Our recent Okinawa trip to Ishigaki, Miayko and Naha was an adventure of a lifetime. My girlfriend, my friend, and I traveled together, starting our journey in Ishigaki before heading to the tranquil island of Miyako-jima. From snorkeling with turtles to making unforgettable memories with amazing people, every moment of this trip was packed with excitement, humor, and natural beauty.
Ishigaki: The First Stop of Our Okinawa Trip
We arrived in Ishigaki, the main island of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa, with high hopes for our first destination. Our accommodation was a charming hotel, where we enjoyed a delightful breakfast every morning, fueling us up for the day ahead. The first day was all about relaxing and getting into the Okinawan pace of life.
However, the highlight of our time in Ishigaki was undoubtedly the snorkeling trip. As soon as we boarded the boat and sailed out to sea, the beauty of the crystal-clear waters was overwhelming. We couldnât wait to dive in and explore the underwater world. The sea was alive with vibrant coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, and a sense of serenity that only the ocean can offer. Swimming among the fish and feeling the peaceful flow of water was a magical experience.
What made the experience even more memorable was the people we encountered. We were surprised to see that some of the Japanese girls who joined the snorkeling trip were wearing full makeup for the activity. The sight of them donning a full face of makeup with snorkels and diving gear was both amusing and fascinating. In a country where attention to appearance is often emphasized, it was a funny yet endearing contrast to the natural beauty of the ocean.
We had a blast laughing at this little cultural quirk, but it also made us realize how different people can experience the same activity in their own unique ways.
The Trash Problem in Ishigaki: A Disturbing Reality
While Ishigaki was breathtaking in many ways, there was an aspect of the island that left a sour taste in our mouthsâthe trash problem. As we ventured deeper into the forest areas around Ishigaki, we couldnât help but notice the piles of trash, including discarded car tires, scattered throughout the woods. It was disheartening to see such beauty marred by the carelessness of both locals and visitors.
This problem isn’t isolated to just a few areas; we saw multiple spots where the forest was being used as an unofficial dumping ground. Tires, plastic bottles, and other debris were scattered across the underbrush, creating an ugly contrast against the vibrant greenery and clear blue skies. It was as though the environment itself was being neglected, and it left us feeling disappointed.
What was even more frustrating was the apparent lack of concern or action to address the issue. Despite its obvious visibility, there didnât seem to be any concerted efforts to clean up or even raise awareness about the problem. It felt as if the island’s authorities were turning a blind eye, and the trash had been accumulating for quite some time.
This issue stood in stark contrast to the island’s pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it clear that while some parts of Ishigaki are protected and well-maintained, others have been left to suffer. As travelers, we felt a responsibility to speak up about this problem and hope that the attention brought to it might encourage both locals and visitors to take better care of their environment.
Miyako-jima: Our Stay at Happy Island Hostel
After an unforgettable time in Ishigaki, we traveled to Miyako-jima, a smaller, less crowded island in the Okinawan archipelago. We checked into Happy Island Hostel, which would become our home for the next few days. Host Max and his adorable cat, Happy, made us feel incredibly welcome right from the start. The hostel was cozy and full of charm, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of our stay.
The people we met at the hostel added an extra layer of joy to our experience. We met fellow travelers from all over the world, each with their own stories and backgrounds. One encounter, in particular, stood outâan elderly Japanese man who, despite the hostelâs age limit of 40, had booked his stay and was always a part of the action. He was a regular at the hostel, and while he was often a bit tipsy, his infectious energy and humorous anecdotes made him a beloved figure among all of us. His presence added a layer of warmth and lightheartedness to the hostel that we didnât expect.
Max, the host, was a true legend. Not only did he make us feel at home, but he also treated us to an unforgettable BBQ evening. The food was incredible, especially when he served us fresh sashimi that he had personally hunted. Watching him prepare the sashimi with such care and pride was a highlight of our time at the hostel. It wasnât just a meal; it was an experience. The raw, fresh fish tasted like nothing we had ever had before. It felt like we were truly experiencing the islandâs culture and cuisine at its most authentic.
