4 Must-See Mangrove Spots on Ishigaki Island! Here’s How to Enjoy the Miyara River, Fukidori River, Kabira Bay, and More
Where would you recommend going to see mangroves on Ishigaki Island?
If it's your first time, visit the national natural monumentMiyara RiverWe recommend these spots. If you want to enjoy waterfalls, choose the Fukidori River; if you want to watch the sunset, choose Nagura Ampāru; and if you want to combine it with a breathtaking ocean view, choose Kabira Bay!
Where can you see mangroves on Ishigaki Island?
If you want to enjoy the mangroves on Ishigaki Island, check out the Miyara River, Fukidori River, Nagura Ampāru, and Kabira Bay.4 locationsis recommended!
In this column, we’ve summarized the unique features of each spot, ways to enjoy activities like canoeing and SUP, the wildlife you can see, and tips for visiting on rainy days or with children.
◆For those who want to take a mangrove tour by canoe or SUP
◆For those looking for things to do on rainy or windy days
◆For those looking for activities to enjoy with their children
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Ishigaki Island.
If you're not sure, go with this!
▼Click here for recommended mangrove tours▼
![[Ishigaki Island / Half-Day] Same-Day Reservations Accepted! Ishigaki Island’s Longest ☆ Nationally Designated Natural Monument “Miyara River” Mangrove Canoe Tour ★ Free Photos & Transportation Included](https://ishigaki-tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_0195-825x510.jpg)
4 Recommended Mangrove Spots on Ishigaki Island
The mangroves on Ishigaki Island can be found in the southeastern, northern, southwestern, and northwestern parts of the island.
From rivers you can paddle deep into by canoe to tidal flats visible from bridges and a corner of a bay with breathtaking views—each spot offers...The atmosphere is differentThat's what makes it so appealing!
We also have plans that accept same-day reservations☆
▼Click here for recommended mangrove tours▼
![[Ishigaki Island] Choose Between SUP or Canoeing in the Fukidori River Mangroves & Trekking Tour to "Nozoko Marpe" for 360-Degree Panoramic Views](https://ishigaki-tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/S__141910030-825x510.jpg)
Miyara River
The Miyara River, which flows along the southeastern coast of the island, is a classic destination for mangrove tours on Ishigaki Island.
The mangrove forest, which stretches for about 1.5 km from the river mouth, is known as the “Miyara River Mangrove Forest”National MonumentThe name is designated in the
The current is gentle, making it easy even for beginners to paddle a canoe or stand-up paddleboard, and its proximity to the airport makes it easy to fit into your itinerary—another great perk.
The popular Miyara River Mangrove Canoe Tour by Ishigaki Island Tours (No. 328) has received over 300 reviews!
◆ Tours: Self-guided
◆Directions: About a 10- to 15-minute drive from Minami-no-Shima Ishigaki Airport
river running between Tokyo-to and Kanagawa Prefecture
The Fukidori River, which flows through the Nosoko area in the northern part of the island, is a compact river approximately 2.2 km long.
Mangroves grow densely along both banks of the river, and the mangrove grove has been designated a Natural Monument of Ishigaki City.
Upstream is “Waterfall for marriageThere is a waterfall called Yabiku Falls, and tours where participants paddle down the river by canoe or SUP and then walk to the falls are very popular.
It's perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy both the river and the waterfall!
◆Parking: There are a few parking spaces available near Fuki-dori Bridge.
You can enjoy the waterfall, too☆
▼Click here for recommended Fuki-dori River tours▼
![Okinawa, Ishigaki Island] [Yabiku Waterfall] Aim for the "Waterfall of Marriage"! Mangrove Canoe & Shower Trekking Tour (No.308)](https://ishigaki-tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/P5120889-825x510.jpg)
Neizo Anpal
Nagura Ampāru is a tidal flat that stretches at the mouth of the Nagura River, deep within Nagura Bay in the southwestern part of the island.
A place where you can see both mangrove forests and tidal flats together; in 2005,Ramsar ConventionIt has been designated as a registered wetland.
We recommend viewing the area from the top of the Nagura Bridge; at low tide, when the mudflats are exposed, it’s the perfect time to observe wildlife.
In the evening, you can also enjoy a sunset kayaking tour while watching the sun set over Nagura Bay!
