The Wilderness of Ishigaki Island
Starry Sky Night Tour
Under the pristine starry sky of Ishigaki Island, let's explore the pitch-dark subtropical jungle!
The nighttime jungle is more exciting than you can imagine. full-starred sky and nocturnal creatures, unique to Ishigaki Island, which you can never experience in the city.
What is the Ishigaki Island Starry Sky Night Tour?
For All Ages and Genders!
4 types of Starry Sky Night Tours
Starry Sky Night Tours held on Ishigaki Island are mainly divided into 4 types.
1.Stargazing & Photography
You can gaze at the full starry sky and spend a healing moment.
There are also tours that include a photo shoot with a professional photographer with a starry sky in the background!
2. jungle exploration
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You can encounter nocturnal animals unique to Ishigaki IslandThe tour is a great way to see the sights of the city and to get to know the people who live there.
SUP, Canoe, Yoga, etc.
The first type of tours is a tour where activities such as SUP, canoeing, and yoga, and which are also conducted during the day,
are carried out in the jungle or on the beach at night.
You can experience the same activity in a different way - in a unique atmosphere of tranquility.
Limited-time seasonal offerings
There are limited-time night tours held only during the spring and summer seasons.
You can enjoy the breathtaking views of the common putat 'Sagaribana,' which blooms for only one night, and Japan's smallest 'Yaeyama Himebotaru' ( fireflies).
Guided to the Best Spots Chosen by Guides!
In Ishigaki Island's night tours, the location is determined based on Seasonal or daily weather conditions
from several tour spots.
With a dedicated guide, you may go to off-the-beaten-path spots not listed in guidebooks!
If you have any requests like "I want to see this creature!" or "I want to have the beautiful night sky all to myself!
The assigned guide will take you to the best spot that suits you requests from the numerous night spots on Ishigaki Island!
Whether it's a beautiful beach where sea turtles laying eggs or a place with many fireflies, the spots are carefully selected by the guide, who will help you find the perfect spot.
ensuring satisfaction!
Suitable for Small Children
Solid Support by Nature Guides
In the night of Ishigaki Island where artificial light is scarce, the sun is shining and the sea is clear. There are many places that are not safe to explore alone.
In Ishigaki Island Night Tours,. Knowledgeable local nature guides provide solid support!
You can safely enjoy activities in the calm mangrove at night. tranquil subtropical mangrove at night,
you paddle slowly while observing nocturnal animals.
You can also lie on the SUP and gaze at the stars!
The sound of water splashing from the oar, the jumping sound of river fish, and the sound of bats and owls rustling leaves echo through the night mangrove forest, providing the ultimate adventure experience.
Moreover, activities that can be hot during the day can be enjoyed more relaxedly at night!
The "Yashigani"(coconut crab) is designated as an endangered species, and its numbers have decreased in recent years.
Even if you search the jungle all day, you may not find it. However, on the night jungle exploration with a guide knowledgeable about the island's creatures However, on the night jungle exploration with a guide knowledgeable about the island's creatures , the encounter rate of Yashigani is over 50%The night jungle exploration is a highlight of the night jungle exploration.
The large ones can weigh 4-5 kg, and the size with legs spread is almost 1 meter!
Nocturnal Animals Unique to Subtropical Regions
Although it's only a 1-2 hour tour, you can see not only Yashigani but also various wildlife on Ishigaki Island.
Including the Yaeyama flying fox,. Ryukyu Konohazuku (Ryukyu scops owl), giant hermit crabs, owls, and more, you may even encounter the natural monument, the Semaru Hakogame (yellow-marginated box turtle)!
You can see not only nocturnal animals but also the sleeping faces of creatures active during the day!
In the mysterious night mangrove forest that covers the island and the scene of fish jumping out of the river when illuminated, you can witness scenes that can only be seen during the night tour!
↓ Plans including Night Jungle Exploration can be found here ↓
The starry sky of Ishigaki Island was certified as the first "Starry Sky Reserve" in Japan.
It boasts one of the most beautiful skies in the world, and it is said that the real show starts from the Magic Hour (after sunset).
Secrets of the Beautiful Starry Sky
Minimal Impact from Jet Streams
One reason why the starry sky of Ishigaki Island looks beautiful is that there is minimal atmospheric turbulence (impact from jet streams). You can see a sky full of stars as if it were a still image.
Because the air is clear, you can also clearly see the Milky Way and artificial satellites.
You have a good chance of seeing Shooting stars!
Secrets of the Beautiful Starry Sky
Almost No Artificial Light
The ability to enjoy stargazing in a location with almost no artificial light is also one of the major reasons for it being designated as a starry sky reserve.
