Island-hop in Okinawa with HowToTrip’s fantasy island snorkeling adventure, sea BBQ under the sunset & shamisen performance

Reported & photographed by Ma Junjie / Japan correspondent

Summer is made for the seaside, and while many dream of the Maldives, Ishigaki Island—just 270 km from Taiwan—is also a fantastic choice, Ishigaki belongs to the Yaeyama Islands, among its islets is a fantasy island that only appears at low tideKnown as "Fantasy Island," it lies between Ishigaki and Kohama islands, with abundant nearby coral reefs ideal for snorkeling.

When the tide recedes, Fantasy Island "awakens" from the sea—the lower the tide, the longer the crescent shape stretches. Thanks to the clear waters and rich coral, many visitors come to snorkel. If you prefer not to snorkel, strolling along the beach or wading in the shallows is equally delightful. The spot is popular with mainland Japanese travelers, mostly visited by Japanese tourists.

Before snorkeling, the boat’s instructor provides a brief lesson, primarily in English. After practicing, you’ll head to the coastal area near Fantasy Island to begin snorkeling. The underwater coral formations are stunningly beautiful.

After snorkeling, the trip continues to the uninhabited Kayama Island, nicknamed "Rabbit Island." Its name comes from the adorable rabbits that freely roam the uninhabited isle, which was once used for horse breeding but later developed into a sightseeing rest stop.

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