Urauchi River
浦内川24°24′ N 123°47′ ERiverGood with kids
The Urauchi River on Iriomote is the longest river in Okinawa Prefecture at 18.8 km, and Urauchi Kanko's boats carry visitors 8 km up through mangroves in about 30 minutes to the trail for Mariyudu and Kanbire falls.
The Urauchi runs north-west from the hills in the middle of the island to the sea at Tsukigahama, and the tide pushes salt water about 8 km upstream, as far as the rock called Gunkan-iwa. That long brackish reach holds more than 400 species of fish, and five threatened freshwater species, the Urauchi snapper among them, live mainly in the 1.5 km stretch below Mariyudu Falls. Mangroves line the lower river, and subtropical forest takes over further up.
Urauchi Kanko runs the boats from a jetty beside the Urauchi bridge. The plain cruise turns round at the upper landing, and the falls package drops you there for a walk of about 40 minutes to the Mariyudu viewpoint and on to Kanbire, then collects you for the 30-minute run back. The operator lends rubber boots, because the path is muddy and rocky, and you agree a pick-up time with the captain as you board.
The river's upper reaches have been held sacred for centuries; a record of 1727 calls the area Inaba-in and bans fire and food there in the early summer months. Beyond Kanbire the cross-island trail runs into the Urauchi headwaters, a restricted field since March 2025 that takes 50 people a day.
Worth knowing
- Turn up 10 minutes before departure; the boats do not take reservations.
- A boat needs four passengers, and small groups pay more per head when it runs short.
- The Utara coal mine boardwalk near the bridge is closed because the timber has rotted.
FAQ
Quick answers about Urauchi Riverよくある質問
Do you need to book the Urauchi River cruise?
No. Urauchi Kanko's boats take passengers without reservations; arrive about 10 minutes before departure. A sailing needs at least four people.
How long is the Urauchi River?
18.8 km. The Urauchi on Iriomote is the longest river in Okinawa Prefecture, and the tide reaches about 8 km upstream.
Can you walk to Mariyudu Falls from the Urauchi River boat?
Yes, on the falls package. The boat drops you at the upper landing, about 30 minutes upstream, and a maintained trail of about 40 minutes leads to the Mariyudu viewpoint and on to Kanbire Falls.
How much does Urauchi River cost?
Adult entry to Urauchi River costs ¥3,000 (Sightseeing cruise ¥3,000 adult, ¥1,500 child; the cruise with the walk to Mariyudu and Kanbire falls is ¥3,500 adult. Prices are as listed on Urauchi Kanko's site, which carries no year (checked October 2026)).
What are the opening hours of Urauchi River?
Urauchi River is open Boats leave the downstream jetty at 9:00, 10:00, 11:30, 12:30, 14:30 and 15:30, closed sailings need at least four passengers and may be cancelled for weather or water level.
Can you get to Urauchi River by bike?
The jetty sits beside the Urauchi bridge on Route 215, about 15 minutes by car west of Uehara.
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