In the pitch-dark darkness, you can see a beautiful starry sky clearly including the Southern Cross.
Of the 88 constellations, 84 can be seen, and you can see all 21 first-magnitude stars, which are the highest rank of stars!
Front-Row Seat on the Island of Falling Stars
Ishigaki Island - A Prime Location for Stargazing
Ishigaki Island is blessed with favorable geographical conditions, providing an environment where stars are
exceptionally visible.
The popular Southern Cross can be seen only in Ishigaki Island, primarily during spring for about half a year.
Summer showcases the beautiful Milky Way crossing the southern sky around the tail of Scorpio.
In autumn, there is the stunning full moon sung in island folk songs.
believed to bring longevity when seen in the southern sky, appears.
During the stargazing tour, you can sit or lie down in a clear, open area with a good view of the starry sky.
While listening to the commentary of the stargazing guide, you can experience the breathtaking scenery of the starry sky that cannot be seen anywhere else. .
↓ Check out recommended plans, including stargazing ↓
<Seasonal Limited
Popular Night Tours on Ishigaki Island
<June to August
"Sagaribana"(common putat) Tour
"Sagaribana" (common putat), a fleeting flower that blooms only for one night, reveals its white or pink blossoms at night and disperses with a hint of vanilla fragrance as the morning sun emerges.
Illuminating the darkness, Sagaribana imparts a sense of mystery, evoking the enchantment of the jungle.
Please come dressed in comfortable clothing, especially during winter nights when it can get cold.
We recommend bringing a jacket. For tours involving walking through the jungle, it's best to wear sneakers and socks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will the tour be conducted in case of rain?
Tours other than the Starry Sky Night Tour with photography are generally conducted even in rainy
WEATHER.
Q. What time does the tour start?
The start time varies depending on the season.
After your reservation is confirmed, the nature guide will call you the day before to
provide the exact meeting time and location.
Q. Is it possible to take photos even during a full moon?
During the full moon period, photography will be done under moonlight, and the
Please keep this in mind before making a reservation.
The guide explained everything in detail and we were able to see coconut crabs and other nocturnal creatures. My kids were so excited! It was an unforgettable experience.
The starry sky of Ishigaki Island was like a natural planetarium and was overwhelmingly beautiful! With little light pollution, we enjoyed taking pictures while watching the stars spread all over the sky. A professional photographer assisted us and took the best shots. The explanation of the constellations was easy to understand and deepened my understanding of the starry sky. We also received free data, so we got a picture full of memories.
The jungle night tour was very thrilling as we walked from the entrance to the beach through the dense trees, which we would never have been able to enter without a guide who knows Ishigaki Island!
Unfortunately, it was a cloudy day and we didn't see the stars or the coconut crabs we had been looking so hard for, but we did hear the hooting of owls, see a large giant clam on the beach, look for hermit crabs and crabs under the moonlight, and see crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, sleeping birds, and many other creatures.
Regarding clothing and personal belongings, we were able to borrow boots and flashlights for the tour, so searching for creatures on the rocks in the water up to our ankles was no problem at all, but there were some plants with many thorns when we walked through the trees, so it would have been safer to wear a long-sleeved cloak. Also, before entering the jungle, we were told that if we wanted to take pictures with our phones, we should strap them on our shoulders or around our necks so that both hands would be free. If you want to take pictures during the tour, I think it is better to participate in the tour with a strap or something attached and ready to use.
We are grateful to our guides, Akari-san and Diego-san, who talked a lot about island life, nature, and delicious food in addition to the tour, and who worked hard to find crabs on the rocks even though they were wearing sunglasses.
The night tour was very interesting! I would like to participate again in summer if there is another opportunity.
The night sky of Ishigaki Island was amazingly beautiful and even the Milky Way was clearly visible. Exploring the jungle was also exciting and made for a special night!
The starry sky of Ishigaki Island is truly beautiful! It was an incredible experience to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. On the tour, a professional stargazing photographer kindly suggested angles and took the very best shot. He also explained the constellations to us, which allowed us to enjoy the starry sky more deeply. The photo data was also given to us as a free gift, and we can look back on the wonderful memories after we go home. I definitely recommend this tour to stargazers!
We were very satisfied with the service we received on our first and last day on Ishigaki Island.
First of all, the explanations and instructions were precise, and the safety considerations, such as always checking behind us, were well thought out.
And the nature observation based on your wealth of experience and knowledge far exceeded the content of the tour, making it not only informative but also a great value for money. I would definitely recommend this tour to others!
Thank you very much for guiding this tour, which was a perfect way to end the year.