The Emerald blue ocean in Okinawa

My husband and I flew to Ishigaki island, the biggest of the twelve Yaeyama islands. We visited ten islands in all-nine of the Yaeyama Islands plus Miyako Island- and we went to thirteen beautiful places.

Though our time was limited to three nights and four days, we were blessed with good weather, and wherever we went, the blue ocean welcomed us.

It took three hours from Centrair Airport to Ishigaki Island

The first stop was Kabira Bay. We couldn’t dive this time, so we settled for a glass-bottom boat tour. Later, from Banna observatory, we viewed Iriomote Island, Taketomi Island, and Yufu Island. our destinations for the next day. The blue ocean there was beautiful, but it was just the beginning.

For dinner, we ate Okinawan Island shabu-shabu made with Okinawan vegetables, Agu pork, and Ishigaki beef. We finished with Yaeyama soba. After the shabu-shabu, we seasoned the remaining broth of the shabu-shabu with salt and pepper, added the noodles, and ate them. This was delicious and not too heavy.

On the second day, based at Ishigaki Port, we explored various spots. First, Taketomi Island. Here, we found star sand.

We saw a lot of red-roofed houses lined up beautifully against the blue sea. After that, we returned to Ishigaki Island, and then we went to Iriomote Island. We enjoyed a mangrove cruise. I didn’t know this, but apparently, “mangrove” isn’t the name of a single plant; it’s a general term for plants that grow in areas where freshwater and seawater mix in tropical and subtropical regions. During the one-hour cruise, we saw various types of mangroves, and it was very pleasant.

After that, we rode a water buffalo cart to Yufu Island. Ten people rode in the cart pulled by a water buffalo, and they were so adorable. Each buffalo had a different face; the one pulling our cart, Ichiro-kun, was very gentle and good looking. Along the way, there was a sanshin (three-stringed instrument) performance, which was very Okinawan and made for a lovely time.

 Yufu Island itself was essentially a park. With areas like the Bougainvillea Zone, Manta Beach, and the Butterfly Zone, the unique flowers and trees made it a truly enjoyable place.

After returning to Ishigaki Port for dinner, I ordered an acerola drink, but the acerola wasn’t red! It was orange. I looked it up and found out it depends on the season. The orange ones have more vitamin C and are better for beauty than the red ones.

That night, I took a stargazing tour. Again, it departed from Ishigaki Port. We went out to the dark ocean and gazed at the stars. They seemed so close, and I could see the constellations clearly. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any shooting stars.

On the third day, I flew from Ishigaki Airport to Miyakojima Airport. It only took 30 minutes. I crossed over to Irabu Island by bridge and went to the observatory. The sea was a clear, deep blue. We relaxed leisurely both at the observatory and on the beach.

We enjoyed freshly squeezed sugarcane juice and Miyako Island melon with a sugar content of 14 degrees.

After that, we went to Ikema Island. Ikema Island is a small island with a population of just under 600 people. It is designated as a wildlife sanctuary covering the entire island. No matter where we looked, 360 degrees of emerald blue stretched out.

That night, we stayed at Shiragi Resort and dined at the Ryukyu cuisine restaurant “Subaru” within the resort. The food there was unbelievably delicious. Sashimi, diced beef steak, island shrimp salad, island oden, and goya champuru. Everything was seasoned perfectly. For dessert, we had chilled zenzai. It contained large adzuki beans and glutinous barley. The texture was amazing. We had very satisfying dinner.

On the fourth day, we went to Imugya Marine Garden and climbed the observatory and lighthouse. When we looked out over the Eastern China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the wildness and blue of the sea took our breath away.

The final beach was Yonamine Maehama Beach. It’s said to be the best in Asia. The sea here was the best sea of this entire trip. Or rather, it was the best I’ve ever seen.

It was whirlwind trip, but it was wonderful. I never knew such a beautiful place existed in Japan. I am grateful for this wonderful journey.