Advantages of traveling to Ishigaki Island in autumn and recommended ways to play!
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Advantages of traveling to Ishigaki Island in autumn and recommended ways to play
The South Island is something you go to in the summer! Isn't that what many people think?
However, if you are planning to visit tropical Ishigaki Island, autumn is the best time to visit. Even when the autumn leaves are arriving in Honshu, Ishigaki Island has a mild climate and you can play in the ocean.
And not surprisingly, it is possible to travel at a reasonable price and with a high degree of satisfaction!
In this issue, we will introduce the reasons why we recommend Ishigaki Island in autumn and how to play.
If you are wondering which season to visit Ishigaki Island, please visit Ishigaki Island in autumn!
Enjoy a comfortable trip with a rental car!
We'll also make reservations in advance for car rentals, which fill up quickly!
↓Click here for more information.
What is autumn in Ishigaki Island?
It is still summer on Ishigaki Island in September!
It is still possible to play in the sea, although it feels a little easier than in July and August.
However, there is a possibility of typhoon landfall and the heat and humidity will remain.
When a typhoon is occurring, be careful when recreating in the ocean.
Even without going ashore, a typhoon in the nearby ocean will make ocean activities impossible due to rough sea conditions.
We recommend researching indoor tourist facilities in case of emergency.
You can play in the ocean until mid-October, but many beach houses are gradually closing for the season, and in November it often feels chilly and you will need a wetsuit.
Even though it may feel chilly, it is often a little sweaty when moving during the day, and the weather is dry, making it easy to spend time in the city and sightsee.
Dress should be adjustable with a cloak, and sun protection should also be taken into consideration!
Why Travel to Ishigaki Island in Autumn?
It is easy to think that summer vacation is over and winter is coming, but in Ishigaki Island, fall is the hottest season.
Even though the high season of midsummer is over and the calendar is gradually turning to autumn, Ishigaki Island feels pleasantly warm and the scorching sun has calmed down, making it the perfect weather for touring tourist spots.
Please refer to the information on the airfare and hotel cost situation in the fall and the advantages of participating in tours.
No.1. you can still swim in the ocean.
In the Yaeyama Islands, the sea opens in March and bathing can be enjoyed until mid-October.
Temperatures drop after mid-October, but you can still play in the ocean if you wear a wetsuit.
Wetsuits do not directly expose the skin to cold seawater and keep the skin warm, so snorkeling can be enjoyed even past October.
Even if you have been too busy with work to fully enjoy the summer, there is still time.
2. pleasant weather
In midsummer, Ishigaki Island has many days when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, and the sun is painful (strong).
In autumn, however, the temperatures and sunshine calm down and the weather becomes pleasant, making it an easy season for sightseeing.
It is easy to visit sightseeing spots and remote islands, and you can get in touch with many attractions of the Yaeyama Islands.
No. 3. lower prices than in summer.
In the fall, flight and hotel prices are lower than in the summer.
For that amount of money, you can expand your trip by upgrading your hotel, eating delicious Ishigaki beef, and participating in many activities.
Autumn is a good time to visit if you are looking to keep travel prices low.
No. 4: Fewer tourists.
After the summer vacation, the number of tourists gradually decreases through the fall.
Many Ishigaki Island lovers visit during the Silver Week, but you can enjoy Ishigaki Island at a leisurely pace if you miss that period.
When there are fewer tourists, there is more room for activity reservations, and many activities can be booked the day before.
Stress-free enjoyment as time spent waiting, picking up and dropping off is minimized.
5. talk with local people and tour guides
During the high season, there are many tourists, and even if you sign up for a tour, there may be too many people to listen to the guide slowly, or there may be a lot of waiting time.
But in autumn, it is relatively calm, so you can talk slowly with your tour guide while trekking and doing activities, so you can talk slowly with the locals and have a very satisfying trip.
Ishigaki Island Tourist Spots Recommended for Autumn
The ocean is not the only way to enjoy Ishigaki Island.
