100 Travel Stories
Konnichiwa, Okinawa! Snapshots of Ishigaki
Okinawa
From 40 millions to almost none, crowded to deserted, 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 the airplane from Nagoya to Ishigaki city. Final destination: Iriomote Jima island, the southernmost island of Japan. This is part 1 of three series posts about three beautiful islands from Okinawa.
“It is possible to have a love affair with an island?”
Japan Airlines Boeing 747, Nagoya Airport
Flying to Ishigaki high above the Pacific Ocean
There is a pudel in the sky!
Okinawa coral islands (aerial view)
Snapshots of Ishigaki (石垣島)
Ishigaki Island is the most inhabited and developed island of the Yaeyama Islands. Ishigaki is the departure point to Iriomote, Yaketomi, Kuroshima and other islands.
The port
Okinawa cruise ship
The city is laid back, with a vintage look and a tranquil feeling. Ishigaki is known to have some of the finest beaches in Okinawa. I used Ishigaki as a transit one night stop to and from Iriomote Jima island. I managed to catch some glimpses of the city in a very short time, but there is a lot more to see and do on the island.
Old stores in the city
Calmness
Tsunami evacuation sign
Vintage style ads
Buses perfectly parked and spotless clean, the Japanese way
Fisherman store
A goat in my soup!
Cozy restaurant
Ishigaki Festival
- Listen to beautiful Okinawa music: “Okinawa Best Song Collection“
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 throughout Japan
- Use a Visit Japan Pass to travel by air
Both, the train and air passes must be purchased outside of Japan.
What I tried
- “Awamori” – the Okinawa famed and strong liquor, made from rice, with a 30% and up alcohol
Okinawa coral islands (aerial view)
Map
- Next trips: Iriomote and Yubu Jima islands.