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
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.
Ishigaki Island is wonderful during the daytime, but it shows a completely different face at night. This tour gave me an extraordinary experience of adventuring in the jungle under the star-filled sky.
What was particularly impressive was the beauty of the starry sky seen from a place with few streetlights. It was like a natural planetarium, and the stars seemed truly within reach. Also, the guide was very kind and taught us about subtropical creatures and plants in detail, so we were able to not only see the stars, but also learn more about the nature of Ishigaki Island.
I was also happy that I was able to join the tour at a great price during a campaign. I think this is a great tour for families, couples, or anyone who wants to enjoy it. If I come to Ishigaki Island again, I definitely want to join this tour!
With a flashlight, we were able to go through the wilderness where we would not have been able to go without the tour and find coconut crabs and hermit crabs. The stars were beautiful and the firefly larvae were glowing. The guide explained everything in detail and it was a lot of fun! Thank you very much!
The nighttime jungle expedition that my family participated in was a great adventure for the kids. I will never forget how excited we were when we found coconut crabs. The starry sky was also breathtaking, and we were impressed by the number of stars that we could not see in the city.
The Ishigaki Island Jungle Night Tour at night was truly an experience of a lifetime. It was truly a wonderful experience to walk in the silence with only the star-filled sky and the sounds of nature, something you can never experience in the city. I was especially impressed by the guide who taught us the names of constellations and stars in detail and told us interesting stories about nocturnal creatures. I would definitely recommend this tour to families and couples.