Nature in Okinawa
Area
-
-
Okinawa
-
-
Okinawa
Recommended new articles
25 results
-
-
Ishigaki’s North Coast: Beautiful Bays and Local Crafts
-
- An island too big to explore in a day, this snapshot of the northern coast is a fantastic way to spend a day in Ishigaki. Combining world-famous views, local crafts and unusual spots, it’s a tour that shows the creativity of the island as well as its natural beauty. There are plenty of op-portunities to get involved too, with pottery classes and tours of local distilleries, not to mention the chance to kayak to some of the beautiful Kabira Bay’s uninhabited islands. Ishigaki-Yaki: A Delicate Craft of Ocean Blues Pairing ceramic and glass in a rare but beautiful combination, the pottery of Ishigaki-Yaki is a mesmerizing creation. With pools of deep blue and turquoise green plucked straight from the nearby seas, they have fast become a symbol of the island. The deep colors were discovered by Kaneko when he combined natural minerals with glass during the firing, keen to recreate the seas that surrounded him. The finishing touch is the yu-teki-tenmoku glaze effect which leaves silver speckles on the background, a nod to the starry island skies. A difficult combination, the two elements of glass and ceramic offer different characteristics, with glass setting faster and liable to crack. A mission of trial and error, Kaneko is still developing the craft, with pieces on display in galleries and museums across the world, worn by royalty and used to represent Okinawa on global stages. Often considered to hold far-away galaxies and clear seas in one, the pieces are captivating, be it in large oval dishes or small delicate pendants. If you’re keen to try your hand at this unusual craft, there are workshops available that offer your own handmade souvenirs. Taking an hour to turn your kilogram of clay into a work of art with the help of skilled craftsmen, you must then submit it for glazing and firing. Taking eight months, the finished piece will be shipped to a Japanese or international address as a perfect reminder of your trip, just as begins to feel like a distant memory. Address: 1356-71 Nagura, Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0021Access: A 20-minute drive from the airport or the Ishigaki Ferry Terminal. Hours: 9 am - 11 am and 1 pm - 4 pm. Entry: Workshops cost 4,500 yen per person and include clay and firing, but not delivery. Booking: Reservations are required in advance and can be made over the phone on: Website: http://ishigaki-blue.com/ Colorful Creations at Yoneko-Yaki Shisa Garden A slightly more unusual take on the island’s traditions, the Yoneko-Yaki offers a whole different side to pottery in Ishigaki. While travelling in Okinawa it is common to see the fierce lion-like shisa animals perched on gateposts or roofs. Popular creatures from Okinawan mythology, the open-mouth lion wards off evil spirits while his closed-mouth companion keeps good spirits in. Often in plain terracotta and available across the islands, the grounds of Yoneko-Yaki tell a different tale. More of a statue theme-park than anything, the gardens are filled with enor-mous, vividly-painted shisa, all in comic poses and perched in unusual places. Be it balanced atop a pile of money or open-mouthed and big enough for visitors to squeeze in for selfies, the variety is jaw-dropping. Adding a more playful approach to the island’s history, the park is undoubtedly fun, with new creations always being worked on. Close to Yonehara Beach, the garden is attached to a small workshop showcasing the shisa craft process from start to finish. There is also a shop where you can pick up your own colorful shisa as a souve-nir of the trip. Address: 447-1 Fukai, Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0451Access: Yoneko Yaki is a 30-minute drive from the Ishigaki Ferry Terminal or a 20-minute drive from the airport. Hours: 9am - 5.45 pmEntry: FreeBooking: Not requiredWebsite: https://yonekoyaki.com/ Glass-Bottom Boat Tours at Kabira Bay Possibly the most famous spot in Ishigaki if not Okinawa as a whole, the breathtaking vista of Kabira Bay is a sight to behold. White sands, blue skies and the crystal waters are a perfect combination, dotted with bobbing boats and green-covered islets to form the picture-perfect landscape. Familiar from guide books and postcards alike, the reality certainly doesn’t disap-point, and it’s one of Japan’s top 100 views - but there’s more to do at Kabira than just enjoy-ing the scenery. While swimming is strictly prohibited due to the strong currents, it’s possible to admire the busy sea-life beneath the surface using one of the many glass-bottomed boats that line the shore. Taking visitors out into the bay in search of turtles, tropical fish and coral, the tours also provide detailed information about the ecosystems below, while skillfully guiding the boats to the best positions to find them. Walking on the soft, fine sand, the water that laps around your feet is warm, and while swim-ming is temping, you would have to head to another of the island’s beaches to enjoy a swim. Yonehara and Sukuji beaches on the north-west coast are two of the best options on the is-land, with the same gold sands and turquoise waters, but without the dangerous currents. At Kabira Bay, however, paddling, walking with an ice-cream in hand and spotting shy turtles from the boat is a pretty perfect way to spend an afternoon. If you’re keen to get out into the water, you can kayak or paddleboard to the remote islands and see the bay from a rare per-spective. The best viewpoint can be found at the nearby observatory, offering those postcard-worthy shots and views that could distract you for days. Address: 1054 Kabira, Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0453Access: A 40-minute drive from the airport, with two direct buses per day, taking 40 minutes. It is a 35 minute drive from Ishigaki Ferry Terminal, which also has two direct buses a day from the nearby bus terminal. Hours: Boats generally run from 9am - 5pmEntry: Approximately 