◆Parking: Located at the north end of the Nagura Bridge
Enjoying the Sunset and the Starry Sky☆
▼Click here for our recommended Meikura Bay tours▼
Kabira Bay
Mangroves actually grow naturally in Kabira Bay—a scenic spot that has earned three stars in the Michelin Green Guide.
On the capes and other areas on the western side of the bay, you can find Yaeyama mangroves, black mangroves, and false mangroves,A small communityare scattered throughout the area.
If you want to see large mangrove forests, the Miyara and Fukidori Rivers are the places to go, but the appeal of Kabira Bay is that you can enjoy both the blue sea and the mangroves together.
There are also tours that take you to both Kabira Bay and the Miyara River in a single day, so be sure to check them out!
◆Directions: About 30–40 minutes by car from downtown
◆Parking: Paid parking available
All the Popular Spots in One Go☆
▼Click here for recommended Kabira Bay tours▼
Click here for the Ishigaki Island Mangrove Tour
How to Enjoy the Mangroves on Ishigaki Island
There are many ways to enjoy the mangroves on Ishigaki Island, whether from the water or from land.
If you're the laid-back type, try canoeing; if you're the active type, try SUP; and if you want to enjoy the scenery,Sunset Touris recommended!
You can join even if you start in the evening☆
▼Click here for our recommended sunset tours▼
Take a leisurely trip down the river in a canoe or kayak
The most popular way to enjoy the area is on a canoe or kayak tour through the mangrove-lined rivers.
Since you pedal while sitting,StabilityPlus, since it’s a two-seater, you can ride with your child, which is reassuring.
You can enjoy views that are only visible from this low vantage point—such as passing through mangrove tunnels and looking for crabs at the base of the trees.
The guide will teach you everything from the basics of paddling, so even if you're a first-timer, be sure to give it a try!
Click here for Ishigaki Island Canoe (Kayak) Tours
Taking a Stroll on the Water on a SUP
SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) is an activity where you stand on a board and use a paddle to move forward.
When I stand up, my vantage point rises, and as I look out over the mangrove forest...A Stroll on the Water's SurfaceIt'll make you feel like you're actually doing it!
One of the appeals of mangrove rivers is that there are almost no waves, making it easier to maintain your balance than in the ocean.
Since you can sit or kneel, even people who aren't very physically fit can enjoy it.
Click here for Ishigaki Island SUP Tours
Walking on the Tidal Flats to Observe Wildlife
We recommend observing the tidal flats and mangroves not only from the water but also from land.
From near the Nagura Ohashi Bridge in Nagura Amparu and the Fukitsugi Bridge over the Fukitsugi River, you can watch the mudflats spread out at low tide.
If you look closely,A Small CrabIt's so much fun to watch them all running around at once!
Please note that Mezo Amparu is a nature reserve, so please observe the wildlife and plants without taking any of them home.
Sunset Night Tour
In the evening, you can enjoy the magical sight of the mangrove-lined rivers and bays turning orange.
From sunset canoeing along the Miyara River to night kayaking in Nagura Bay—where you can watch the sunset and then gaze at the starry sky—you’ll experience an atmosphere that’s completely different from daytime!
It's easy to plan an itinerary where you spend the day enjoying the ocean and head to the mangroves in the evening.
Why not spend some romantic time unique to Ishigaki Island?
Click here for the Ishigaki Island Sunset (Evening) Tour
Plants and Animals Found in the Mangroves of Ishigaki Island
"Mangrove" is a general term for plants that grow in places such as estuaries where saltwater and freshwater mix; it is not the name of a specific tree.
On Ishigaki Island, mangrove trees...6 typesYou can see them, and the tidal flats at the base are home to a variety of unique creatures.
Woke up early and had a great time☆
▼Click here for our recommended early morning tours▼
![[Ishigaki Island / Early Morning] Enjoy the Sunrise on Ishigaki Island☆ Sunrise Kayak Tour to Experience the Morning Sun★ Free Photos & Transportation Included](https://ishigaki-tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_0442-825x510.jpg)
![[Ishigaki Island / Early Morning] Enjoy the Sunrise on Ishigaki Island☆ Sunrise SUP Tour to Experience the Morning Sun★ Free Photos & Transportation Included](https://ishigaki-tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_0443-825x510.jpg)
![[Ishigaki Island / 1 Day] Same-Day Reservations Accepted! Ishigaki Island All-Inclusive Tour (Kabira Bay SUP/Canoeing × Blue Cave Snorkeling × Mangrove SUP/Canoeing) Includes Free Photos & Transportation](https://ishigaki-tours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_9364-825x510.jpg)
Mangrove trees, such as Yaeyama mangrove and black mangrove
There are seven species of mangrove plants in Japan, and six of them—Yaeyama mangrove, Ohirugi, Mehirugi, Mayapushiki, Hirugidamashi, and Hirugimodoki—can be found on Ishigaki Island.
