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Ishigaki Island is one of Japan’s leading tourist destinations, attracting visitors. Its beauty is reflected in the sparkling blue beaches and the depth of nature, as well as the fact that you can enjoy local flavors. In this article, we will introduce the highlights of Ishigaki Island and information to help you enjoy your trip even more.

Ishigaki Island Beaches

Ishigaki Island’s beaches are known for their beauty and diversity. The white sandy beaches contrast perfectly with the emerald green sea. Each beach has its own unique charm.

White Sand Beaches

When you think of Ishigaki Island’s beaches, the first thing that comes to mind is the white sand. The moment you step on them, you’ll feel a soft and comfortable sensation, and in front of you will be an emerald green sea with gentle waves lapping and retreating. The crystal clear water is perfect not only for swimming, but also for various activities such as snorkeling and kayaking. Spending some time relaxing while watching the sunrise or sunset is also special. Although it is crowded with many people during the tourist season, each beach has a different atmosphere, so you can find a quiet spot.

Phantom Beach

Many people visit the “Phantom Beach” as a special experience unique to Ishigaki Island. This beach only appears when the tide goes out, so the timing of your visit is very important. This natural miracle, which only appears at low tide, is known as a photogenic spot, with a particularly impressive contrast between the white sand and the clear water. Especially in the early morning and evening hours, a fantastic atmosphere drifts, and you can experience the feeling that time has stopped.

Ishigaki Island Cuisine

Ishigaki Island is a place where you can enjoy beautiful nature, but its charm is not limited to tourism. The cuisine made with fresh local ingredients will impress anyone who visits.

Ishigaki Beef

Ishigaki Beef is one of the specialties that Ishigaki Island is proud of. Its appeal is its melting tenderness and juicy flavor. Ishigaki beef, carefully raised on local pasture, is highly regarded nationwide for its high quality. You can enjoy its deliciousness in a variety of ways, such as steak, yakiniku, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu. In particular, the Ishigaki beef dishes served at local restaurants are a taste that tourists will remember for a lifetime.

Island vegetables and seafood

Fresh island vegetables and seafood are also a unique attraction of Ishigaki Island. In particular, island vegetables such as papaya and bitter melon grown by local farmers fully demonstrate their aroma and flavor in dishes. In addition, the seafood caught in the waters off Ishigaki Island is surprisingly fresh, and the rich flavor of sea urchins and tuna captivates many tourists. You can enjoy it as sashimi, sushi, or traditional local cuisine, and once you try any of them, it will be an experience you will never forget.

Tourist attractions

Ishigaki Island is a treasure trove of nature, and there are many spots that will soothe visitors. The beautiful scenery and places to interact with each other will always provide you with new discoveries, no matter how many times you visit.

Kabira Bay

Kabira Bay is one of Ishigaki Island’s most popular tourist destinations. Its beauty is so great that it was selected as one of the “100 Best Beaches in Japan.” The calm waters shine like jewels. The surrounding mountains blend in exquisitely with the blue of the sea, creating a picturesque landscape. You can also ride a glass-bottom boat to observe the ocean floor, and the colorful tropical fish and coral reefs that spread out before your eyes are an unforgettable experience.

Nosoko Forest Park

Another attraction of Ishigaki Island is its lush forests. Nosoko Forest Park is filled with virgin forests, making you feel as if you have wandered into another world. You can see rare plants and animals in this area, making it the perfect place to enjoy a nature walk. The view of the island from the observation deck is also magnificent, and will surely soothe your travel fatigue.

Activities to enjoy on Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island offers a wide range of activities that utilize its beautiful nature. Rather than simply visiting tourist spots, you can experience the charm of the island while moving your body.

Snorkeling and Diving

The sea around Ishigaki Island is highly transparent, and colorful fish and coral reefs are spread out. For this reason, snorkeling and diving are popular activities. There is a wide range of options, from trial diving for beginners to deep sea spots for advanced divers. Famous spots include “Manta Point,” where you are likely to encounter manta rays, and “Yonehara Sea,” where coral reefs spread out. Each has its own unique charm and is so beautiful that you will want to visit again and again.

Kayaking and SUP

In addition to the sea, kayaking and SUP (stand-up paddle boarding) on ​​the mangrove-filled river are also experiences unique to Ishigaki Island. As you leisurely move along the river, you can feel the sounds of nature and the scent of plants, which will soothe your mind. For experienced kayakers, kayaking tours on the calm sea are also popular. Guided tours allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the local nature, flora and fauna as you listen to detailed explanations.

Stargazing

Ishigaki Island is known as one of the best stargazing spots in Japan. Just a short distance from the city center, you can see the starry sky and the Milky Way and shooting stars clearly. In particular, tours with guides who have knowledge of astronomy are highly satisfying for both children and adults, as you can enjoy listening to stories about constellations and explanations of celestial bodies. The experience of gazing at the starry sky in the silence of the night is a special moment that you cannot have in your daily life.

Transportation on Ishigaki Island

The choice of transportation is important to enjoy Ishigaki Island efficiently. There are several ways to get around the main tourist spots.

Rental Car

Rental car is the best way to move freely around the island. You can access places that are difficult to reach by public transportation, such as beaches and mountain areas, and make effective use of your time. There are several rental car companies on the island, so it is a good idea to make a reservation in advance. Also, there are only a limited number of gas stations, so you need to be careful about the remaining fuel.

Rental bicycles and electric scooters

When touring the city and nearby tourist spots, rental bicycles and electric scooters are convenient. Since parking spaces are required around the city, bicycles and scooters are popular as easy-to-use means of transportation. One of the attractions is being able to travel leisurely while feeling the breeze.

Public transportation

You can also use buses to travel around tourist spots. However, there are only a limited number of routes and buses, so it is important to check the timetable in advance and make an efficient plan. Another experience unique to buses is being able to travel leisurely while enjoying interactions with local people.

Staying in Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island is full of attractions as a tourist destination, but choosing where to stay is also one of the points that will make your trip more fulfilling.

Resort Hotels

For those who want to spend a luxurious time, resort hotels are recommended. They are full of luxurious facilities such as rooms facing the sea, spacious pools, and restaurants where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients. The appeal of resort hotels is that you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery during your stay.

Guesthouses

For those who want to experience the local atmosphere while keeping their budget low, guesthouses are popular. They are also suitable for solo travelers as you can enjoy interacting with other travelers and locals. You will be able to get to know the charm of Ishigaki Island deeply in a homely atmosphere.

Camping

In Ishigaki Island, you can also experience camping in nature. At campsites, you can enjoy a barbecue under the night sky and wake up to the sunrise, which is a special experience. This is a recommended way to stay for those who love the outdoors.

Summary

Ishigaki Island is an attractive place where you can discover something new no matter how many times you visit. The clear blue sea, the rich nature, the cuisine made with fresh ingredients, and the unforgettable experiences await you. Why not find your own travel style and fully experience the charm of Ishigaki Island?
Ishigaki Island is a place full of beautiful beaches, exquisite cuisine, and magnificent nature. The great thing about this island is that you can enjoy it freely according to your time and interests. Why not visit this special island and spend a memorable time?
These are the points to enjoy the charm of Ishigaki Island to the fullest. Make irreplaceable memories on this beautiful island.

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