Welcome to the one and only culture tour of Iriomote Island, Okinawa.
Let’s walk through the oldest villages on Iriomote Island, Sonai, and Hoshidate, which have an exceptional and old culture with many festivals and rituals throughout the year.
We will visit traditional Okinawan houses and shrines. You will hear many stories about the local people’s way of living, history, customs, and religion of Iriomote Island and the former Ryukyu kingdom. Ryukyuans developed a complex culture with a distinctive language and religion where women have been spiritual leaders.
Iriomote is not only beautiful nature. Secret tradition is still alive.
Photo gallery
Plan
Morning tour (Afternoon tour)
- 9:30 (14:30) Meeting at the pick-up point. Introduction to Okinawan history and religion, Iriomote dialect.
- 10:10 (15:10) Viewing local shrine. Introduction to religious practices.
- 10:30 (15:30) Visiting a traditional thatched-roof house. Learning about Okinawan living style and housing.
- 11:00 (16:00) Old well and other historical locations. Learning about edible plants.
- 11:15 (16:15) Tea time. Rest with a sip of Okinawan herbal tea prepared by a shaman. Seeing photographs/videos of local events, banana thread, and paper. Listening to stories, legends, and local songs.
- 12:10 (17:10) Moving to Hoshidate village to see local shrines and traditional houses. Hearing about specific rituals, and ways of living close to nature.
- 12:30 (17:30) Tour ends
Practical info
Duration: 3 hours
Cash is not accepted. Please, pay by credit card or PayPal. A 4% payment fee is added during the payment procedure.
Staying in Ishigaki island?
The tour time can be adjusted to the ferry schedule. Information on ferry timetable & public transport. Read more…
Food/Drinks
Herbal blend created by an authentic shaman and candy black sugar, a famous product of Iriomote.
Transport
Pick-up service is available from any location between Shirahama and Uehara/Funaura in Iriomote for up to 3 people. For bigger groups, please, contact us in advance. You can also come by bus from the port or by your own car (see the meeting point on the map below).
Coming from Ishigaki? Please, go to Uehara port and we will pick you up.
The meeting point (if you come by car or bus) is Marumabonsan monument in Sonai village:
Cancellation policy
At least 8 days before the selected date: full refund.
7 days before or less: 50%.
24 hours before or less: 100%.
The company has the right to cancel the tour with a full refund in case of typhoons, heavy storms, ferry suspension, and hospitalization.