The easiest way to tell them apart is by the shape of their roots; the Yaeyama mangrove has roots that look like “octopus legs,”stretcher roots", and the mangrove is characterized by its "knee root," which resembles a bent knee.
It's also fun to try to spot the differences between the roots while the guide explains them to you during the tour!
Creatures of the tidal flats, such as crabs and mudskippers
The bases of mangrove trees and mudflats are a treasure trove of wildlife.
The "Southern Rice-field Crab," with its bluish body, can often be seen walking forward in groups at low tide, as can species of the fiddler crab family, which have one large claw.
The "Southern Flying Goby," a fish that hops around on the mudflats, is known in Okinawa as "thump-thump-me"It is affectionately known as..."
At Nagura Ampāru, you might even spot wild birds like the crested hawk-eagle!
Things to Know Before Going on a Mangrove Tour
The mangrove tour is,Weather and AgeOne of its appeals is that it’s easy to participate without worrying about anything.
Here, we've summarized some key points you should know before participating, including what to expect on rainy days, bringing children, and what to wear and bring.
Popular with families with kids☆
▼Click here for recommended mangrove tours▼
Can you still enjoy it on rainy or windy days?
The current in the mangrove river is gentle because the trees on both banks shield it from the rain and wind.
That’s why it’s great that these tours often go ahead even on windy days when other ocean tours are frequently canceled.
The Miyara River tour featured on Ishigaki Island Tours is basicallyrain or shineSo, it's easy to fit into your schedule even on days when rain is forecast.
However, the tour will be canceled on days when safety cannot be ensured due to typhoons, heavy rain, or other reasons, so be sure to check for any updates from your guide the day before.
Can I participate even if I have children or a baby?
The mangrove canoe tour on the Miyara River isFrom 3 years oldThere are plans available that allow you to participate, and it's popular with families with young children.
However, please note that the age requirements for package deals that include SUP and ocean activities vary by plan—for example, some are for ages 5 and up, while others are for ages 12 and up—so be sure to check before making a reservation.
If you're traveling with a baby under 3 years old, I recommend viewing the mangroves from the top of Miyara Bridge or Nagura Bridge, which span the Miyara River!
What to wear and bring
Since you might get wet from splashes or rain on the mangrove tour,Clothing that can get wetJoin us at
For footwear, boat shoes or sandals that keep your heels secure are your best bet.
Since there are some spots along the river where there’s little shade, it’s a good idea to bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a change of clothes for the trip back, and a towel!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mangroves on Ishigaki Island
Mangrove Canoeing on the Miyara River (No. 328) takes about 2.5 hours, so you can enjoy it in half a day. There are also full-day packages that combine this with snorkeling at the Blue Cave and the “Phantom Island,” so feel free to choose the option that best fits your itinerary.
Mangrove tours on Ishigaki Island are offered year-round, so you can enjoy them any time of year. They’re often held even in winter, when sea tours are frequently canceled due to north winds, and from June through August, there are packages that combine the tour with viewing the sagaribana flowers.
You can view the scenery from locations such as the Miyara Bridge over the Miyara River, the Nagura Ohashi Bridge at Nagura Amparu, and near the Fuki-dori Bridge over the Fuki-dori River. We recommend visiting during low tide when the mudflats are exposed. Since Nagura Amparu is a protected area, please do not take any animals or plants home with you.
summary
For mangroves on Ishigaki Island, we recommend four locations: the Miyara River, the Fukidori River, Nagura Ampāru, and Kabira Bay.
If it’s your first time, try canoeing or SUP on the Miyara River—a National Natural Monument. If you’d like to see waterfalls, the Fukidori River is the place to go, and if you’re looking for a beautiful sunset, Nagura Bay is the perfect spot.
A Windy DayBut since these events are easy to attend and there are options available for children as young as 3, be sure to add them to your itinerary!
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this article.
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