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children. Booking: Not required for boats, kayaking and paddle boarding require reservations: Website: http://visitishigaki.com/sights-activities/kabira-bay/ Rare Ryuku Pearls Aside from being beautiful, Kabira Bay is also one of the only two black-pearl cultivation sites in all of Japan, along with Iriomote. Known as Ryukyu Pearls, the incredibly rare and therefore highly sought-after pearls have a long-standing connection with royalty. While naturally occur-ring in only one in 400,000 black-lipped pearls, it was Susumu Tokashiki who developed a cul-turing technique to grow beautiful black pearls. Still cultured by hand using carefully selected mother-of-pearl, they develop unique layered effects due to the changing temperatures of the bay’s waters. Deeply colored with a soft luster and a hint of rainbow when catching the light, the pearls are favored around the world for their mysterious appearance. At the small shop beside Kabira bay, you can see the pearls up close and learn about their creation. Taking years, the process is run by locals and ensures the art of black pearl cultiva-tion continues for the future of the island. Address: 934 Kabira, Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0453Access: A 40-minute drive from the airport, with two direct buses per day, taking 40 minutes. It is a 35 minute drive from Ishigaki Ferry Terminal, which also has two direct buses a day from the nearby bus terminal. Hours: 9am - 6pm.Entry: FreeBooking: n/aWebsite: https://www.ryukyu-shinju.co.jp/eng.html Taste Awamori at the Takamine Distillery Just across the street from the Ryuku Pearl shop you’ll spot the Takamine Brewery - one of the oldest awamori distilleries on the island. Unassuming from the outside, within, you’ll find viewing windows into their distillery as well as an impressively stocked shop. Indigenous to the Okinawa islands, awamori is made using long-grain rice and is distilled and aged in clay pots to give a mellow and unique flavor. Often served with water and ice, the relatively strong spirit is available in a range of flavors now too. At Takamine, you can walk through the process step by step, and if you’re lucky, there will be craftsmen working on the process when you visit. Started in 1949, they continue to make awamori in the traditional way, entirely by hand and have a strong reputation across Japan. Tours are available from 9 am to 5.30 pm and take about twenty minutes, but are only availa-ble in Japanese. Winning first place in the awamori category for the National Liquor Competition in 2003, the small business has plenty of orders, which will become apparent as soon as you step into the shop. Covering the roof beams in neat rows, tacked receipts line the room showing the orders of loyal visitors. For a small fee, the shop will store your purchased bottle for a number of years, allowing it to mature and ready for your special occasion. Adding to the list is one way of ensuring you return to Ishigaki, leaves a note of your visit and supports the local community. Address: 930-2 Kabira, Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0453Access: A 40-minute drive from the airport, with two direct buses to Kabira per day, taking 40 minutes. It is a 35 minute drive from Ishigaki Ferry Terminal, which also has two direct buses a day from the nearby bus terminal. Hours: 9am - 6pmEntry: FreeBooking: Not required, 20-minute tours available in Japanese from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. Website: http://omoto-takamine.com/index.html (Japanese only) Transport on Ishigaki The easiest way to explore Ishigaki is by rental car, but there are also bus services running relatively regularly. There are a wide selection of car rental agencies close to the airport in-cluding Nippon Rent-a-Car and Budget Car Rental .If you plan on taking the bus, you can purchase a ‘Free Pass’ for one day (1000 yen) or five days (2000 yen), for unlimited use on all buses except the special sightseeing buses. Both versions of the pass are available to buy on board using cash. The bus schedule is available online here but there are clearer English timetables available at the tourist information office. It is also possible to explore some areas by bike, with rentals available from hotels and small shops dotted around the main town. If you are keen to cycle, Taketomi is a very bike-friendly island to explore with few hills and plenty of beaches and sightseeing spots to visit. Website: http://www.kotsu-okinawa.org/en/map_yaeyama.html Access to Ishigaki There are no longer any ferry services connecting Japan or Okinawa with Ishigaki, although there are cruise ships from Taiwan. The only way to reach Ishigaki is by plane, using their re-cently renovated Painushima Ishigaki Airport. There are flights to and from Tokyo, Osaka, Chubu, Fukuoka, Okinawa, Hong Kong and Taiwan Airports, as well as the smaller islands of Miyako and Yonaguni island airports. The airport is located on the East side of Ishigaki’s main island and is accessible by bus with an airport shuttle service also available. Ishigaki Ferry Terminal is a half-hour drive from the airport and there is a connecting bus ser-vice running every 15 minutes 7am to 9pm. Bus Map: http://www.kotsu-okinawa.org/en/map_yaeyama.htmlFrom TokyoThere are direct flights available from both Haneda and Narita Airport from airlines including Peach, ANA and JAL. The flight takes three and a half hours from Haneda and four hours from Narita. From OsakaOsaka has multiple daily direct flights from Peach, ANA and JAL which take just under three hours. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
-
- Okinawa
- 18. February. 2020
-
-
-
Iriomote Island in Okinawa: Mangroves and Mysterious Cats
-
