Full-day course full of wonder and excitement!
There's no hustle and bustle of the city here. No car engines, no horns, no people pressed for time. There is only subtropical flora and fauna, breathtaking views from the top of the falls, and healing in the waterfall basin. That's all there is to it.
Most people don’t know Pinaisara falls, but if they go there, everyone is really impressed. Because it’s not only enjoy kayaking and trekking, but you can also see a superb view and can swim in the waterfall basin during the summer. This is a field where you can experience high-quality outdoor activities, even when viewed nationwide.
No special skills are required for this course. All you need is average physical strength and a curiosity to learn about the great nature of Iriomote Island.
The wind blowing through the jungle, the quietly flowing river, the chirping birds, and the majestic waterfall. The most important thing is to pay attention to these things and use all your five senses to feel the breath of nature.
Our guides will not talk unnecessarily and not speak loudly. We want you to feel part of nature and experience healing. The strong vitality of the subtropical jungle will make you the best guide for you.
After completing the paddling training, we walk to the canoe launch point.
The adventure has already begun! It's only a 10-minute walk, but we'll be greeted by jungle creatures such as Pandanus odoratissimus with pineapple-like fruit, colonies of Barringtonia racemosa that bloom in the early summer evenings and fall in the morning, the anthill-like nests of Thalassina, and charming Periophthalmus argentilineatus hopping around by the water's edge.
Don't forget to take a photo.
We start from midstream in Ma-re river. We can see many mangrove trees there.
Ma-re river is very curved, like a mini Amazon, and it joins with Hinai river on each downstream. We go to the upper stream of Hinai river, but we can kayak easily, even if we kayak from downstream to the upper stream, because the stream is very quiet.
There are a lot of windy days on Iriomote Island. But this cours is not influenced by wind, because the Ma-re and Hinai rivers are surrounded by a lot of mangrove trees. Mangrove trees protect our kayaks from the wind, so you can enjoy kayaking even on a windy day.
At low tide, a wide tidal flat can be seen downstream.
The river become more and more shallow, and you can touch the riverbed. At that time, a ship can’t pass through the river, because the water is too shallow. But it’s not problem for kayaks. Whilst there, we will watch some mudskippers, many kinds of crabs, or to look at the very unique roots of mangrove trees.
On the contrary, at high tide, we can enter the mangrove forest and take a break. Let's relaxed under the shade of the mangrove tree.
About 45 minutes of kayaking, a superb view appears in front of us.
Everyone will stop paddling and start taking photos of Pinaisara falls. Especially, the scenery in the morning is better than that of the afternoon. Because Pinaisara falls effect the morning sunshine, so the waterfall looks more clearly and beautiful.
The sudden appearance of a waterfall makes us even more excited for the adventure ahead.
After we enjoy at the superb view, we finish kayaking for the time being. Now, it's time to start trekking to the top of Pinaisara falls!
We will trek about 50 minutes to the top of Pinaisara falls.
During the trek, you can see many kinds of subtropical trees. Your guide will introduce plants, animals, culture, history, and our daily life on Iriomote Island. We only have to trek slowly. There is no hurry and if you get tired, take a break without pushing yourself.
The hot season on Iriomote Island lasts much longer than in Tokyo or Osaka, so we must have lots of water and wear appropriate clothes to protect you from heat stroke.
When you see the ocean through the gaps in the trees, you've almost reached the top of the waterfall!
Finally, we've reached the top of the falls!
Everyone will be very happy, but first, our guide will give you some very important information. Please listen carefully.
The top of Pinaisara falls has some dangerous areas. For example, the rocks along the river are very slippery, but there are no safety fences to protect from falling into the waterfall basin, so don’t go to the side of the cliff.
Pinaisara falls is the highest falls in Okinawa. It is 55 metres high, so falling off would be extremely dangerous. You can have free time when you clearly
understand the risks in this area.
We can see the wonderful blue sea and blue sky, and further in the distance, Hatoma Island, Baras Island, and Hatopanari Island. Under the eyes, magnificent scenery spreads, you'll be able to see the river along which you paddled your kayak. The scene is an area of outstanding natural beauty one, not only on Iriomote Island, but also for Japan.
Were you satisfied with the spectacular view? But your hunger is not satisfied yet isn't it?. OK then, Your guide will prepare lunch right here!
The guide’s baggage includes some food, spices, dishes, a gas stove and enough water. You can eat
an Iriomote-style lunch.
After lunch, we set off again, heading for the waterfall basin.
First, we return to the place where we disembarked the canoe. From there, we walk through the jungle for about 20 minutes to reach the waterfall basin.
You might think it's easy because you only have to go down the mountain? No, it may be surprisingly hard. Some of you may be feeling tired after working your whole body through the kayakking and trekking.
When you hear the sound of flowing water, you've approached the waterfall. You're almost there!
Just as your fatigue reaches its peak, Pinaisara Falls appears with the sound of rushing water. You'll be filled with a sense of accomplishment that blows away all your hardships up to now.
In the summer, your body will be so hot that you'll want to just jump into the pool at the bottom, but be sure to keep your life jacket on when you enter.
When you are floating in the basin, you look like a “Sea otter”. If you can’t swim, it’s not a problem. Sea otters of Iriomote can always float thanks to the life vest.
Floating in the waterfall basin and gazing up at the waterfall, you'll feel a sense of generosity, as if you're a part of nature. Pinaisara Falls is a place where you can gently relieve your daily stress.
Well, the tour is nearing the late stages. It may be a little lonely, but everyone is feeling very happy and relaxed.
Let's pack your bags and head back to the shop. We return the same way we came. It takes about 20 minutes of trekking and 45 minutes of kayak paddling.
Pinaisara falls is a very spiritual place on Iriomote Island. If you visit there, you will like Okinawa more and more. And if you feel charm of Iriomote Island, you will want to recommend it to your friends and family, as many other travelers have.
