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| Image Source: fineartamerica.com |
The Yaeyama Islands are an archipelago situated southwest of Okinawa Prefecture. Ishigaki is the second largest of these islands and is considered the region's business and transportation hub.
With its unspoilt beaches, pineapple plantations, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Ishigaki Island is considered by many as one of the most beautiful places in Japan.
Snorkeling at Yonehara
Yonehara Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Ishigaki. The sand is not fine, but the surrounding coral reef and abundant marine life more than make up for the pebbly beach. Yonehara boasts a large campsite shaded by trees, free showers, and parking facilities. The water is quite shallow, but snorkelers don't have to wade far to see small colorful fish flitting in and out of sight just underneath the surface of the crystal-clear water.
Yonehara is popular among tourists and locals alike, and can be quite crowded during the summer months, with camping groups and teenagers holding all-night beach parties. Despite the constant influx of guests, however, Yonehara Beach is remarkably clean.
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| Image Source: flickrhivemind.net |
Glass bottom boat tour of Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay is known for its turquoise waters and white sand beaches, and for being the location of one of the only black pearl farms in the country. However, swimming, snorkeling, and diving are not allowed due to rough currents and the presence of “habu-kurage,” a highly toxic type of box jellyfish.
Many tourists who visit Kabira Bay either relish the view from an observation deck or go on a glass-bottom boat tour of the surrounding waters. Glass-bottom boat tours are fairly inexpensive and allow visitors to glimpse various types of marine life and coral. Kabira Bay is a resort village, so there is no shortage of shops, restaurants, and clubs.
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Eco-tours by kayak up the Miyara River
The Miyara River runs through mangrove forests and is teeming with life. An eco-kayak tour allows visitors to marvel at the views while learning about the flora and fauna that inhabit the area. The tours being offered in the area are designed to be environmentally sustainable and educational: visitors can also learn more about the history and culture of Ishigaki from their tour guides. Some eco-tour kayak companies stop at tidal flats to let guests explore certain areas on foot.
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| Image Source: ishigaki-japan.com |
Those activities are just the tip of the iceberg: there are many more interesting things to do and see in Ishigaki.
Hi! I love Japan (who doesn’t, right?) that it is actually part of the Riyesh Menon “places to visit again” list. Subscribe to my blog for more Japan travel tales and other Asian getaways.
