Ishigaki island is a hub of Yaeyama islands. You will most likely to arrive
here by airplane if you are visiting one of Yaeyama islands. It takes about
3hours 30min from Tokyo (3 flights/day), 3 hourrs from Osaka (3 flights/day),
and 1hour from Okinawa's main island (many flights) respectively.
80% of population in the entire Yaeyama islands are liviing in Ishigaki island, and it is the center for economy, politics and culture. Ferries are leaving for various destination from Ishigaki port. Its population is 46,000, and its size is 229 km2.
We rent a car in the center area, and drove up along the west coast. The drive itself was enjoyable. Kabira area was just beautiful. The most famous Kabira bay is said to change its sea color 7 times a year. It is also famous for cultivation of black-perl.
Beautiful look-out with pleasant dirve to the way.
The lighthouse and nearby cliff compose a beautiful contrast. It is said that
we can see the best sun-set from here. Unfortunately, when we were there, it
was
cloudy.
We rent a car at: OTS Rent-a-car
They picked us up, and also gave us a lift to the airport.
I've searched thru a lot of rent-a-car shops, and OTS looked the best. If you reserve thru the Internet (above URL), you get good discount. Ohter rent-a-car shops also offer seasonal disount, various campaigns, so it is worth checking. Generally speaking, reating car in Okinawa is cheap, comparing with mainland of Japan.
Some rent-a-car company offers a package price with gasoline. So, if the gas is expensive at the time you are travelling, it could be a good idea. (Gas can be more expensive in islands)
There seems to be a good long-distance bus service in this island.
We stayed in Kabira area. Jo-ya was an excellent place to stay. I can strongly recommend this place for anyone who are planning to stay in Ishigaki. The building is open-plan, and the entire place is maintained neatly. I heard it went thru renovation recently (in 2004 or 2005). It has a porch where you can sit and relax, or big rooftop terrace where you can lie down to see starry sky. Staff were friendly and helpful. Food was great, too.
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