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After some time back in Tokyo, we flew to Ishigaki Island, which is here.
This was to be and was indeed a highlight of our trip. Four days on a semi-tropical island with no big plans except exploring and relaxing. The island is only 142 square miles (228.91 km²) and sparsely populated; by comparison, New York City is 303 square miles (785.5 km²)
Our lovely hotel room at the Auberge Kabira which overlooks Kabira Bay.
Lunch near the hotel. This is a big place that caters to tourists, but very nice. I had some Ishgaki soba and Ishigaki Beer.
This is a park next to/behind our hotel.
Our Hotel, from the beach.
The beach. The boats you see are glass bottom boats that will take you over the coral reefs that he island is famous for. There's something called the Manta Ray Scramble which happens in Kabira bay. No swimming is allowed in the bay, however. I've read that this is because of dangerous currents and alternately because of the black pearl cultivation in the bay.
Cats sunning themselves on a log by the beach.
A view of the bay from our hotel window.
