The first thing I noticed was the building. Ikehara Distillery sits quietly in a narrow street in Ishigaki City, inside an old wooden structure that feels closer to a family …
Article by Ishigaki City Tourism Culture Division,Planning Department Kabira, Ishigaki City, where beautiful nature meets a vibrant tapestry of cultural traditionsKabira, known for its emerald green waters that evoke sighs …
Kitsugansai Festival on Kohama island is a colourful spectacle for the outsider. During this ‘wishes are fulfilled’ festival, Kohama inhabitants thank the kami (gods) for a good harvest and for …
For many creatives, Tokyo is in their top 5 of must visits. And sometimes they make an extra flight to the Yaeyama islands. For the same reason I did once. …
The day after O bon (or Bon). Obon, the festival to honour the spirits of one’s ancestors Bon is the most important event in Japan. Many Japanese families reunite with …
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 …
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 …
Juroku-nichi-sai is New Year’s Day for the ancestors. It’s the 16th day of the new year, the day after the first full moon in the moon calendar or lunar calendar. …