bond as a family.
The room was spacious enough for the three of us to relax comfortably. Our daughter especially loved the cozy daybed by the window—it became her personal hideaway, and she even chose to sleep there on her own at night! While she also loved the loft-style room during our last stay, this one definitely won her over.
The bathroom was a highlight too, with a generously sized bathtub perfect for families. After a long day of paddling and a bit of chill from the water, soaking together in the warm bath was just what we needed. We also appreciated the laundry basket in the closet—it came in surprisingly handy during our stay.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of Okinawa with kids, we can’t recommend Iriomote Island enough. Whether you’re paddling through mangroves or sipping mocktails at sunset, this hidden paradise is the family trip of a lifetime.
📌 Continue Exploring Our Journey
- 🏝️ Okinawa Family Travel Guide – Explore the Islands
- 🚤 Ishigaki Island 4-Day Itinerary (2025)
- 🌿 Previous Iriomote 3-Day Trip Report
- 📝 Coming soon: Days 3–4 of this Iriomote trip – stay tuned for the rest of our island adventure!
🛶 Book Your Own Island Escape
Want to plan your stay at the same beautiful resort? Check out the official site for availability, activities, and current packages: Visit Hoshino Resort Iriomote Official Site
Book early—this hidden gem fills up fast, especially during school holidays!
