1 Fuji-san (Mount Fuji)
2 Hagi
3 Hiroshima
4 Iriomote-jima
5 Kamakura
6 Kanazawa
7 Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto
8 Miyajima
9 Todaiji Temple, Nara
10 Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo
This jungle-covered tropical island in the far south of the Japanese archipelago is a complete contrast to the more temperate north.
If you want to sample a taste of the tropics, then this island is probably your best bet in Japan. It's an area of beaches, forest, rivers and waterfalls, almost four-fifths of the island being national park. It can only be reached by ferry from neighbouring Ishigaki Island, which arrives at the tiny town of Funaura.
For those who don't want to do much more than enjoy the climate, then Iriomote-jima offers some fine beaches, particularly at Haemita-no-hama and Hoshisuna-no-hama. You can also dive from here, in search of the manta rays that abound in these warm waters. For many the main attraction is a trip along the Urauchi-gawa river to see the Mariudo Falls, set amid lush, glistening vegetation which includes the twisting, sinuous roots of the sakshimasuo trees. After the boat journey there is a walk of just over an hour to the falls and, beyond them, the Kampira Falls, which are elongated into a series of rapids. The walk, on a path through dense jungle, is not difficult, although brushes with vegetation may produce leeches, which are easily despatched with salt or a lighted match. The heat can be intense, but there are good places for swimming near by. Other excellent walks on the island include the trek from Funaura to the Binai Falls, which offers wonderful views to the sea.Boat: Regular service from Ishigaki to Funaura Docks
Air: Fly from Funaura to Ishigaki-jima
Practical: Canoes and kayaks for hire
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