DiscoverYaima

An independent island guide
Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan

Island stories

Tag: <span>okinawa</span>

Island life

Making, learning and local materials.

A craft workshop offers a way to understand an island through its materials and the people who work with them. This story returns to a DiscoverYaima visit to Yachimunkan near Shiraho.

The islands

Panari, a visit arranged with care.

Aragusuku is made up of Kamiji and Shimoji. Together they are known as Panari, meaning separated. Plan a visit through an organised boat excursion, with the guide arranging both the crossing and where the group can go.

The islands

Hateruma, for the sea.

For us, Hateruma is about the colour and clarity of the sea, its reef and the quiet of a small island. Give those reasons enough time, and plan the crossing as carefully as the stay.

Plan your trip

Hiking in Ishigaki

A walk in Banna Park and a mountain outing on Ishigaki are not the same thing. Here is how we think about the places we have walked, and what to check before setting out.

7Days7Cafes: Hot sugarcane juice in Ishigaki at Parlor Papaya

#7days7cafes Sugarcane juice in Ishigaki This is an updated story: We visited Parlor Papaya many times already. Mostly after a short walk up to the Yaeyama palmtree forest. This time we visited Parlor Papaya in the winter time. While it’s not particularly cold in Ishigaki Island during the winter, when you are used to hot […]

7Days7Cafes: Lunch restaurant Bobo Ishigaki

#7days7cafes *This restaurant is closed* Kusa Bobo means ‘covered with weeds’. But don’t let this meaning scare you off. The restaurant is located on a lush green hill in the Northern part of Ishigaki island. Restaurant Bobo The wooden name sign is easy to be overlooked, especially coming from the Northern areas of Ishigaki. Follow […]

7Days7Cafes: Travelers cafe Saku Ishigaki

#7days7cafes It’s maybe once or twice a year I’d choose to eat curry for lunch. While curry isn’t my favourite, it’s immensely popular in Japan. Today we had lunch at Travelers cafe Saku in Ishigaki. Japanese love for curry One of the (many) things I find remarkable in Japan, is their love for curry. I […]

7Days7Cafes: Restaurant Kitchen Amofu Ishigaki

#7days7cafes Important note: This restaurant is unfortunately closed. The chef went to Iriomote island. A new restaurant opened recently, which serves homemade juices, lunch & izakaya style creative food. We’ll write about it soon. One of our new favourite lunch places, Kitchen Amofu, is located just outside the main city center of Ishigaki. It isn’t […]

Feel the magic of the mysterious fireflies in Ishigaki & Iriomote

THE THINGS YOU HOPE TO SEE ONCE IN YOUR LIFE One of them is a tiny glowing beetle. Fireflies in Japan are called Hottaru. The magical Hime bottaru can be seen from late February until late April in Iriomote island. Fireflies in Ishigaki island show up from March until June. During this season the tiny […]