My favourite hidden landscape in Japan is a coastal cliff at Dogashima (near Nishi-izu town, Shizuoka prefecture) due to a deep blue sea, visible layers in the rock, colourful deposits, improbable vegetation, and a mysterious cave… Ride a boat to see that landscape!
If you like this landscape photographed by Sébastien Duval, admire Inner Japan‘s dedicated photo gallery!
During your stay on Iriomote island, a water buffalo with large circular horns can quickly take you across the sea to visit the botanical garden of Yubu island! It is great fun the first time and there is no way to get sea sick 
Travel photo 1: Water buffalos ready to go to Yubu island.
Travel photo 2: Tourists crossing the sea in a cart pulled by a water buffalo
Travel photo 3: Iriomote island seen from behind a water buffalo!
During my autumnal trip in Okinawa, the driver even played an Okinawan musical instrument “sanshin” during the crossing Will you be that lucky too?
Active travellers with a guide can witness beautiful and exciting landscapes at Iriomote island’s jungle, as I did during my second stay in Okinawa in 2008. A helicopter tour would give you great views of the island but you would miss the unique sights of inner Japan enjoyed while canoeing or trekking in the jungle!
Ecotour photo 1: River partly covered by trees seen from a canoe.
Ecotour photo 2: First sight of Pinaisara waterfalls while canoeing.
Ecotour photo 3: River seen through dense foliage while trekking in the jungle.
Ecotour photo 4: Best panorama of Iriomote island from the top of Pinaisara waterfalls… See the top of the waterfalls, lively jungle, barely visible river, multi-coloured sea, and bright sky!
Ecotour photo 5: Sébastien Duval with a smile at the bottom of Pinaisara waterfalls after trekking.
Adventurers, nature lovers and travellers trying to find inner peace, your visit at Iriomote island may be your only chance to see such landscapes… Make the best of it!
Okinawa prefecture has no famous hot spring. Still, Okinawa lets you relax in the water: you can swim in the sea at beautiful beaches or e.g. in the fresh pool at the bottom of Pinaisara waterfalls on Iriomote island! This is inner Japan