Island Natural Guides Ishigaki
Welcome! I’m so excited to share ISL& Natural Guides Ishigaki with you — an e-book and softcover guide designed to help you feel at home in Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands. It’s like having a local friend by your side.
What You’ll Discover
Nature & Wildlife Up Close — Mangroves, endemic plants, coral reefs, sea turtles, and more.
Culture & Traditions — Local festivals, moon-calendar events, crafts, and life-stories from the people of the islands.
Taste & Cafés — Ryukyu cuisine, local food, vegetarian and café spots beloved by locals.
Beaches, Walks & Trails — Hidden beaches, hikes with views, maps you can actually use.
Maps & Practical Tips — Google My Maps links, detailed area maps, and navigation tips to help you explore without getting lost.
More Than Just a Guidebook
This isn’t just about what to see—it’s about how to feel the place. Inside you’ll find:
Personal stories from my time on the islands
Recipes inspired by local ingredients
Interviews with artists, freedivers, illustrators—people whose life is woven with nature
Meet the Maker
Hi, I’m Celeste. I first came to Ishigaki in 2014, and over the years I’ve fallen in love with its beauty — the sea, the people, the rhythm of the islands. I wanted travellers to go beyond the usual sights and really feel Ishigaki in its colours, sounds, and flavours.
This guide was born from that belief: you don’t need a map of “touristy spots,” but a friend’s map of “where my heart lives.”
If you would like to know more about DiscoverYaima, check this page.
How to Get It
E-Book — Ideal for devices, with clickable routes & easy-to-use digital maps.
Softcover Edition — Beautiful to hold, easy to carry around. A lovely keepsake.
Available online and in local shops around Ishigaki.
FAQ (Just a Few Things You Might Wonder)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is it good for first-time visitors? | Yes! It has essentials + off-the-beat-path ideas to help you see more than just the typical spots. |
| Do I need internet while exploring? | Not always — the guidebook maps are usable offline. But having data helps, especially when checking opening times, using the links to area maps or doing hikes or spontaneous detours. |
| What about food restrictions? | There are vegetarian & “local food” suggestions. Some traditional dishes may include fish or meat. I’ll mark when restaurants offer vegetarian dishes or options. |
Japan’s southernmost islands form an archipelago rich in contrasts. Okinawa, Miyako, Ishigaki, and the far-flung Yaeyama Islands share turquoise seas and subtropical skies, yet each carries its own history, rhythm, and flavor.
The Hounensai (Harvest Festival) is a traditional agricultural ritual held every summer in the Yaeyama Islands, including Ishigaki, Taketomi island, Iriomote island, Hatoma island and Kuro island in Okinawa Prefecture, …
DiscoverYaima went to an Awamori distillery for a hands-on Awamori tour and tasting. And it was our first time! I gasped for a moment, because it was quite an extraordinary …