Yaeyama Archipelago (Ishigaki City, Taketomi-cho, and Yonaguni-cho, Okinawa Pref.)

Ecotourism programs make it possible to go island hopping in the Yaeyama Archipelago.

About 80% of the islands have a subtropical climate, and they are known as the "Amazon of the Orient." The ecotourism programs for Iriomote Island are especially popular.

The largest mangrove forest in Japan is located near the mouth of the Nakama River, which runs to the southeast through the central part of Iriomote Island. Here you can go canoeing up the river, and about halfway up the river you will find looking-glass mangrove trees (Heritiera littoralis) that are about 400 years old.

Select for inclusion in the Nihon Hyakukei tourism guidebook (Best 100 Scenic Spots Of Japan), Kabira Bay is representative of scenic spots in the area and the most popular tourist spot on the island. The color of the water in the bay varies with the tides, and you can enjoy viewing the tropical fish and the coral from glass-bottom boats.