Pinaisara Waterfall Basin &
Star Sand Beach & Caving Set Tour
🛶 Winter Jungle Special: Waterfall, Caves & Star Sands
Season: October – April | Duration: Full Day (Approx. 6-7 Hours)
When the summer heat fades, the subtropical jungle becomes the perfect playground. This tour is our top recommendation for the cooler months, offering a mix of iconic views and underground exploration.
👑 Morning: The Giant of Iriomote (Pinaisara Basin)
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Mangrove Kayaking: Paddle through the calm Hinai River as the morning mist rises from the trees.
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Jungle Trek: Hike the scenic mountain path to the base of Okinawa’s tallest waterfall (55m).
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The “Beard” of the Island: From the basin, look straight up at the massive white “beard” of water. Even in winter, the power of this site is breathtaking.
🍴 Lunch Break
Enjoy a delicious local lunch included in your tour.
🔦 Afternoon: Hidden Caves & Star Sands
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Caving Adventure (1 Hour): Strap on your headlamp and enter a different world! We explore a limestone cave system hidden in the jungle. It’s a thrilling, mysterious experience for all ages.
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Star Sand Beach (Hoshisuna-no-hama): Visit Iriomote’s most famous beach. Here, the “sand” is actually the tiny, star-shaped shells of microscopic organisms.
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Relaxation: Take photos, hunt for your own star sand, and enjoy the beautiful emerald ocean view.
👑 Go to The Great Pinaisara Basin: Relax & Refresh
Duration: ~3 Hours (Short-Time Tour) | Level: Easy to Moderate
Experience Okinawa’s largest waterfall (55m) the most relaxing way possible! This tour skips the steep mountain climb and takes you straight to the spectacular “Basin Pool” at the bottom of the falls.
The Journey:
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Mangrove Kayaking (40 min): Enjoy a peaceful paddle through the wide Hinai River. The water is calm, and the mangrove forest is full of life.
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Jungle Trekking (20 min): A short, manageable hike through the lush subtropical forest leads you directly to the base of the waterfall.
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The “Waterfall Shower”: Reach the massive basin where the “Beard of the Gods” falls from the sky.
Feel “Super Good” at the Basin:
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Swim & Float: Put on your life vest and simply float on your back in the cool, clear water. It is the ultimate stress-reliever!
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Waterfall Mist: Feel the powerful spray of the 55m falls on your face.
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Natural Spa: Relax on the sun-warmed rocks and listen to the thunderous sound of the water.
Why We Recommend This:
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Time-Saver: You get to see the island’s #1 landmark and still have half your day free.
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Accessible: Great for those who want the beauty of Pinaisara without the 2-hour uphill hike.
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Activity Choice: There is no better place to cool off from the Okinawa sun!
⭐ Star Sand Beach: A Tiny Coastal Wonder
Location: Northern Iriomote | The Most Famous Beach on the Island
After trekking through the deep green jungle, it’s time to feel the white “sand” between your toes. But look closely—this isn’t ordinary sand!
What is Star Sand?
The famous “stars” of Iriomote are actually the tiny, star-shaped husks of microscopic marine organisms called Foraminifera. Legend says they are the tiny offspring of the Southern Cross and the North Star!
Highlights of Your Visit:
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The Star Hunt: See how many star-shaped grains you can find in the palm of your hand. It’s a peaceful, rewarding activity for both kids and adults.
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The View: Look out over the emerald-blue sea toward Hatoma Island. It’s the perfect spot for a scenic photo.
🌿 A Gentle Reminder
“Take only pictures, leave only footprints.” > To protect this natural wonder for future generations, please enjoy finding the star sand on the beach, but avoid taking large amounts home. Let’s keep the magic of Iriomote alive!
🔦 Journey to the Underworld: The Triple Cave Exploration
Experience: Total Darkness | Duration: ~1.5 Hour (as part of a tour)
Step away from the sun and enter a hidden, “unreality” world beneath the roots of the subtropical jungle. We will explore a series of three distinct limestone caves, each with its own mystery.
The Three Stages of Discovery:
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The Small Cave: A perfect introduction. Get used to the cool air and the unique rock formations of the island’s underground.
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The Middle Cave: As the walls close in and the ceiling rises, you’ll see the intricate details of stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.
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The Long Cave (The Void): This is the ultimate challenge. We head deep into the longest tunnel where it is completely dark. With your headlamps off, you will experience “true black”—a silent, surreal world that feels like another planet.
Why You’ll Love It:
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A “Cool” Adventure: The caves stay naturally cool year-round, making this a refreshing break from the humidity.
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Pure Mystery: Seeing the jungle light disappear behind you is a powerful, heart-pounding experience.
Caution: This activity requires some crawling and walking on uneven, slippery ground. It’s perfect for those with an adventurous spirit!
| Level of difficulty |   |
| Tour Available | Recommended Winter Season Oct to April |
| Required age | Over 5 years ~ until 65 years |
| Fees | This tour reservations can be made 6 month prior to your tour date!!
Advance Payment : You will receive an online payment bill by mail. ¥15,000 / Under 12 years ¥13,000 |
| Tour lenght | 6h~7h |
| Items used | River Kayak, Boots, and Snorkeling set |
✅ What to Bring
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Hydration: Please bring 500ml to 1000ml of drinking water per person.
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Dry Clothes: If you are visiting from Ishigaki, please bring a full change of clothes for the return journey.
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Swimwear: Please wear your swimsuit underneath your trekking/kayaking clothes. Be ready to get wet!
💰 What’s Included in the Price
We provide everything you need for a safe and comfortable day:
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Professional Equipment: Kayaks, paddles, and snorkeling gear.
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Safety & Comfort: Marine shoes/trekking boots and a waterproof bag for your small belongings.
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Lunch: A delicious local meal is included!
⚠️ Important Safety Note (Caution)
Your safety is our top priority. Please be aware that:
Depending on weather or tide conditions, the tour route may be modified, shortened, or ended early to ensure the safety of all guests.
| 9:00 | Pick up your hotel or Uehara Port. |
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| 9:30 | Prepare for Pinaisara waterfall Kayak tour. |
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| 10:00 | Start Kayaking. |
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| 10:50 | Start Trekking to the Pinaisara Waterfall Basin. |
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| 11:10 | Arrive Pinaisara Waterfall Basin. Free time & Lunch. You can swim at Basin pool. |
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| 12:00 | Leave waterfall. Start trekking. |
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| 12:20 | Kayak start. Back to strating point. |
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| 13:20 | Finish Kayak ! Move to Star Sand Beach for Taking a Break. |
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| 13:45 | Go to Cave |
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| 14:00 | Cavning Start |
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| 15:00 | Caving Finish |
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| 15:30 | Arrive to your Hotel or Uehara Port |
Rough Time Table
