Kabira Bay is a popular tourist destination on Ishigaki Island that's well known for its emerald green waters and white sand. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)
There are a million ways to enjoy Ishigaki island, one of the many beautiful and interesting islands in Japan’s Ryukyu chain that stretches from Kyushu almost to Taiwan.
Unlike most of the 55 islands and islets of the Ryukyus, where visitors may stay only a day or two, visits to tropical Ishigaki may stretch to several days. It may also serve as a starting point for visits to nearby natural settings at places like Iriomote.
Ishigaki, 250 miles southwest of Okinawa, the largest of the Ryukyu islands, is less than an hour by air from Naha, the capital of Okinawa prefecture.
People who have never been to Ishigaki might think it’s just another island, but really, the scenery is on another level.
There are many ways to enjoy the island, starting with a basic sightseeing drive. Without debate, the most popular destination in Ishigaki is Kabira Bay, about 45 minutes from the airport. You’ll be totally amazed by its white sand and emerald green waters.
Swimming in the bay is prohibited due to the fast, dangerous currents that run there. But kayaking or riding in a glass boat are good options to enjoy the clear waters and get the perfect pictures for your Instagram feed.
The Morita residence in Ishigaki Yaima Village is a 100-year-old traditional home registered as one of Japan's tangible cultural properties. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)
The Makishi residence in Ishigaki Yaima Village is a 100-year-old traditional home registered as one of Japan's tangible cultural properties. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)
At Ishigaki Yaima Village, 30 minutes from the airport, you’ll learn about the island’s culture. There are four 100-year-old traditional houses that are registered as tangible cultural properties.
The food is also something to enjoy. You can have some fun in any izakaya in the popular Misaki-cho area or enjoy some fresh, delicious Ishigaki beef yakiniku.
Ishigaki beef, the product of black cows raised on the island, is a type of Wagyu that is well known for being fatty and flavorful. The meat will just melt in your mouth.
Another way to enjoy your Ishigaki trip is to visit the remote islands around it — yes, go to an island from an island. There are many islands around Ishigaki, and you can access all of them by taking the boats and ferries departing from Ishigaki port.
My favorite is Taketomi island, where the beach is breathtaking and you can feel the island vibes and culture. You can relax and enjoy a beer while lying on the beach then take one of the water buffalo cart tours around the traditional Ryukyu village.
Iriomote is another great choice; there are half-day or one-day trips to the island. Iriomote is the chain’s second largest island and is part of a World Heritage Site along with the Yambaru forests on northern Okinawa.
The island, which is mostly pristine, is covered by jungles and mangrove forests. Kayaking or trekking would be a great option to enjoy the unique nature on this island that can only be reached by boat.
You’ll definitely need more than five days to enjoy all the treasures in Ishigaki and the islands around it. Make room in your calendar; paradise is just a flight away.
On the QT
Directions: A flight from Naha to Ishigaki is about 50 minutes; most of the remote islands can be accessed within an hour from Ishigaki port.
Times: Open year round.
Costs: Air fare to Ishigaki from Naha is typically about $80 one way. Round-trip ferry tickets from Ishigaki to Taketomi are about $12, and about $40 to Iriomote. Bring lots of yen since most of the tour companies, restaurants, grocery stores are cash only.
Food: Ishigaki beef yakiniku and steaks are a must-try. Reservations are recommended, especially during tourist season.
Information: yaeyama.or.jp