You can see spectacular views of rivers and mountains, and at the representative scenic spot of Ishigaki Island, you can see fish swimming energetically in the sea by a glass boat.
SAP and canoeing are popular activities in the fall as well, allowing visitors to enjoy the ocean without getting wet.
There are many places you can enjoy even in autumn.
Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay, one of Ishigaki Island's representative scenic spots known for its black butterfly pearl cultivation, has been awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
The beauty of the scenery is so spectacular that it takes everyone's breath away. The scenery created by the blue of the sky and ocean, the white of the sandy beach, and the green of the small islands is so distinctly colored that it is almost like looking at a photograph, and the contrast of colors, which change slightly depending on the position of the sun, makes you want to spend all day looking at it.
Kabira Bay is located about 25 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, and near the Kabira Park Observatory there are restaurants and stores where you can enjoy ice cream and tropical cuisine that can only be tasted in Okinawa.
One of the most popular activities at Kabira Bay is the glass boat, which allows visitors to look into the ocean without getting wet.
Even those who are not good swimmers or families with small children can enjoy watching fish and coral swimming in the sea slowly and gorgeously.
Other activities such as SUP and snorkeling can also be enjoyed.
For more information about Kabira Bay, click here↓.
Miyara River
Miyara River is the longest mangrove river in Ishigaki Island, and the activity of going upstream by canoe or SUP with countless hirugi growing beside you is popular.
The hirugi forests along the Miyara River grow wild for a distance of about 1.5 km from the mouth of the river on both banks, covering an area of about 48 times the size of Tokyo Dome.
Many creatures designated as national natural treasures can be observed here, including hirugi species, such as the jujube, kakatsugayu, and himegame.
Located close to the city center and the airport, it is easily accessible between drives and transfers.
⇒Miyara RiverFor more information on
Nagura Bay
Designated as a Ramsar Convention site in 2005, Nagura Bay is the largest bay in Ishigaki Island and faces the west side of the island, making it a very beautiful spot for sunset.
Mangroves spread out around Yaeyama Hirugi, and various creatures living in brackish water can be observed up close on the mudflats at low tide.
Sunset-viewing SUPs and canoes are popular in Nagura Bay, where you can watch the finest sunsets on the southern islands as they slowly sink into the horizon from the ocean.
⇒Nagura BayFor more information on
mountain at the bottom of the Siberian mountain range
Nosodake, a 284-meter-high mountain overlooking Ishigaki Island, is also known as "Nosodake Marpei".
As you climb through the unique subtropical jungle region, you may see giant insects and colorful mushrooms that you cannot see in the interior of the country.
However, the view from the top of the mountain is spectacular, and the sense of accomplishment is well over 100%!
Nosodake, where old legends of love are still told, is also famous as a power spot for romance.
⇒Mt. Nosoko (Nosoko Marpei)For more information on
Southern Gate Bridge
Southern Gate Blitch, which can be reached on foot from the remote island terminal, will take you to Nannu Beach, which just opened in 2018.
From the Southern Gate Bridge, you can see ships passing in and out of the harbor, and on the other side, the city spreads out, giving the spot a slightly different atmosphere from other spectacular views.
Beyond the Southern Gate Bridge is a man-made island with an artificial beach and park to play on, making it a great spot for a walk or a stroll while waiting for your boat.
⇒Southern Gate BridgeFor more information on
Akashi Beach
Akashi Beach is a natural beach with a beautiful sunrise view located on the Hirakubo Peninsula in the northeastern part of Ishigaki Island.
It is a secluded beach rarely visited by tourists and a serene spot with the sound of waves.
It is famous as a sunrise spot, but you will almost never see people in the early morning because it is rarely visited by people.
You will feel as if you are on your own private beach, and the beautiful sunrise will be the perfect start to your day as you soak up the sun's rays all over your body!
The Akashi area, where Akashi Beach is located, is home to Akashi Restaurant, arguably the most famous restaurant on the island.
The restaurant is so popular that people stand in line every day, so why don't you go there to taste the popular menu "Yaeyama Soba"?
