Ishigaki is a long, slender island located southern west of Japan. There are Yaeyama Islands in the southern and western edges of Ishigaki. They are composed of islands such as Yonaguni and Taketomi, and some inhabited ones. It is surrounded by coral reefs and tropical plants that give an image of the treasure of nature.

It takes from 4 to 5 hours of plane ride from Tokyo via Naha airport to Ishigaki, where it marked the beginning of Yaeyama trip. End of April, through the squall with a possibility of not being able to land, we have arrived here in Ishigaki airport.

■The Center of Ishigaki
Ishigaki has been urbanized over time and has many hotels and shopping centers, but there are old houses and nostalgic scenery in the suburbs. The base of this trip is the center part of the bustling streets and the passenger ship terminal. It takes about 10 minutes by taxi and 15minutes by train from the airport.

The symbol of the center is the 730 (nana san maru) intersection. July 30th, 1978 was the day, which the road traffic law changed from right-hand traffic to left-hand traffic. A monument was built here to commemorate the reform.

Euglenamall stands 2 to 3 minutes from the crossing. It has many restaurants, gift shops, and arcade. It used to be named Ayapanimall, but Eugelena Ltd who and develops and sells euglenas bought the naming right and changed the name in 2010.

Many fruits on the market are unique to those in Tokyo. The ones produced in the south look especially colorful.

This is the butcher’s shop. They sell the famous Ishigaki beef. Many famous beef brands exist in Japan such as Matsuzaka and Kobe beef, but they originally come from Ishigaki where they send all their cows to all over Japan 8 months after birth. Basically, Ishigaki is the origin of the famous beef brands.

■Scenic are of Kabira Bay
Away from the center of the city, there are beaches and resorts that attract many visitors.

Kabira Bay got three stars on the Michelin Green Guide, making it the representative of the beauty of Ishigaki. The beautiful bay changes its color from hour to hour depending on the light and the tides. There are couple islands across the bay where clumps of coral reefs live.

The coral reefs may be seen from the glass boat. You might want to enjoy the changing color of the sea as you walk on the white sand. Swimming is prohibited due to the fast tide.

It takes 40 minutes from he center of the city. Buses are limited, so coming by taxi or rental car is recommended.

■Yaeyama
They formally start the sea-bathing season the earliest in Japan here in March. Okinawan dragon boat race that wishes for a rich haul of fish, “Poolley” that informs and appreciate the God of their harvest and wishes for bumper crop, and various music festivals are held.

Many sporting events are held as well. A Triathlon is held in this place at the same time as the World Cup Triathlon.

Ishigaki has long lasting traditional city, but also has abundant nature. It provides a combination of city culture and nature.