Iriomote Culture Discovery. Indigenous culture on Iriomote Island

5.0 (7 reviews) 3 hours – 3 h 20 min Free cancellation

out of 5

7 reviews

5.0

Iriomote Culture Discovery. Indigenous culture on Iriomote Island — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Iriomote Culture Discovery. Indigenous culture on Iriomote Island, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This is a unique and only tour to discover Okinawan culture, history, customs, and local stories on Iriomote Island.

You will have access to distinctive knowledge of the indigenous culture that is not available elsewhere. It's a perfect rest between forest hikes and snorkeling. A great introduction to Iriomote!

We will have a lovely easy walk through one of the oldest villages, Sonai. We will visit a shrine, a traditional house, and historical places. During the walk, I will introduce you to the fascinating little-known history and religion of this beautiful island. I will share some local stories, folk tales, and my own experiences. I've participated in many rituals and events.

After the walk, we will rest by the beach under a shadow and refresh over a cup of locally made tea and sugar snacks. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and see photographs, videos and listen to folk songs.

You will see Iriomote from a different angle than just nature and we will have a great time!

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions DSA non-compliant

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours – 3 h 20 min
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Polish
Operated by: Karola Mech

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–10 years) · Youth (11–17 years) · Adults (18–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Tea and coffee: After our walk we will rest at the meeting point by the beach with an amazing view on the ocean. We will chat over a tea made by a shaman (yuta) and Iriomote black sugar for a snack.

Itinerary

Stop 1

15 min

We will see an original shrine where people still pray nowadays. I will describe the indigenous religion, religious practices of local people and how the typical shrine is built. Please mind, we cannot go inside due to respect to the locals.
前泊御嶽

15 min

Next, we will proceed to see two traditional houses. One is a designated historical monument that we can visit and explore. I will describe how the typical household used to look like, what are the materials used to build traditional houses and local customs of worship within a house. You can find out details about Shisa lions, the household gods or the use of corals and typhoon protection.
Stop 3

20 min

Old well and old forest street

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

The meeting point is Marumabonsan monument in Sonai village.

End point

The meeting point is Marumabonsan monument in Sonai village.

Pickup points

Iriomote Island Hotel
Mitorea Campsite
Minshuku Shimanokaze
Iriomote Hotel Sea Apple
Hotel Hoshitate Iriomotejima
Minshuku Sawayakaso
NEST Iriomote
Kanpiraso
Pension Iriomote
Uminoie Painukaji
Iriomote Coconut Village
Resort Inn Iriomotejima

and 20 more pickup points

Pick-up service is limited to the area between Shirahama and Funaura. Only up to 3 guests. The bigger groups can come by bus - please, contact us for guidance.