Location: 340 Ibaruma, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 22 km from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, about 45 minutes by car
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: None
Yaeyama palm colony in Yonehara
The Yaeyama palm is an academically valuable palm that grows naturally only on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands in the Yaeyama Archipelago.
In Ishigaki Island, there is a colony at the foot of Mt. Omotodake in the Yonehara area.
It is said that the largest number of Yaeyama palm trees grow wild here.
In addition to the yaeyama palm, subtropical plants thrive in abundance, making the area as green as a jungle.
If you visit in December, the sugar cane seed season, you can also taste freshly squeezed sugar cane juice.
Location: Beikkai, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 25 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 30 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Parking: Free parking: approx. 15 cars, paid parking available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Ohama Beach
Ohama Beach is located east of the city center and is a famous sunrise spot.
The beach is rarely visited by tourists, so it has a laid-back atmosphere, and it is common to see locals using the promenade as a walking course.
The spot is full of sights such as flowers blooming on the beach and flying waterfowl, so you can spend a quiet moment observing the flora and fauna.
Access: 15 minutes by car from the terminal
Parking: Available
Hirugi community in Fuki-dori River
The hirugi colony of Fukidogawa River is a colony of hirugi trees that spreads around the mouth of Fukidogawa River located in the northern part of Ishigaki Island.
Most of the mangroves on Ishigaki Island are in the Hirugiaceae family, which is also designated as a natural monument.
The Fukidori Bridge crosses the Fukidori River, and there is a parking lot at the bridge.
From the parking lot, there are stairs leading down to the riverbank, where you can see the holly colony.
At low tide, the water recedes, creating a foothold from which to explore the surroundings and see the unusual root formations unique to mangroves.
The area where mangrove vegetation grows is a tidal flat, so you can also see creatures unique to Ishigaki Island such as the Yaeyama lionfish and the flying gobies.
In addition, as winter approaches, the northerly winds become stronger and activities may be cancelled.
SUPs and canoes are used for cruising the river, and once you reach some distance upstream, you can trek to the marriage waterfall.
The beauty of Yabiku Falls, located at the end of the jungle as you wade through the vegetation, makes it feel like an oasis in the jungle.
It is very relaxing with lots of negative ions!
As you cruise upstream from the ocean, you will see the hirgis species change with the fluctuating salinity, so enjoy the activity and observe the hirgis!
Location: Nosoko, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 35 minutes by car from Remote Island Terminal, 20 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Tadahama Beach
Tadahama Beach is a natural beach located in the Maesato area in the southern part of Ishigaki Island where the tide is very fast.
It is easily accessible by turning at the intersection near SANEI.
It is a natural beach and little maintained, so care should be taken when visiting.
You are on your own if anything goes wrong, especially since the salt flows so fast.
Nevertheless, the pristine beaches offer extremely clear waters and beautiful scenery.
There are many pieces of coral on the beach, and it is dangerous to walk barefoot, so we recommend that you wear flip-flops.
The abundance of drifting debris also makes it an ideal place for beachcombing.
Access: 10 minutes by car from the city center.
Parking: -
Equipment:-
Store:-
Rental:-
Marine Activities:- Marine Activities
Habu Jellyfish Net: - Habu Jellyfish Net
Ishigaki Island Activities for Autumn
What should I do in Ishigaki Island in autumn? Here are some recommended activities for those who are wondering "What should I do in Ishigaki Island in autumn?
Ishigaki Island has not only the ocean, but also mountains, rivers, jungle exploration, and many other activities, so you can enjoy the best parts of Ishigaki Island even in autumn.
SUP
SUP stands for Stand Up Paddle, an activity that is rapidly gaining popularity around the world.
The board has the same shape as a surfing board, and you stand on the board and paddle on the water.
Unlike surfing boards, the boards are large and thick and stable even when ridden by people, making it easy for small children and the elderly to ride them. It is also a popular activity for families, as it can be ridden by two people with a child or with a pet.
