Iriomote Jima

Welcome to Iriomote Jima, a Tropical island in the Eastern China Sea, part of the majestic Pacific Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Iriomote Jima unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Iriomote Jima
Size: 290.9 km²
Coastline: 164.3 km
Ocean: Pacific Ocean
Sea: Eastern China Sea
Continent: Asia
Iriomote Jima is a Large Island spanning 291 km² with a coastline of 164 km.
Archipel: Ryukyu Islands – A chain of Japanese islands stretching southwest from Kyushu to Taiwan, known for their unique Okinawan culture and subtropical climate.
Tectonic Plate: Yangtze – A minor tectonic plate in East Asia, often considered a part of the Eurasian Plate. It’s primarily continental and covers the Yangtze River area in China, playing a significant role in the region’s geological stability.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 24.3357928 / Longitude: 123.81557042
Climate and weather of Iriomote Jima
Climate Zone: Tropical
Climate Details: Tropical Rainforest Climate
Temperature: Hot
Climate Characteristics: This climate is typified by heavy rainfall throughout the year, high humidity, and consistently high temperatures, leading to lush rainforests and rich biodiversity. Seasonal temperature variations are minimal.
Topography and nature of Iriomote Jima
Timezone: UTC+09:00
Timezone places: Asia/Tokyo
Max. Elevation: 402 m
Mean Elevation: 157 m
Vegetation: Evergreen Broadleaf Forest
Tree Coverage: 75%
The mean elevation is 157 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 402 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Hills: Gently sloping landforms with rounded tops, having a maximum elevation between 200 and 500 meters. Hills contribute to a varied landscape on islands.
Dominating Vegetation: Evergreen Broadleaf Forest
Characterized by dense, lush canopies of broadleaf trees that retain their leaves year-round. These forests are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions and are known for their high biodiversity. Iriomote Jima has a tree cover of 75 %.
Vegetation: 13 vegetation zones – Exceptionally Diverse Island
Islands with more than ten vegetation zones are among the most ecologically rich and varied in the world. These islands are akin to miniature continents, boasting an incredible array of ecosystems. The sheer range of habitats, from high peaks to deep valleys, rainforests to deserts, creates a mosaic of life that is unparalleled. They are crucial for conservation and ecological studies.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Iriomote Jima
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Iriomote Jima. The nearest airport is New Ishigaki Airport, located 34 km away.
Does the island have a major port? no.
There are no major ports on Iriomote Jima. The closest major port is ISHIGAKI, approximately 25 km away.
The mean population of Iriomote Jima is 12 per km². Iriomote Jima is Gently Populated. The island belongs to Japan.
Continuing your journey, Kuro-shima is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
Japan is classified as Developed region: G7: Group of Seven – Major advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The level of income is High income: OECD.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Iriomote Jima
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Iriomote Jima. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- Moderate mag. 4.7 earthquake - 75 km NNE of Yonakuni, Japan, on Monday, Oct 5, 2026, at 10:30 pm (GMT +9) - Volcano Discoveryon 5 October 2026
Moderate mag. 4.7 earthquake - 75 km NNE of Yonakuni, Japan, on Monday, Oct 5, 2026, at 10:30 pm (GMT +9) Volcano Discovery
- World Earthquake Report for Tuesday, 15 September 2026 - Volcano Discoveryon 16 September 2026
World Earthquake Report for Tuesday, 15 September 2026 Volcano Discovery
- World Earthquake Report for Sunday, 17 May 2026 - Volcano Discoveryon 18 May 2026
World Earthquake Report for Sunday, 17 May 2026 Volcano Discovery
- UNESCO heritage sites in Japan facing challenges of overtourism - 朝日新聞on 7 August 2025
UNESCO heritage sites in Japan facing challenges of overtourism 朝日新聞
- 【FOCUS IT.]Choosing to Travel to Okinawa in Spring: Three Fun Facts about Iriomote Island Hotel by Hoshino Resort in April. | news | HOUYHNHNM (Huinamu) - HOUYHNHNM(フイナム)on 30 April 2025
【FOCUS IT.]Choosing to Travel to Okinawa in Spring: Three Fun Facts about Iriomote Island Hotel by Hoshino Resort in April. | news | HOUYHNHNM (Huinamu) HOUYHNHNM(フイナム)
- Yaeyama Islands: Iriomote’s Hanami (Flower Viewing) - Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)on 21 August 2024
Yaeyama Islands: Iriomote’s Hanami (Flower Viewing) Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
- Monument to wartime malaria victims unveiled on Okinawa isle - 朝日新聞on 16 June 2024
Monument to wartime malaria victims unveiled on Okinawa isle 朝日新聞
- Seasonal diet partition among top predators of a small island, Iriomote Island in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan - Natureon 2 April 2024
Seasonal diet partition among top predators of a small island, Iriomote Island in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan Nature
- Meet Japan’s Iriomote and Tsushima cats: Ambassadors for island conservation - news - Mongabayon 24 October 2023
Meet Japan’s Iriomote and Tsushima cats: Ambassadors for island conservation news - Mongabay
- The most luxurious ways to go island-hopping in Japan | Travel Insider - Qantason 29 September 2023
The most luxurious ways to go island-hopping in Japan | Travel Insider Qantas
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.
