Embark on a scenic journey to Taketomi Island, just 6 km from Ishigaki Island, aboard a high-speed ferry. Once on the island, explore the charming traditional village aboard a coach drawn by a water buffalo. Afterward, enjoy free time to stroll through the village or cycle around the island on a rental bike (optional).
Website of the tour company (Japanese): link
Fee: 4,000 yen / person
Time table
1:45 pm Gather at the hotel
Move to the Ishigaki port by taxi or rental car (20 min)
2:30 pm Depart from the Ishigaki port
2:45 pm Arrive at the Taketomi port
Exploring the village by a coach pulled by a water buffalo
Free time
4:45 pm Gather at the Taketomi port
5:00 pm Depart from the Taketomi port
5:15 pm Arrive at the Ishigaki port
5:15 - 7:10 pm Dinner in the town (optional)
Glide through a lush mangrove river on a canoe tour, with expert instructions on paddling provided. All necessary equipment will be supplied.
Web site of the tour company (Japanese): link
Fee: 4,000 yen / person
What to bring:
* Swimwear
* Sandals or flip-flops
* A change of clothes for after the Mangrove Forest trip
* Towel (you can rent one at the reception desk of the hotel if needed)
(Optional) sunscreen, sunglasses
Time table
2:30 pm Gather at the hotel
2:40 pm Picked up by the company
Move to the Miyara river (20-30 min)
3:30 pm Activity start
5:00 pm Activity end
Move to the town (or go back to the hotel if you prefer)
5:30 - 7:10 pm Dinner in the town (optional)
A natural beach stretches out in front of the hotel, providing the perfect spot to relax and enjoy at your leisure. The hotel also offers a variety of exciting marine activities.
The participants will visit the Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory of NAOJ and observe celestial objects through the 1.05m MURIKABUSHI telescope. With its low altitude (~24 deg N) and weak atmospheric turbulence thanks to the minimal impact from jet stream, Ishigaki Island is one of the best locations for astronomical observation in Japan. If the weather permits, you can enjoy a beautiful starry sky.
Information of the observatory: link
Fee: free
Time table
6:45 pm Gather at the hotel (for those who will go from the hotel)
7:10 pm Gather at the Ishigaki Port Terminal (for those who will join the Taketomi or canoe tours)
Move to the observatory by taxi or rental car
7:45 pm Tour start
8:30 pm Tour end
Go back to the hotel by taxi or rental car
9:00 pm Arrive at the hotel