Almost two weeks ago we landed on beautiful Ishigaki, the main island of the Yaeyama islands, which are the southernmost and westernmost inhabited islands of Japan. If you look at the map, they are closer to Taiwan, and while we’re still in Japan some things do run a bit differently here.
So here are a few tips for easier exploration of Ishigakijima:
Food
Food is still Japanese, but here, Ishigaki beef is the main highlight. You also have to try their magnificent seafood salads. I had tomatoes after 5 weeks – yummm. Basically, everything we ordered tasted awesome, so you will not be hungry. But, note that without a reservation your last resort for dinner will be FamilyMart. The good and well-known restaurants will be booked in advance. Restaurants work on a somewhat unreliable weekly schedule, so don’t expect all of them to be open every day of the week. Also, fruit is unbelievably amazing here.
Transportation
While there are buses which you can use, they are rare and renting a car is necessary, at least for a few days, so you can explore the more remote parts of the island. You need a Japanese translation of your driving license to do that if you come from Slovenia (or Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Estonia and Taiwan) and you can get it in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Check those and other locations here.
Accommodation
There are hotels in Ishigaki city, which is the only bigger city here. But, without booking in advance you will have issues getting a place to sleep. There are some cool hostel-like accommodations – Blue Cabin in Ishigaki, Joya- Japanese style inn near Kabira Beach, Guest House Chura Cucule in Ishigaki, but you have to book in advance. Try using Rakuten Travel, because Booking only offers about a 1/3 of the things that are really available.
Weather
If you are into weather, you should come to study it here. I’ve never seen weather conditions change so fast as they do here. It can be sunny and hot one moment and raining the next and rainbow a few minutes later. It is magnificent. Also, rain is not cold-like European rain, so it is not a big issue.
Animals & insects
A big part of the island is jungle or a jungle-like environment. You will need a bug spray if you want to explore it or go mangrove kayaking. Alternatively, you can use lotus leaves to rub your skin with to protect you against mosquitos. There are some dangerous animals here, so you have to take some precautions.
Getting there and exploring other islands
There are flights from Osaka, Naha, Tokyo and a few other cities to Ishigaki airport. As a tourist, you’re eligible for ANA touristic tickets which have a set and discounted price. There are also other companies flying to Ishigaki – JAL, Peach aviation etc. But with ANA, luggage is included and it is Star Alliance partner if you are collecting miles.
Ishigaki also has a port with good ferry connections to other islands – except Miyakojima. You have to fly there, and it is not exactly transparent that there are flights going there from Ishigaki. JAL flies there.
If you want to explore other islands, for example, Taketomi which is the closest one, note that you have to make a bike reservation in advance. Otherwise, bikes will be sold out and you will have to walk around or use the bus as we did. Iriomote tours are crazy expensive btw.
Snorkeling & other activities
There are tons of companies offering diving, snorkeling, mangrove kayaking etc. We chose a family run business – and we were not sorry. 🙂 We had an amazing experience both snorkeling and kayaking with them. And most of all – we were alone not in a big group of annoying tourists. They also have a fruit farm and you can sample their awesome mango, pineapple, and dragon fruit.
Diving is expensive – more than in other parts of the world. Also – some activities are tide-dependant and do not run every day.
English
English is a rare commodity. Learn a few Japanese phrases, they will come in handy. Also, when you are trying to book something it is much easier if you have help from someone speaking Japanese and (at least a bit of) English of course.
Recycling
Recycle as asked, they are serious about protecting the environment here and recycling here is a bit different than usual. There are burnable trash and non-burnable trash and bottles and garbage. Accommodations will happily provide instructions for you if you get confused.
Money
There are lots of things here – also accommodations, that only accept cash. There are ATMs in the city, but be prepared to have some extra cash, just in case if you end up somewhere more remote.
Now you’re ready to explore this amazing, beautiful place.
