An independent island guide
Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
Island stories
When I was younger, my friends in The Netherlands loved surfing. They took every opportunity to ride the waves. With their handmade wooden bike carriage they carried the board wherever they wanted. Free minds. Once in my teens I took wind surfing classes on a lake near us. I don’t know exactly why I quit. […]
Culture & community
A documentary about textile maker Akiko Ishigaki on Iriomote, with drone footage contributed by our team.
Today we decided to go for a lunch spot we never tried before, close to our house. For homemade kishimen at restaurant Kagi As a tourist I would have difficulties to find restaurant Kagi. It’s not in Ishigaki city but in the North of the island and hidden between vegetation. Nothing looks like there is […]
We wanted to keep restaurant Dining Shrimper in Ishigaki a secret… Dining Shrimper is one of our favourite restaurants in Ishigaki We are regular customers and every time the food is great. Shrimper is a family restaurant, father is chef, mother and daughter serve the guests. That’s one of the reasons, we like to come […]
Food & everyday life
Bread, filled buns and a reason to make a detour: a visit to Pinacolada Bakery on Ishigaki.
Culture & community
This archive story follows the remembrance and family traditions we encountered on Ishigaki during Obon in 2017.
The Yonaguni pony Meet Sanpin-chan on Kohama island. He’s one of the endangered Yonaguni Japanese breed ponies. It’s one of the eight pony breeds native to Japan. Yonaguni horses have a very gentle and thoughtful character. If you have the opportunity to travel to Yonaguni island, you’ll meet them free almost everywhere around the […]
Don’t miss the traditional Hounensai harvest festival if you’re visiting Ishigaki, Iriomote, or one of the other Yaeyama Islands. The festival is held to thank the gods for the year’s harvest and to pray for abundance in the coming season. Each village organizes its own festivities. Many events are open to visitors, while some ceremonies […]