The Urauchi River is the longest river in Okinawa Prefecture, and it is found on Iriomote Island, the largest of the Yaeyama Islands.
As Okinawa consists of many small islands, its perhaps not surprising that the longest river is only just over 18km in length.
the river source is in the middle of the mostly uninhabited island at 311 meters elevation and reaches the sea at the NW of the island.
Boat trips go upriver about 10 kilometers and from where they stop a trail runs another kilometer or so to Mariudo Falls.
A three stage falls of just 16 meters, Mariudo Falls is not the tallest on Iriomote, but possibly the most visited. It is possible to hike further upstream to another waterfall, and several smaller falls are passed on the way to Mariudo.
Many sources use the word "jungle" to describe Iriomote, but while it is certainly different from mainland Japan, I would use "sub-tropical" forest.
What Iriomote does have is plenty of mangroves, trees that grow in the salty water of intertidal zones in tropical and sub-tropical environments.
The guide on the boat was very excited to point out this bird which, I believe, was a Crested Sea Eagle.
Its also possible to cruise the river in guided kayak tours.
The previous post on Okinawa was on
Mount Nosokodake on neighboring Ishigaki Island.
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