- Wild, remote and truly beautiful, Iriomote Island is a world away from most people’s imagin-ings of Japan. From kayaking through mangrove-lined rivers to sunbathing on tropical beaches, the island has something for every traveler. As the largest of the Yaeyama islands, just off the coast of Ishigaki, it is a tropical area with intensely hot and humid summers and warm winters. Closer to Taiwan than Japan, the islands have a unique culture rich with tradi-tions and entire species found nowhere else in the world. Be it a single day of adventure or a weekend of exploring, the island offers the perfect escape from everyday life. Yamaneko Museum/ Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center From your first few steps on Iriomote, you may have noticed a common theme. From taxi signs to the local mascot, a small cat is found across the island’s landscape. Depicting the increasingly rare Iriomote Yamaneko, the nocturnal creatures are a rare sight, even for lo-cals. Only around 100 are believed to remain on the island, living in the dense forests and avoiding the busier spots at all costs. Unfortunately, the cats are sometimes hit by passing cars, but a small sanctuary exists to care for them and hopefully return them to the wild. With around 10 fatalities a year and more accidents, the Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center aims to not only help injured animals but teach locals and visitors more about these unusual animals. Their work is not only focused on the feline residents, however, they also explain the unique ecosystem of the island along with the invading species, those lost to extinction and the work being done to protect the fragile habitats that remain. With preserved cats and plenty of posters, videos and details murals depicting the island’s natural balance, it is a fascinating introduction to the island’s unseen residents. Address: Komi, Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture 907-1432Access: A 40-minute drive from Uehara Port or a 15-minute drive from Ohara Port. The center also has a dedicated bus stop 10-minutes away called ‘wildlife conservation center’). Hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 12pm, 1pm - 4pm. Mondays: Closed. Tues - Fri: 10am - 4pm.Entry: FreeBooking: Not required. Website: https://iwcc.jp/ (Japanese only） Yubu’s Island’s Buffalo Trips Your journey to the small island of Yubu, just off the east coast of Iriomote offers the chance to try a rather unusual form of transport. Pulled in a traditional wooden cart by the island’s water buffalo and their dedicated human colleague, you can enjoy a taste of the ultimate ex-ample of slow-travel. Working with the same trainer for their entire careers, the buffalo are well cared for, with our guide explaining he sees his buffalo, Sota, as a coworker, rather than machines or work tools. Working for 20 years, the animals can retire on the island and also choose their work-ing days - if they don’t want to work, they don’t have to. Meandering through the shallow wa-ters towards the small island of Yubu, Sota took his time as he ventured across. The leisurely pace of the journey is the perfect opportunity to take in the beautiful views of the island as it draws near. Home to a botanical garden with small, beach-side cafe, the is-land is a tiny tropical getaway perfect for families and couples. Decimated by a typhoon over 50 years ago, the island was slowly re-planted by a dedicated local couple who remained when other residents moved to Iriomote. Today, the island has over 40,000 palm trees, a but-terfly house and a bright blooming of a variety of bougainvillea, carpeting the gardens in bright colors throughout the year. Urauchi Boat Tour and Waterfall Hike Stepping onto the gently rocking riverboat, you can secure a window seat and enjoy the sight of the slowly-passing mangroves. Taking its time and pulling up close to interesting spots, the journey includes an informative talk (in Japanese) as well as taking you to the start of a gen-tle hike through the jungle. With open sides and plenty to see, the hour-long boat journey is a relaxed chance to admire the tropical nature of the remote island. The drop-off point has a seated area and plenty of waterside boulders to rest on, with a spot to change your shoes if you borrowed some from the boat center.Following paved paths through the jungle, hikers of all levels can enjoy journeying to two of the most scenic waterfalls on the island. Having been dropped off by the boat cruise along the Urauchi river, the 1.5km path will take you through the lush greenery to the Kanpire and Maryudo Waterfalls. Broad and low, the Maryudo falls cascade down multiple levels, rushing into a surprisingly calm pool below. Round and extremely picturesque, the basin is what lends the fall its name, with Mary meaning ‘round’. One of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls, the Maryudo-taki (taki mean-ing waterfall in Japanese) can be seen from a special observatory point at the end of the trail as well as being spied earlier along. Look Closely at Star Sand Beach Known as Hoshizuna beach in Japanese, this picture-perfect beach is the best place to look for the tiny sand shapes that give it it’s unusual name. While the beaches here are usually famous for their crystal blue water and snorkeling opportunities, this beach has both, plus an added bonus. Formed from the tiny exoskeletons of sea creatures called Baclogypsina sphaerulata, they live in the seagrass and eventually leave behind perfect stars when they die. Only a millimeter across, you have to look closely, but are sure to find some. The easiest way is to push your hand into sand and see what sticks. Legend has it that the tiny stars are the love children of the North Star and the Southern Cross, born in in the seas of Okinawa but soon swallowed by a serpent, leaving only their skeletons behind. While this is not really a swimming beach, it’s a great place to relax and admire the few - it’s also a good spot for fishing, with a diving shop nearby. Address: 289 Uehara, Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture 907-1541Access: A 50-minute drive from Ohara Port or a 10-minute drive from Uehara Port. Hours: n/aEntry: n/aWebsite: n/a Transport on Iriomote Transportation on Iriomote is limited partly due to the access - the main road only covers one half of the island, with the west half left to