Ishigaki Island: Japan's Tropical Gem

• Helloハイサイ
  [Haisai]
• Goodbyeバイバイ
  [Baibai]
• Yesはい
  [Hai]
• Noいいえ
  [Iie]
• Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [Douzo]
• Thank youありがとう
  [Arigatou]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [Sumimasen]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [Ogenki desu ka?]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [Genki desu. Anata wa?]
• Do you speak English?英語が話せますか？
  [Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [Wakarimasen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください
  [Menyuu wo misete kudasai]
• I don't eat meat私は肉を食べません
  [Watashi wa niku o tabemasen]
• Cheers!乾杯！
  [Kanpai!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [O-kaikai o onegaishimasu]

• Help!助けて！
  [Tasukete!]
• Go away!行って！
  [Itte!]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んで！
  [Keisatsu o yonde!]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んで！
  [Isha o yonde!]
• I'm lost道に迷いました
  [Michi ni mayoimashita]
• I'm ill具合が悪いです
  [Guai ga warui desu]

• I'd like to buy...買いたいです...
  [Kaitai desu...]
• I'm just looking見ているだけです
  [Miteiru dake desu]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [Ikura desu ka?]
• That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます
  [Sore wa takasugimasu]
• Can you lower the price?値引きしてもらえますか？
  [Nebiki shite moraemasu ka?]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [Ima nanji desu ka?]
• It's one o'clock一時です
  [Ichiji desu]
• Half past (10)10時半です
  [Juuji han desu]
• Morning朝
  [Asa]
• Afternoon午後
  [Gogo]
• Evening夕方
  [Yuugata]
• Yesterday昨日
  [Kinou]
• Today今日
  [Kyou]
• Tomorrow明日
  [Ashita]
• 1一
  [Ichi]
• 2二
  [Ni]
• 3三
  [San]
• 4四
  [Shi]
• 5五
  [Go]
• 6六
  [Roku]
• 7七
  [Nana]
• 8八
  [Hachi]
• 9九
  [Kyuu]
• 10十
  [Ju]

• Where's a/the...?...はどこですか？
  [...wa doko desu ka?]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [Jusho wa nan desu ka?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(地図で)見せてもらえますか？
  [(Chizu de) misete moraemasu ka?]
• When's the next (bus)?次の(バス)はいつですか？
  [Tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
• A ticket (to ....)(...)へのチケットをください
  [(...) e no chiketto o kudasai]

Ishigaki Island was part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, an independent kingdom that existed from the 15th to the 19th century. The island played a crucial role in maritime trade routes between Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. The Ryukyu Kingdom was known for its rich culture, unique language, and distinctive architectural styles, many of which can still be seen in Ishigaki today.

In 1609, the Satsuma Domain of Japan invaded the Ryukyu Kingdom. Although the Ryukyu Kingdom retained a degree of autonomy, it became a vassal state under Satsuma's control. This event significantly influenced Ishigaki Island, as it introduced new administrative structures and cultural exchanges between the Ryukyuan and Japanese people.

During the Meiji Restoration in 1879, the Ryukyu Kingdom was formally annexed by Japan, and Ishigaki Island became part of Okinawa Prefecture. This period saw significant modernization and infrastructure development on the island, including the establishment of schools and improved transportation networks.

Ishigaki Island was affected by World War II, particularly during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. The island experienced air raids and evacuations, leading to significant hardship for its residents. After the war, Ishigaki was under U.S. administration until 1972, when it was returned to Japan. This period brought about economic challenges and shifts in the island's social fabric.

Ishigaki Island boasts a rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, dance, and festivals playing a vital role in its community life. One of the most famous festivals is the Ishigaki Yaima Festival, which celebrates the island's history and traditions through performances, parades, and local cuisine. The island's cultural sites, such as the Torinji Temple and the Miyara Dunchi, offer glimpses into its storied past.

Ishigaki Island is located in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The most convenient way to reach the island is by flying into New Ishigaki Airport (Painushima Ishigaki Airport), which has both domestic and limited international flights. Major airlines operate direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and other major Japanese cities. If you're traveling internationally, you may need to connect through Tokyo's Haneda or Narita airports, or from other regional hubs like Taipei.

Getting around Ishigaki Island is relatively straightforward. Car rentals are popular and offer the most flexibility for exploring the island. There are several rental agencies available at the airport and in the city center. Public buses provide routes that connect major areas and tourist spots, though they run less frequently. Taxis are also available but can be expensive for longer trips. Bicycles and scooters can be rented for shorter distances and provide a fun way to explore the island.

The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and rural areas. There are ATMs available at convenience stores and banks, but note that not all ATMs accept foreign cards. It’s a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash upon arrival at the airport.

Ishigaki Island is generally a safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are very low, and violent crime is rare. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions: avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, and be cautious of scams targeting tourists, such as overpriced services. There are no specific high-crime areas on the island.

In case of an emergency, dial 119 for fire and ambulance services, and 110 for police assistance. New Ishigaki Airport has a medical clinic, and Ishigaki City Hospital is the main medical facility on the island. For less urgent medical needs, there are several clinics and pharmacies. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. English-speaking staff may not always be available, so having a translation app can be useful.

Fashion: Do dress conservatively in public places, especially when visiting shrines and temples. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, follow the rules such as removing shoes before entering. Public Transport: Do be respectful and quiet on public transport. Eating or talking loudly is considered impolite. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow; handshakes are less common but acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. It’s considered polite to finish everything on your plate.

To experience Ishigaki Island like a local, visit the local markets such as Euglena Mall for fresh produce and traditional Okinawan goods. Engage with the locals, as they are friendly and often willing to share stories and recommendations. Don’t miss trying local dishes like Yaeyama soba and Ishigaki beef. For a unique experience, explore the lesser-known beaches and hiking trails, and consider joining a guided tour to learn about the island's rich cultural and natural history.