Ishigaki

A relaxing slice of paradise. You do need a rental car or own transport as mentioned also the speed limits are low and everyone obeys. Dozens of scenic locations on the coast. Excellent diving.

Southernmost Japanese island next to Taiwan. Difficult to get around without a rental car. Most of the tourists are Japanese, I did not see any foreigners. A small island, shops closed early and people spoke little English.

Great Island. The sea and the sunset are beautifu.

Looks like a small version of Okinawa big island. So very much developed, too much concrete, and too many tall buildings. Not a tropical paradise I had imagined. If they treated animals kindly, for a Castaway experience with beauty and nature, I would choose Taketomi. The only redeeming features here are the transport hub conveniences, and MOS Burger.

Beautiful beaches. City lacks touristic infrastructure as cafe, electronic payments, English signs, food variety in the restaurants.

Should not have booked in March, it’s raining all day everyday, there is absolutely nothing to do, restaurants have odd opening hours or don’t serve food so we eat at the same restaurant every day. If thought the hospitality industry in Japan mainland was bad then you haven’t been here! Edit: found the arcade halls and karaoke bars and restaurants in Ishigaki city so it’s still not great but doable.

An amazing destination for a vacation! Went in the "off" season at the end of November. Place was not packed with tourists and the beaches and waters were beautiful and warm. People were friendly and there are so many great places to eat. Convenient ferries to explore the close by islands including Taketomi. Highly recommend taking advantage of the 2000yen 5 day unlimited bus pass!

Beautiful Island with lots of swimmable beaches on north and west coasts. Buildings are concrete and ugly but the people are friendly and nice. A rental car is a must. Restaurants are filled up early with people who know the deal (speak Japanese) so make reservations before you come. We stayed at Le Lotus Bleu which was awesome.