楽天トラベル観光体験
Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park — the southernmost national park in Japan — is a place where a wealth of nature can be found. Spanning over the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, Iriomote-Ishigaki’s subtropical climate has provided a home for an astonishing diversity of nature. From sprawling mangrove forests to protected coral reefs, nature-lovers will be spoiled for choice of places to explore and recreational activities to enjoy. But amidst all the diversity, the uniqueness of the National Park’s nature is most intriguing. For millions of years, powerful crustal movements have separated Iriomote-Ishigaki from the Asian continent. Its isolation meant that its wildlife, such as the rare Iriomote wild cat, was shaped by the island’s unique environment. The traditional culture of the people too, seen from the traditional Ryukyu villages, are a legacy of living at a country’s edge.
The Gems of a Tropical Island
An idyllic tropical island conjures up images of white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush jungles. Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island is such a place. Designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty along with nearby Mt. Omoto, the bay is a perfect destination for any holiday-goer. It is also one of only two sites in Japan that cultivates black pearls. A famous feature of the National Park is its wide and dense spread of mangrove trees with their sprawling roots. The trees are also home to a fascinating ecosystem of birds, insects, crabs, and much more. Another special forest in Ishigaki Island is Yonehara Palm Trees Grove — a forest full of the native Yaeyama Palm that is unique to the island.
The Wilderness of Jungles
Covering Iriomote Island are vast expanses of unspoiled jungles. To get up close to the lush nature, take a trek through one of the jungle’s many hiking trails. Along certain trails, you may pass by Mariyudu Falls — one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan — or Pinaisara Falls — the tallest waterfall in Okinawa Prefecture. These gushing bodies of cool water are perfect for enjoying after a long jungle trek. Lining the meandering Nakama River is a mangrove forest that spans 500–600 hectares, making it the largest mangrove forest in all of Japan. The most unique feature of Iriomote Island is its special inhabitant — the Iriomote wild cat. Because of the island’s isolation from the Asian continent, this subspecies of the continental Bengal cat is unique to this region.
Unique Islands To Be Discovered
Taketomi Island is home to a traditional village that has carefully preserved much of its Ryukyuan heritage. The roofs of traditional houses are covered with red-tiles and there are Shisa, lion-like statues to ward off evil spirits. A small island in the region that is yet to be discovered by many tourists is Kohama Island. Its cobalt-blue waters and fields of sugarcane are only a few of its tropical charms. Feel time slow down as you grab a drink and relax in a hammock on Kohama Island. Kuroshima Island is another smaller island of Iriomote-Ishigaki, spanning only 10 sq km. Many inhabitants raise cattle here, leading to the cow population exceeding its human population. A major attraction of this island — sometimes referred to as “Island of Cows” — is its yearly cow festival.
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