Circle Japan: Part 1 - Ishigaki

Ishigaki — Nature’s Quiet Masterpiece

My journey through Japan begins not in the bustling cities or ancient temples, but on the remote, subtropical shores of Ishigaki — one of the smallest and southernmost islands in the country. It’s part of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, a region known for its distinct culture, rich biodiversity, and breathtaking natural beauty.

As a nature lover, it felt only natural to start here.

Located on the northwestern edge of the island chain, Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park is one of Japan’s most treasured ecological preserves. The park covers not only the lush mountains and forests, but also the vibrant coral reefs and pristine beaches surrounding the island. It’s a hiker’s paradise — but during my visit, the temperatures soared into the 90s Fahrenheit, and the intense humidity made it feel well over 100. Hiking in those conditions just wasn’t practical.


Still, I found refuge — and awe — in the panoramic views from the mountain observation decks. The vista point near the Tamatorizaki Observatory offered a spectacular glimpse of both land and sea. From there, I could see the Nasoko coastline and the Hirakubo Peninsula, where rugged cliffs meet aquamarine water.

To the south of the promontory lies a culturally rich area associated with the traditional song of the moonlit beach, sometimes referred to as Kishinura or Halmora. It’s a poetic name that matches the dreamlike view we took in from the deck — soft waves rolling into shore under the blazing summer sky.

But the absolute highlight of Ishigaki for me was Kabira Bay. With its emerald green water, white sand, and gently bobbing boats, it’s the kind of place that makes you forget time. The bay is full of marine life — fish darting beneath the waves and sea turtles gliding gracefully below the surface. Swimming is prohibited in Kabira to protect the fragile ecosystem, but a ride in a glass-bottom boat gave me a front-row view into this underwater world.

Even though the heat limited how much I could physically explore, the natural and cultural richness of Ishigaki left a deep impression. It’s a place where the land, sea, and spirit of Okinawa all meet — quietly, beautifully and powerfully.

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