A 5-day, 4-night summer water adventure in Ishigaki Island

Text and photos / Li Xinyi, MOOK Travel Life Network | Source / MOOK Editorial Department

If you're looking for a short getaway this summer, Ishigaki Island is just a 45-minute flight from Taiwan—closer than flying to Hong Kong. Take advantage of the rare direct chartered flights to Ishigaki and plan a 4-day, 3-night or 5-day, 4-night mini-trip. Club Med is located at one of Ishigaki’s best spots for snorkeling. Its all-inclusive service lets you eat, drink, and enjoy water activities all day long with almost no extra fees. To experience the Ryukyu vibe of Ishigaki, you can purchase optional day or half-day tours from the resort. First-time visitors should not miss Ishigaki Folk Village and Kakinohama Bay—both must-see spots. Alternatively, buy a local transportation pass and take a bus from the resort to explore the city on your own. Public Market, Tōrin Zen Temple, Miyara Don, the 730 Intersection, and Misaki Utaki are all within walking distance.

Day 1: Taipei → Ishigaki Island → Club Med Ishigaki

Day 2: Snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing at Club Med

Recommended Must-Visit Spot: Club Med Ishigaki

The secluded island of Club Med Ishigaki still reveals its enchanting charm. The world’s largest French resort group, Club Med, uniquely chose Ishigaki to establish a village. This is also Club Med’s second village in Japan after Hokkaido, and the closest one to Taiwan. With so many resorts worldwide, Club Med has led the way for half a century with its unique vacation philosophy and model—for good reason: first, the price. Flights, airport transfers, accommodation, meals, activities, and nightlife are all included—you won’t have to spend another penny, and you can play to your heart’s content. Plus, friendly G.Os (Gentils Organisateurs) are always ready to teach you how to have fun or crack jokes with you. It’s more flexible than a group tour and more comprehensive than traveling on your own.

Day 3: Club Med → Ishigaki Folk Village → Ishigaki Pottery Kiln → Kakinohama Bay → Takamine Sake Brewery

Recommended Must-Visit Spot: Ishigaki Folk Village

Ishigaki Folk Village, or Yaeyama Folk Village, consists of several traditional houses from Ishigaki City, with the oldest building over 100 years old, such as the Morita Residence. The Morita Residence was once a representative samurai residence, where you can learn about traditional musical instruments or enjoy a cup of tea with sweet Okinawan treats called “Hiratake.” The Matsushige Residence at the entrance is also a relocated and renovated traditional house from Ishigaki City, built with the region’s unique red tiles and sturdy wooden structures without a single nail. The squirrel monkey park is the most popular spot in the village, but be sure to keep your bags closed—don’t underestimate these palm-sized squirrel monkeys, as they can open zippers and snatch items from your bag.

Day 4: Public Market → Tōrin Zen Temple → Miyara Don → 730 Intersection → Misaki Utaki

Recommended Must-Visit Spot: Public Market

Public Market: To understand the lifestyle of the locals, a stroll through the market is the best way. The entire street is lined with food stalls, fresh produce vendors, craft shops, souvenir stores, bookshops, clothing outlets, and beauty salons—it’s quite lively. The owner of the first grocery store in the market is a Chinese-Taiwanese woman who speaks Taiwanese and is very kind and welcoming. Additionally, the second floor has a public exhibition space dedicated to local specialties.

Recommended Must-Visit Spot: Miyara Don

Miyara Don was built in 1819 by Miyara Ueekata, an administrative officer of the Yaeyama region at the time, imitating the aristocratic residences and gardens of the Ryukyu Kingdom era. The entire house is constructed with Yaeyama cedar and coral stone, making it cool and ventilated. The original furnishings are still displayed inside, and it is an important nationally protected historic site.