ISHIGAKI OKINAWA JAPAN: Things to do, Tourist Spots, Attractions, and More! (Ishigaki Shore Excursion Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo)

After two nights on board Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo, we finally reached the island of Ishigaki in Okinawa Japan. It’s our 3rd day on this cruise holiday and we're so excited to explore and to see some of the tourist spots and attractions in Okinawa, Japan. What makes me excited about today’s on shore tour is that we're visiting one of Japan's southern islands. I've already been to Japan three times, but this is the first time I'm visiting Okinawa.

If you haven't read Day 2 of our cruise experience, you may read it HERE.

The best thing about this 6 day/5 night SuperStar Virgo cruise from Manila is that you can visit Japan and Taiwan visa-free! Yes, you heard it right, it’s visa-free!

Ishigaki in Okinawa Prefecture is a popular jump-off point for its beaches and coral reef. Considered as the second-largest island of the Yaeyama Island group, Ishigaki is located west of Okinawa Honto. Surrounded mostly by waters, the island's well-known tourist spots include Mount Omoto and Kabira Bay, which are protected areas as part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park.

For on shore tours, you can either do it on your own (DIY) or avail a tour package. For ease and convenience we chose the latter. Just go to the tour package counter at the ship and book your preferred tour. All tours are conducted by Mandarin or English speaking guide.

Aeon MaxValu

On board the shuttle bus, our first stop is Aeon MaxValu, owned by Japan's nationwide Aeon group, it has four large branches in Ishigaki. I loved that this is the first stop of our tour because I was able to withdraw money from the ATM. We also got to buy some Japanese goods that I've been craving for. Also, I got to experience a "self-service point-of-sale system" where you will scan the items you bought and just insert your payment in the machine. How cool is that?

Mineya Minsah Kobo

Next is Mineya Minsah Kobo which is a studio that showcases traditional textile of Yaeyama such as Yeyama-jofu and Hanaui-Minsa. Here, you can purchase handicrafts and souvenirs made from traditional textiles, as well as have a weaving experience.

Just beside Mineya Minsah Kobo is a local restaurant where we had a sumptuous Shabu-shabu lunch. Yummmmm!

Depending on the tour package you avail, lunch is included in the package so you won't have to worry where to get your lunch.

Kibira Bay + Glass Bottom Boat Ride

We then went to one of the highlights of the tour, the Kibira Bay. Located on the north coast of Ishigaki Island, Kibira Bay is considered as one of the top destinations in Okinawa. The bay forms part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, and is known for its white sand beaches, with clean turquoise waters. Don't miss the look out area at Kabira bay that provides amazing and breathtaking views of the bay and some islands and islets.

Here, we also experienced a ride on the glass bottom boat and enjoy spectacular views of the underwater marine life. We saw colorful fishes and coral reefs surrounding Kabira Bay.

Ishigaki is also known for black pearls because these pearls are cultured in the bay. There's also a temple within the area, some restaurants, and souvenir shops where you could buy something to bring back home.

Yonekoyaki Craft Center

The last stop of our Ishigaki Tour Itinerary is the Yonekoyaki Craft Center known for making Okinawan traditional Shisa figurines which is the Okinawa guardian dog/lion. This craft center's highlight is the Shisa Park located at the back of the shop. It showcases many of those Shisha figurines of varying sizes scattered around some ponds and hills. Don't miss it when visiting Yonekoyaki Craft Center.

At around 4:00 PM, we were back at the ship. We rested for a while and enjoyed the beautiful sunset until we depart Ishigaki at around 6:00 PM. It was a quick Ishigaki tour, but we certainly enjoyed it.

We ended the day with another awesome magic show by Vincent Vignaud. Different from his first show on day 1, this show was fun and exciting because it has more interaction with the audience. He invites guests to participate in his magic tricks which made it livelier and interactive.

Japan is one of my favorite countries abroad. And I am so happy to be back here. This Ishigaki on shore tour is definitely one of my most memorable experiences on this 6-day Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo cruise holiday!

[ CLICK HERE TO READ DAY 4 - TAIWAN SHORE EXCURSION ]

Star Cruises Promos

The adventure continues as #SuperStarVirgo gives you two special cruise offers this June 2018! Choose between:

CRUISE ONE, TAKE ONE - 5-Night roundtrip Manila cruise to Kaohsiung, Taiwan and Hong Kong on June 3.

And just before SuperStar Virgo says farewell to Manila, exclusively-unique and equally family-friendly cruises are available with a cruise on June 3 (Manila – Kaohsiung – Hong Kong – Manila) and a special June 8 relocation cruise from Manila – Keelung, Taiwan for AS LOW AS USD 30 (Cruise fare only)!

Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo can be booked through any local travel agency or via www.starcruises.com! For inquiries, you may call (02) 836 6080 or email salesmanila@gentinghk.com.

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