【Iriomote Island】Kura Falls Tour

What is Kura Falls?

Kura Falls is a waterfall located in the middle of the Kura River, which has its mouth about 7 kilometers east of Uehara Port on Iriomote Island. With a drop of about 5 meters, it is a small waterfall, but the surrounding area is lush with greenery, creating an incredible atmosphere. You can swim in the waterfall basin or even stand under the falling water for a refreshing experience.

Additionally, Kura Falls is known as the “Lucky Waterfall” and has been cherished as a sacred place by the local people.

Tour Activities to Kura Falls

Canoeing (Mangrove Kayaking)

On Iriomote Island, where numerous rivers flow through the primeval forest, canoeing tours are the most popular. While the Urauchi River cruise is famous for its mangrove tours, canoes allow you to explore narrow waterways that larger boats cannot reach.

As you paddle through the lush mangrove forests on both sides, you can enjoy a leisurely canoe cruise. Since canoes do not have engines, you can fully appreciate the sounds of nature—rustling leaves, water splashing against your paddle, and the calls of birds and insects.

Canoes can also be ridden in pairs, making this activity perfect for families with small children or couples.

View the list of Kura Falls canoeing tours

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

SUP cruising to Kura Falls is another fantastic option. Although SUP is often associated with the ocean, in Iriomote, paddling through mangrove rivers is extremely popular.

Standing on a buoyant, stable board, you paddle your way forward. While it may seem challenging at first, with a little practice, most people can master it surprisingly quickly. Plus, because SUP encourages good posture, it’s a highly photogenic activity!

As you navigate through the mangrove-covered river, the path gradually narrows, and there may be sections where you need to crouch to pass through. Why not take on the exciting adventure of mangrove SUP?

View the list of Kura Falls SUP tours

Trekking (Hiking)

The trekking course to Kura Falls takes you through a dense jungle, but there are no steep inclines or rocky areas. The trail consists of flat animal paths and shallow streams, requiring occasional crouching and brushing aside vegetation.

Rather than “trekking,” the experience is more like “hiking.” Even three-year-old children can easily walk the trail, making it a great choice for families with young kids. You can also enjoy observing the unique plants and insects along the way!

View the list of Kura Falls trekking tours

How to Enjoy Kura Falls

One of the best ways to enjoy Kura Falls is by playing in the waterfall basin. After trekking through the jungle, cooling off in the chilly water feels amazing and instantly relieves fatigue.

With a 5-meter drop, Kura Falls generally has a moderate water flow (except after heavy rain), making it safe to stand under the waterfall for a refreshing experience. During cooler months, you can relax nearby and soak in the negative ions from the falls.

The picturesque surroundings, with lush vines and vegetation, make it feel like a scene from a storybook. It’s also an excellent spot for photography! The thick vines of the Modama Tree hang like a swing, making it a popular spot for taking memorable photos with the waterfall in the background.

Wildlife and Plants You Can See on the Kura Falls Tour

Near Kura Falls, you can find the famous Modama Tree, believed to be the inspiration for Jack and the Beanstalk. This climbing legume plant produces enormous seed pods that can grow up to 1 meter in length. The twisted vines add a unique touch to the jungle scenery.

Other fascinating plants include Nipa Palms, which appeared in Jurassic Park, and large Alocasia (Elephant Ear) leaves. Even if you’re not a plant enthusiast, you may recognize some of these species from TV or movies.

With a knowledgeable guide explaining the local flora and fauna, you’ll leave the tour with a much deeper appreciation for the subtropical ecosystem.