National park · Japan
Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park西表石垣国立公園
Enter Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park for a half‑day hike to Pinaisara Falls (≈2 h) or a full‑day trek to the mangrove trail on Iriomote; go in Apr–Jun or Oct–Nov to avoid heat and typhoons, and pay the standard entry fee.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
205 km² (79 sq mi)79 sq mi (205 km²)
approximate
Established
1972
Best months
Apr–May, Oct–Nov
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
- Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
- Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
At a glance
- Country
- Japan
- Area
- 205 km² (79 sq mi)79 sq mi (205 km²)
- Park area is reported as 205 km²; some sources split land (≈150 km²) and sea (≈55 km²) (check).
- Established
- 1972
- Best months
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Ishigaki
Iriomote‑Ishigaki National Park spans the subtropical islands of Iriomote and Ishigaki, protecting rainforest, mangroves, coral reefs and the endemic Iriomote cat; it offers short hikes to waterfalls, boardwalks through mangroves, and coastal viewpoints, with entry fees and guided‑trek requirements for backcountry routes.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national site · 1972Japan's first subtropical national park.
Size and age
205 km² (79 sq mi)79 sq mi (205 km²) · national park since 1972
Park area is reported as 205 km²; some sources split land (≈150 km²) and sea (≈55 km²) (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Ishigaki.
Why go
- Explore subtropical rainforest, mangroves and coral reefs on Iriomote and Ishigaki islands.
- Spot the endemic Iriomote cat and diverse birdlife.
- Visit the iconic Hirakubozaki lighthouse with sea views.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepCaution
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecGo
- JanCool, dry
- FebMild, low rain
- MarStart of warm season
- AprWarm, low humidity
- MayWarm, clear skies
- JunRainy season begins
- JulTyphoon risk
- AugTyphoon peak
- SepLate typhoons, occasional rain
- OctDry, pleasant
- NovMild, low rain
- DecCool, dry
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iriomote cat (endemic)All year · Very rare, sightings unlikely. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Mangrove crabs and mudskippersApr–Nov | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Tropical birds (e.g., Ryukyu robin)Mar–Oct | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Ishigaki Airport
Bus or taxi to the Kuroshima Visitor Center (≈30 min), then walk or shuttle to park entrances.
45 min–1 h
Open the page →
From Iriomote Ferry (Taketomi)
Ferry to Taketomi, then bus/taxi to Kuroshima Visitor Center.
1–1.5 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Kuroshima Visitor Center | Information desk, maps, ticket sales, access to mangrove trail. | Open daily 09:30–16:30 (closed Mondays).Open daily 9:30 AM–4:30 PM (closed Mondays). |
| Pinaisara Falls area | Largest waterfall on Iriomote, short hike from trailhead. | Free access after park entry. |
| Mangrove Trail (Urauchi) | Boardwalk through mangrove forest, guided boat optional. | Open with entry ticket; guided tours may require extra fee. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from official park site and visitor centre; approximate for trailheads.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (per person) | JPY 1,000–2,000 (≈ US$7–14) | person | Standard fee for day visitors (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Drones
- Prohibited without special permission from park authorities.check
- Camping
- Not allowed in the park; use designated campsites outside the protected area.
- Pets
- Dogs not permitted on trails.
- Fire
- Open fires forbidden; use designated BBQ areas only.
- Guides
- Required for any backcountry trek beyond marked trails.
Where to stay
Near the park
Ishigaki town hotels
Range from budget guesthouses to mid‑range hotels, 20 km (12 mi) from park entrances.Range from budget guesthouses to mid‑range hotels, 12 mi (20 km) from park entrances.
Near the park
Iriomote island guesthouses
Simple lodging in Taketomi or near the mangrove trail.
Safety
Heat and humidity medium
Typhoon high
Getting lost in mangroves high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor centre reachable by car with short walks to trails.
- Boardwalk accessible for wheelchairs with assistance.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked paths to protect fragile mangrove ecosystems.
- Choose operators that follow the park’s permitted boat routes.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park?
The standard day‑visitor fee is 1,000–2,000 JPY per person, payable at the Kuroshima Visitor Center or park gates.
What are the best hikes in Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park?
Pinaisara Falls (2 h, easy) and the Urauchi mangrove boardwalk (1.5 h, easy) are the most accessible; longer backcountry treks require a guide.
When is the best time to visit Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park?
April to June and October to November offer warm, dry weather with low typhoon risk.
Can I camp inside the park?
No, camping is prohibited; stay in nearby guesthouses or designated campsites outside the protected zone.
Are drones allowed?
Drones are prohibited without special permission from park authorities.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park
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