protect nature. As most people visit for a day with pre-arranged activities, you will usually be collected and returned to the port by your tour company and do not have to worry about transport.Alternatively, there are taxis on the island and a limited number of rental cars, which should be booked in advance if required. Due to the wild animals of the island, it is advised that guests drive slowly and with great care, especially at night. Companies at Uehara Port in-clude McQueen (*) and Iriomote Hoshizuna (*), while at Ohara you can visit Iriomote Car Rental (*) or Kukuru Okinawa (*), among others. There is a shuttle-bus service provided by both ferry companies, (Anei Kankou’s here (*) and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry’s here (*)) with information and tickets available from the ferry ser-vice desk on either island. These buses will take you to or from the port, but not from one regular bus stop to another. There are public buses on Iriomote but they only run a handful of times a day. (*) the websites are available only in Japanese. Access to Iriomote As the largest of the Yaeyama Islands, Iriomote is served by irregular ferries and daily high-speed boat services throughout the year. There are two ports on the island - Ohara on the south-side and Uehara on the north-side and two ferry companies who work on the same services: Anei Kanko and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry. Both ports take approximately 40-45 minutes to reach by high-speed boat, while Ohara is 110 minutes by ferry and Uehara is 130 minutes by ferry. Fares are 1,830 yen to Ohara and 2,390 yen to Uehara regardless of which boat company you choose. The services are weather dependent, so please check in advance if they are running normal-ly. It is common for the Uehara Port to close services, so you may have to make alternative arrangements from Ohara, although if you have a tour or shuttle arranged this is usually not a problem. Anei Kanko website: http://aneikankou.co.jp/languages/e_index.htmlYaeyama Kanko Ferry website: https://www.yaeyama.co.jp/index.html (Google translation)To reach Iriomote, you must first travel to Ishigaki Island. The most convenient way to reach Ishigaki is by plane, using their recently renovated Painushima Ishigaki Airport. There are flights to and from Tokyo, Osaka, Chubu, Fukuoka, Okinawa, Hong Kong and Taiwan Air-ports, as well as the smaller islands of Miyako and Yonaguni island airports. The airport is lo-cated on the East side of Ishigaki’s main island and is accessible by bus with an airport shut-tle service also available. Ishigaki Ferry Terminal is a half-hour drive from the airport and there is a connecting bus service running every 15 minutes 7 am to 9 pm. Bus Map: http://www.kotsu-okinawa.org/en/map_yaeyama.htmlFrom TokyoThere are direct flights available from both Haneda and Narita Airport from airlines including Peach, ANA and JAL. The flight takes three and a half hours from Haneda and four hours from Narita. From OsakaOsaka has multiple daily direct flights from Peach, ANA and JAL which take just under three hours. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
-
- Okinawa
- 13. February. 2020
-
-
-
Ishigaki’s South Coast: Snorkelling, Stargazing and Stalactite Caves
-
- An island so jam-packed with sights and experiences that you can’t manage all in one day, the south coast is a great place to start. Combining the busy town of Ishigaki with the perfect diving spots and a whole host of traditional crafts, it’s enough to keep you busy for a couple of days at least. From the stars to the sea, you can discover the beauty of Ishigaki and learn about their unique heritage along the way. Stunning Stalactite Caves Intricately carved over centuries by both surface and underground waters, the Ishigaki Stalac-tite Cave is a hauntingly beautiful sight. Once a simple limestone hollow, the distinctive shapes were formed over the course of 200,000 years as water containing caustic lime dripped through the ceiling. Slowly developing into icicle-shaped stalactites at one end and stalagmites at the other, the two eventually join to form pillars. Still growing at a rate of 1mm every three years, the caves are an ever-changing landscape designed entirely by nature. While the cave is around 3.2km long, only 660m is open to the public. It takes around half-an-hour to traverse with plenty of interesting formations along the way. The crystal blue water of the Lake of Longevity is a particularly moving highlight, the waters contrasting with the white ricks and echoing the water drops as they fall to the ground. The Totoro stalactite, the Forest of the Sculptures of the Gods and the Water Harp all provide fascinating insights into the for-mation of the cave and the creations of nature. Thanks to a series of fossils found in the crooks and crevices, it has been confirmed that the cave was once part of the seafloor, with many still visible in the walls and formations. Perfect for a rainy day or when the summer heat gets a little too much, the cave has an aver-age temperature of 23 degrees, with high humidity. With Yaeyama horseshoe bats on the ceil-ing and bottles of local Awamori maturing in the cave corners, it’s a fascinating space to ex-plore, deeply interwoven in the history of the island. Address: 1666 Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0023Access: A 10-minute drive from the Ishigaki Ferry Terminal and a 20-minute drive from the airport. Hours: 9 am - 6.30 pm, last entry at 6 pm.Entry: Adults: 1,100 yen, children: 550 yen, discounts available for groups of 15+Booking: Not requiredWebsite: http://www.ishigaki-cave.com/en/ Study the Islands from Banna Park‘s Observation Decks Known as much for its slides as it is the incredible island views its observatories offer, Banna Park is a tranquil forest perfect to escape to. When Ishigaki’s famous spots get a little too crowded, the lush forests of Banna park can offer respite and plenty of space for families to play.There are three observation points, with the Emerald Sea Point being one of the best for