Adventurous Getaway to Ishigaki Island with Friends

Island Bridges and Underwater Dreams

Today was a day of contrasts, blending architectural marvels with the serene beauty of the underwater world. Ishigaki Island continues to surprise and delight, offering a unique mix of experiences that cater to both the adventurous and the laid-back traveler. From crossing bridges with panoramic views to diving into coral reefs teeming with life, every moment felt like a postcard come to life.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Re:hellow Beach. The ocean view was the perfect backdrop as I enjoyed a delicious and colorful meal featuring local island vegetables. It’s amazing how fresh ingredients can elevate a simple breakfast into a culinary experience. Astrid was particularly thrilled with her tropical fruit smoothie, declaring it the best she’d ever had – a high praise, indeed! Maximilian enjoyed a hearty plate of eggs and local sausage, fueling up for the day’s adventures. I opted for a veggie bowl, packed with vibrant greens and a zesty dressing. This was the perfect way to start the day, setting a positive tone for everything that was to come.

Discover delicious American cuisine at Re:hellow Beach in Ishigaki – where tasty hamburgers meet breathtaking ocean views.

After breakfast, we headed to the Southern Gate Bridge. This striking blue bridge connects Ishigaki City to the artificial island of Minami-nu-Hama, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding waters. The bridge is easily accessible from the離島ターミナル, which is a 5-minute walk away. As we walked across, the sea breeze was invigorating, and the views were simply breathtaking. I couldn't resist snapping photos of the turquoise waters and the lush greenery that lined the coast. The bridge itself is an architectural marvel, and I was fascinated by the way it seemed to float above the water.
Discover Ishigaki's iconic Southern Gate Bridge: stunning views, coastal charm, and a perfect gateway to island exploration.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found in the simplest moments, like crossing a bridge and discovering a whole new perspective.

One of the interesting things I learned was about the 730 Crossing. This monument commemorates the day in 1978 when Okinawa switched from driving on the right side of the road to the left, aligning with the rest of Japan. It’s a small but significant piece of local history, and I appreciated the chance to learn something new about the island’s past.

Our next stop was Shiraho Beach, famous for having one of the largest blue coral reefs in the Northern Hemisphere. Getting there was a bit of a journey, as there’s no public transportation directly to the beach; we had to drive. But the drive was worth it. The beach itself is a pristine stretch of white sand, and the water is crystal clear.
I had packed my snorkeling gear, eager to explore the underwater wonders. As soon as I dipped beneath the surface, I was greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors. The coral reefs were vibrant and teeming with life, with schools of tropical fish darting in and out of the formations. I spotted at least 70 different species of coral, including the rare blue coral that the beach is known for. It was like swimming in an aquarium, an experience I will never forget. Maximilian and Astrid enjoyed building sandcastles and splashing in the shallows, perfectly content with the beach's simple pleasures.
Discover Ishigaki's underwater wonders at Shiraho Beach, home to the Northern Hemisphere's largest blue coral reef and diverse marine life.

After our swim, we were famished. Lunch was at Steak & Restaurant PAPOIYA, known for its Ishigaki beef. The restaurant is located on the 8th floor of a building, offering stunning views of the city. The steaks were cooked to perfection, incredibly tender and flavorful. I opted for the sirloin, while Maximilian chose the tenderloin. Astrid, surprisingly, devoured a kid-sized portion of steak with gusto. The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere made it a truly memorable dining experience.
Experience premium steaks and exquisite dining in Ishigaki's Steak & Restaurant PAPOIYA—where flavor meets elegance.

Before dinner, we decided to do some shopping at Don Quijote Ishigakijima. This discount store is a treasure trove of everything from snacks and cosmetics to electronics and souvenirs. I picked up some local snacks to bring back home, while Astrid was thrilled to find a Hello Kitty toy. It’s the perfect place to find those last-minute gifts and essentials.
Explore the vibrant shopping paradise of Don Quijote Ishigakijima in Okinawa, where unbeatable prices meet a diverse selection of goods.
For dinner, we chose Sumibi Yakiniku Takesantei, a yakiniku restaurant known for its rare cuts of Ishigaki beef. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the staff were incredibly helpful in guiding us through the menu. We opted for a selection of different cuts, each one more delicious than the last. The highlight of the meal was grilling the meat ourselves over a charcoal grill, savoring each bite as it cooked to perfection.
Discover the authentic taste of Japanese grilled meat at Sumibi Yakiniku Takesantei in Ishigaki, Okinawa - where quality meets tradition.
As the day drew to a close, I reflected on the incredible experiences we had. From the architectural beauty of the Southern Gate Bridge to the underwater wonders of Shiraho Beach and the culinary delights of Ishigaki beef, every moment was a feast for the senses. I am so grateful for the opportunity to explore this beautiful island with my family and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Tomorrow, we’re planning to visit Dolphin Fantasy Ishigaki Island and Fusaki Beach. I’m particularly excited about seeing the dolphins and spending more time by the sea. I’m also intrigued by the Latin bar Revolucion, which we might visit in the evening for a taste of Ishigaki’s nightlife. It will be another day filled with new adventures and unforgettable moments, and I can’t wait to share it all with you.
Back at our guesthouse, I’m already looking forward to tomorrow’s adventures. I'm glad I remembered to pack my camera, though I'm kicking myself for forgetting my hiking boots and the underwater camera! I also wish I had brought a power adapter, as the Japanese outlets are different from the ones we use in Germany. Oh well, live and learn! Until tomorrow, happy travels!