My views do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.
September 12, 2025
It was raining on our last day in Japan so we decided to go check out a cave.
One section was decorated with colored lights.
We had lunch at the cafe by the cave.
On the way back to the ship, we stopped at a market, where I had one more taste of scrumtious beef sushi.
I would definitely miss Japan. I wish we could have spent more time there when it wasn’t so cripplingly hot. But I was just as disappointed to leave as I was excited about our next adventures in Taiwan.
Ishigaki Island, Japan
Set in the Yaeyama Islands at the far south of Japan, Ishigaki is a paradise of emerald seas, coral reefs, and a relaxed island pace. With around 49,000 residents, it is the hub of the Yaeyama archipelago and a gateway to smaller islands such as Taketomi and Iriomote. Ishigaki is renowned for its natural beauty—most famously Kabira Bay, a postcard-perfect scene of turquoise waters and white sand—and its role as a launch point to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage-listed Iriomote Island. Visitors come for the unique blend of Okinawan and Yaeyama culture, fresh seafood, and some of Japan’s most stunning beaches.
History:
For centuries, Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands formed part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, a maritime trading power linked to Okinawa, China, and Southeast Asia. After Japan annexed the Ryukyus in 1879, Ishigaki developed as a hub for sugarcane and fishing. During World War II, the island was largely spared direct combat, but many residents were evacuated to Taiwan. Post-war, Ishigaki became the administrative and commercial center of the Yaeyama Islands, serving as the main transport link for remote island communities. Today, it thrives on tourism, farming, and fishing, with a unique cultural identity rooted in Ryukyuan traditions.
Itinerary:
Arrival: Friday September 12, 7:00am (please allow time for port clearance)
Departure: Friday September 12, All aboard: 7:00pm Sail away: 8:00pm
Weather
- Average Temps: High ~31 °C (88 °F), Low ~26 °C (79 °F)
- Climate: Subtropical; hot, humid, and prone to sudden showers or typhoons.
- What to Wear: Light, breathable clothes, swimwear, sun protection, and sandals/water shoes. Carry an umbrella or light rain jacket.
Near the Pier:
Cruise Dock: Ishigaki Cruise Wharf (Painuhama)
Address: 1-2 Painuhama-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa
Address in Japanese: 沖縄県石垣市南ぬ浜町1-2
Distances: ~100m to port gate; ~5 km (10 min taxi) to town center (Euglena Mall/Bus Terminal).
Nearby Essentials (City Center):
- Pharmacy: Matsumoto Kiyoshi near Euglena Mall
- ATM: Seven Bank ATM inside Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal (English menu); 7-Eleven and Japan Post Bank ATMs in town (accept international cards)
- Public Market: Euglena Mall / Ishigaki Public Market in central Ishigaki
- Grocery/Snacks: FamilyMart and local shops at the terminal and mall
- Nearest Church: Catholic Ishigaki Church (67 Okawa) (~10 min by taxi)
- Nearest Golf: Maesato Golf Course (ANA InterContinental, 9 holes) (~20 min by car)
- Don Quijote: Don Quijote Ishigaki (730-1 Hamasakicho) ~10 min taxi ride
Water Safety: Tap water is safe to drink, though some visitors prefer bottled due to taste.
Getting Around:
- 🚶 Walking: Limited—town is 5 km away; best reached by shuttle/taxi.
- 🚌 Public Transit: No buses at the pier. All routes start at the city’s bus terminal (10 min taxi/shuttle).
- 🚖 Taxis: Available at pier on cruise days; ~¥1,000–1,500 to downtown, ~¥3,500–4,500 to Kabira Bay.
- 🚴 Bike Rentals: Available around Euglena Port; e-bikes useful for short distances.
- 🚗 Car Rentals: Widely available in town and airport; best for full-day exploration.
- 🚌 Hop-On Hop-Off: Not available.
- Notes: On cruise days, a shuttle bus often connects the pier to the city center. Taxis may queue but are limited. Walking into town takes ~30–35 minutes via Southern Gate Bridge.
Witnessing:
Kabira Bay (Scenic Icon)
A breathtaking panorama of turquoise waters, white sand, and emerald islets—arguably the most photographed spot in Ishigaki. Swimming is prohibited to protect the ecosystem, but visitors can enjoy glass-bottom boat tours to view coral gardens and tropical fish.
- Admission: Free; boats ~¥1,300–1,700 adults
- Visit Time: 45–75 min
- Access: 25–35 min taxi (~¥3,500–4,500) from port
✨ Travel Tip: Morning light offers the best colors; if time is short, head straight here.
Ishigaki Limestone Cave
A natural wonder formed over 200,000 years, this underground world features dramatic stalactites and illuminated chambers. The walkway is easy to follow, making it accessible even for casual visitors.
- Admission: ¥1,200 adults
- Visit Time: 45–60 min
- Access: 10–15 min taxi from downtown
✨ Fun Fact: The cave maintains a steady, cool temperature year-round—a refreshing escape from the tropical heat.
Yaima Village (Cultural Park)
A recreated Ryukyu-era village with thatched houses, traditional music, and daily cultural demonstrations. The site also has squirrel monkeys roaming freely in a small enclosure.
- Admission: ¥1,500 adults
- Visit Time: 60–90 min
- Access: 15–20 min taxi from downtown
✨ Travel Tip: Try on a traditional Ryukyuan kimono for photos—it’s a favorite activity here.
