Irumote So

The peaceful yard was such a lovely place to relax, and the island itself felt magical. The location worked perfectly for me, within walking distance of the best spots, and it was easy to hitchhike farther away. My three nights turned into five, and I only left because I had a plane to catch. Kyoko, the owner, is the sweetest, like a living grandma. She met me at the ferry, drove me back to the port, and let me join her for two rides to places too far to walk. She noticed I was vegan, and I’d come back to several little Japanese dishes to try. Every one was tasty. My rooms were clean and spacious. I stayed in two because I extended my trip, and had everything I needed. Great price too. Hope I can return, thank you!

The owner was so kind, supportive, and fun to be around. The place has a beautiful garden, a fantastic view of the ocean, and a calm, welcoming feel. I’d love to stay again someday. Thank you very much. Thank you very much Goodbye

If you come to Iriomote for the outdoors, nature, and the local atmosphere, Irumoteso is a great base. There are no taxis, so you’ll need to make the most of your time on the island and its largely unspoilt landscape. Spend your days cycling, hiking, snorkeling, and walking, and you can still come back to a peaceful, relaxing place. Bring a plastic bag when you explore so you can avoid littering. I’ve stayed in a lot of guesthouses around the world, often on a budget, and this one stands out above them all. Kyoko is lovely and works incredibly hard, the grounds are immaculate, and the building has a lot of character. It’s also close to plenty of things to do, and Kyoko and Irumoteso are so well known that tour operators across the island know where to pick you up. There are a few all-inclusive resorts on Iriomote, but this place gave me a uniquely peaceful experience.

The garden has an amazing view, and I’d happily return to Iriomote and its wonderful forest to stay here again. We spent five days at Irumoteso, and Kiyoko made everything feel easy and lovely. She’s a force of nature, speaks great English, and helped us communicate while booking guided tours around the island. Our room was very spacious and tidy, with tatami alongside wooden flooring and large windows. The whole house was clean and the showers were in top condition. Signs throughout are translated into English, so foreign guests can enjoy their stay without accidentally breaking any rules.