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…
Insider tips to rent a bike in Ishigaki We wrote earlier about cycling in the Yaeyama islands. In this post we give you tips on where to rent a bike…
Don’t miss the traditional harvest festival Hounensai, if you’re in Ishigaki, Iriomote or one of the other islands. This festival is held to thank the gods for the rich harvest…
Lunchrestaurant Kanan is one of my personal favourites. In the village of Kainan right in the middle of Ishigaki island, in between houses and pineapple fields, lies lunch restaurant Kanan.…
Hiking in Ishigaki is paradise for nature lovers and for sports enthusiasts. Most of the trails aren’t too difficult. Hiring a guide is possible and can give you more insights, although…
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.…
Locals know where to go when it comes to farmers markets and where it’s best for shopping. Sometimes it can be a bit difficult to find just te right place…
A story on Kuroshima, Kuro island. FROM THE SKY – SORAKARA Kuroshima is one of our favourite Yaeyama islands. Visit our YouTube channel for more videos. If you plan to…
Every year in November or December Yakimono matsuri, the local pottery festival, takes place. We’ll share the exact date on social media every year. Don’t miss this event, if you’re searching…
For breakfast & lunch in Ishigaki Shunka Banchan breakfast & lunch restaurant is truly a hidden gem. Located near the ocean in Shiraho, this is a good spot to escape the…