Yaeyama islands - camping @ Iriomote-jima

Iriomote-jima has three campgrounds. One down south at Haemida Beach - right there where the road ends and the jungle takes over. There's no bus and you'll need to walk about 6km from Ohara ferry port. It's surely basic with no electricity, nor showers. In addition the next mini-market is back in town.

Hoshizuna Campsite on the upper side of the island was my first choice, mostly because of its location just above the star-sand beach and a restaurant nearby (that also manages the campground). Indeed, the location as well as the garden setting didn't disappoint. But again, for an individual backpacker without a campgear stuffed car, no good deal. There's no covered space, nor any table set. No electricity outlet (except one lamp in the only toilet) either. And to take hot shower you have to be in time (during limited opening hours of the restaurant).

So I moved to Mitorea Camping, about 2km from the ferry port and shops at Uehara. There's no beach access, but it is the only campsite that provides facilities for backpackers: a kitchen corner, sanitary installations with hot shower and laundry, covered sitting space, hammocks, camping rental gear and a reception.

Not surprisingly Mitorea Camping seems to be the choice of most backpackers and small groups during this spring school holidays.

In general, camping at the southern Yawyama islands still plays a shadow life and offers little convenience. Foreign individual backpackers might prefer Hostels as base, as all campgrounds did not provide activity related tour information (like canoeing, snorkeling, diving or trekking). Wifi is also an issue, especially if you do not have a local sim-card or data provider. To mention, there's a 3-day bus pass available (1570¥) that runs along the east coast, connecting also the two ports. So yes, it's all basic ... but isn't that what solotravel camping is all about?!