Ishigaki, Japan

 February 23,2024

We arrived in Japan!  Ishigaki is the southernmost island chain in Japan.  It is just east of Taiwan.  It is known as the Hawaii of Japan.  It is a tropical island chain known for its laid back attitude.  It is a popular vacation spot for Japanese and Koreans.

We had a delightful tour guide, Misumi, today for Jim, Arlene, Karen, Joel and Sharon, Karen Talbott and Janice.

Tour of Torinji Temple, (Buddhist), Banna Mountain Observation deck, Isigaki Village, ( a reproduction of ancient Japanese homes), Kabira Bay, glass bottom boat tour, Black Pearl store and weaving store.

Kabira Bay is a beautiful bay.  No swimming or snorkeling allowed.  Glass bottom boats tours are popular.  Also, this is a black pearl harvesting area.  Black pearls were first cultivated here by a Japanese man who developed the process.  The history and black pearl information:

https://www.ryukyu-shinju.co.jp/images/pdf/leaflet_eng.pdf

I bought a coral necklace here.

Dinner with Doug and Elizabeth. Another wonderful show - Chaw, a trumpet player.

Japan, Land of the Rising Sun
A cloudy sunrise today
    
                                                        Vending machines are everywhere.
                                                We hear you can buy anything from a vending machine.

    
                                                                  Torinji Temple




    
                                                    The paper cranes - a prayer and symbol of peace.

    
                                                            Views from Banna Park.
                                                I saw a beautiful turquoise butterfly - no picture.


                            
                                                                        Ishigaki Yaima Village

                                                                Shisa - the symbol of Okinawa
                                                  On your roof or flanking your entry - they guard against evil spirits.




                                                           Reproduction of fisherman's home.

    
                                                                    Pretty flat flower

    
                                                            Squirrel Monkeys








                                                                An interesting bloom - grey.

    
                                                                    Water Buffalo

    

                                                        An injured Crested Serpent Eagle


    
                                              Authentic Okinawan soba dish and Ishigaki beef dish

    
                                                    Kabira Bay, rain arrived just as we arrived.

    
                                             Glass bottom boat tour.  Much better than I expected.

    
                                                   Karen Talbott, Joel, Sharon

    
                                                                    BLUE Coral

    
                                                                    
                                                          White, blue, green tipped stag coral

                                                                             NEMO


                                                         Just caught an edge of this massive clam

                                                                            Orange coral
    
                                              Legend of mermaid and lover and their baby.

    
                                               Famous weaving style of Ishigaki -4 ever,
                                                                    Pink Coral.





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