Traveling to Iriomote with kids? This post is perfect for families who want to explore hidden beaches, paddle through mangrove rivers, and experience an unforgettable Iriomote kayaking tour. You’ll find out exactly what to expect, what to bring, and why this tour became the highlight of our trip!
Our Iriomote Kayaking Tour Begins
At 9:30 a.m., we arrived at Uehara Port and met our tour guide, who drove us to the starting point at Shirahama Port. After a restroom break and a short paddling lesson, we were ready to begin!
We split into two teams in three-person kayaks:
- Grandpa and Grandma + the guide
- Mom, Dad, and our daughter
The wind was in our favor—calm and gentle—which made paddling toward our first destination, Mizuochi Falls, feel like a breeze. (Little did we know the return trip would be much tougher!)
Mizuochi Falls: Wading, Wildlife, and Lost Sunglasses
During high tide, it’s possible to kayak straight into the waterfall, but on this day, the tide was low. We got out of our kayaks to enjoy the area on foot.
Paddling upstream through a river surrounded by mangroves, we finally reached our destination—Mizuochi Falls. It truly felt like a jungle adventure!
Our daughter was fascinated by tiny creatures like gobies and fiddler crabs. She played under the falls and in the shallow water for over half an hour. In the excitement, both she and my husband lost their sunglasses!
Pro Tip: Bring inexpensive sunglasses you won’t miss—ours were 2,000 yen from Don Quijote in Ishigaki.
The tidal flats near the waterfall were full of life. We took our time observing the differences between male and female fiddler crabs up close, which fascinated our daughter. She was also startled at first by the quick, hopping movements of the gobies, but soon became intrigued and wanted to catch one.
Reaching Ida Beach: A Hidden Gem with the Best Lunch Ever
After a refreshing break, we paddled for almost an hour toward Ida Beach, a secluded spot only accessible by boat or kayak. The beach was absolutely stunning—pictures can’t do it justice. The forecast wasn’t great, but the sky gradually cleared—and the ocean became unbelievably beautiful.
Our guide, who also runs a local guesthouse, prepared a handmade bowl of Okinawa-style pork soba (sōki soba) right on the beach. It was topped with mozuku seaweed, melt-in-your-mouth pork (rafute) so tender you could eat the cartilage, island fishcake, and fresh scallions—a true island-style deluxe soba. It wasn’t just delicious—it was the perfect salty energy boost we needed after the long paddle!
Eventually, a small boat brought a few tourists from Hoshino Resorts to the beach, but until then, we had the entire view to ourselves. If you’re staying at Hoshino Resorts, check their 1F tour counter—they offer excursions to Ida Beach as well.
The ocean here was crystal clear—almost unbelievably so—with white sand beneath our feet. From time to time, we could even spot small and large fish swimming gracefully through the shallows. If you’re staying at Hoshino Resorts, check their 1F tour counter—they offer excursions to Ida Beach as well.
The Tough Paddle Back: Fighting Headwinds
The return trip to Shirahama Port was challenging. The wind had picked up and waves grew stronger. We struggled to make progress, but thanks to our guide’s strength and encouragement, everyone made it back safely—including Grandpa and Grandma.
That night, we were exhausted. My husband and I were sore all over, and even our energetic daughter decided to skip the hotel pool.
What to Pack for an Iriomote Kayaking Tour
Here’s what we were glad to have brought with us:
- Rash guard and leggings: Essential for sun protection. If you don’t want a tan, this is a must.
- Surf hat with face guard: We bought one on Amazon before the trip and didn’t get sunburned at all!
- Waterproof sunscreen: We used Biore’s waterproof spray type, which was super convenient for reapplication. Available at Don Quijote or local drugstores.
- Sunglasses: Two out of three of us lost ours! Bring a floating neck strap or choose cheap ones you won’t cry over losing.
- Marine shoes: Great for water activities. Our tour provided rental shoes, which was a nice touch.
Final Thoughts
One of the things we appreciated most was the thoughtful preparation from the tour company. Each person was provided with an insulated bottle filled with ice water—perfect for staying cool and preventing heat exhaustion. With gear provided and meals prepared, it really felt like a hands-free experience. We barely had to bring anything ourselves!
This level of care and convenience made the day even more enjoyable. We’re already saying: let’s come back again someday!
Useful Travel Links
👉 Complete Okinawa Travel Guide
👉 Iriomote 4-Day Family Itinerary: Day 1–2
👉 Iriomote 4-Day Family Itinerary: Day 3–4
👉 Another Iriomote Highlight: Family Snorkeling Tour Review
👉 Hoshino Resorts Official Site
👉 Mariudo Tour Company (Japanese Only) ※This site is in Japanese only
✨ Want more real family experiences in Japan? Click here for more island adventures and travel tips!
