Ishigaki

Ishigaki may be part of Japan, but this island paradise lies almost 2000km from Tokyo in the Yaeyama archipelago. Positioned at a latitude of just 24.3° north, Ishigaki is the same distance from the equator as the Bahamas, and its semi-tropical climate allows visitors to enjoy its beautiful beaches and coral reefs year-round.

 

Ishigaki belongs to the prefecture of Okinawa, and with an area of 229 square kilometers it is the second largest island in the Yaeyama archipelago, the largest being the beautifully rugged and wild Iriomote island. The population of Ishigaki (or Ishigakijima, as it is know in Japanese) if far greater than that of any other island in the group, and the vast majority of its 48,000 residents live in Ishigaki city which is located on the southern coast of the island. It is served by a large maritime port in addition to an airport which is positioned to the north west of the city. However, this airport is due to be replaced in 2011 by a newer, larger airport, which is being built on the east coast of the island.

 

 

Although Ishigaki is part of Japan, it retains a distinct culture and way of life which distinguishes it from the Japanese mainland. Haarii, hounensai and other festivals are held throughout the spring and summer months and the playing traditional musical instruments, such as the shamisen, is still a popular activity.

 

To many people life on the island can seem rather laid back to say the least when compared to the hustle and bustle of cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

 

It is this atmosphere along with its culture, weather and natural beauty, which attracts Japanese tourists in their thousands to the island every year. Although Ishigaki is a popular holiday destination for Japanese people, it's fair to say that Ishigaki and the Yaeyama island group as a whole is a location which remains relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists. However, the number of international visitors is increasing every year as word of the beauty of the island spreads.

 

 

One of Ishigaki's main attractions is its quality beaches and the reefs which surround them. There are lots of quality locations to be enjoyed which range from the more visited and net-protected beaches at Fusaki and Maezato to the more secluded, idyllic spots, such as Sunset beach. Those who wish to enjoy some quality snorkeling should make their way to Yonehara where an expansive reef is to be found just meters from the shoreline.

 

 

Ishigaki is a prime dive destination as it offers some of the best sites in the world to reliably view manta rays. The temperature of coastal waters fluctuate between 21 degrees in the winter to around 29 degrees in the summer, hence, snorkeling and scuba diving in the beautiful coral reefs which surround the island can be enjoyed all year round.

 

 

In culinary terms Ishigaki also has a lot to offer visitors. Ishigaki beef is the pride of the island, and while being expensive, it is considered by many to be the most delicious in the world. Yaeyama soba is also popular among Japanese visitors as its taste and texture is distinct from soba found throughout the rest of Japan. 

 

It would also be a shame to visit the island without sampling a glass or three of locally-produced Awamori, however, beware as it is deceptively potent, with a minimum alcohol content of 30%.

 

 

Ishigaki along with the Yaeyama group as a whole represents a fantastic holiday destination for those visiting or living in Japan. Whether you enjoy snorkeling in coral reefs, lazing on a beautiful beach, island-hopping, hiking along rugged trails, or enjoying a glass of awamori with the locals, Ishigaki has something for you. On average a flight to Ishigaki from the mainland takes around 3 hours, and there is enough exploring to be done on Ishigaki and surrounding islands in the Yaeyama group to comfortably fill a two week break.