Discover Ishigaki Island, Okinawa’s Secret ParadiseOkinawa

Scuba diving in Okinawa is an incredible experience, and Ishigaki Island is one of the best diving spots in the region to do it. Immerse yourself in the warm waters that buffet the coast and enter a different world. During the early summer and early fall, hordes of gentle manta rays gather at Kabira Bay feasting on plankton blooms, making it the best time for scuba diving in Okinawa. Enter the water with these gentle giants on a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion and you’ll get to experience first-hand one of nature’s most impressive displays. However, the manta scramble isn’t the only thing that entices visitors to slip beneath the waves. The seas around the island are rich with coral and diverse marine life, so regardless of when you visit, there’s bound to be a surprise waiting below the depths.

In Japan, ceramics have been an important art form for thousands of years. On Ishigaki Island, you can learn more about this important part of Okinawan culture on a visit to the Ishigaki-yaki Pottery Studio and Gallery. Ishigaki-yaki is the name of the style of pottery created on the island. It’s a unique style that combines ceramic art with glasswork, crafting exclusive pieces that pay homage to the island's natural allure. The lush, oceanic blue tones of Ishigaki-yaki pottery mirror the awe-inspiring waters encircling the island, encapsulating their translucence, depth and the dance of light upon their surface. Visitors to the Ishigaki-yaki Pottery Studio and Gallery are encouraged to have a go at making Ishigaki-yaki themselves, but just make sure you reserve your place in a class before arrival.

Ishigaki Island is a natural marvel, bordered by pristine beaches, turquoise seas and criss-crossed by waterways. Some activities in Japan require specialist knowledge and equipment, but anyone can get involved with a SUP tour of Ishigaki Island’s other great natural wonder, the Miyara River. Japan adventures are spectacularly diverse and the dense mangroves that line the route along the river mirror this. Keep an eye out for birds and animals on land and in the water as you navigate your way along the river. While it may take you a moment or two to get your balance, even first-timers usually adapt quickly to captaining a SUP. And soon, you’ll be gently working your way along this magnificent river, surrounded by nature. Of course, you’ll be accompanied by a guide who will lead the way on this relaxing excursion. For those who are unsure of their balance, kayaking experiences are also available.

For lovers of the great outdoors, one of the best evening activities in Japan is stargazing.On Ishigaki Island, one of the finest places in the country to enjoy this celestial activity, you’ll find Ishigakijima Hoshizora Farm. Not your usual farm, the focus here isn’t animals, but the amazing celestial object that can be seen from this secluded site. In addition to unobstructed views of the sky, due to Ishigaki Island’s positioning, visitors can see a number of the 88 modern constellations on a clear night. Relax in a comfortable deck chair and enjoy some refreshments as you let your mind wander about the mysteries of our universe. While stars are visible throughout the year on clear days, July to October tends to have the clearest skies. Keep in mind, though, that the stars and constellations you can see changes throughout the year.