Silversea Luxury Cruises A Ishigaki Ryukyu Islands

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.

Discover the panoramic beauty and landmarks of Isigaki Island during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Ishigaki Yaima Village

Depart the pier for the short drive to Ishigaki Yaima Village, which is inhabited by squirrel monkeys and features lovely old restored homes. Your visit includes an opportunity to get a closer look at the monkeys frolicking in the trees, and take in a traditional dancing and singing performance.

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.

Banna Observatory

Next, re-boar your coach and drive to the Banna Observatory, located at the centre of the island at the approximately 754-foot (about 230-metre) peak of Banna Mountain. From the observatory, take in spectacular, 360-degree views overlooking the island and Ishigaki's town centre, coast and ocean. Weather-permitting, you can also see the islands of Taketomi and Iriomote. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier via Ishigaki City.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately one mile (about 1.6 kilometres), 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 20 steps at the Banna 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.

Experience the unique highlights of Ishigaki Island via coach, boat and on-foot during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Ishigaki Yaima Village

Depart the pier for the short drive to Ishigaki Yaima Village, which is located in a lush forest inhabited by squirrel monkeys and features lovely old restored homes. Your visit includes an opportunity to get a closer look at the monkeys frolicking in the trees, and take in a traditional dancing and singing performance.

Kabira Bay Park, Observatory and Boat-Ride

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, take a glass-bottom boat-ride to explore the undersea beauty of the bay. Afterward, 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.

Yaeyama Palm Tree Grove

Leaving Kabira Bay Park, re-board your coach and drive to the northern coast of Ishigaki for a visit to the Yaeyama Palm Tree Grove, an area where palm trees grow at the base of Mt. Omoto. The palm trees rise to a height of approximately 33 feet (about 10 meters), and the area has been designated a national natural monument.

Minsa Craft Shop

Your last stop is at the Minsa Craft Shop, a shop selling Okinawa's local textile (known as 'minsa'), bags, tapestries and more. A variety of colours and chic designer styles are displayed in the shop. Your visit includes an opportunity to learn about the history of the textile, and browse the items available for sale. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (about 2.4 kilometres), at times over sandy, uneven and gravel surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, embark/disembark the boat, and access the entrance to the Mineya Arts & Crafts Shop. 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. The tour sequence may vary. There is no guide present during the glass-bottom boat-ride on Kabira Bay, as your group is divided into two-three smaller groups.

Discover the splendid scenery and traditions of Taketomi Island during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Taketomi Island and Yugafu-Kan Museum

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Ishigaki Pier, then embark a ferry for the approximately 15 minute ride to Taketomi Island. Part of the Yaeyama Islands, Taketomi is surrounded by a beautiful coral reef. Upon arrival at this tropical paradise, disembark the ferry and take a short, guided stroll to Yugafu-kan, a small museum exhibiting the nature and culture of Taketomi Island.

Star Sand Beach

Leaving the Yugafu-kan Museum, board a coach for the scenic drive past Kondoi Beach en route to Star Sand Beach. Upon arrival, your guide teaches you how to find the star-shaped sand for which this beach is named.

Water Buffalo Cart Tour

Next, proceed to the Water Buffalo Station and board a water buffalo cart, the traditional method of transportation on Taketomi Island. Explore Taketomi's traditional residential area, which features homes with red brick roofs. Following your water buffalo cart-ride, some free time to explore this area at your leisure. At the conclusion of your visit, embark the ferry for the approximately 15-minute transfer back to the Ishigaki Pier, then re-board your coach for the short drive back to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 334 yards (about 306 metres), at times over sandy and uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the boat. Walking on Taketomi Island is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilize a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The island ferry and water buffalo cart are not exclusive to Silversea guests. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Only small coaches are available on Taketomi Island. No guide is present during the short ride to Star Sand Beach or the Water Buffalo Station. The tour sequence may vary.