Bordered by stunning crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and rich coral reefs, the small island of Ishigaki makes the perfect beach based addition to any trip to Japan. Some 1200 miles south of Tokyo and with a semi-tropical climate, the island is a dream destination for scuba divers, snorkelers and watersports enthusiasts as well as for those who just want to lie back on the beach or by the pool and relax.
Standard grade accommodation is at the friendly Pension Papaya, simple beach-side accommodation with friendly owners and breakfast included. The couple who run this great little place can easily arrange scuba diving or fishing day trips. The main town and harbour are a short drive away and a number of excellent beaches within easy reach.
Our upgrade option, The Kabira Bay Club Med, offers luxurious all-inclusive resort accommodation. Beautiful beachfront rooms are complimented by three gourmet buffet meals a day including unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks. And for a little local flavour, the Okinawa special of Awamori rice-vodka, is served in the bar. Professionally guided tours are also available, allowing you to explore the culture and wild sanctuaries of the island in more depth.
There are some great day trips from Ishigaki. On nearby Iriomote Island you can canoe through the rain forest and mango groves, whilst Taketomi Island offers a glimpse of traditional life with transport by water buffalo cart. Beautiful sunsets can be enjoyed from the lighthouses at Uganzaki Cape, or you may wish to take a twilight drive past Mt. Omotodake in search of the rare Ishigaki fruit bat.
Other natural sights on Ishigaki include a unique Yaeyama Palm tree forest and the mangrove swamps around the Miyara River.
With car hire included for the duration of your stay, you can try out the numerous beaches, visit the main town and also explore the interior of the island easily. The add-on includes 4 nights at Ishigaki, return domestic flights from mainland Japan and one night in Tokyo.
Other accommodation options including self-catering are available upon request.
Prices:
2012
Standard:
Twin: £1006 Single: £1417
Upgrade:
Twin: £2209 Single: £3980
Click for full details of pricing including extra nights
- 5 nights accommodation
- InsideJapan Tours Info-Pack
- Domestic flights
- Most transport between destinations (airport transfers are not included)
- Car hire in Ishigaki
- Breakfast each morning
- Lunch and evening meals in Ishigaki (Club Med upgrade package only)
- Unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner (Club Med upgrade package only)
- International flights
- Local transport (buses, subways, taxis) at any destination unless otherwise specified
- Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums
- Airport transfer for domestic flight to / from Tokyo Haneda Airport
- Baggage handling - you will be expected to carry your own bags for the duration of the trip
OPTION
Scuba diving
Some of Japan's best scuba diving is to be had off the coast of Ishigaki and
the surrounding Yaeyama island chain. These subtropical seas bring you
crystal clear waters, large coral reefs and a vast array of underwater life. Ishigaki's rich blue coral reefs play host to an abundance of colourful and rare marine life including large numbers of Pacific manta ray. A day's diving will usually see you head out with your friendly dive master for two dives with an included Japanese bento lunch. A fantastic experience providing
memorable diving for any level of scuba diver. Ask us for details of the various courses that can be arranged.
Seasonal Supplement
Black Out Dates
Please note that during certain Japanese holiday periods, the prices
detailed in this brochure are NOT valid for packages if any of the
nights' accommodation fall within the following dates:
29th December to 4th January New Year
29th April to 5th May Golden Week
9th August to 17th August Obon Festival
Please contact us for pricing if your trip falls within any of these periods.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 Ishigaki
Leaving the bright neon lights of the capital behind, you’ll make the three hour flight from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to the tiny tropical island of Ishigaki today. Getting off the plane it will be hard to believe you’re still in Japan as you are met by lush palm trees and sugar cane fields, endless blue skies, crystal clear waters and long sandy beaches. At Ishigaki airport you’ll pick up your hire car and make the short drive to the Kabira Club Med, your home for the next four nights. All your meals and drinks are included in your stay so you can sit back and relax from the minute you arrive.
Day 2 to Day 4 Ishigaki
With its prime location on a private white sandy beach and stunning sea-views, we can understand if you choose not to leave the tranquillity of Kabira Club Med during your four night stay! However for those who do decide to venture out of the resort, there’s plenty to see and do on Ishigaki and the neighbouring islands. Take advantage of your hire car and explore the island’s other beaches, or turn inland for a journey through the mangrove jungle. Why not head out for a day’s scuba diving? Divers of any level can enjoy Ishigaki’s rich coral reefs which play host to an abundance of colourful and rare marine life including large numbers of Pacific Manta Ray. For a taste of traditional Okinawan life hop across to nearby Taketomi Island where water buffalo taxis will show you around the beautifully preserved ryukyu village. On Iriomote Island visitors have the chance to canoe through untouched rainforest home to the elusive Iriomote Yamaneko, a rare wild cat.
Day 5 Tokyo
You’ll take a morning flight back to Tokyo today. After a brief stop on Miyako Island, you’ll arrive in the capital for a final look at Shinjuku; this bustling entertainment district making the perfect backdrop for some last minute shopping and an exciting final night out in Japan.
Day 6 Depart
Sadly your adventures in Japan are at an end. You will take the fast and direct Narita Express train from Shinjuku Station to Narita Airport. We wish you a pleasant flight home.
Photos
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Pricing Information
| 2012 | |||
| Standard Price: | £1006 (Single Price: £1417) | ||
| Upgrade Price: | £2209 (Single Price: £3980) | ||
Accommodation
Pension Papaya
Ishigaki
Pension
Kadoya Hotel
Tokyo
Business Hotel
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