Iriomote Island Mangrove SUP or Canoe & Yubujima Water Buffalo Cart Day Tour

Meet at Uehara Port
and head to the mangrove river

In the morning, meet your guide at Uehara Port (上原港) on Iriomote Island and travel about 15 minutes by car. If you are staying in the Uehara area, free pickup and drop-off are available. Life jackets, dedicated shoes and canoe/SUP equipment are all provided free of charge.

Explore a calm mangrove river
by canoe or SUP

Paddle along emerald mangrove waterways by canoe or SUP for about 1.5 hours. Because the river is sheltered, there is almost no wind, making it easy for beginners and families. As you pass between the tall, pillar-like mangrove roots, your guide also tells you about the Yaeyama fireflies.

Play under a jungle waterfall

After paddling, cool off with some "waterfall play" under a jungle waterfall. You will get wet, so please wear clothes that can get wet. Then move by car and take a break of about 1 hour (meals are not included).

Cross to Yubujima by water buffalo cart

In the afternoon, drive about 30 minutes and ride a traditional wooden cart pulled by a gentle water buffalo across the shallow strait to Yubujima. The driver plays the sanshin, a traditional Okinawan string instrument. On Yubujima, spend about 1 hour strolling through the butterfly greenhouse, admiring rare palm trees and soaking up the atmosphere of old Okinawa.

The schedule runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and is timed to the ferries, making it a good day trip from Ishigaki Island. After the tour, return to Uehara Port by car.

※ The schedule may change depending on the weather and local conditions.
※ Wildlife lives in its natural habitat, so sightings are not guaranteed.