What is a limestone cave on Iriomote Island?
Iriomote Island is the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture after the main island of Okinawa, and 90% of the island comprises mangrove forests.
Iriomote Island’s caves deep in the mangrove jungle must be marked on maps.
In Japan, where volcanic eruptions occur frequently, rain falls on land made of limestone, where it repeatedly erodes, generating caves over tens of thousands of years or more.
Many of the limestone caves seen today in various locations were formed over hundreds of thousands of years.
On Iriomote Island, several limestone caves have been created through such processes, and you can witness a mysterious sight.
What is a caving tour on Iriomote Island?
Caving is an activity that involves exploring caves and getting in touch with the vastness of nature.
It is a relatively new outdoor sport in which you explore caves by the light of a headlamp, sometimes even crawling through narrow crevices.
Many of the caves on Iriomote Island are not so steep, and you can walk around and look inside.
Even in slightly dangerous places, guides will lead you safely, so we recommend you join a tour when you explore limestone caves because it is difficult to do it alone.
Clothing, personal belongings, and rental equipment for Iriomotejima caving tours
What to wear on a caving tour
| Summer (April-October) | swimsuits, rash guards, leggings, short-sleeved T-shirts, half pants, etc. |
| Winter (November-March) | Rush guards, leggings, half pants, short-sleeved T-shirts, nylon long sleeves, etc. |
What to bring and rental equipment for caving tours
| Things to bring | towel, drink, change of clothes (for day-trippers), etc. |
| Rental equipment | helmets, gloves, headlights, felt sole boots, etc. |
The attraction of the Caving Tour on Iriomote Island
You can meet the creatures on the way to the cave.
You can enjoy the cave’s path on Iriomote Island, where nature is abundant.
During the trekking, you can look for subtropical flora and fauna as you go along.
Cave exploration is fun for everyone.
Children and older people can enjoy caving.
Although the footholds are rough in some areas, the guide will provide safety support.
Please enjoy the caving experience on Iriomote Island with your family.
The caving tour combined with mangrove kayaking or playing with waterfalls is popular.
Please enjoy the incredible nature of Iriomote Island.
