Iriomote Island Hotel by Hoshino Resorts is a sustainable hotel nestled deep within the forests of Iriomote Island, a World Natural Heritage Site, and aims to be Japan’s first ecotourism resort.
After crossing the sea by ferry from Ishigaki Island and arriving at the entrance to the forest after a leisurely bus ride, you’ll be greeted by the rich natural beauty that embodies the very essence of the island. The appeal lies in an extraordinary getaway woven from the warm, tropical climate—even in winter—along with the crystal-clear ocean and lush green jungle.
Recommended for people like this
・People looking for outdoor activities they can enjoy even in winter
・People interested in sustainable and eco-friendly travel
・Families who want to explore nature with their children
A trip to Iriomote Island is also part of that escape from the everyday
Access by Ferry and Bus from Ishigaki Island
To reach the Iriomote Island Hotel, first take a car from Ishigaki Airport to the Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal. From there, take a ferry to Uehara Port or Ohara Port on Iriomote Island, then transfer to the hotel’s shuttle bus to reach your destination.
Ferry → Iriomote Island (Uehara Port or Ohara Port): About 50 minutes
Uehara Port → Hotel: About 10 minutes
Ohara Port → Hotel: About 1 hour
*Please note that the departure and arrival ports may change depending on the weather, so we recommend checking the official information in advance.
A Hotel Space in Harmony with Nature
A simple, gentle presence that blends into the forest
Designed to blend seamlessly into the forests of Iriomote Island, the hotel feels as though the entire building is “part of the island’s landscape.” From the moment you arrive, you’ll be enveloped by the scent of wood and the vitality of the greenery.
A lobby and common areas filled with the warmth of wood
The spacious lobby is designed to let in plenty of natural light.
At “Jungle Kichi,” where you can hear birds chirping, you can relax and enjoy a cup of tea.
Take a break with a welcome drink
At check-in, you'll be served a welcome drink that will instantly ease the fatigue of your journey.
Spacious, Relaxing Guest Rooms
Room Size and Amenities
The “Superior Twin” room we stayed in measures 42 square meters and can accommodate up to four guests. With two beds and a sofa bed, it’s a great choice for families. The natural color scheme creates a relaxing atmosphere no matter where you are in the room.
Amenities & Bathroom
The amenities feature an all-in-one soap developed in collaboration with the skincare brand “OSAJI.” It can be used on your hair, face, and body, making it perfect for those who prefer natural products. The bathroom features a spacious unit-style tub, and the hot water supply is steady and comfortable.
The Hotel's Environmental Initiatives
Initiatives That Are Kind to the Island and Nature
At Iriomote Island Hotel, sustainable initiatives can be seen everywhere.
・The amenities are designed with the environment in mind
・Meals made with local ingredients
・Reducing Plastic Use
In addition, the hotel’s design itself was conceived with harmony with nature in mind, and special care was taken in the selection of building materials and the insulation design.
A Dining Experience Featuring the Island's Bounty
Dinner Buffet
Dinner is served buffet-style, featuring creative dishes made with local ingredients. In winter, there’s an abundance of hot soups and stews. The menu, which features fish caught off the coast of Iriomote Island and island vegetables, is outstanding both in appearance and flavor.
Children's rates available / Free for children 3 and under
Breakfast Buffet
Breakfast is also served buffet-style. In addition to local tofu, fruit, and homemade bread, the menu features a variety of Japanese and Western dishes. You can enjoy a leisurely start to your day while soaking in the island’s morning atmosphere.
Children's rates available / Free for children 3 and under
Experience Nature Through Activities
World Heritage Schools (Held in the Lobby)
A slide presentation where you can learn about the Iriomote wildcat and other island wildlife. It’s a popular event for everyone from children to adults. Hoshino Resorts is a ”community-focused” hotel chain that hosts events like this at its properties across the country.
Pinaisara Falls Kayaking & Hiking
An adventure tour that combines kayaking down a river with a hike to a waterfall. This active experience will have you breaking a sweat even in winter, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the grandeur of nature.
Unlike the ocean, there are no waves, so it's great even for beginners! Since we don't usually exercise, we were huffing and puffing during the hike (lol).
Pinaisara Falls is approximately55 m! The height of the main falls at Niagara Falls andAlmost the sameThat's what I've heard.
Duration: About 4 hours
Night Safari Tour
A tour limited to one group per day, where you venture into the jungle at night, flashlight in hand, to search for animals. It’s a thrilling experience where you might encounter crabs, frogs, and signs of the Iriomote cat.
