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Enjoy the spring in Ishigaki Island! 10 recommended activities! Ishigaki Island resident staff will give you a thorough explanation!
Hello everyone!
Spring! The season of encounters and partings; the perfect time to try something new as it is the season of turning points in the year.
Ishigaki Island offers spectacular natural scenery and a variety of activities that cannot be seen in everyday life! In addition to the royal road of snorkeling, diving, and canoeing, there are many other activities such as SUP, jet ski, and canyoning that have become a standard in recent years.
Why don't you try various activities in Ishigaki Island this spring?
This article introduces recommended activities in Ishigaki Island in spring.
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Characteristics of Ishigaki Island in Spring
Spring is the season in which we can gradually feel the warmth of the season after winter, although it still remains cold.
Spring on Ishigaki Island is similar to early summer on the mainland. The temperature is about the same as the end of the rainy season, and the sea opens earlier than any other time in Japan in March.
Due to major holidays such as Spring Break and Goal Day Week, this time of year is very crowded with tourists. Reservations fill up quickly, so we recommend that visitors make their reservations as early as possible during this period.
Spring Climate and Clothing in Ishigaki Island
This season is so comfortable that you can live in short sleeves and shorts during the daytime. It is also nice to bask in the sun and feel the tropical atmosphere. However, it can get a little chilly at night, so be sure to bring something to wear over your jacket.
After the winter, single, heavy rains like squalls become more frequent, so you can experience a climate that is typical of the subtropical zone. However, since you will be hit by sudden rain, be sure to check the weather information in advance and prepare rain gear.
Why we recommend it
As mentioned above, the weather will be very pleasant. Compared to winter, you will need to bring less clothing and will be able to travel with less luggage.
The ocean will open and many experiences including marine activities will be offered, so you will be able to enjoy many of the best things about Ishigaki Island. Seeing squalls is also a rare experience since Ishigaki Island has a subtropical climate.
Introducing 10 spring activities on Ishigaki Island!
The opening of the ocean is over in Ishigaki Island, and marine activities will be in full swing. Since there are large consecutive holidays, the number of tourists will increase and the island will be crowded.
Let us introduce you to such spring activities in Ishigaki Island!
Spring Activities in Ishigaki Island (1) Phantom Island Snorkeling
The first activity I would like to introduce is "snorkeling to the Phantom Island!
Nicknamed the "Island of Phantoms."islets of Lakeshore".
Hamashima is an island that does not exist on the map. It appears when the tide is ebbing and disappears like a phantom when the tide is rising. Because of this characteristic, it is called a phantom island.
Since there are no regular boats to Hamajima, tourists must take a tour to visit the island. Most of the tours are snorkeling and diving tours. This is because Hamashima is surrounded by Japan's largest coral reef, Ishinishi lagoon.
Shihsi Lagoon is a world-class snorkeling and diving site with over 400 species of corals and thousands of species of fish.
It is a very popular spot because you can see major fish such as clownfish, sea turtles, and manta rays. Please come and visit,Phantom Island Snorkeling Tourto join us and explore the ocean!
Ishigaki Island Spring Activity 2: Firefly Tour
The next tour we will introduce is "Firefly Tour".
Eh! There are fireflies in Okinawa? Some of you may be thinking, "Yes, there are fireflies in Okinawa. The answer is yes, there are. And they are very beautiful fireflies!
The Yaeyama firefly is the smallest firefly in Japan and can be seen only on some of the remote islands of the Yaeyama Archipelago. Because of its small body and low flying ability, this firefly often flies close to the ground. They also do not glow for long periods of time like the genji botaru and heike fireflies that inhabit the mainland, and instead glow in a blinking manner.
Yaeyama fireflies are known to swarm by the thousands, and the sight of thousands of them flashing in the pitch dark at night is truly spectacular. They are called "carpets of light" because of their beauty.
The tour is only available during the spring season from March to May and is limited to seasonal tours, so you should aim to visit at the right time of the year. A must-see for all visitorsRhizophora mucronata (species of midge)Please come and see the carpet of light at the
Ishigaki Island Spring Activity 3: Night Tour
Ishigaki Island is famous for its beautiful starry sky and was the first island in Japan to be recognized as a starry sky protected area. It was also rated as the second most beautiful starry sky in Asia at that time.
From winter to spring, you can observe the Nanto Cross, which is said to be impossible to see in the northern hemisphere.
Furthermore, 84 of the 88 constellations can be observed, and Ishigaki Island is also called the "Star Island" because all first-magnitude stars can be observed.
Ishigaki Island is a well-developed island in the Yaeyama Islands, and the urban area is very bright, but outside of the island, there is a wilderness where jungle spreads out. Ishigaki Island has a lot of untouched nature, which is the reason why we can see this beautiful starry sky.
The night jungle is home to many nocturnal creatures unique to Ishigaki Island. You can find them just by walking along the boardwalk, so there is an atmosphere to search for rare nocturnal creatures.Night TourYou can also explore into the
Ishigaki Island Spring Activity 4: Kayaking
Kayaking cannot be missed as an activity in Ishigaki Island! Ishigaki Island is impressive with white sand beaches and blue ocean, but there are so many mountains and rivers as well as ocean. In Ishigaki Island, you can experience both sea kayaking and river kayaking!
