Kajakiranje po lagunah otoka Iriomote, Japonska

Odločitev, da dodamo v naš Japonski program tudi obisk najjužnejših otokov japonskega arhipelaga, se je na koncu pokazala za super odločitev. Iriomote-jima, praktično zadnji otok pred otokom Taiwan, je prava prestolnica vseh možnih aktivnosti v naravi, med drugim tudi morskega kajakiranja. Prva želja je bila, da kajakiranje izvedemo sami, z najetimi čolni. A ker se je to pokazalo za misija nemogoče, smo se na koncu odločili za dvodnevno turo z vodičem Yoshiyuki-jem, lastnikom agencije Bajautrip. Ker je bilo vreme precej muhasto, smo se odločili za kajakiranje v zavetrnih lagunah zahodnega dela otoka Iriomote, ki pa ponujajo praktično vse, kar si morski kajakaš želi. Najprej je bilo na vrsti kajakiranje v turkizno modri vodi, kjer smo imeli še največ “težav” z letečimi ribami, ki so se v strahu letalsko zaletavale v naše čolne. Potem so prišle na vrsto vodne uvale, fantastično ohranjene mangrove in seveda plaže vseh možnih oblik in barv. Večer smo preživeli ob tabornem ognju, ob kramljanju z novimi japonskimi prijatelji in uživanju v pravem kulinaričnem razvajanju. Tako dobro, kot sem jedel tedaj, verjetno ne bom nikoli več. 🙂

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The decision to add also Japanese islands to our japan itinerary turned out be a a great decision. Iriomote island, practically the last island before Taiwan, is a true capital of all possible outdoor activities, including sea kayaking. First we tried just to rent some kayaks and go on a trip but we realised that that is mission impossible. So we decided  to go on a 2 day trip with a guide Yoshiyuki, the owner of Bajautrip agency. Since the weather forecast predicted some heavy wind, we decided to paddle in the lagoons in the western part of the island, that offer virtually everything that a sea kayaker wants. First of all turquoise blue water, where we had some “troubles” with flying fishes, who were flying fearfully into our boats. Then we visited sea coves, beautifully preserved mangrove forests and of course the beaches of all possible shapes and colours. We spent the evening at a campfire, chatting with our new Japanese friends and enjoying real Japanese culinary delights. Most probably I will never eat soo good as on that trip. 🙂