Pinaisara Falls Canoeing ピナイサーラの滝 カヌー体験

If you are seeking adventure on the remote island of Iriomote, head to Pinaisara Falls on a guided kayaking and trekking tour. As you kayak through unspoiled mangrove forests on the Mare and Hinai rivers to the falls, you'll see why Iriomote is known as the wildest place in Japan.

High-speed ferries run between Ishigaki and Uehara Port on Iriomote Island every 1-2 hours.

The journey takes about 40-50 minutes. It is advised to take the 7:40 a.m. ferry in order to arrive on time for the tour if you are doing a day trip. If you are staying on Iriomote, you can arrange to be picked up at your accommodation by the tour operator.

Nine-tenths of Iriomote Island is covered with jungle, much of it still unexplored. And those parts that have been explored still retain all their untamed beauty. You'll discover this for yourself when you set out in your kayak through the lush forests of northern Iriomote to the Pinaisara Falls.

The tours usually start around 9 a.m. so get to the island early if you are not staying on Iriomote. Take the 7:40 a.m. ferry to arrive on time. Tour operators pick you up from the port and offer shuttles to the kayaking center.

Pinaisara means old man's beard in Okinawan, and the 55-meter cascade of white water certainly does give the appearance of a long, whitened beard. When you get to the top of the falls, you'll be rewarded by a fantastic view of the island, and of the Hatoma, Barasu, and Hatobanare islands out to sea. While you enjoy the view or swim in the falls' water basin, your guide will prepare lunch for you. After the meal, and a short rest, it's into the kayak and back down the river.

There are full-day tours that take up to eight hours or half-day tours that will get you back to the port by lunchtime. Check online to see the different tour operators available and book your spot in advance.

The trail is not particularly hard, but it is necessary to dress appropriately. Sunscreen and headwear are strongly recommended. You are advised not to wear jeans, since they can be uncomfortable and restricting when wet. Also, if you have children, check with the tour operator before you book as they have varying age restrictions.