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Ishigaki Island Winter Travel Guide! Ishigaki Island resident staff thoroughly explains 7 reasons why we recommend it!
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Ishigaki Island ADVENTURE PiPi!
If you don't like the cold ... Let's go to Okinawa! Ishigaki Island, a remote island in Okinawa, has an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius even in winter!
Winter is actually the season to enjoy the sea quite a bit on Ishigaki Island, as the sea clarity is the highest in winter throughout the year.
Why don't you experience sightseeing and activities in the "winter resort" Ishigaki Island this winter?
This article introduces winter on Ishigaki Island.
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Winter in Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island has a subtropical climate and is one of the places with the least temperature fluctuation in Japan throughout the year. Therefore, even in the winter season, it is very comfortable because the temperature is not too low.
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the sea of Ishigaki Island in winter has the highest transparency. The reason is that plankton is lower in the winter and sediment does not flow out of the mountains and rivers due to typhoons.
The number of tourists to Ishigaki Island in winter is much smaller than the high season in July and August. Therefore, except for consecutive holidays and the New Year's holiday season, airfare, hotel, and tour prices are unbelievably low.
Since there are fewer tourists, stores such as restaurants and souvenir shops are less crowded and you do not have to wait in line. If you are looking for a stress-free tour of Ishigaki Island, this winter season is definitely the best choice!
Winter Climate and Clothing on Ishigaki Island
As a local resident, I feel that winter on Ishigaki Island begins around mid to late November. The temperature gradually drops from that time. However, the lowest temperature is about 15 degrees Celsius, and it is not freezing cold like mainland winters.
The temperature is relatively lower than in summer, and the north wind blows there, which lowers the temperature you feel. Therefore, winter in Ishigaki Island can be spent comfortably as long as you take measures against the wind. Of course, it doesn't snow either.
By early December, the weather remains warm on some days, and as long as the sun is out, the weather is pleasant and warm. In mid-December, northerly winds become relatively strong and the sea often becomes choppy. It is essential to check weather information when participating in marine activities.
In addition, in December, the water temperature becomes a little too severe to enter the ocean wearing only a bathing suit. Especially when getting out of the water after getting wet, strong winds can cause a sudden loss of body heat. Wearing a wetsuit is a must when entering the ocean!
Thick long-sleeved shirts, trainers, parkas, and long pants are recommended for winter in Ishigaki Island. From the middle of the season when the north wind becomes stronger, you can spend a comfortable winter in Ishigaki Island if you have a windbreaker or jacket that can protect you from the wind.
7 reasons why Ishigaki Island is recommended in winter
Reasons to visit Ishigaki Island in winter (1) Pleasant weather
The advantage of winter in Ishigaki Island is its mild climate, which is incomparable to that of the mainland. Even in January, the coldest month of the year, the average temperature is around 20℃. It is the same temperature as May and June on the mainland.
You do not need any heavy coats, down jackets, gloves, or scarves on Ishigaki Island. It is very easy to spend winter wearing relatively light clothes such as long T-shirts and sweatshirts.
Reason #2 why winter is recommended for Ishigaki Island: Fewer tourists
Winter in Ishigaki Island is considered the off-season. Therefore, there are fewer tourists compared to summer, and sightseeing spots, restaurants, activity stores, etc. are relatively empty. In Ishigaki Island where there are many people everywhere except winter, it is a privilege of winter that you can enjoy popular spots in a calm atmosphere.
Reason #3: No need to worry about typhoons
Typhoons often visit the mainland in autumn, but on Ishigaki Island, typhoons often occur and approach in summer. On the other hand, typhoons rarely come to Ishigaki Island during the winter season.
When a typhoon approaches, the weather breaks, strong winds blow, the sea and rivers become rough, and outside activity tours are cancelled or postponed across the board.
Typhoons on Ishigaki Island in particular are often so powerful that it is difficult to even go outside, and you are often stuck in a hotel for a day without being able to do any sightseeing, let alone activities.
While there is such a typhoon risk in Ishigaki Island in summer, it is safe to assume that there is almost no typhoon risk in winter.
You are going to take a trip to Ishigaki Island. Winter, when there are no typhoons, is actually the best season to visit Ishigaki Island.
Advantage 4: Cheap travel expenses in winter on Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island in winter is out of high season, so travel costs can be reduced and you can travel at a lower price. Depending on hotels, the price can be 3 to 4 times different between peak season and off-season.
As of December 2021, there are direct LCC flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, making it possible to visit Ishigaki Island at a reasonable price.
Also, even if you are not an LCC, air ticket prices are much lower in the winter than in the summer. Transportation is not surprisingly convenient, as there are direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Naha.
Whenever you go anywhere, you want to keep travel expenses as low as possible. How about visiting Ishigaki Island in winter when you can save a lot on travel expenses, and use the money you save to enjoy delicious meals and stay at a higher grade hotel?
Advantages of Winter on Ishigaki Island (5) Going into the Sea
Marine activities can be held in winter if sea conditions (waves, swells, sea breezes, etc.) are good.
In addition, the water temperature in the ocean is relatively high, averaging 23°C, making it possible to enjoy marine activities. It is a bit tough to enter the ocean wearing only a bathing suit, but as long as you wear a wetsuit, you will no longer feel warmer in the ocean.
Many tours offer wetsuits for rent, but some stores charge an additional fee.
Pipi's snorkeling tours in Ishigaki Island rent out wetsuits for free, so anyone can easily enjoy winter snorkeling.
Winter Merit of Ishigaki Island ⑥The winter starry sky is beautiful
Did you all know this? The cooler the temperature, the clearer the air. Therefore, on a clear day, you can see the star-filled sky clearly at night in Ishigaki Island.
