Silversea Luxury Cruises A Ishigaki Ryukyu Islands

Depart the pier for the approximately 20-minute drive to Banna Park (Emerald Sea Observation Point). From this viewpoint, you will admire (weather dependent) sweeping views of Ishigaki City and nearby Taketomi Island.

Next, re-board your coach for the short drive to lunch venue. Here you will have a chance to experience the famous a local Ishigaki Beef Lunch. Most of the cattle raised to produce the world renown wagyu beef, such as Kobe and Matsuzaka, have been brought in from Ishigaki so Ishigaki beef is the roots of the Wagyu beef in Japan. Ishigaki beef is a brand Japanese black cow produced in Yaeyama district which includes Ishigaki city. It becomes very famous thought out Japan because it was served during the Okinawa summit in 2000. Some of the producers only sell this beef in Ishigaki Island to keep this local production for local consumption. But people say it is worth visiting Ishigaki to eat Ishigaki beef. It is a beautiful beef with pink meat and white fat. As soon as meat reaches the tongue, sweet fat melt on your tough. During the lunch you will also enjoy "Yaeyama Dance". It danced as a dedication dance from thanksgiving and prayers thought as one of agricultural rituals.

Your final destination is Minsa Textile Gallery. The Yaeyama Minsa fabric is a traditional craft in Ishigaki, expressing the wish of women "love me forever". About 400 years ago, people started to grow cotton in Okinawa, this is the time when ladies started to weave the Yaeyama Minsa. Ladies would give Minsa products to men to reply to their proposal.

After the visit to the textile gallery commence the approximately 20-minute drive back to the pier.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 15-minute transfer to Ishigaki Limestone Cave. These spacious caverns have been formed over a period of more than 200,000 years, creating a vast network of tunnels and caverns with fascinating geological formations. A railed path meanders through about 2,100 feet of the cave's total length of 10,500 feet, giving you an opportunity to experience this unique natural phenomenon. Gaze spellbound at the cavern's walls and ceilings dripping with formations and illuminated by well-placed lights.

Next, re-board your coach for the approximately 60-minute drive to Yaima Village, where old traditional houses have been moved from elsewhere on the island and reassembled to create an open-air museum. These traditional huts with a red-tile roof, registered as Tangible Cultural Property.

After a short drive your final destination is Nobare Farm and Café. It is a superb view photo spot and enjoy the panoramic view of Pacific Ocean. Then you can also enjoy the local fresh mango juice at the café.

At the end of your sightseeing tour re-board your coach and commence the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier

Explore the highlights and traditions of idyllic Ishigaki Island during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Ishigaki Salt Factory, and Minsa Craft Centre and Hand-Dying Experience

Depart the pier for the short drive to Nagura Bay and a visit to the Ishigaki Salt Factory, a small operation with an on-site store. Ishigaki is famous for its deep blue sea and the salt that comes out of it; this 100% pure salt is known for its variety and intense flavours. Upon arrival, observe the staff making salt and take an optional walk down to the sea to view the pipes that remove salt from the ocean water. Your tour continues with a visit to the Minsa Craft Centre, which sells Okinawa's local textile (Minsa) bags, dresses, tapestries and more. The shop also has a small museum displaying old and modern designs and dresses in a variety of colours and styles. Upon arrival, you can browse the shop, learn about the history of the craft, and even try hand-dying a handkerchief or scarf using the dye from plants that grow wild on Ishigaki.

Kabira Bay Park and Observatory

Next, re-board your coach and drive to Kabira Bay. Considered the most beautiful bay in Ishigaki Island, Kabira Bay was the recipient of a 3-star rating from the Michelin Guide in 2009. Upon arrival, proceed for a visit to Kabira Bay Park, located on a hill near the bay. Take in spectacular panoramic views of the clear, blue ocean, white-sand beach and verdant island from the Observatory, and an optional stroll down to the beach via an approximately 50-step staircase. You can also explore a black pearl shop to learn how pearls are cultured, and take a guided tour of a factory that produces 'Awamori', Okinawa's local distilled spirit.

Ishigaki Yaki Pottery Studio, Local Farm and Ice Cream

Leaving Kabira Bay Park, re-board your coach and head to the Ishigaki Yaki Pottery Studio. Upon arrival, learn about the history of pottery-making on Ishigaki and view splendid examples of pottery in the gallery. Following your visit, re-board your coach and proceed for a refreshment stop at a local farm. Here, you can sample the famous Ishigaki ice cream, made with milk sourced from local cows and salt, a local delicacy. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.5 miles (about 800 metres), at times over uneven and gravel surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, a few steps to access the restroom at the Kabira Bay Observatory and approximately 50 optional steps to access the beach at the Kabira Bay Observatory. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. This tour does not include a glass-bottom boat-ride on Kabira Bay. The tour sequence may vary.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 50-minute drive to Tamatorizaki Observatory. Tamatorizaki Observatory is located on the Hirakubo Peninsula and is famous for its picturesque scenery of Ishigaki Island. The color of the sea may differ depending on distance and time of day, and the unique natural gradation of color does not disappoint those who visit.

Next, re-board your coach for the approximately 30-minutes drive to Ishigaki Pottery Gallery, where you will have a small lecture on how ceramic pieces are decorated with natural, ocean-colored glass. Also see fine examples of "YUTEKITENMOKU", a type of pottery characterized by a pattern of irregular dots on a dark surface. The lustrous effect is often described as oil drops on water, or glittering stars in the night sky.

After the gallery visit drive for about 20 minutes to your final destination is Kabirra Bay and Ryukyu Black Pearl Centre. Kabira Bay, a picture-perfect landscape of powder-white sands, dense vegetation and waters in mesmerizing shades of turquoise and emerald. Small boats float just offshore, lending to the scene's photogenic quality. No wonder the bay has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty and awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll to the Ryukyu Black Pearl Center, one of only two cultivation sites of black pearls in Japan. Here, you can learn about these treasured beauties and - if you wish - do some shopping.

Finally an approximately 30-minutes drive will take you back to the pier

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 15-minute drive to Ishigaki Limestone Cave. These spacious caverns have been formed over a period of more than 200,000 years, creating a vast network of tunnels and caverns with fascinating geological formations. A railed path meanders through about 2,100 feet of the cave's total length of 10,500 feet, giving you an opportunity to experience this unique natural phenomenon. Gaze spellbound at the cavern's walls and ceilings dripping with formations and illuminated by well-placed lights

Next, drive about 20-30-minute and arrive to the Tamatorizaki Observatory that is located on the Hirakubo Peninsula and is famous for its picturesque scenery of Ishigaki Island. The color of the sea may differ depending on distance and time of day, and the unique natural gradation of color does not disappoint those who visit.

Enjoy the scenery during the approximately 40-minute journey to your final stop: Kabirra Bay and Ryukyu Black Pearl Centre. Kabira Bay, a picture-perfect landscape of powder-white sands, dense vegetation and waters in mesmerizing shades of turquoise and emerald. Small boats float just offshore, lending to the scene's photogenic quality. No wonder the bay has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty and awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll to the Ryukyu Black Pearl Center, one of only two cultivation sites of black pearls in Japan. Here, you can learn about these treasured beauties and, if you wish, do some souvenirs shopping.

From the Ryukyu Black Pearl Center an approximately 30-minute drive will take you back to the pier and your awaiting ship.