Experience an ecotourism resort in Okinawa, Japan
02-Mar-2026
Category: News Stories
Okinawa, Japan is a popular recommendation to conclude an exciting trip to Japan. There are many islands to explore which makes Okinawa a perfect destination for island hopping.
Let’s take a look at one of the many beautiful islands to explore: Iriomote.
Escape to Iriomote Island, part of the Yaeyama Islands, with a diverse subtropical environment and a mountainous jungle core giving way to mangrove forests and flashes of pristine sands at the coast. By day explore the heart of the island on a guided trek or kayak tour, and at night enjoy cool coastal breezes and the crystal-clear night sky.
Where would be good to stay?
The Iriomote Hotel by Hoshino Resorts, aims to become Japan's first eco-tourism resort on Iriomote Island, a World Natural Heritage site, and offer programmes that immerse guests in nature and local culture, promoting sustainable travel and conservation.
What are the hotel’s environmental and community initiatives?
• Sustainable hotel operations
• Nature tours – promoting local facilities and traditional culture, with tours led by local guides.
• Iriomote Wildcat Conservation – activities to prevent accidents, guest participation in conservation
• Food waste – from the restaurant is composted and returned to local pineapple farmers, with the first harvest of compost-grown pineapples planned for Spring 2026.
Guests can also enjoy unique experiences:
• Historical and Cultural Tours - guided visits to local ruins and villages, deepening understanding of the island’s history and culture.
• Sagaribana Cruise - a luxurious cruise to view the island’s summer flowers.
• Sunrise Kayak / Dusk Mangrove Kayak
• Cave Exploring
• Mangrove SUP
• Night Safari / Jungle Night Walk
Photo credit: The Iriomote Hotel by Hoshino Resorts
For more details about these activities, please contact Sandra at sandra@humewhitehead.co.uk
