Nakama River Mangrove Cruise (Iriomote Kotsu)
仲間川マングローブクルーズ（西表島交通）24°16′ N 123°53′ EBoatIriomote-jima
Iriomote Kotsu's Nakama River Mangrove Cruise leaves from beside Ohara Port for a 50–60 minute run up the Nakama River through Japan's largest mangrove forest, at ¥3,500 for adults from October 2026, with no booking needed.
The Nakama River winds about 17.5 km into the forest behind Ohara, and the boat runs slowly upstream between banks of mangrove on a speed limit the operators agreed among themselves to protect the river. The guide points out the different mangrove species, including the mayapushiki that grows only on Iriomote's east side. It's a sit-down trip, and the company says it suits older visitors because there's no walking.
This is the easy add-on for anyone landing at Ohara from Ishigaki, because the ticket window and the pier are both beside the ferry terminal. The company suggests the afternoon boats if you want a quieter one. The longer course with the walk to the giant Sakishima-suonoki tree is off until the damaged boardwalk is fixed.
What they offer
| Offering | From | Duration | Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mangrove coursePrice from 1 October 2026 (it was ¥3,000 until 30 September 2026); child ¥1,750. No reservation needed: buy tickets at Shop Jugon, 30 seconds' walk from the Ohara port terminal. Departure times follow the tide; the published October 2026 schedule shows boats at 10:00, 11:25 and 15:00. No toilet on board. | ¥3,500 / adult | 50–60 min | Year-round |
| Sakishima-suonoki courseChild ¥2,250. Adds the walk on the upstream boardwalk to Japan's largest Sakishima-suonoki tree. Suspended until further notice while the damaged boardwalk is checked (October 2026). | ¥4,500 / adult | 80–90 min | Suspended |
FAQ
Quick answers about Nakama River Mangrove Cruise (Iriomote Kotsu)よくある質問
Do you need to book the Nakama River cruise?
No. Iriomote Kotsu sells Nakama River Mangrove Cruise tickets at Shop Jugon beside Ohara Port with no reservation. Canoe tours on the river do need booking.
How much is the Nakama River cruise on Iriomote?
The Nakama River mangrove course costs ¥3,500 for adults and ¥1,750 for children from 1 October 2026 and lasts 50–60 minutes. The longer Sakishima-suonoki course is suspended while its boardwalk is repaired.
Is the Nakama River cruise the same as the Urauchi River cruise?
No. The Nakama River cruise leaves from Ohara on Iriomote's southeast coast and stays on the boat, while the Urauchi River boats run from the north coast and connect with a walk to Mariyudu Falls.
Does Nakama River Mangrove Cruise (Iriomote Kotsu) speak English?
Nakama River Mangrove Cruise (Iriomote Kotsu) works in Japanese.
Is Nakama River Mangrove Cruise (Iriomote Kotsu) open in winter?
Nakama River Mangrove Cruise (Iriomote Kotsu): The mangrove course runs all year. Heavy rain, strong wind or a very low tide can stop a sailing or cut it short without notice, so check the company's three-month schedule before you build an east-side day around it.
Within 6 km