Text / Compiled and reported by the editorial team of MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network

 

The picturesque and unpolluted Ishigaki Island is very close to Taiwan, located about 250 kilometers northeast of it. Although it belongs to Okinawa Prefecture, it is actually closer to Taiwan than to Okinawa’s main island. A direct flight from Taiwan takes less than 50 minutes.

 

Ishigaki Island, along with Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, Kohama Island, Kuroshima, Hateruma Island, Hatoma Island, and Aragusuku Island, is collectively known as the Yaeyama Islands. Though smaller in area than Iriomote Island, the latter’s rugged terrain makes it unsuitable for habitation. As a result, Ishigaki has become the main island of the Yaeyama region, with over 80% of the population concentrated here. Ishigaki City serves as the political and economic center and can be considered the southernmost city in all of Japan. There's no need to go looking for parks here — the entire island is a garden.

You can imagine yourself as a dolphin, gliding through the breathtakingly clear blue sea and sky, letting more than 2,000 species of coral and marine life take you on an underwater adventure. Or, you can see yourself as a dandelion seed, drifting across hills and fields even more beautiful than parks, often greeting gentle cows and leisurely egrets along the way. The mountains here are lush green, the breeze is soft, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of grass. It's bright and refreshing all year round — for the Japanese, this is the most enchanting "southern paradise."

 

Locatedat the northern tip of Ishigaki, Kihoin Bay boasts crystal-clear light blue waters, fine white sandy beaches, and several small islands covered in lush greenery nearby.It was once voted one of Japan’s Top 100 Scenic Spots and is known as “Japan’s Last Paradise.” The observation deck at Kihoin Park offers the best view of the bay. From there, the tranquil and pristine waters spread out before you. Were it not for the occasional glass-bottom boat gliding by, you might think you were admiring a painting.

Kihoin Bay is still home to over 200 species of reef-building corals, but due to strong currents, swimming is not allowed. To admire the coral and tropical fish, visitors must take a glass-bottom boat tour, which lasts about 30 minutes. This area is also home to Japan’s only black pearl farm.

Besides Kihoin Bay, the coasts of Ishigaki offer plenty of spots to enjoy the water, but Ogimi Beach Campsite remains the most popular. In addition to its stunning sea and beaches, the fact that camping and playing in the water here are free is a major draw. Every summer, university students from all over Japan flock here for vacation, and those who arrive late may find no space left.

 

 

A 5-Day, 4-Night Summer Water Adventure in Ishigaki Island