Since this tour followed my viewing of the “World Heritage School: Iriomote Wildcat Lecture,” and because our guide had such a deep love for Iriomote Island and the Iriomote wildcat, it turned out to be a truly moving experience.
Although I didn’t actually see an Iriomote cat, I had a truly precious and meaningful experience that made me realize, “We must protect this island.”
Duration: About 3 hours
Mangrove SUP Experience
A peaceful time gliding across the calm water on a SUP. Even beginners can participate with confidence—it’s an experience that lets you become one with the nature of Iriomote Island.
You can get a closer feel for the mangroves than you would from a kayak. Mangroves apparently ”breathe” through their roots, and the scent of that breathing is quite unique, so I highly recommend you experience it for yourselves.
Duration: About 2 hours
To Star Sand Beach by Rental Bike
We rented bikes and took a leisurely tour of the island. We went to “Hoshisuna Beach,” which is near our hotel. You can see star sand on Iriomote Island, too! I highly recommend biking to a beach where you can see star sand—it’s a great little adventure to enjoy during your stay.
Iriomote Starry Night
A stargazing event held at the hotel. At Tsukigahama Beach, right in front of the hotel, you can enjoy a sky full of stars stretching from directly overhead to the horizon. Original star-themed drinks are also available during the event. By closing the curtains throughout the entire hotel to minimize light, guests can fully appreciate the natural beauty of the stars.
Fee: Free (no reservation required)
Venue: Outdoor space on the hotel grounds
*It is unclear whether the event will be held in 2026.
Iriomote Island Souvenirs Available at the Hotel
The hotel shop offers a wide selection of original merchandise exclusive to Iriomote Island Hotel. From traditional Okinawan yachimun pottery to T-shirts featuring motifs of the island’s natural scenery and awamori with limited-edition labels, these items make perfect souvenirs and gifts. Choosing these one-of-a-kind souvenirs—that let you take home memories of your stay—is one of the highlights of your visit.
They also had a full range of activity wear for sale, so you don't have to worry even if you happen to forget yours!
Enjoy Iriomote Island Even More by Visiting Nearby Attractions
Stardust Beach (about a 5-minute drive from the hotel)
A popular beach that’s synonymous with Iriomote Island. The sand contains star-shaped grains, making it fun to search for them. You can swim here, and at low tide, you can enjoy observing marine life.
Urauchi River Sightseeing Boat Pier (about a 5-minute drive from the hotel)
Take a sightseeing cruise down the Urauchi River and enjoy the subtropical jungle. If you’re just taking the boat ride, no reservation is needed—you can drop by anytime. We also recommend combining it with a hiking trail.
Unarizaki Park Observation Deck (about a 5-minute drive from the hotel)
This is a scenic spot offering a panoramic view of the East China Sea and the sunset; on clear days, you can even see Yonaguni Island.
Cafes and Shops Around Uehara Port (About a 10-minute drive from the hotel)
The area around Uehara Port, which is also a convenient ferry terminal, is dotted with small cafes and souvenir shops. Its local atmosphere, where you can really feel the island pace of life, is part of its charm.
Shinmori Family Residence (about a 10-minute drive from the hotel)
This is a rare traditional house on Iriomote Island that still features its original red-tile roof and stone walls—a quiet cultural spot where you can experience the island’s traditional way of life.
The Best Retreat for Enjoying Nature, Even in Winter
The Iriomote Island Hotel, where you can stay warm even in winter and fully enjoy the great outdoors, wasn’t just a place to “stay”—it was a place that let us “become part of the island.” The delicious food, the warmth of the staff, and the sheer closeness to nature were truly memorable. There was also a wide variety of activities, and I definitely thought I’d want to bring my kids there if I had any.
This is a special inn where you can experience the feeling that “travel itself soothes the soul.”
Check Basic Information and Rates
| Hotel Name | Iriomote Island Hotel by Hoshino Resorts |
| Genre | Resort Hotel |
| Number of guest rooms | 139 rooms in total |
| Features | Outdoor Pool Nature Experiences Sustainable Resort |
| Food & Drink | One restaurant |
| Bathroom | Separate bathroom and toilet |
| Check-in / Check-out | 3:00 PM– / 11:00 AM |
| Internet | Free Wi-Fi |
| Directions | Ishigaki Airport → euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal: About 25 minutes by car Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal → Iriomote Island (Uehara Port or Ohara Port): About 50 minutes by ferry Uehara Port → Hotel: About 10 minutes by shuttle bus Ohara Port → Hotel: About 1 hour by shuttle bus |
| Pets | No Pets Allowed |
| Parking Lot | Available (Free) |
| Address | 2-2 Uehara, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Web and Social Media | Website |
