Adventurous Getaway to Ishigaki Island with Friends

Adieu, Ishigaki!

As my 12-day adventure on Ishigaki Island draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences I’ve had. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I was captivated by the island's natural beauty and the warmth of its people. Today, I soaked up every last bit of paradise before heading back to Germany, filled with memories to last a lifetime.

This morning, I woke up early, eager to make the most of my final day. Maximilian and Astrid were still fast asleep, so I decided to head out on my own for a bit of quiet reflection. My first stop was Tofu Higa for breakfast. Located a short drive from the city center, this little gem is known for its yushi-dofu, a unique Okinawan tofu soup. I arrived around 7:00 AM, and there was already a small queue of locals and tourists waiting to get their tofu fix. The restaurant itself is quite rustic, with spacious terrace seating in front of a tofu factory that’s been around for over 70 years. I ordered the Kariyushi Set, which included the yushi-dofu, rice porridge, okara (tofu pulp), and an omelet. The tofu was incredibly fresh and flavorful, with a delicate, slightly crumbly texture. The homemade miso added a savory depth, and the fish floss provided a delightful umami kick. It was the perfect way to start the day, healthy and energizing.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Tofu Higa in Ishigaki - where fresh ingredients meet traditional flavors in every delicious bite.

Sometimes, the most beautiful discoveries are the quiet moments of reflection found in the simplest of places.

After breakfast, I picked up Maximilian and Astrid, and we set off for Yonehara Beach. Known for its stunning white sand, emerald green waters, and vibrant coral reefs, Yonehara is a must-visit spot on Ishigaki. As we arrived, the sun was shining, and the beach was already buzzing with activity. We found a nice spot to set up our towels and beach gear, and Astrid immediately ran towards the water, squealing with delight. Maximilian and I followed closely behind, eager to join in the fun. The water was crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling. I rented some gear from a nearby shop and plunged into the underwater world. The coral reefs were teeming with life, and I spotted colorful fish darting in and out of the coral. I even saw a sea turtle gracefully swimming by, which was an absolute highlight. Astrid, who is quite the little swimmer, was fascinated by the marine life and kept pointing out different fish and corals to me. Maximilian, meanwhile, enjoyed relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun, and keeping a watchful eye on Astrid and me. Although some reviewers have mentioned issues with littering , we found the beach to be relatively clean and well-maintained. It’s important for all of us to do our part in keeping these natural spaces pristine.


Discover Ishigaki's Yonehara Beach: a snorkeling haven with vibrant coral reefs, clear waters, and stunning natural beauty.
After a few hours of swimming and snorkeling, we decided to head to Taketomi Island. Just a short ferry ride from Ishigaki, Taketomi offers a glimpse into traditional Ryukyu village life. As we approached the island, I was immediately struck by its serene beauty. The village is a national Preservation District, with traditional wooden houses, red-tiled roofs, and white coral sand streets. We rented bikes near the harbor and spent the afternoon exploring the island at our own pace. We cycled past limestone walls adorned with hibiscus and bougainvillea, and we admired the shisa statues guarding the entrances of many homes. One of the highlights was visiting Kondoi Beach, known for its soft white sand and shallow emerald waters. Astrid loved playing in the sand, building sandcastles, and splashing in the gentle waves. Maximilian and I took turns wading into the water, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding islands. We also stopped by Kaiji Beach, famous for its star-shaped sand. Astrid was thrilled to find a few of these tiny star-shaped grains, which are actually the exoskeletons of tiny marine organisms.


Discover traditional Ryukyu culture on Taketomi Island: white-sand beaches, historic villages, and serene island charm await just a short ferry ride from Ishigaki.
For lunch, we headed to Kabira Tei. This restaurant is near Kabira Bay and is known for its Ishigaki beef steaks. The service was great and the staff were very friendly. The beef was tender and juicy. The presentation of the food was also very nice. We had a wonderful time here.


Discover authentic Okinawan flavors at Kabira Tei – a top-rated steakhouse offering exquisite seafood and regional dishes in Ishigaki.
As the day drew to a close, it was time for our final meal on Ishigaki Island. We had made a reservation at Ishigaki beef MARU, a yakiniku restaurant known for its high-quality Ishigaki beef. Located a short walk from the Remote Island Terminal, this restaurant sources its beef exclusively from local butchers who provide A5 grade or higher. The restaurant itself has a vibrant and laid-back atmosphere, with friendly staff who speak English. We ordered a selection of different cuts of Ishigaki beef, as well as some local Awamori. The beef was incredibly tender and flavorful, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that was simply divine. The seaweed-infused sauce and the fruit-based sauce added unique and refreshing flavors. It was the perfect way to end our culinary journey on Ishigaki Island.


Experience authentic Japanese yakiniku at Ishigaki beef MARU - where premium meat meets unforgettable dining in Okinawa.
After dinner, we headed to Chaka Chaka for one last drink. It was a great way to end the day. We talked about our favorite parts of the trip, and we laughed about some of the funny things that happened.


Experience the lively atmosphere and local flavors at Chaka Chaka, a top bar destination in Ishigaki, Okinawa.
As I sit here now, packing my bags and preparing for my flight back to Germany, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the incredible experiences I’ve had on Ishigaki Island. This trip has been a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to share it with my friends. I’ll cherish the memories of swimming in the crystal-clear waters, exploring the lush jungles, and indulging in the island’s culinary delights. Ishigaki Island has captured a piece of my heart, and I know that I’ll be back someday to explore more of its hidden gems. For now, it’s time to say goodbye and embark on the next chapter of my travel adventures.

Tomorrow marks the end of our trip, and while there are no specific itinerary items planned, I know that the memories we’ve made here will last a lifetime. Perhaps one day, Astrid will bring her own family back to this beautiful island, and we can relive these magical moments together. Until then, auf wiedersehen, Ishigaki! Your beauty and charm will be dearly missed.