Destinations

Ishigaki

"Ishigaki is my image of subtropical Japan. There are palm trees, jungle, empty golden beaches and amazing coral for first class diving. Ishigaki Islander life is very Japanese but with a strong identity of their own coming through in food, drink and song. A million miles from mainland Japan"

James Mundy - PR Manager

Sub tropical Ishigaki Jima is set in the Yaeyama Island chain 450km south west of the main Okinawa Island, 1950km from Tokyo and only 270km from Taiwan. The white sand beaches and coral reef along with the inland jungle and mountains give Ishigaki a very different atmosphere to the rest of Japan and make for a beautiful destination with its own unique culture.

There are some beautiful palm tree beaches that lay around the island with the temperature rarely dipping below the 20 degrees Celsius mark throughout the year. The crystal clear waters of Shiraho and the deep blue waters of Kabira Bay along with the coral reef provide for some world class snorkelling and diving with the waters playing host to an array of colourful marine life as well as the stunning Manta Ray that visit the waters regularly.

The Island has some great trekking opportunities whether it be around Mount Omoto-dake or in the inland jungle. From Ishigaki, you can also take a boat to visit some of the smaller surrounding islands that make up the Yaeyama chain and perhaps most notably Iriomote Island. This national park is covered by virtually untouched tropical jungle and is home to the very rare Iriomote Lynx. One of the best ways to see the island is by Kayak up the Nakama River lined by mangrove and tropical forest.

Ishigaki is a beautiful Japanese destination very different from the mainland Japan, a  tropical paradise away from the neon of Tokyo with a culture as rich as that found in Kyoto and a perfect place to relax.

Products featuring Ishigaki...

Self Guided Adventure

Ishigaki Beach Stay

Available as an add-on to any of our Self-Guided Adventures, Ishigaki makes the perfect beach getaway after your time exploring mainland Japan. White sandy beaches await you with fabulous opportunities for snorkelling and diving. A stay here really is a world away from the bright lights of Tokyo.

5 Nights: £1006

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