Category: Okinawa
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Cape Hirakubozaki and Tamatorizaki Observation Points On Ishigaki Island
Tamatorizaki Observation Deck Tamatorisaki observatory is located in the northeast district of Ishigaki Island, on the heights, it overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Along the greenway to the observatory, the hibiscus has bloomed all over. The whole view of Funakuyaa, which continues to the Hirakubo peninsula, can be overlooked from the observatory. An excellent spot for…
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Toujin Grave Tomb And Kannondo Temple
In 1852, a ship crashed into the coast of Ishigaki. This ship was filled with Chinese laborers (Coolies, as they were known at the time) who were brought over by American ships to work in California. While on the ship they were treated like slaves and therefore revolted. They attempted to escape on Ishigaki but,…
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Aragusuku Island (Panari) of Yaeyama Islands
The population of Aragusuku Island (Aragusuku-jima) is approximately 6 people! The island is called “Panari” by locals because it means “separated”. Aragusuku is actually made up of two separate islands that are connected by a coral shoal. During low tide, you can actually walk between the two islands. This area was once home to Dugong…
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Ishigaki Island (Ishigaki-jima) of Ishigaki City (Ishigaki-shi), Yaeyama Islands
Among the 19 islands of Yaeyama, large and small, Ishigaki Island which holds 80% of its population, is the island which serves as the center of politics, economy and culture of the Yaeyama archipelago. Although it has added some urban facilities to increase the accessibility to the neighboring islands of Taketomi and Iriomote, once you…
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Ryukyu wild boar in Iriomote Island of Yaeyama Islands
JapanGuides.net Ryukyu wild boar lives on the Amami islands, Okinawa Main Island, Ishigaki Island, and Iriomote Island. Compared with a Japanese wild boar, it is small, and is a primitive species in the Asia wild boar system. The body is thickset, and the length of a trunk is 85cm, the length of the tail is…
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Taketomi Island of Yaeyama Islands
Taketomi Island (Taketomi-jima), which is approximately 9.2km in periphery, is an island that has developed its own distinct history and culture, cherishing the worship of nature and a faith paying respect to the ancestors, which are practices that have been handed down for generations since ancient times. The red-tiled roofing, the stone walls made by…
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Hateruma Island of Yaeyama Islands
Hateruma Island is Japan’s southernmost point and you should stay there at least for one night. The most eye catching building here is the astronomical observatory located at the wild south coast (Philippine Sea) which was built here because of the clear skies over the island. From spring to June you can watch the Southern…
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Beaches on the Northern Side of the Ishigaki Island, Ishigaki City (Ishigaki-shi)
If you have time and are willing to either drive or ride your bike, the beaches on the northern side of the island are beautiful and perfect for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. These beaches include Yonehara, Sukiji, Uganzaki, and Shiraho. Yonehara Beach – Located right in front of a camping spot. The beach has all…
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Kume Island (Kume-jima) of Yaeyama Islands
JapanGuides.net Kume Island (Kume-jima) is an island, part of the Okinawa Islands and administratively in the Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It has an area of 59.11 km². The main town, Kumejima, has a population of 8,713 (2010). Once a day a ferry and a jet-foil boat leave Naha for Kume Island, taking four hours for the…
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Ishigaki Limestone Caves (Ryugujyo limestone cave) of Ishigaki Island, Ishigaki City (Ishigaki-shi)
JapanGuides.net Ryugujyo limestone cave is on the way to Banna Park observatory are some very amazing and interesting limestone caves, and inside the cave is prepared for visitor appreciation. Repeating upheaval and sedimentation, which separated the Islands of Ryukyu Arc, it took one million years to complete the making of this limestone cave. The limestone…
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Yaeyama Islands Tourism
At the southern extremity of Japan lies a small archipelago called the Yaeyama Islands (Yaeyama-shoto). The Yaeyama archipelago is located 450 kilometers southwest of mainland Okinawa. With Ishigaki Island as its center, Taketomi Island, Kohama, Kuro/ Kuroshima, Hateruma, Iriomote, Yonaguni, Hatoma and Yufu islands belong to the group. Yaeyama Islands are linking Asia and the…
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What Is A Yonagunisan Moth?
Yonagunisan is a kind of moth that is the largest in the world and can be found on the island of Yamamayuga in Okinawa, Japan. Although this moth is mainly found in India, the Himalayas, Malaysia, and Taiwan it was found for the first time in Japan in Yonaguni and was given its name of…
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Yonaguni Island of Yaeyama Islands
Yonaguni Island, which is located in the western-most point of Japan, being only 111 kilometers from Taiwan, is truly an island that is on the country border. Kuroshio currents flow in the neighboring waters and it is known as a great fishing point where you can catch large migratory fish such as swordfish and tuna.…
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Yonaguni horses
Although the Yonaguni horse has the smallest body in a Japanese native horse, and is gentle character, it is strong, and a hoof is hard, the limbs are strong, and it excels also in endurance. From ancient times it was utilized for farming, and conveyance of agricultural products, and was an important existence for people.…
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Hotel Type Accommodations – Lodging in Ishigaki Island of Ishigaki City (Ishigaki-shi)
This category includes Resort, Business, and Economy Hotels Hotel Royal Marine Palace Phone: 0980-84-3102 http://www.royalmarinepalace.com/english.html Located next to a seaside park in Makira. Town is about 5 minutes away by rental car. Rooms are quite spacious and the hotel offers long stay discounts. There are rooms which hold anywhere from 2-8 people. Approximately 15 minutes…
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Banna Park of Ishigaki Island, Ishigaki City
JapanGuides.net Banna Park is a prefecture run and maintained park. It is very picturesque park and is perfect for a walk, bike ride, or a run. It is an excellent place to have a picnic or to simply explore. The park itself is very large and has numerous trails for you to explore. The park…
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Kuro/ Kuroshima Island (“Mr.Cow”) of Yaeyama Islands
Most of the island is pasture where the cows live. The calm and quiet mood spreads all across the island. Beyond the Kuro Island Fishing Port, a paradise for the cows grazing under the radiant sun spreads across. The continuous pastoral scenery of the land is what brings out the kindness in all of the…
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Hatoma Island of of Yaeyama Islands
With a population of about 60 people, Hatoma Island (Hatoma-jima) is as country as you can get. This small island has an area of 3.9km making it easily accessible by foot. It is located on 5km north of Iriomote island, and is the northernmost island of Taketomi-cho. It is pronounced “Patouma” locally. Although the population…
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Okinawa Islands Scuba Diving Guide
On the main island of Okinawa there are more than 25 different beach spots, the most popular and easiest spots being the Sunabe seawall (soft coral gardens to die for), Maeda Point (a fish bonanza) and Onna point (crevices full of incredible marine creatures). There are several diving publications available on Okinawa in English with…
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Miyara Dunchi House
JapanGuides.net Built in 1819 by Miyara Pei-chin Toen, an official of the Ryukyu government who had been appointed administrator for the Miyara-Magiri, an administrative district that encompassed parts of Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island. This national important cultural property includes the one-storied building with hip tiled roof and the surrounding garden. (The latter is also…
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Ishigaki Island Specialty Products
Here are some locally produced products that are made in Ishigaki. Ishigaki specialties include Ishigaki Salt, Yaesen Awamori, Minsa Textiles, Ishigaki Brown Sugar, Ishigaki Beef, Yaeyama Soba, Papaya, and Dragonfruit. Ishigaki Salt Coral sea water pumped up from 60 feet below the ocean is crystallized into salt through a patented low temperature misting process. Amazingly,…