views of the neighboring islands. The egg-shaped migratory bird observatory is perfect for those with a love for animals while the forests themselves are filled with examples of the island’s unique inhabitants. These creatures come with risks, however, as local snakes can pose a danger - so be sure to watch out on quieter paths. Birdwatchers can also visit a dedicated hideout to see rare species at the waterfowl observation point or head straight to the unusually designed Crested Eagle Look-out. The natural botanical garden showcases a variety of different flora while the tropical flowers are a highlight for kids and adults alike. In the park’s Athletic children’s square, kids can create adventures and ride on the locally-famous long slides. Whether you have little ones needing to let off steam or want to explore some shady forest trails as a break from the beaches, Banna Park is the highlight you didn’t know you needed. Address: 961-15, Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0023Access: Banna Park is approximately 30-minutes from Ishigaki Airport by car and a 15-minute drive from Ishigaki port, depending on your preferred entry gate. Hours: 9 am - 9 pmEntry: FreeBooking: Not requiredWebsite: http://banna7.com/ (Japanese only) Explore the Seas on a Snorkeling Tour For those who want to do more than simply admire the ocean from a sandy beach, Ishigaki has some of Japan’s best snorkeling locations. Offering the chance to explore the turquoise waters yourself, Tom Sawyer Dive Shop has half-day trips to see the best spots the island has to offer. From clownfish to turtles, the guides know all the best spots and will lead swimmers to the hidden corals abundant with bright fish and extraordinary sea life. With small boats and a ded-icated guide or two in the water and on board at all times, it’s also a reassuring experience for those not too confident in the water. Using floating rings and life jackets, those new to snorkel-ing or not confident with swimming can enjoy the experience and still see plenty of great spots. Including transport to the boat and gear rental, a half-day snorkeling tour costs 6,500 yen for adults and 6,000 yen for children. Address: 2-41 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0012 Access: The dive shop is a few minutes away from the Ishigaki Ferry Terminal. Hours: 8 am - 6 pmBooking: Reservations are required in advance and can be made over the phone: 0980-83-4677 and on the website: http://www.ishigaki-tomsawyer.jp/ (Japa-nese only) Travel Back in Time at Yaima Village Gathering reconstructed houses and from the surrounding land, the Yaima village is a dedi-cated hub of cultural heritage. Surrounded by lush green gardens and original red-stone walls, the homes have been carefully dismantled and rebuilt from their original locations. All are reg-istered as National Tangible Cultural Properties and the six carefully chosen buildings offer an insight into island life of times gone by. Aiming to bring island history to life, the open-air architectural village is staffed with passionate locals who play traditional musical instruments, perform ancient dances and have a wealth of skills and stories to share. Our guide, Hiroko Tafuku, was sprightly despite a double-knee re-placement and performed impressive balancing acts before teaching us to play castanet-like shells, performing with partner and ex-marathon running Ueno-san. Never phased and always enthusiastic, the friendly and staff are keen to share their history, not letting shy guests avoid a space in the dance circle at any cost. While the homes are those of fishermen and farmers as well as well-to-do townspeople, to-gether they create a relaxing townscape to stroll through. Each offering an insight into a differ-ent life led in the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the houses have tools, and decorative items on display to tell their stories. Alongside the homes are an observatory and a small monkey park where curious creatures will climb all over the visitors, seeking out snacks and stealing away your leaflets and tickets. Take in the Textile History of Minsah Kogei Kan One of the island’s traditional crafts, Yaeyama Minsah textiles are an intricate example of weaving with a moving history behind them. Completed entirely by hand and requiring over thirty unique steps, the weaved items all bear the distinct alternating symbols of five and four rectangles. Woven together and symbolizing eternal love, these designs adorned obi belts presented to men as engagement gifts from the women hoping to marry them. Continuing the traditional design and techniques, Minsah was followed by the Ituyo brand which was founded in 2006 and focused on high-end materials and contemporary designs. Continuing together, the two brands are a reflection of the long-lasting quality of Minsah tradi-tions as well as the versatility of the designs. Outside, the drying fabrics display the natural colorings used and if you visit on certain days, the staff will be weaving in full view of visitors. There is a small museum upstairs showcasing the modern creations as well as the history of the designs along with a shop on the ground floor. There are four different hand-weaving workshops available and you can take your finished piece home on the day. The shorter courses offer a coaster or table center for 30-minutes and 1,500 yen or 50 minutes and 2,500 yen respectively. If you have a little longer, you could try a 90-minute class to make a large table center (3,500 yen) or a 4-hour class to make a tapestry piece (8,500 yen). Reservations are required and can be made over the phone between 9 am - 5 pm. Address: 909 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0004 Access: The shop is a 5-minute drive from the Ishigaki Ferry Terminal (or a 15-minute walk) and a 20-minute drive from the airport.Hours: 9 am - 6 pm Entry: Free for the museum and gallery, workshops range from 1,500 to 8,500 yen. Booking: Required for workshops but not visits - can be made on 0980-82-3473 between 9 am - 5 pm.Website: