Iriomote Culture Discovery. Indigenous culture on Iriomote Island
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This is a unique and only tour to discover Okinawan culture, history, customs, and local stories on Iriomote Island.
You will have access to 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!
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!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
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.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
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What To Expect
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.
前泊御嶽
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.
Options
Iriomote Culture Discovery. Indigenous culture on Iriomote Island
Pickup included
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
One of the best tours I have ever done, what a pleasure to learn about Iriomote local indigenous culture
Kristen S,
Mar 9, 2023
- Viator
5.00I 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.
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Operated by Karola Mech