Ishigaki is one of the Yaeyama Islands, which are situated in the most south-western end of Japan. It is an island endowed with lush subtropical vegetation and surrounded by beautiful coral lying beneath clear blue waters. This article features five Ishigaki attractions not found on mainland Okinawa, such as Kuroge Wagyu Ishigaki Beef, swimming with colorful tropical fish, or experiencing the making of nature-inducing imagery in glass. You can collect photo-enhancing souvenirs or just sooth the body and soul with aromatic oil massages. These five things will undoubtedly gratify even the novices to Ishigaki.
Ishinagiya specializes in Ishigaki Wagyu, the beef brand that represents the island of Ishigaki. They offer consistent service in the breeding, selling, and serving Ishigaki Wagyu. The company delivers fresh, non-frozen beef from its free-range farm. Many enjoy the taste of Ishigaki beef, characterized by subtly sweet flavor and lower fat content. At Ishinagiya, diners can enjoy both of the serving styles of Ishigaki Beef that the Japan Agriculture cooperative recommends: yakiniku and steak. There are as many as 20 cuts available for yakiniku, such as sirloin, karubi-ribs, and liver. Ishinagiya is the place to go for Ishigaki Beef steak at a reasonable price. Groups can order both serving styles of yakiniku and steak to share and enjoy the differences. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of beer, wine, and Japanese whisky.
Ishinagiya is an easy 10-minute walk from the Ishigaki Harbor Ritoh Terminal, the new gateway of the Yaeyama Islands. The restaurant offers counter seating, horigotatsu tables (sunken floor table), 8-person tables, and a space for large groups that can accommodate up to 24 people. Diners with children need not worry.
Lunch time patrons can take advantage of meals only available during lunch, such as the assorted Ishigaki Beef plate or the Ishigaki beef and local pork combo plate. The Ishigaki Beef Bowl is recommended for travelers who prefer to spend their time touring. A quick and reasonable dish, the Beef Bowl is topped with generous amounts of stewed Ishigaki Beef over rice soaked in homemade sauce. The sauce perfectly complements the slightly sweet flavor of the beef. This reasonably priced dish is a popular item for tourists and locals alike. Beef Bowls are another delightful alternate to yakinuku or steak dishes.
The Sky Café Ishinagiya, a sister shop of Ishinagiya, is a good place for the casual breakfast or dinner at the airport. The beloved Beef Bowl, the Steak Bowl, and the Niku Udon, which is Ishigaki Beef served over Japanese udon noodles, are recommended. Diners have an assortment of choices in taste and price–from fancy steak to reasonably priced dishes.
Breakfast (service scheduled to start in mid-October) will be available from 8:30 A.M., will include offerings like freshly baked crescent rolls. Delicious! The “Yaemoko” is the variant of the Hawaiian dish,loco moco, served Ishigaki-style with of course, Ishigaki Beef. Ishinagiya is committed to innovative recipes utilizing Ishigaki Beef. Ishinagiya is recommended whatever the occasion; upon arrival at the airport, for lunch or to order out for driving to the north, or for the final meal before departing Ishigaki to complete your trip.
43 Okawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Ishinagiya Website
1960-104-1 Shiraho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Sky Cafe ISHINAGI-YA Website
Yaa-ru-ya is a shop operating throughout the Yaeyama Island chain. They offer safe snorkeling tours, based on skill levels. Non-swimmers and or beginners can practice snorkeling in a relaxed atmosphere taught by congenial instructors. Experienced swimmers can hone advanced skills so they can focus enhancing their snorkeling experience. The tours are always limited to small groups and are always escorted by instructors in the open sea. Looking into the beautiful sea, there you see colorful corals and so many tropical fish. A pleasant undersea walking will take you away from hustle and bustle of daily life. Ya-ru-ya is the only shop that owns and operates snorkeling dedicated boats. The boats are designed barrier-free to allow children, the elderly and the disabled easy access into the water.
Mr. Aoi, the owner and instructor who has 17 years of experience and all of his staff are licensed instructors with advanced skills. The have operated as a specialty shop for skin diving and snorkeling, able to bestow expert knowledge and services without the use of air tanks. Before entering the water, the staff will teach emergency safety procedures and safety device usage in a way that is easy to understand.
