Scenic Drive & Leisure

Admire the natural beauty of Ishigaki at picture-perfect Kabira Bay and then enjoy free time at a popular shopping mall in town, for an entirely different perspective of the island.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a scenic drive around ladle-shaped Ishigaki Island, a natural paradise of secluded coves, beautiful beaches and subtropical vistas rarely associated with Japan. As you approach the western side of the island, you will pass several idyllic beach communities before reaching Kabira Bay.

One of the island's most picturesque and highly photographed spots, the unspoiled bay is dotted with densely forested islets. In all likelihood, you will see boats in the distance, cruising over the coral reefs in the crystal-clear water and perhaps black pearls being harvested for export. You may even spot majestic Mt. Omoto and Hirakubo peninsula, the island's northernmost point. The setting is truly breathtaking.

Then, for a complete change of pace, you will visit bustling Yugurena Mall in central Ishigaki Town. For approximately 2-hours, you will be free to browse the mall's many stores and shop for merchandise such as clothing, jewelry and handicrafts, much of it made exclusively on the island. If you would like to try the local cuisine, there are restaurants serving all sorts of traditional dishes. Favorite desserts include sugar cane candy and ice cream made with salt extracted from the ocean. You'll meet your guide at a designated time and point, for the return drive to the pier.