Pristine Paradise - Iriomote, Okinawa

Lana Bergmann visits the island of Iriomote-jima, one of the Yaeyama Islands in the southwestern end of the country. With subtropical virgin forests that cover about 90 percent of the island and several rare species of animals found there, Iriomote-jima is viewed as a highly important place from an academic viewpoint in addition to being popular for eco-tours. Lana first participates in a kayaking tour through Japan's largest mangrove forest and learns about plants and animals in the tidal flats living together in a clever manner. Then she treks to the top of the largest waterfall in Okinawa to savor a spectacular view. She also takes part in a yacht tour to observe the diversity of marine life in a coral reef that has nearly 400 different types of corals.