Yaeyama Islands — Ishigaki

Ishigaki, I had never heard this name until last year and then… boom! It became a priority on my travel list.

What first caught my attention as a diver was the Manta rays, of course , but then… the more I researched while planning my trip, the more I thought that 6 days only wouldn’t be enough. How people go there for a couple of days only?

I started 2018 traveling to Ishigaki… crowded airport in Tokyo …cold wind , gray surroundings and 3 hours later…sunny breeze, warm…everything was brighter around …

…I had arrived in Yaeyama islands , Ishigaki jima more specifically.

The island is pretty easy to explore and safe – as all of Japan for travellers – . If you don’t rent a car , you can get a bus pass to visit around the island.

Ishigaki is the main port to go to the other Yaeyama Islands, so it’s also more prepared to accommodate tourists with all kind of budget… many hotel /hostel options , car rentals, tours, restaurants, convenience stores and lots, lots of souvenirs stores.

Scuba diving was the main reason for my trip and although I have been traveling for diving in the past few years, this was The Best Dive Trip !

Everything was great! From the boat to the dive sites, the amazing staff and great food. The underwater inhabitants were the highest point of course…

Mantas, turtles, giant cuttlefish, barracudas, tuna, octopus, white tip sharks, anemone fish, hard bright corals, nudibrancs, little tiny shrimps and crabs, pipefish… so much to see . Macro and wide underwater photographers heaven!

The dives sites are so diverse… from beautiful sand bottoms to rocky bottom with a maze of tunnels and even a natural hot spring underwater.

I was in paradise !

Kabira Bay is the tourist destination. Honestly, I was more impressed with my dives but I recognize, it’s breathtaking !

In the afternoon, just sit down or walk on the sand tasting a local ice cream and relax!

There are other sightseeing that are on every tourist guide but drive around the island and stop whatever you feel like… or explore on foot and enjoy your surroundings .

I saw an amazing sunset while walking back from the Limestone caves to the city center and stopped at a charming square which happens to have the “ World Peace Bell” …

I probably wouldn’t noticed this treasures if I had been just driving, don’t you agree?

Food! Yeah, let’s talk about food!

Full of options… from American hamburgers to French restaurants but local noodles soups are a must! If you had been to Naha, also Okinawa, you know that the Okinawa soba is very different from the main island soba, right? Well, although Yaeyama Islands are still part of Okinawa, Yaeyama soba is different from Okinawa soba !!!!

So, you have to try it !!! And fell for it !

Who would imagine a tuk tuk in Japan? Well, I found it… or better, it found me and I got a ride, for free! ;-)

Or drink sake with edible gold ?

Again… for free!!!

The hospitality and warm from locals is so enthusiastic!

I am so thankful for my experience there and promised to return this year again and visit my new friends .

Hope you had an idea of this great place .

Now , not so unknown because it was chosen the number one 2018 destination on TripAdvisor.

Thank you your time!

I am thankful for you sharing your valuable time with me!