Sculpt a Shisa lion dog
Rinka is the only potter in Ishigaki island using a Noborigama, a wood fired climbing kiln to fire his work. It takes a great amount of work and time to produce work. Twice a year he`s firing the Noborigama. He also fires ...
Visit a local craft market
Ishigaki has many local craft markets. Yakimono matsuri, the Ishigaki pottery festival, takes place at the end of the year. Japan is the place for handmade pottery. Potters here learned from teachers all around Japan and abroad. Find beautiful handmade ceramics from ...
Drink Okinawa beer at the rooftop beer garden
Ishigaki has a vibrant night life with many restaurants and bars. Together with designer Yasutake Ikeshiro, I enjoyed an Okinawan brewed beer on the rooftop beer garden. This is a good location for hot summer nights with friends.
Join the Ishigaki marathon
Several sports events are organized in Ishigaki. Many locals, Japanese as well as foreigners like to join these events and experience the positive vibe and stunning nature.
Visit a local designer
Fashion designer Yasutake Ikeshiro is inspired by the magical surroundings of Ishigaki island. Ancient rooftops, fruits, ocean life and poetic moments of nature are featured in his stunning designs.
Bike around the island
Today`s sunset was stunning! Because of mountainous areas, cycling around Ishigaki by road bike is the best. A challenge for the experienced cyclists. Pottery bike rental.
Hike up mount Mape
Today I hiked up Mount Mape and had one of the best views ever. Ishigaki has several mountains and hills to climb, some are challenging and some are easy. Mount Mape is in the middle of that. Passing through the lush vegetation, ...
Eat local cuisine
There is Japanese soba and there is Ishigaki soba. The first is made of buckwheat, the second is made of flour. Local ingredients like fish cake, pork and island made soba noodles make the broth a savory delight. Ad a little bit ...
Explore the mangroves by kayak
The magical mangroves are a habitat for birds, fish, crabs and plants. A sensitive place we should all cherish and take care of. When I slide with the kayak through these trees, deeply rooted into the mud it feels like I`m dreaming. ...
Learn to play the Sanshin
The Sanshin, which means three strings, is a local music instrument. Traditionally made of snake skin. My teacher today, the famous Hiromi Kinjo is such a kind personality and great teacher. I love music, unfortunately never learned to play an instrument. I`m ...
Attend a local craft workshop
Had so much fun with this workshop in the beautiful, natural environment and friendly people of Yachimunkan. Here they try to keep local crafts alive by giving workshops and work together with local craftsmen. Their shop is also a must visit with ...
Learn about Minsa weaving
Indigo (ai) dyeing is famous all over the world by dyeing enthusiasts and fabriclovers. In Ishigaki the ancient way of fabric dyeing and weaving still exists. Thanks to a few people who keep the traditional craft alive.
Visit Angama festival
I had the chance to see how local Ishigaki people celebrate and perform the traditional Angama dance during the Bon festival. Such a special moment. I heard drums slowly moving towards the house. Two characters with masks represented ancestral spirits Ushumai (old ...
Cook like a local
Japanese cuisine is one of the best cuisines in the world. Fresh and natural ingredients are prepared by skilled chefs. In the tropical South of Japan, people use different ingredients influenced by surrounding countries. A cute Ishigaki grandmother showed me her farm, ...
Spot the magnificent Manta rays
The almost ghostly but utterly beautiful Manta rays live around Ishigaki island. We learned they take a `bath` at their own preferred `cleaning station` for the removal of parasites. The Manta`s here aren`t dangerous and very calm creatures. Manta rays are vulnerable ...
