Ishigaki

We have been in Ishigaki for nearly a week now. Settling into the rhythm of island life. Slow paced, deliberate and laidback. Walking outside is like being enveloped by a warm washrag. 90 degree heat with 85% humidity. Outside activities take a bit of grit, which we have cultivated out of necessity in order to explore our surroundings.

Ishigaki-jima is part of the Yaeyama Island group. It covers 85 square miles and has a population of 50,000. Most of the island is covered by thick native tropical jungle. The skies are vast and endless.

Frequented by Japanese scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts, it is a jumping off point for exploring the Okinawan archipelago. The city is dotted with unique souvenir shops and a surprisingly sophisticated food scene. There is a bustling night life full of happy Japanese people drinking and talking loudly, enjoying themselves.

Our wonderful guest house has bikes for us to use. We rode 30 min outside of town and walked up to the view point at Mt. Banna. Hot and sweaty, we were rewarded with a 360 degree view of the island.

We lucked out with our guest house. Super friendly and many free offerings; bikes, laundry, tea and coffee. Most importantly there is a dining room where we can hang out outside of our room. Plus there is an excellent breakfast served daily:) $200 night for two rooms (four twin beds). We are three blocks from the town center and next to a Family Mart!

We walked to a curry restaurant where we discovered the delicious Shikuwasa flavored beer. Refreshing and sour, made with the local citrus fruit.

One of our favorite food trucks, Bonne Blue serves fish and chips, owned by Sam, a Scottish transplant who actually catches what he serves. It is a favorite of expats and a good source of local information about the island. However, aside from friends of Sam visiting from Scotland we have not seen any other western travelers.