Iriomote crossing jungle trail

Iriomote-jima is almost fully covered by dense subtropical jungle. And one of the highlights to come that far south is the Iriomote Crossing Jungle Trail.

The trail literally crosses the island from northwest to southeast, and its a full day hike in subtropical jungle conditions.

Starting point usually is up north at the Urauchi river, catching the first tourboat up 4km along mangroves to the picturesque waterfalls. And here also ends the sightseeing trip, as from here the trail up along the wild riverbed will wind through dense jungle for about 13km and an additional 7.5km gravelroad to the opposite side of Iriomote-jima.

Eventually you have to register and apply for a permit to enter and cross the National Park and Conservation Area. However, I was lucky to meet two young Japanese backpackers - Taketo and Yoshiyuki - that already organised their entrance permit and were ready to start early next morning. Kindly they accepted to join them ... and off we were!

What an experience it was. We started hiking from Hoshizuna Campsite 7h15, got the first boat at 9h, and from there on trekking till 18h20. My two friends included even a sidewalk to another waterfall, while I gave my legs a rest. Their speed was just on my limits, and never underestimate subtropical jungle conditions. 

This also means you are not alone along the trail. First there is the famous Iriomote wild cat that you won't get to see, and not to forget, there are the leechies ... you won't see them either, till they suck your blood on your legs ...

At the end of the trail Taketo already placed the day before a rental car, as the last public bus runs at 16h along the island back north. We got back to Hoshizuna Campsite when the Great Wagon appeared on the nightsky. No shower there, but a cold 6-pack of Orion Okinawa beer from a supermarket along the way back ... KAMPAI (cheers)