Iriomote Island

What it is

• The largest of the Yaeyama Islands, registered as a World Natural Heritage site in 2021
• A subtropical wilderness where natural forests cover 90 percent of the land
• The exclusive habitat of the rare and endangered Iriomote wildcat
• A primary hub for agriculture and tourism with a population of over 2,400 people

What to see

• The Urauchi River, which is the longest river in Okinawa Prefecture
• All seven species of mangroves found in Japan growing in one location
• Dense subtropical forests and diverse wildlife across the island interior
• Undersea infrastructure that provides water and electricity to neighboring islands

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.