Ishigaki Island

Main island of the Yaeyama archipelago, sitting roughly 400 kilometers southwest of Naha. The water here is a different shade than mainland Okinawa, ranging from pale jade in the shallows to deep cobalt offshore. You can snorkel or dive along coral gardens, hike through the Omoto forest, or drive the coast road past mangrove channels and small fishing ports. The island has its own airport, so it works well as a base for day trips to Taketomi and Iriomote. The food scene is relaxed, heavy on fresh sashimi and island-raised Ishigaki beef.