http://www.minsah.co.jp/guide/experience.html Relax Over Dinner at Satsuki Izakaya For a taste of local life, a cold beer and some of the best sashimi in town, Satsuki is the place to go. An izakaya with all the trimmings, Satsuki is in the heart of Ishigaki city, a few minutes walk from the ferry terminal. A cross between a bar and a restaurant, a Japanese izakaya is a relaxed and informal place perfect for groups. Surrounded by locals relaxing after a long day of work and visitors sampling the seafood, you can settle in for a night of good food and friend-ly neighbors. Specializing in local Okinawa cuisine, the small plates and large sushi platters are perfect for sharing, with a host of seasonal options to try. Some must-try local dishes include goya (a bit-ter melon) ideally mixed into the local stir fry called chanpuru. There’s deep-fried and crunchy tofu, squid-ink rice and, of course, incredible sushi and sashimi, presented so beautifully you might struggle to dig in. Address: 7-16 Misakicho, Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0012Access: Satsuki is a 5-minute walk from the Ishigaki Ferry terminal. Hours: Lunch: 11.30 am - 2 pm, Dinner: 5 pm - 11 pm. Booking: Not required but advised, especially for groups or on Fridays or Saturdays. Reser-vations can be made over the phone: 0980-83-0980Website: n/a (tabelog: https://tabelog.com/en/okinawa/A4705/A470501/47002283/) Try Stargazing In Japan’s First Dark Sky Park Hosted on the roof of the impressive Beach Hotel Sunshine, stargazing classes will teach you what to look for in the clear night skies. Acknowledged as Japan’s first ‘Dark Sky Park’, the Yaeyama Islands have incredible views of the milky way, constellations and planets above us. An international organization which protects the night skies of the world, the International Dark Sky Association recognized the rare quality of the island’s low-energy efforts and the clarity of the night views. Using orange lights on the terraces so as not to distract young turtles, and using cleverly-angled lights to protect the skies, the hotel is keen to prevent light pollution on the islands. Their stargazing classes will not only help you spot world-recognized constellations but will teach you their names in Yaeyama dialect and the traditional stories behind them. With a tele-scope, you can spot the highlights of the evening sky as well as learning about the seasonal changes in the sky’s layout. If you’re lucky, shooting stars will cross your path and leave you with a wish for your trip. Address: 2484 Arakawa, Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0024Access: A 25-minute drive from the airport or a 10-minute drive from the Ishigaki Ferry Termi-nal. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8.30 pm~ (April 1st ~ September 30th), 8 pm~ (October 1st ~ March 31st)Entry: Adults: 2,500 yen (2,300 yen), Children: 2,000 yen (1,800 yen), Kids 5 or under: free *price shown are for those staying at Beach Hotel SunshineBooking: At reception by 5 pm on the day of the tourWebsite: https://www.ishigakijima-sunshine.net/startour.html (Jap-anese only) Transport on Ishigaki The easiest way to explore Ishigaki is by rental car, but there are also bus services running relatively regularly. There are a wide selection of car rental agencies close to the airport in-cluding Nippon Rent-a-Car and Budget Car Rental .If you plan on taking the bus, you can purchase a ‘Free Pass’ for one day (1000 yen) or five days (2000 yen), for unlimited use on all buses except the special sightseeing buses. Both versions of the pass are available to buy onboard using cash. The bus schedule is available online here but there are clearer English timetables available at the tourist information office. It is also possible to explore some areas by bike, with rentals available from hotels and small shops dotted around the main town. If you are keen to cycle, nearby Taketomi is a very bike-friendly island to explore with few hills and plenty of beaches and sightseeing spots to visit. Website: http://www.kotsu-okinawa.org/en/map_yaeyama.html#ishigaki Access to Ishigaki There are no longer any ferry services connecting Japan or Okinawa with Ishigaki, although there are cruise ships from Taiwan. The only way to reach Ishigaki is by plane, using their re-cently renovated Painushima Ishigaki Airport. There are flights to and from Tokyo, Osaka, Chubu, Fukuoka, Okinawa, Hong Kong and Taiwan Airports, as well as the smaller islands of Miyako and Yonaguni island airports. The airport is located on the East side of Ishigaki’s main island and is accessible by bus with an airport shuttle service also available. Ishigaki Ferry Terminal is a half-hour drive from the airport and there is a connecting bus ser-vice running every 15 minutes 7 am to 9 pm. Website: http://www.kotsu-okinawa.org/en/map_yaeyama.html#ishigakiFrom TokyoThere are direct flights available from both Haneda and Narita Airport from airlines including Peach, ANA and JAL. The flight takes three and a half hours from Haneda and four hours from Narita. From OsakaOsaka has multiple daily direct flights from Peach, ANA and JAL which take just under three hours. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
-
- Okinawa
- 7. February. 2020
-
-
-
Ishigaki Island, Okinawa
-
- Okinawa’s tropical island Ishigaki is rapidly becoming one of Japan’s most popular holiday destinations with both local and international guests. Although the picturesque island is only 140 kilometers around and 222 square kilometers in total, the island packs a lot into such a small space. Boasting rugged mountain ranges, pure blue water, and pearly white sand it’s the ideal place to escape the world if only just for a few days. With its rise in popularity has come a wave of stunning high-end beachside resorts. For those who prioritize luxury above all else, you can’t look past Grandvrio Resort Ishigakijima Villa Garden. Featuring towering palm trees, a stunning beach view, and plenty of space along the oversized pool to admire the long, sweeping sunsets, a stay at this Villa Garden is one you won’t forget.
