Taketomi Town (Iriomote Island)
The longest river in Okinawa, the Urauchi River flows through Iriomote’s subtropical forest. Found in the course of Urauchi River are a variety of waterfalls, including the famous Mariudo and Kanpire falls. As you travel along the Urauchi on a sightseeing boat, you can see clusters of looking-glass mangrove and cornbeefwood trees and a variety of creatures including birds, fish, reptiles and insects.
Uehara, Taketomi Town (Iriomote Island)
This is a magnificent, three-tiered waterfall with a width of 20 meters and a drop of about 55 meters, the highest in Okinawa. The waterfall is located on the upper course of the Uchiura River -- the longest river in Okinawa, flowing in the western part of Iriomote Island. Pinaisara means old man’s beard. As its name implies, the waterfall has from a distance the appearance of the white beard of an old man. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in the huge plunge basin with a diameter of 130 meters. To get to Pinaisara Waterfall, you are encouraged to sign up for a tour that takes you trekking amid lush forest to the waterfall after a leisurely ride by kayak through the mangroves to the base camp (trekking: about 60 minutes one way; kayaking: about 40-50 minutes one way). The tour is designed for everyone, including kayaking beginners, to enjoy a first-hand experience with Iriomote’s great nature, including mountains, streams and waterfalls. From the top of the waterfall, you can admire an amazing panoramic view stretching as far as Hatoma, Barasu and Hatobanare islands.
Uehara, Taketomi Town (Iriomote Island)
This is one of Iriomote’s signature waterfalls located on the upper stream of the Urauchi River -- the longest river in Okinawa, flowing in the western area of Iriomote Island. A variety of tours to Mariudo Waterfall are on offer. The tours featuring a sightseeing boat ride to the base camp, known as Gunkan-iwa Point, a trek through subtropical forest from the base camp to the waterfall viewing platform and back (about 40 minutes, 3km round trip) and a kayak adventure from the base camp downstream on the river are very popular. This is a three-level waterfall with a height of 16 meters and an abundant quantity of water. You can enjoy the grandeur of Mariudo Waterfall even at a distance from the viewing platform. Featuring a beautifully rounded plunge basin, Mariudo Waterfall has been designated among the 100 best waterfalls in Japan.
424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho
Tel: 0980-48-2741
This walkway offers the opportunity to walk surrounded by the natural beauty of Okinawa. Enjoy a relaxing stroll accompanied by a view of cobalt blue water dotted with small islands.
3905 Hateruma, Taketomi Town (Hateruma Island)
Hours: April-October: 10:00-17:00 (closed between 12:00-13:00), 20:00-22:00; November-March: 10:00-17:00 (closed between 12:00-13:00), 19:00-21:00
Closed: Mon
Admission: 400 yen for adults, 200 yen for children
This is an astronomical observation tower on the southernmost island of Japan, Hateruma. On a clear night you can enjoy the beautiful starry sky from the dome with the installed 20mm refracting telescope, but the place also offers a planetarium show, the optimal alternative to stargazing under unfavorable weather conditions. “Hateruma Island is never enveloped in absolute darkness. There are far more stars in the real sky than on conventional planetarium screens. In addition, Hateruma will make you realize how brightly a full moon shines in the night sky,“ says the chief of the facility, Mr. Oyamori, who has extensive knowledge about stargazing on the island. If the focus of your stay on Hateruma is stargazing, you are recommended to visit the island during the four days following the new moon. The Southern Cross is visible from Hateruma Island from late April through mid-June.
2-1-1 Asato, Naha City
Tel: 098-860-7300
Hours vary by store
Open daily
Located in Saion Square and directly connected to the Yui Rail Makishi Station, this shopping complex features various stores including outdoor clothing and equipment shop Neos, organic and aromatherapy specialty store Petaluna and restaurants.
Place: Located at Uminchu Wharf
Hours: 11:00-18:00
Open daily
For more information: ryukyuclothesphotostudio@gmail.com
*After-hours service is available with a reservation. Feel free to make any requests.
