Japan’s Last Frontier: Iriomote Jima

Posted: October 11, 2025 by Ovi

“I like to be grounded by nature, go hiking… go to an isolated island that’s not glamorous and touristy at all.” – Cote de Pablo

Iriomote Jima (西表島) Island

Covered in dense jungles and mangrove forests and surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, Iriomote Jima is one of Japan’s top destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Iriomote Jima mangrove forest

Mangrove crab

Iriomote is the southernmost island of Japan, located close to Taiwan — between the East China Sea and the Philippine Sea.

Shrouded in mystery, Iriomote Island is famed for the elusive Iriomote cat — a rare, nocturnal wildcat found nowhere else in the world.

Iriomote cat warning road sign

Coming from bustling Tokyo via Nagoya and Ishigaki, undeveloped Iriomote-jima is an oasis of tranquility. The beaches are deserted, and the sea is crystal clear — even in deep water, you’re surrounded by colorful, exotic fish. Snorkeling and scuba diving in the sea, kayaking on the rivers, and hiking in the mountains are just some of the activities to enjoy on the island.

“I go to the ocean to calm down, to reconnect with the creator, to just be happy.” – Nnedi Okorafor

And where can you find an island with a star-shaped sand beach? The beach is Hoshizuna-no-hama, and the sand grains are shaped like tiny stars! The sand is actually made from the skeletons of small sea organisms.

Hoshizuna-No-Hama beach star sand © Amusing Planet

Beauty comes with a price. Poisonous creatures, such as the venomous Habu snake, lurk outside — and sometimes even inside your hotel room! Hoteliers keep a thick book with photos of snakes and other creatures so you can identify them if one appears. If this happens, you can point out the creature, and the host will tell you whether to be concerned or to ignore it.

“My roommate — an ugly-looking, thick worm — seemed to be on the harmless list. So, sleep well and hope the worm takes care of its own business!

My room at the Hoshi-No-Suna Pension (JP) overlooked the ocean from a cliff, providing a breathtaking view of the vast sea..

View from Hoshi-No-Suna, Iriomote Jima

Fish and sashimi are served at the nearby restaurant. Add a little (or more) of Awamori — Okinawa’s famous strong liquor — and you’ll have an unforgettable night!