Japan’s Ishigaki island is a picture-perfect tropical getaway

Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island, Japan, is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Visitors can go there on a glass-bottom boat. AYA ICHIHASHI/STARS AND STRIPES

Japan’s Ishigaki island is a picture-perfect tropical getaway

by Aya Ichihashi

Stars and Stripes

November 14, 2019

Ishigaki island, 256 miles southwest of Naha, capital of Okinawa prefecture, is a jewel of the Yaeyama archipelago.

The largest of the 10 inhabited Yaeyama Islands, Ishigaki’s population is approaching 50,000. It’s one of three islands I recommend that my friends visit, and its port serves as a convenient departure point for ferries to the other two, Taketomi and Iriomote.

Ishigaki has many picture-perfect spots: a lighthouse; a white, sandy beach with turquoise water; and the biggest blue coral habitat in the world.

The landscape is breathtakingly beautiful.

Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/1.607326

Subscribe to our Stripes Pacific newsletter and receive amazing travel stories, great event info, cultural information, interesting lifestyle articles and more directly in your inbox!

Follow us on social media!

Facebook: Stars and Stripes Pacific
Flipboard: Stars and Stripes Community Sites

Looking to travel while stationed abroad? Check out our other Pacific community sites!
Stripes Japan
Stripes Korea
Stripes Guam