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September 12, 2025 Marti Eicholz After experiencing Naha’s blend of history and modern life, the Odyssey sails through the Okinawan waters to the natural beauty of Ishigaki Island, Japan. The journey across the East China Sea provides views of the deep blue water and the vast sky, a chance to unwind with time to relax on the pool deck or with a good book in a cozy corner. As we approach Ishigaki, the landscape shifts to lush green hills and brilliant blue coves, a prelude to the tropical beauty of the island. Ishigaki has a modern cruise port that opened four years ago. We are greeted with a warm welcome, marking the beginning of our exploration of the island's natural wonders and culture. Ishigaki Island is part of the Yaeyama Islands, located in the southernmost part of Japan, south of mainland Okinawa, and features a tropical rainforest climate with year-round warmth, humid conditions, and relatively short rainy seasons, though it is susceptible to typhoons from June to October. Key attractions include the white sand beaches, the famously beautiful Kabira Bay, crystal-clear emerald-green waters abundant with coral reefs and tropical fish, perfect for snorkeling and diving, revealing a diverse marine life, including manta rays and sea turtles. Beyond its beaches, Ishigaki features lush, subtropical vegetation and mountainous areas, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring untouched nature. It is home to coastal forests and is part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, which contains Japan's largest mangrove forest and significant coral communities. Kayaking through the island's mangrove forests provides a unique way to experience the rich ecosystem. Ishigaki Island is the most populated of the islands in the Yaeyama Island chain, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and lush mangroves. Ishigaki is also famous for its unique cultural heritage expressed through music like traditional Ryukyu music, Okinawan folk songs accompanied by the sanshin, dance, and festivals. Ishigaki is known for its abundant natural resources. You can savor fresh seafood, tropical fruits, premium Ishigaki beef, beef sushi, red sweet potato tempura, tofu, island rakkyo (a type of scallion, looks like a garlic clove, unique aroma and pungency), sea grapes, tuna, and many other traditional Okinawan dishes that provide a unique taste of the island. Ishigaki Stalactite Cave is a fascinating cave filled with colorful, illuminated rock formations. Banna Park, a large park offering various attractions and views of the island. Visit the Hirakubosaki Lighthouse at the northernmost point of Ishigaki Island for breathtaking panoramic views. Ishigaki Yaima Village is a place to immerse yourself in traditional Okinawan culture. Wander through Euglena Mall, a vibrant shopping area located in the city center. Ishigaki Island makes you feel relaxed, adventurous, and connected to nature like a tropical escape, thanks to its stunning beaches and crystal-clear pristine waters, the surrounding vibrant coral reefs, a paradise for snorkeling and diving, with opportunities to see colorful marine life, sea turtles, and even manta rays, lush subtropical forests (dense green jungles) for a hike or leisurely stroll, and a slower, more laid-back Okinawan pace of life. You can feel a sense of awe tasting the unique local cuisine, and immersing oneself in the warm, rich island culture. Away from city lights, Ishigaki offers incredible stargazing, with the Milky Way visible to the naked eye, creating a feeling of awe and making you feel small in a good way. The island offers exceptional opportunities for supreme stargazing, with some tours offering night jungle experiences, providing a celestial spectacle against the clear, subtropical skies. Perhaps the next time we can spend the night. The Odyssey’s engines are cranking up for our departure from an island that feels pure and unspoiled, far from the crowds of more popular destinations, creating a sense of tranquility. In this serene state, I believe a little stargazing is in order as we sail toward Taiwan. Photos: Glimpses of Ishigaki Island, Japan. Summarizing the uniqueness of Japan, as we leave its shores. While most people know about the main islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, Japan is made up of 14,125 islands, using digital maps, a number that significantly increased from a previous count of 6,852. This modern survey counted all landmasses with a circumference of 328 feet or more, whereas older counts often relied on manual reviews of paper maps, which failed to differentiate numerous smaller islands. Many islands are uninhabited, offering pristine natural beauty. Around 70% of Japan's land is covered by forests and mountains, much of it unsuitable for farming or living. About 430 islands are inhabited, offering cultural and historical sites. This archipelago stretches over about 1,860 miles from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea in the south. Slurping soba, udon, or ramen is considered polite. The act of slurping enhances the flavors and helps cool down the hot broth as it enters your mouth. More than that, it's an auditory compliment to the chef, indicating that you are enjoying the meal. In Japanese culture, the number four, pronounced as "shi," is considered unlucky due to its phonetic similarity to the word for death. Often buildings omit the fourth floor, many do not assign number four to rooms. There are thousands of onsen throughout the country. Onsen, natural hot springs, are a beloved part of Japanese culture. These thermal baths are not only a place for relaxation and rejuvenation but also hold a ceremonial aspect, often linked to Shintoist or Buddhist practices of purification. Japan holds the record for the highest number of centenarians in the world. The Okinawa region is known as a longevity hotspot. This is often attributed to a healthy diet, active lifestyle, and robust social community. Japan is unique for its blend of deeply rooted traditions, such as bowing and removing shoes, highlighting a strong sense of cleanliness and respect for indoor spaces. Key unusual aspects include the national pride in extreme punctuality of its transit, so timely that a delay of just a minute or two can warrant a formal apology from the service provider, a reflection of Japan’s broader cultural emphasis on respect, efficiency, and service, the social acceptance of sleeping on the job is seen as a sign of hard work and dedication rather than laziness, and the sheer density of vending machines, selling a vast array of products, even everything from umbrellas to live lobsters. This rich culture is shaped by its island geography and a deep societal emphasis on discipline, group harmony, avoiding conflict as reflected in sayings like “the nail that sticks out gets hammered.” Japan places high value on respecting nature and elders. Hopefully, the Odyssey will return for us to get another look, another taste, and another touch of uniqueness. |
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