Yonehara Beach (Snorkeling Paradise)
Fringing coral reef just offshore makes Yonehara a top snorkeling destination. Calm, shallow water near the beach is ideal for beginners, while outer reefs attract schools of tropical fish.
- Admission: Free
- Visit Time: 1–2 hours
- Access: 25–30 min taxi from downtown (~¥3,000–3,500)
✨ Travel Tip: Bring reef shoes—sharp coral is just beneath the surface.
Learning:
Ishigaki Yaeyama Museum
A compact museum with exhibits on local culture, traditional tools, textiles, and island history.
- Admission: ~¥200 adults
- Visit Time: 30–45 min
- Access: Downtown, near the bus terminal
✨ Fun Fact: Look for exhibits on Minsā textiles, woven with hidden patterns symbolizing fidelity in marriage.
Minsā Craft Center
Workshops and galleries dedicated to Ishigaki’s signature woven textile, known for its indigo-dyed checkered patterns.
- Admission: Free (small fee for workshops)
- Visit Time: 45–60 min
- Access: 5 min walk from downtown
✨ Travel Tip: Handwoven belts and accessories make excellent souvenirs with deep cultural meaning.
Discovery:
Fusaki Beach Resort
A family-friendly resort beach with clear, calm water and great sunset views.
- Admission: Free beach access; rental fees for chairs/snorkel gear
- Visit Time: 1–2 hours
- Access: 15 min taxi from town
Snorkeling & Diving: Manta Scramble & Kabira Bay Reefs
Ishigaki is world-famous for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. The highlight is Manta Scramble, a dive site off Kabira Ishizaki where giant manta rays gather from spring through autumn. Even snorkelers sometimes glimpse these graceful creatures gliding through the reefs. For a gentler option, Kabira Bay offers vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish best seen by guided snorkel tours or glass-bottom boats. Water visibility is excellent, and conditions are suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
- Cost: Snorkel tours from ~¥6,000; diving from ~¥12,000–15,000 (equipment included)
- Visit Time: Half-day to full-day excursions
- Access: Tours usually provide port or hotel pick-up; Kabira Bay is 30 minutes by taxi (~¥3,000–3,500)
✨ Travel Tip: Book in advance—manta tours are popular and can sell out quickly in peak season.
Shopping:
Euglena Mall & Don Quijote
Covered shopping arcades with everything from crafts to tropical fruit sweets, plus a Don Quijote megastore nearby for discount shopping.
- Admission: Free
- Visit Time: 1–2 hours
- Access: City center
Hiking:
Banna Park
A hilltop nature park with walking trails, observation towers, and views of Ishigaki and the Pacific.
- Admission: Free
- Visit Time: 1–2 hours
- Access: 15–20 min taxi from downtown
✨ Travel Tip: Ideal for a shaded stroll when beaches are too hot midday.
Mt. Nosoko (Maapee) Hike
A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Mt. Nosoko—nicknamed “Maapee”—offers one of Ishigaki’s best panoramic viewpoints. The hike is short but steep, taking about 30–40 minutes to reach the summit. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping 360° views of Ishigaki’s coastline, lush interior, and the emerald seas surrounding the Yaeyama Islands. The trail can be uneven and slippery after rain, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
- Admission: Free
- Visit Time: ~1.5–2 hours round trip
- Access: 40-50 minutes by taxi (~¥4,500–5,000 one way)
✨ Travel Tip: Go early in the morning for cooler weather and clearer skies—there’s little shade on the trail.
Exploring:
Taketomi Island (Heritage Village)
A short ferry ride away, Taketomi is famed for red-tiled roofs, stone walls, and water buffalo cart rides through sandy lanes.
- Ferry: 10–15 min; round-trip ~¥1,700
- Visit Time: 2–3 hours
- Access: Ferries depart from Remote Island Terminal (10 min taxi/shuttle from cruise pier)
✨ Fun Fact: The village has preserved its traditional appearance by banning new large-scale development.
Iriomote Island (UNESCO)
Japan’s wild frontier, covered 90% in subtropical jungle and mangroves. A day trip requires early ferries and careful timing.
- Ferry: ~50 min each way; round-trip ~¥4,400
- Visit Time: Half-day minimum (ideal is longer)
- Feasibility: Possible to visit the coast, but inland tours require more time.
Tasting:
- Ishigaki Beef: Premium wagyu with rich marbling; often served as steak, sushi, or yakiniku. Donburi bowls ~¥1,500–2,500, steak ~¥3,500+.
- Yaeyama Soba – Okinawan-style noodle soup (Flat noodles in pork broth, lighter than Okinawa soba) with pork and fish broth. ~¥600–900.
- Sea Grapes (Umibudō): Pearly green seaweed with a salty pop, often eaten with vinegar.
- Tropical Fruits – Pineapple, mango, passionfruit.
- Awamori – Okinawa’s traditional distilled rice spirit, smooth and strong; tastings offered in bars and shops.
Irish Pub/Mexican Options: No Irish pub on Ishigaki; for Mexican flavors, try Vagabundo (tacos, burritos) or Painu Taco (casual local favorite).
Travel Tips:
- Spend your yen! Ishigaki is our last stop in Japan before continuing the cruise. Use up Japanese cash here.
- Cash is king: Many small shops and ferries prefer yen; ATMs at the Remote Island Terminal accept foreign cards.
- Weather watch: Ferries to Iriomote may be canceled in rough seas—always confirm.
- Sun safety: UV levels are extreme—cover up, hydrate, and avoid long midday exposure.