Sea kayaking in Kabira Bay, the most scenic spot in Ishigaki Island, and the Blue Cave, which we will introduce later, is a great experience. Ishigaki's sea is one of the clearest in Japan, and you can see colorful coral reefs and colorful fish when you look into the sea from a kayak.
The Miyara River, the largest river in Ishigaki Island, and the Fukidori River, where the Yabiku Falls, a power spot for love fulfillment, are also popular for river kayaking. Especially, Miyara River has mangrove forests designated as a national natural treasure. Surrounded by themkayakRousing is an adventurous experience.
Ishigaki Island Spring Activity 5: SUP
SUP is becoming a new standard activity on Ishigaki Island.
Recently, more and more people have been taking up the media and uploading their photos to social networking sites, and awareness has grown very high.
SUPYou ride on a board and paddle forward. Because of its small size, it can be used to follow creatures when observing them from the water. Also, because it is larger and more buoyant than a surfboard, it is less likely to capsize. Since it only gets wet up to the knees, it is also recommended for those who do not want to go into the ocean just yet, even though it is warm and sunny.
As celebrities and influencers often upload on social networking sites, the silhouette of the ride is very fashionable and creates beautiful memories!
Ishigaki Island Spring Activity 6: Blue Cave Tour
Blue Caveis a special cave in the sea where the reflection of sunlight makes the inside of the cave and the surface of the water reflect blue. It is very rare and is created by various conditions such as the shape of the cave and the orbit of the sun.
You can explore around and inside the caves by kayak or SUP. You can take a boat to get closer to the caves and enjoy snorkeling. Snorkeling in the caves is highly recommended as it is a magical experience where your entire body is covered in blue.
The coral reefs surrounding the caves are rich in biota and suitable for observing living creatures. The environment is blessed with gentle southerly winds and calm waves, making it possible to participate in tours with peace of mind.
Ishigaki Island Spring Activity (7) Nosodake Trekking
Marine activities are not the only activities in Ishigaki Island! Trekking experience is another popular mountain activity.
Trekking is mountain climbing, and trekking in the warm spring weather is very pleasant.
Nosodake is famous for its unobstructed 360-degree panoramic view from the top of the mountain, and is the most spectacular spot on Ishigaki Island.
Nosodake is also a power spot for romance. Praying at Ma Pei Rock, which is famous for the legend of Ma Pei, is said to bring about the fulfillment of love, and many people visit here every day!
The elevation is not so high that it is easy to climb up to the top, so you can easily enjoy the Nosoko Marpei.trekkingIt is also a good idea to participate in the
Ishigaki Island Spring Activity 8: Sunset SUP
Ishigaki Island is famous for having some of the best sunsets in Japan and is known for its many sunset spots. Among them, the sunset from the sea is exceptional.
SUP is the best way to watch the sunset from the water. Lying or sitting on the board and watching the sunset from the comfort of your seat is a great way to watch the sunset. SUP photos with the sunset in the background are also very stylish!
Spring Activity in Ishigaki Island (9) Sunrise Kayak
Ishigaki Island is very beautiful not only at sunset but also at sunrise! Early in the morning, the quiet mangrove jungle echoes with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves that herald the morning.
It is a very relaxing environment to relax in the waves and wait for the sun to set. The sunrise as it gradually emerges from the horizon is very beautiful! The feeling of basking in the sunrise with your whole body in the crystal clear morning air is a supreme moment.
Wake up a little earlier and start the best day of your life with an exhilarating Ishigaki Island morning!
Spring Activities in Ishigaki Island ⑩Barasu Island
The last activity we will introduce is Barras Island!
Barras IslandLike Hama Island, the island appears and disappears depending on the tide level. The island is made up of only coral fragments and is surrounded by nothing but crystal clear water.
The island is uninhabited, with no vegetation full of trees and plants, and a great vantage point from which to see in all directions. Offshore, the color of the sea changes into two circular layers of emerald green and cobalt blue due to the difference in water depth.
Like Hamashima Island, the surrounding waters are very suitable for snorkeling and diving due to the spread of Shihsi lagoon.
It is a beautiful spot used for commercials, film shoots, and photo weddings, so just going ashore is impressive and beautiful, but if you are so inclined, we would like you to experience the charm of 100% Baras Island by getting in the water!
Conclusion
We introduced the spring in Ishigaki Island. How was it?
We found that spring on Ishigaki Island is similar to early summer on the mainland, the sea opening is held, and many marine activities take place. In addition to marine activities, there are trekking and seasonal firefly tours.
Which activity caught your attention? It might be a good idea to participate in the earliest sea opening in Japan and take part in a variety of activities. Please visit Ishigaki Island in spring.
Thank you for reading to the end.
Click here to see the temperature, clothes, events and activities in Ishigaki Island by month.
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