100 Travel Stories
Konnichiwa, Okinawa! Snapshots of Ishigaki
Okinawa
From 40 million to almost none, from crowded to deserted, from bustling to peaceful — from Tokyo to Iriomote. Welcome to Okinawa!
Sometime in October, after enjoying the craziness of Tokyo, I took the bullet train (Shinkansen) from Tokyo to Nagoya, and then a flight from Nagoya to Ishigaki City. Final destination: Iriomote-jima, the southernmost island of Japan.
“Is it possible to have a love affair with an island?”
Snapshots of Ishigaki (石垣島)
Ishigaki Island is the most populated and developed of the Yaeyama Islands. It serves as the departure point to Iriomote, Taketomi, Kuroshima, and other nearby islands.
The port
Okinawa cruise ship
The city is laid-back, with a vintage look and a tranquil atmosphere. Ishigaki is known for having some of the finest beaches in Okinawa. I used Ishigaki as a one-night transit stop to and from Iriomote-jima. I managed to catch a few glimpses of the city in a very short time, but there’s much more to see and do on the island.
Old stores in the city
Calmness
Tsunami evacuation sign
Vintage style ads
Buses perfectly parked and spotlessly clean — the Japanese way.
Fisherman store
A goat in my soup!
Cozy restaurant
Ishigaki Festival
The festival celebrates the summer harvest, with villagers thanking the gods and praying for future abundance.
- Listen to beautiful Okinawa music
Things to do
- Go to the beaches, some of the finest in Japan
- Enjoy outdoors activities: mountain climbing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking
- Take a tour of the island’s sightseeing spots
- Get immersed in the local culture
- Relax at night in the entertainment district
How to get to Ishigaky
Useful information
- Use a Japan Rail Pass to travel by train across Japan
- Use a Visit Japan Pass to travel by air
Both the train and air passes must be purchased outside Japan.
What I tried
- “Awamori” – Okinawa’s famous strong liquor, made from rice, with 30% alcohol or more.
Okinawa coral islands (aerial view)
Map
Related
- Japan’s Last Frontier: Iriomote Jima
- The Paradise of Yubu Jima, the Flower Island