Iriomote-jima

Island · Taketomi ·

Iriomote-jima

Island · Taketomi ·

Subtropical island park with mangroves, waterfalls, coral reefs, and wildcats

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Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa, Japan Get directions

@travelleisure

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12 Best Places to Stargaze Around the World

"Situated in Okinawa Prefecture on the Yaeyama Islands and located close to the Tropic of Cancer, this remote park was the first place in Japan—and the second in all of Asia—to be recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. Observers from this location can see up to 84 of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, though viewing conditions depend entirely on season and weather." - Skye Sherman Skye Sherman Skye Sherman is a travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Aside from traveling, she's also a pilot, scuba diver, bookworm, and fourth-generation Floridian. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Palm Beach Illustrated, Atlas Obscura, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/best-places-to-see-stars-around-the-world

Iriomote-jima

やすみたび

Google

An island abundant in nature. The population is also small, and the air is clear. If you join a tour, you can also experience activities such as canoeing

Yuriko Kusumawati _

Google

I didn't expect much from this island, but it turns out I really like it! It's very beautiful and unique. As Japan's newest World Heritage site since July 2021, it's definitely worth a visit! I wish I could see the yama-neko. Renting a car is a must while you're here! Just be sure not to exceed 40 km/h because of the yama-neko. Be careful!

Gary S K S.

Google

Lots of choices in terms of water activities or exploring the forest on the Island. However, it is not easy to get around without a car but most car rental shops closed early in the afternoon. Difficult to get decent accommodations at reasonable price during summer season. Suitable for energetic travellers who want to do lots of exploration and sports. But probably not for those who just want a relaxed vocation.

Yassine B.

Google

Very unwelcoming island if you didn’t book an expensive full option trip with an agency... nobody speaks English and makes effort for that, few shops, few activities, few people, dirty beaches... Car rental is a true inferno and the bus system is very bad. I put 1 star because I cannot put a zero for this awful experience. This island is not made for people who like to plan their trip from day to day. Consider all the other yaeyama islands as a better option as no effort is made for tourism here. PS: our experience was in October

Vitalii V.

Google

Very beatiful nature. Must visit place. You can get more impressions cruising here with Mellemau resort

Misato Y.

Google

Completely different world from other locations in Japan. Highly recommend to bring sun protection and sunglasses though :)

Ryo Y

Google

Amazing place.

Christine W.

Google

We visited a beach with starsands here, want to see the wildcats but it seems difficult!

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

12 Best Places to Stargaze Around the World

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/best-places-to-see-stars-around-the-world

Iriomote-jima

やすみたび

Google

An island abundant in nature. The population is also small, and the air is clear. If you join a tour, you can also experience activities such as canoeing

Yuriko Kusumawati _

Google

Gary S K S.

Google

Yassine B.

Google

Vitalii V.

Google

Very beatiful nature. Must visit place. You can get more impressions cruising here with Mellemau resort

Misato Y.

Google

Completely different world from other locations in Japan. Highly recommend to bring sun protection and sunglasses though :)

Ryo Y

Google

Amazing place.

Christine W.

Google

We visited a beach with starsands here, want to see the wildcats but it seems difficult!

Iriomote-jima

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12 Best Places to Stargaze Around the World

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