-
- Okinawa
- 15. August. 2019
-
-
-
Miyako Island, Okinawa
-
- Three hundred kilometers south of Okinawa’s main island, Miyako Island is internationally recognized as being home to some of the nation's best beaches. The island’s deliciously warm subtropical climate remains a constant practically year-round making it the perfect summer-style escape no matter the season on mainland Japan. Home to ample watersports opportunities, like snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as boasting its fair share of scenic viewpoints, like Makiyama Observation Deck it’s impossible not to fall in love with this postcard-perfect island. When you come to explore, one of the best places to set up a home base is Hotel Locus, a sleek, stylish hotel with retail outlets, restaurants, sports facilities and incredible ocean views.
-
- Okinawa
- 15. August. 2019
-
-
-
The Remote Islands of Okinawa
-
- Thirty kilometers west of Naha City, in Okinawa, sits Zamami Island, it’s part of the Kerama Islands archipelago, an is a relatively remote island with unparalleled ocean views. There are two main beaches, Furuzamami Beach, and Ama Beach both with crystal clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Practically untouched by large scale tourism, it feels like a remote island secret.
-
- Okinawa
- 15. August. 2019
-
-
-
Beach resorts in Japan - 8 of the Best
-
- As an archipelago with over 6,800 islands, to call Japan an incredible beach escape would be an understatement. From the towering resorts overlooking the white shores of Okinawa to the cozy accommodations near the surf-ready waves of Chiba, there are no shortage of stunning beaches and equally incredible resorts to explore in Japan. Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Okinawa’s tropical island Ishigaki is rapidly becoming one of Japan’s most popular holiday destinations with both local and international guests. Although the picturesque island is only 140 kilometers around and 222 square kilometers in total, the island packs a lot into such a small space. Boasting rugged mountain ranges, pure blue water, and pearly white sand it’s the ideal place to escape the world if only just for a few days. With its rise in popularity has come a wave of stunning high-end beachside resorts. For those who prioritize luxury above all else, you can’t look past Grandvrio Resort Ishigakijima Villa Garden. Featuring towering palm trees, a stunning beach view, and plenty of space along the oversized pool to admire the long, sweeping sunsets, a stay at this Villa Garden is one you won’t forget. Yoron, Kagoshima Yoron, Kagoshima If you’re looking for a destination that feels like a secret, then look towards the Amami archipelago. A cluster of small white sand islands sitting between Kyushu to the north and Okinawa to the south, the Amami archipelago has plenty of stunning blue gems, but a highlight is arguably Yoron, the third smallest and southernmost island in the chain. With untamed lush green foliage, almost impossibly white shores, and a language unique to the island, Yoron boasts a culture unlike any other you’ll experience in Japan. One of the best places to stay on the island is Pricia Resort Yoron. Situated on the western shore, this upscale apartment complex offers all the luxuries you could imagine; a pool, beauty services, spa facilities; sports, sports and recreation, and restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Truly a remote paradise. Miyako Island, Okinawa Miyako Island, Okinawa Three hundred kilometers south of Okinawa’s main island, Miyako Island is internationally recognized as being home to some of the nation's best beaches. The island’s deliciously warm subtropical climate remains a constant practically year-round making it the perfect summer-style escape no matter the season on mainland Japan. Home to ample watersports opportunities, like snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as boasting its fair share of scenic viewpoints, like Makiyama Observation Deck it’s impossible not to fall in love with this postcard-perfect island. When you come to explore, one of the best places to set up a home base is Hotel Locus, a sleek, stylish hotel with retail outlets, restaurants, sports facilities and incredible ocean views. Awaji Island, Hyogo Awaji Island, Hyogo A little closer to the main island in the Seto Inland sea between Honshu and Shikoku sits Awaji Island, an oft-overlooked island destination practically overflowing with incredible history and stunning natural views. Sometimes referred to as the Hawaii of Hyogo by the locals, it’s only two hours from Osaka making it the perfect summer city escape. One excellent resort worth staying at is Westin Awaji Island Resort and Conference Center. It’s centrally located, offering easy access to the area’s major attractions like Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe mall. But do be warned, with its ocean views, world-class amenities and meticulously manicured, picture perfect gardens Westin Awaji Island Resort will be difficult to leave. Niijima, Tokyo Niijima, Tokyo One for the surfers, Niijima sits just a few hours north of Tokyo and offers some of the best