Iriomote Culture Discovery // Let's dive into Iriomote indigenous culture!
Overview
This is a unique and only tour to discover Iriomote culture, history, customs, and local stories.
You will have access to first-hand 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 island!
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!
You will have access to first-hand 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 island!
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!
Inclusions
- Coffee and/or Tea - 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.
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: 前泊御嶽, Iriomote, Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa 907-1542, Japan
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: 前泊御嶽, Iriomote, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun 907-1542 Okinawa Prefecture
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: 前泊御嶽, Iriomote, Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa 907-1542, Japan
Old well and old forest street
Duration: 20 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: 前泊御嶽, Iriomote, Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa 907-1542, Japan
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: 前泊御嶽, Iriomote, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun 907-1542 Okinawa Prefecture
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: 前泊御嶽, Iriomote, Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa 907-1542, Japan
Old well and old forest street
Duration: 20 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Kristen_S
March 2023
I work as a writer and photographer in the field of architecture and design. I am specifically interested in Indigenous Technology in these fields, so when I saw this tour available in Iriomote - I was very interested to participate and learn a bit more about local indigenous culture. I had the ...
I work as a writer and photographer in the field of architecture and design. I am specifically interested in Indigenous Technology in these fields, so when I saw this tour available in Iriomote - I was very interested to participate and learn a bit more about local indigenous culture. I had the best time. Karo was SO knowledgable, fun, easy to talk to and we had such a great day together. She brought me to see a traditional house and explain the rituals and history behind how the community builds homes together as well as sharing her experience working alongside the local indigenous community for the past few years where she has completely immersed herself. I highly recommend this to anyone who even has the slightest interest in getting to know the unique and rich local indigenous culture of Iriomote Island.franziskapaintner
April 2020
Me and my brother were really happy to experience the iriomote culture dive with Karola. She has been studying the culture for quite a while and can tell lots interesting stories of the islands history, tales and it's people. She is a very bright woman and it was so fun to experience iriomote wit...
Me and my brother were really happy to experience the iriomote culture dive with Karola. She has been studying the culture for quite a while and can tell lots interesting stories of the islands history, tales and it's people. She is a very bright woman and it was so fun to experience iriomote with her! I would definitely recommend the tour if you want to learn about iriomote!