There is no other way to describe the feeling of moving gracefully over the beautiful sea of Ishigaki Island while watching coral and fish swimming by.
Lying on the board and taking a break while listening to the sound of the wind is a great moment.
Click here for related activities
Hamashima, the "Phantom Island
Phantom Island (Hamajima), which can be reached by boat from Ishigaki Island in about 30 minutes, is known by its name because it can only be landed on when the tide is low.
The entire island, which sits on the sea, is a pure white sandy beach that changes its appearance every day depending on the tides.
The island is surrounded by a large number of native corals and is a popular snorkeling and diving spot, but it is so beautiful that just playing on the sandy beach and lapping the waves or taking commemorative photos will make the time fly by.
Click here for related activities
Experience Diving
The sea of Ishigaki Island is a popular diving spot not only in Japan but also among divers from all over the world.
The mild climate allows diving all year round. Ishigaki Island is home to one of the largest coral reefs in Japan, "Ishinishi Jogoko" and "Shiraho Coral Reef" famous for its large colonies of blue corals, where you can see colorful corals and many fish that live there.
Furthermore, there are many spots where manta rays and sea turtles can be seen, and the great thing about Ishigaki Island is that you can be taken to the best diving spots depending on the weather that day!
Even if you do not have a license, you can dive for experience.
The staff will give you a thorough lecture to remove any concerns before you enter the program, so even first-timers will be able to enter.
Manta rays and sea turtles can be seen even in experience diving, so enjoy the mysterious world of the ocean at a diving spot that has caught the world's attention.
Click here for related activities
marine sports
Marine sports are activities to enjoy the sea using equipment such as jet skis.
Visitors can enjoy many activities, such as banana boats pulled by jet skis to enjoy the feeling of speed, and fly boats, which allow visitors to fly over the ocean while keeping their balance, a hot topic nowadays.
Snorkeling and diving are not enough! If you want more excitement and thrill, why don't you try marine sports? If so, why not try marine sports?
Click here for related activities
Night Tour
If you want to know everything about Ishigaki Island, you should definitely take a night tour.
This tour allows you to enjoy Ishigaki Island that you cannot see in the daytime.
As you walk through the jungle in total darkness, you can see creatures that cannot be seen in the daytime, and if you are lucky, you can even see coconut crabs, which are designated as an endangered species.
Because there are few lights around Ishigaki Island and the air is clear, you can see so many stars at night that you might think they are pouring down on you. You can see so many stars at night.
The starry sky seen from Ishigaki Island, the only island in Japan designated as a "starry sky protected area," is exceptional.
Click here for related activities
Iriomote Island Sightseeing Tour
Iriomote Island, where 90% of the island is covered by jungle, offers a variety of activity experiences.
Such an Iriomote Island will be in 2021.world natural heritage siteand can only be reached by ferry from Ishigaki Island.
Ishigaki Island-Iriomotejima Ferry" and "Iriomotejima Activities" are included in the package.Cheap Tour (Set Plan)Then there is no need to book a separate ferry.
Rather than booking each ferry and activity separatelyeconomicalIt is!
Click here for popular Iriomote Island tours (set plan)
Check out more details about Iriomote Island tours from Ishigaki Island!
summary
In the fall on Ishigaki Island, airfare and hotel costs are lower and there is more time to apply for tours.
The close proximity to the guide is a great way to get to know Ishigaki Island in depth!
Ishigaki Island has a mild climate and is pleasantly warm even in autumn, so it is safe to say that it is the best season for sightseeing.
You can still play in the ocean in the fall, so you may have too much to do, both sightseeing and playing in the ocean.
Ishigaki Island in autumn also has many attractions, so please plan an enjoyable trip!
All the fun of Ishigaki Island is here↓.
Ishigaki Island Tours
Enjoy a comfortable trip with a rental car!
We'll also make reservations in advance for car rentals, which fill up quickly!
↓Click here for more information.
Enjoy a luxurious and relaxing experience after a day of activities.