During this season, the Southern Cross, which is said to be impossible to see in the northern hemisphere, can be seen. The Milky Way and shooting stars can also be seen, so a visit for a night tour is recommended.
Advantage of winter in Ishigaki Island (7) You can talk with locals slowly.
The local people on Ishigaki Island work hard in the summer when the island is crowded with tourists, and spend the winter months relaxing or taking trips.
Therefore, during the winter season on Ishigaki Island, the local people will often take time out from their work to talk to you about the island and other things, and there will often be an abundance of services that allow you to slowly make your way around the activities as well.
5 recommended tours to visit in winter on Ishigaki Island
We have introduced the features and merits of winter in Ishigaki Island. We will introduce recommended spots and tours in Ishigaki Island in winter, which is attractive in many aspects.
Ishigaki Island Winter Tour (1) Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour
The Yaeyama Islands area consists of many remote islands other than Ishigaki Island. Each island has a different atmosphere, charm, and attractions, and you will never get bored of them.
Since you have come all the way to Yaeyama, you would like to visit as many islands as possible.
However, the weather tends to be a bit more unstable in winter than in summer. Many people are surely unsure of how to explore the many remote islands in such a situation.
In such cases, we recommend that you take a ferry to the islands of Yaeyama.Outlying Islands TourParticipation in the
In Yaeyamamost popularIt is no exaggeration to say that this is a standard tour around the islands.
You can visit the must-see and must-do spots on the islands you must not miss in Yaeyama sightseeing in a single day, departing from and arriving at Ishigaki Island.
The circular tour does not go into the ocean or river,Clothes and body will not get wet.As a result, a wide range of people, young and old, can enjoy sightseeing.
Activity and Difference,Less susceptible to weather conditionsOne of the advantages of participating in a sightseeing tour is that you will be accompanied by an escort. Some tours are accompanied by an escort, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands.
The Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour is a very popular and very standard tour. We often see many local tourists participating in these tours, including families, couples, friends, and groups.
We recommend that you make reservations in advance to avoid the "we were full and couldn't make it on the day of the event..." situation.
Ishigaki Island Winter Recommendation Tour②Mangrove SUP/Canoe Tour
The first tour I would like to introduce is the "Mangrove SUP/Canoe Tour.
It is characteristic of Ishigaki Island that northerly winds start blowing in winter, but Miyara River, which is surrounded by mangrove forests, is not affected by northerly winds very much. SUP and canoe tour in this Miyara River is recommended as an activity that can be enjoyed stably even in winter.
SUP is an activity where you stand on a board and paddle; SUP boards are more stable than they look, and even beginners can ride them relatively easily. Ninety percent of Pipi's SUP tour participants are first-timers.
Canoeing is a classic activity that is even more stable and safer than SUP. It is one of the most popular winter tours that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Ishigaki Island has a strong image of the sea, but why don't you relax and experience another charm of Ishigaki Island in the mangrove forest designated as a national natural monument?
Ishigaki Island Winter Tour ③ Jungle & Starry Sky Night Tour
The next recommended tour in winter in Ishigaki Island is "Starry sky tour".
Ishigaki Island and Taketomi Town are the only starry sky protected areas in Japan and are famous for their beautiful starry skies. In addition, Ishigaki Island is able to observe the Southern Cross, which is said to be visible only in the southern hemisphere from December.
Ishigaki Island, which belongs to subtropical zone, has unique living creatures and plants. You can enjoy the feeling of adventure as if you are lost in a different world.
We are very proud of our PipiNight TourWhy not participate in the
Ishigaki Island Winter Tour 4: Phantom Island Snorkeling
Have you ever heard of "Phantom Island," an uninhabited island made of pure white sand? This island, which exists in the sea between Ishigaki Island and Taketomi Island/Kohama Island, is constantly changing its shape according to the changing tides.
The sea around the phantom island is so clear! It is like a jelly.
The first step is to take a boat to Phantom Island and go ashore. There are no regular boats to the island, and you must join a tour to go ashore. Once ashore, you will have free time. You can either enjoy the spectacular view or take a lot of pictures. By the way, you don't need to carry your camera on the Phi Phi tour. The guide will take a lot of pictures and all the data will be given to you for free.
After landing, we will travel by boat for snorkeling! Swim in clear water, colorful corals and fish.
Ishigaki Island Winter Tour ⑤Kabira Bay SUP/Canoe Tour
Kabira Bay is a representative scenic spot of Ishigaki Island and a very popular tourist destination that has been awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide. You can choose SUP or canoe to enjoy cruising in the turquoise sea.
Because the viewpoint is higher when riding a SUP, you can look down at the sea surface and enjoy a walk on the water while feeling the clarity of Kabira Bay even more.
Canoes are very stable. It can be enjoyed by everyone from children to seniors. Up to two people can ride on one canoe, so it is recommended for couples and families. Please enjoy the crystal clear ocean of Ishigaki Island's most scenic spot.
Incidentally, Kabira Bay also offers a glass boat experience to observe the underwater world from the bottom of the transparent boat. If you don't want to get wet, you may want to search for a glass boat experience.
Conclusion
We introduced the winter in Ishigaki Island. How was it?
I was surprised that in winter on Ishigaki Island, you can keep travel costs low and also participate in marine activities.
There were also many advantages unique to Ishigaki Island in winter, such as beautiful starry skies and no typhoons. Please visit Ishigaki Island this winter.
Thank you for reading to the end.
Click here to see the temperature, clothes, events and activities in Ishigaki Island by month.
autumn September October November
winter December January February
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