Ishigaki

Japan

Ishigaki is a subtropical island in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, closer to Taiwan than Tokyo. The Yaeyamas blend Okinawan culture with coral seas and jungle. Attractions include Kabira Bay's emerald waters and glass-bottom boats, snorkeling with manta rays in season, the limestone caves, Mount Omoto — Okinawa's highest peak — Taketomi island's preserved village, mango and sugarcane fields, and the islands' distinctive Ryukyuan music and food.