Iriomote Kayak, Tekking & Photography Guide

Iriomote Island 2019

Iriomote island is a landscape and wildlife photographers dream location. We went in search of the Milky Way arching over jungle waterfalls, venomous snakes and more. We were not disappointed.

Being the second largest landmass in the Okinawa prefecture with the least amount of human population means lots of open space. Covered predominantly with mountainous jungles it is also home to numerous waterfalls and rivers, ideal for long exposure photography.

Our trip was focusing more on shooting the Milky Way above a waterfall in the jungle but we happened on so much more. Snakes and other wildlife as well as awesome beaches and lagoons.

I recently visited with a small group of photographers from our base Okinawa.

Sit back and relax as we look into the green heart of this awesome location.

Iriomote (西表島), Japan (4K)

Iriomote Island (西表島, Iriomotejima) is Okinawa's second largest island. Largely undeveloped, nearly 90 percent of the island is covered by dense jungle and mangrove forests, much of which makes up the Iriomote National Park (Source Japan-guide.com).

It is Amazon rain Forest of Japan. It is perfect for hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling/diving. Diving is something out of the world!


For any query mail us at: sjana.micro@gmail.com

Travel Adventures in Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan

Footage taken from my first trip to the island of Iriomote in March of 2017. I’d been pouring over maps and locations to find the ultimate spot for a waterfall / milky way image I’d had burning in my brain for quite some time. Sangria Waterfalls in the NW of the island turned out to be THE spot for the shot. Fortunate that the weather stayed true, the jungle didn’t claim any bones and we all made it out alive.

I was joined on this trip by a bunch of good friends I’ve blessed to have made during my time here in Okinawa. Many more adventures with whom I hope are in the pipeline. Since this trip I have made three more and found some incredible locations for imaging of all kinds but especially for locations that allow me to teach slow shutter techniques. This merged with astrophotography of the night skies allows the island to be crowned as the best location to teach slow shutter photography.

Contact me if you’d like further information on the three trips I’m planning for 2018 in the months of March, April and May. These will all be for slow shutter imaging and, fingers crossed, to take imagery of the Milky Way as it arcs across the skies of the island.

Thanks to my buddies for joining me on this:

Pete Leong
Shawn Miller
Narita Hirano
Wish Lazcano

Filmed on a mixture of EOSM2 GoPro and iPhones

Edited with Final Cut Pro X

Music Included:
Easier to Fade (feat. Madi Larson) by A Himitsu 
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 


To find out more about me and my work:
To contact me for information on Iriomote trips: mark@okitog.com

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Canoeing in Mangroves, Ishigaki, Okinawa

A short GoPro clip at 2x of canoeing in the mangroves on Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan.

To be featured on my latest blog post here:

You have to be careful to follow the flow of the ever-changing river, or you'll get stuck! Someone in our group didn't listen to instructions...

Sometimes, that means going right up to the mangroves and you have to lean right back to avoid getting hit on the head.

Eco Village Iriomote - Japan Takana -

???? The best hotel deals:
Located right in front of its private beach, Eco Village Iriomote offers accommodations in a villa-style building. Guests can swim at the outdoor pool or sit out by the terrace. Pick-up service is available upon request from Ohara Ferry Port.
Guests can choose to stay in individual villas or slightly smaller private rooms. All rooms have ocean views and a small seating area. Each comes with a flat-screen TV, a fridge and an en suite bathroom.
A free-use launderette and drink vending machines are on-site. Free Wi-Fi is accessible by the lobby area and guests can purchase local gifts at the souvenir shop. A safety deposit box and luggage storage services are provided at the front desk.
Meals featuring local Okinawa dishes are served at the restaurant.
Eco Village Iriomote is a 30-minute drive from Pinaisara Falls and a 40-minute drive from the Nakama River Mangrove Cruise. Diving and kayaking information are provided at the front desk. 907-1431 Okinawa, Taketomi, Takana 280-36, Japan