waves in the country. If you’re looking for an accessible mini-vacation with picture-perfect beaches and ample water sports facilities but don’t want to head too far from the city, be sure to add this one to your itinerary. It’s still not a super well known international tourist destination but boasts some attractive resorts. One recommended option is Niijima-mura Onsen Lodge located on the water just southeast of Habushiura Park. A little more low key than other beach resorts, this cozy hotel has western and Japanese style rooms as well as excellent onsen facilities, perfect for soaking those aching muscles after a long day carving up the waves. Goto Islands, Nagasaki Goto Islands, Nagasaki Floating in the stunning East China Sea, the Goto Islands of Nagasaki Prefecture are a criminally underrated beach destination, perfect for both the long, romantic summer escape or just a few days of adventure with the family. One top resort choice on Goto Islands is Margherita Goto Islands Resort Hotel. Only five kilometers from the popular historic destination, Aogasaura Catholic Church, the resort has ocean views, spacious open plan rooms, and a kitchen that serves up excellent Japanese and international cuisine. Tateyama, Chiba Tateyama, Chiba Perched on the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, Tateyama is another Tokyo-accessible beachy escape, popular with city day trippers and water sports enthusiasts. Here you’ll find plenty of opportunities to try a little fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving by the rocky coastline, as well as a broad selection of beach resorts. If you’re having difficulting choosing where to stay, consider Uminoyuyado Hanashibuki Hotel, situated at the south of the Boso Peninsula, right by the sea of Tateyama Bay. With its Japanese-style guest rooms, it has the cozy charm of a classic ryokan inn, complete with open-air hot spring baths and banquet-style dinners. The Remote Islands of Okinawa The Remote Islands of Okinawa Thirty kilometers west of Naha City, in Okinawa, sits Zamami Island, it’s part of the Kerama Islands archipelago, an is a relatively remote island with unparalleled ocean views. There are two main beaches, Furuzamami Beach, and Ama Beach both with crystal clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Practically untouched by large scale tourism, it feels like a remote island secret. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
-
- Japan
- 15. August. 2019
-
-
-
The Valley of Gangala
-
- The lush subtropical forest of the Valley of Gangala is a revitalizing expedition that lets you take a break from the beaches. And it was all once part of a limestone cave. During the tour you’ll get to experience the Cave Cafe—a coffee shop that sits right under the stalactites of the cave itself. Guided tour require prior reservations, so don’t forget to plan ahead!
-
- Okinawa
- 12. May. 2019
-
-
-
Take in the Sights at Cape Manzamo
-
- Aside from the gorgeous panoramic views of the sea, Cape Manzamo is famous because of one of its rock outcroppings is shaped like an elephant’s trunk. The sea has hollowed out part of the inside of the cliff, and the result is a unique shape sure to make you smile. It only takes about 20 minutes or so to stop by and snag a picture of this spot, so drop by on your way to another destination.
-
- Okinawa
- 12. May. 2019
-
Recommended spots
284 results
-
- Miyako Island
- Island
- Okinawa Pref. Miyakojimashi
-
- Kouri Island
- Island
- Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunnakijinson Kouri
-
- Ishigaki Island
- Island
- Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture
-
- Yagaji Island
- Island
- Nago, Okinawa Prefecture
-
- Cape Hedo
- Cape
- Okinawa Pref. Kunigamigunkunigamison Hedo
Okinawa Main Areas
Let go of your image of a busy, ordered Japan and replace it with crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and relaxing folk music: You’ve arrived in Okinawa. A world away from the high intensity of Tokyo, Okinawans appear to live a laid-back beach life on this paradisiacal tropical island that lies in the middle of the East China Sea almost 1,000 kilometers south of mainland Japan’s most southern tip. Home to a spattering of islands, prepare yourself to discover underwater caves, star-shaped sand, and an island culture sometimes unrecognizable from mainland Japan.
Okinawa Photo Album
Best of Okinawa
Travel guide top page
A list of sightseeing courses
A list of articles
A list of spots
Photo AlbumSearch by Region
-
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
- Hokkaido
- Aomori
- Iwate
- Miyagi
- Akita
- Yamagata
- Fukushima
-
- Kanto
- Ibaraki
- Tochigi
- Gunma
- Saitama
- Chiba
- Tokyo
- Kanagawa
-
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
- Niigata
- Toyama
- Ishikawa
- Fukui
- Yamanashi
- Nagano
-
- Tokai
- Gifu
- Shizuoka
- Aichi
- Mie
-
- Kinki
- Shiga
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Hyogo
- Nara
- Wakayama
-
- Chugoku
- Tottori
- Shimane
- Okayama
- Hiroshima
- Yamaguchi
-
- Shikoku
- Tokushima
- Kagawa
- Ehime
- Kochi
-
- Kyushu / Okinawa
- Fukuoka
- Saga
- Nagasaki
- Kumamoto
- Oita
- Miyazaki
- Kagoshima
- Okinawa
