Adventurous Getaway to Ishigaki Island with Friends

A Day of Cultural Immersion and Reflection

Today was a day of diving deep into the heart of Ishigaki's history and culture. It’s amazing how much you can learn and experience when you step away from the beaches for a day and explore the stories etched into the land. It was a day of contrasts, from the vibrant, living history of a recreated village to the solemn remembrance of a tragic past.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at SALTIDA | サルティーダ, located in the ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort. The restaurant was beautiful, offering a wide variety of options, from fresh fruit and pastries to grilled meats. I decided to go for the wood-fired grilled beef, which was absolutely delicious. It was the perfect way to start a day of exploring. Maximilian, of course, opted for a traditional Japanese breakfast, while Astrid was more than happy with the assortment of fresh fruits.

After breakfast, we set off for Ishigaki Yaima Village. The village is a recreated traditional Yaeyama village, showcasing what life was like in the Ryukyu Kingdom era. As we stepped through the entrance, it felt like we were transported back in time. The houses with their red-tiled roofs and coral stone walls were absolutely charming.


Discover the rich culture and breathtaking beauty of Ishigaki Yaima Village in Okinawa, a unique theme park experience for all ages.

We wandered through the village, peeking into the old houses and learning about traditional crafts and tools. There was even a grandma walking around singing folk songs, accompanied by a live performance of sanshin, an Okinawan instrument. Astrid was particularly fascinated by the Shisa statues, the traditional Ryukyuan guardian figures, perched on the rooftops.

Visiting Ishigaki Yaima Village is like stepping into a living museum, where the vibrant culture and traditions of the Ryukyu Kingdom come to life.

One of the highlights of the Yaima Village was the Squirrel Monkey Garden. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it turned out to be an absolute delight. Dozens of tiny squirrel monkeys scampered around, and visitors could even feed them. Astrid was ecstatic, giggling as the monkeys climbed onto her arms to snatch pieces of food. They were surprisingly gentle, and it was a truly unique experience. I made sure to keep my camera bag secure, as I had read that these curious creatures have a penchant for snatching personal items.

We also took a stroll through the mangrove passage area, where we spotted mudskippers, those fascinating little fish that can walk on land. It was so peaceful and serene, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The village also had a buffalo pond and a crested serpent eagle protection cage, giving us a glimpse of the local wildlife.

After immersing ourselves in the living history of Yaima Village, we drove to our next destination: Toujin Tomb. This site is a memorial to a tragic event that occurred in 1852. The Robert Bowne, an American merchant ship carrying Chinese laborers, experienced a riot onboard due to the terrible treatment they were subjected to. The ship ran aground off the coast of Ishigaki, and many of the laborers died.


Explore the Toujin Tomb in Ishigaki: a historical site commemorating Chinese laborers and promoting peace and reflection.

The Toujin Tomb is a Chinese-style memorial, built to honor the victims of this incident. The colorful architecture, with its dragons and phoenixes, was striking against the backdrop of the lush greenery. As we walked through the site, a sense of solemnity washed over us. It was a stark reminder of the suffering and injustice that can occur in the world.

I read about the history of the tomb before visiting, learning about how the remains of the laborers were scattered around the island before the tomb was built in 1971 with donations from various organizations. It was also interesting to learn that the calligraphy on the tomb was produced by Chiang Kai-shek of Taiwan.

The site also includes a cenotaph for U.S. military aviators who were captured on Ishigaki Island during World War II and tragically killed. It was a sobering reminder of the island's complex history and the importance of remembering the past. Despite its beauty, the memorial is filled with sad history and a wish for peace.

Leaving the Toujin Tomb, I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to learn about this often-overlooked piece of history. It’s important to remember these stories, to honor the lives lost, and to strive for a more just and compassionate world.

For lunch, we decided to try Mugonka, an Italian restaurant that’s apparently popular with the locals. It was a bit hidden away in a residential area, but the search was well worth it. The restaurant had a cozy and tranquil atmosphere, and the aroma of freshly baked pizza filled the air. I opted for one of their handmade dough pizzas, while Maximilian enjoyed a pasta dish. Astrid, as always, was happy with a simple Margherita pizza. It was a delightful meal, a perfect break after a morning of exploring.


Discover Mugonka in Ishigaki: where authentic Italian cuisine meets island charm with delectable pizzas and inviting ambiance.

In the evening, we had dinner at Sabanisen, an izakaya restaurant known for its fresh seafood. The restaurant sources its seafood daily from local fishermen, ensuring the highest quality. We tried a variety of dishes, including sashimi, sushi, and grilled seafood. Everything was incredibly fresh and flavorful. Maximilian particularly enjoyed the local Ishigaki Island's Kuruma shrimp, while Astrid couldn’t get enough of the sushi.


Experience authentic Japanese dining at Sabanisen in Ishigaki—where local flavors meet a cozy izakaya atmosphere.

To cap off the evening, we headed to Bar AZZURRO for a nightcap. This charming Italian bar had a great atmosphere and friendly service. I enjoyed a glass of local Okinawan beer, while Maximilian tried one of their signature cocktails. It was the perfect way to relax and unwind after a day of exploration.


Discover vibrant nightlife at Bar AZZURRO in Ishigaki, where refreshing drinks and a friendly atmosphere await in the heart of Okinawa.

Tomorrow, we’re planning to explore the Blue Cave and visit Hideki Ranch. I’m excited to see what adventures await us! I’m particularly looking forward to snorkeling in the Blue Cave and experiencing the natural beauty of Ishigaki Island. I'm also curious about Hideki Ranch; Astrid loves animals, and I'm sure she'll be thrilled to see some cows up close.

Today was a reminder that travel is not just about seeing beautiful places, but also about learning about the history and culture of those places. It was a day of immersion, reflection, and connection. I'm grateful for the experiences and the memories we created. I am also very grateful for having Maximilian and Astrid with me, sharing these experiences together. It makes the trip even more special.