The tours are very convenient; all you need is your towel and bathing suit—nothing else. For those who want to be protected from the sun, wetsuit rentals are available. Children’s masks and prescriptive-lens masks are also available for rent. The shop provides hot shower and changing room amenities, providing you comfort after your swim.
398-2 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Snorkel Yaa-ru-ya Website Snorkel Yaa-ru-ya Reservations E-mail
Experience making blown-glass at Glass-Making Experience ISA-na. Participants can choose from a variety of colors and patterns. There are over 50 colors and three styles—marbled pendant, imploded flower pendant, or glass ring patterns. Once glass is melted, form shapes or pendants then finish. Completion takes only an hour or two; the length of time depends on what you make, so you can easily fit this program into your trip schedule.
Watching melted glass mold into shapes is an extraordinary experience unique to this activity. Be mesmerized seeing melted glass glow orange with licking flames gradually form into round shapes. Participant safety is ensured by the attending instructors. Programs are available to participants aged 5 and up. The materials used cools faster than the glass materials used at other glass shops. Customers can wear their creations during their trip once their works are complete. Glass making activities are done indoors so inclement weather will not affect schedule. Reservations required.
This studio uses heat resistant hard glass, which is superior in durability, clarity, and light-weight as compared to other glass material. Aside from glass making experience programs, they sell original jewelry such as piercings, rings, and pendants—all of which make perfect gifts for family and friends.
398-2 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Glass-Making Experience ISA-na Website
Sonny Angel figures and products are sold in over 60 different countries. The world’s first brick-and-mortar shop has opened in Ishigaki. The shop offers items that are not available overseas, apparel, and mini figures that are exclusive to Ishigaki. A full line of Sonny Angel products are sold here. These products are suited for daily use; we recommend them for Ishigaki souvenirs. Many other items, such as bath towels, tee-shirts, and beach sandals, all useful during travels are sold here.Exclusive Sonny Angel Terrace mini figures. Not only the usual secret figures, but also the rare secret figures are available. Figures are randomly packed so you won’t know what you got until you open the package. The most popular figure is the Okinawa limited figure sporting a tanned face, a small pineapple on its head, and wears a tee-shirt with an Okinawan language phrase printed on it. If you are interested in purchasing an Okinawan limited figure, you’ll need to book online beforehand (membership registration is required, but it’s free of charge). Item stocks vary day by day. Advance booking is always recommended for popular item.
Exclusive Sonny Angel Terrace mini figures. Not only the usual secret figures, but also the rare secret figures are available. Figures are randomly packed so you won’t know what you got until you open the package. The most popular figure is the Okinawa limited figure sporting a tanned face, a small pineapple on its head, and wears a tee-shirt with an Okinawan language phrase printed on it. If you are interested in purchasing an Okinawan limited figure, you’ll need to book online beforehand (membership registration is required, but it’s free of charge). Item stocks vary day by day. Advance booking is always recommended for popular item.
Fun events, like the SNS Photo Contest, are held regularly. Winners receive prizes with gift products. Soft-serve ice cream is a popular treat available at the café space The rich ice cream is made from Ishigaki farm-raised Jersey cattle. Rest and relax in the cute pink terrace after a busy day of shopping.
2-5-1F Misaki-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Sonny Angel Terrace Website Sonny Angel Terrace E-mail
Primo Spa Relaxation Salon is a well-hidden salon located one block in from a main street. One advantage of the salon is that it’s within walking distance from the Ishigaki Harbor Ritoh Terminal, so you could stop by when you’re out shopping. Once there, you can experience an authentic tropical aroma therapy session in a roomy, south-east Asian-style space. The 4 rooms are completely private, so women can enjoy their time in comfort without worry – and up to 3 or 4 people can be accommodated at a time.
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Did you enjoy our featured article? We were unable to cover everything since Ishigaki Island has so much to offer! Why not travel to Ishigaki Island for your next trip? New experiences and encounters that are exclusive to Ishigaki await you!
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