That evening, we gathered around with our new friends and shared a few beers. The atmosphere was laid-back and easygoing, and we felt an incredible sense of camaraderie. The warmth of the people, combined with the cool night air and the delicious food, made for one of the most memorable nights of our trip.
The Local Food Recommendations: Garlic Shrimp and Taco Rice
During our stay at the hostel, we wanted to dive deeper into the local culinary scene. One day, we asked one of the girls who worked at the hostel for her recommendations on must-try foods in Miyako-jima. With a warm smile, she suggested two dishes: garlic shrimp and taco rice. Intrigued by her suggestions, we couldnât wait to check them out.
However, to our surprise, neither of these dishes was traditional Japanese fare. Garlic shrimp, while delicious, is more commonly associated with American cuisine, particularly the famous shrimp trucks in places like Hawaii or California. Taco rice, on the other hand, is a dish that originated in Okinawa but was heavily influenced by American military presence on the island. It combines seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and taco sauce, served over rice.
It was interesting to see these American-influenced dishes being recommended as part of the local food culture. While we couldnât deny that both garlic shrimp and taco rice were tasty and satisfying, they felt more like American comfort food rather than the typical Japanese dishes we had expected to encounter in Okinawa.
One place that was particularly known for serving these American-inspired dishes was HARRY’S Shrimp Truck, a popular spot for garlic shrimp lovers. While it was a hit with both locals and tourists, it was clear that the influence of American flavors had made its mark on the Okinawan food scene. While not traditional, the garlic shrimp served at Harry’s Shrimp Truck was certainly flavorful, and it gave us a glimpse into the fusion of cultures that can be found on the islands.
The German Village in Miyako-jima: A Place to Skip
As we explored Miyako-jima further, we came across a peculiar tourist spotâthe German Village. Intrigued by its name, we decided to check it out, but what we found was far from impressive.
The German Village, despite its intentions, seemed to be falling apart. The buildings, meant to resemble German-style architecture, looked ancient and worn out, despite not being that old. The entire place had an air of neglect, with a sense of abandonment hanging over it. The lawns were overgrown, and some of the structures appeared to be in serious disrepair. It felt like a place frozen in time, where no one cared enough to maintain it or give it a fresh coat of paint.
We were especially surprised to see how little effort had gone into preserving the charm of the village. The exhibits, meant to showcase German culture, seemed to be in a state of disarray, with some areas left completely empty or covered in dust. We left the village feeling disappointed, questioning why it had been allowed to degrade so badly.
Our advice to anyone visiting Miyako-jima would be to skip the German Village altogether. There are so many other beautiful and authentic spots on the island that are worth your time and attention. The village, unfortunately, does not live up to the promises made by its name and might not offer the experience you’d expect from a tourist attraction.
Snorkeling in Miyako-jima: A True Underwater Adventure
While at Happy Island Hostel, we also booked a snorkeling trip directly with Max. He had connections with local guides who took us to some of the best snorkeling spots around the island. It wasnât long before we found ourselves once again in the turquoise waters of Okinawa, ready to explore the depths of the ocean.
This time, the experience was even more thrilling. We had the incredible fortune of encountering sea turtles swimming gracefully through the water. Watching these majestic creatures in their natural habitat was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Their slow, deliberate movements seemed almost otherworldly, and we couldnât help but feel humbled by their presence.
While the turtles were an obvious highlight, we also encountered a variety of other marine life. The coral reefs were teeming with fish, and the colors were more vibrant than anything we had seen before. But, as with all adventures, there were a few surprises along the way.
One of the most heart-stopping moments of our snorkeling trip occurred when my girlfriend spotted a sea snake. She had heard about how dangerous these creatures could be, and seeing one in real life was both thrilling and terrifying. The sea snake glided through the water with a smooth, almost hypnotic motion, but we kept our distance, respecting the deadly reputation it held.
Not long after, we also had an encounter with an octopus. Its tentacles, sleek and undulating, were a sight to behold as it blended seamlessly with the rocks beneath the water. We had to be cautious, as octopuses can be dangerous, especially if threatened. But it was fascinating to watch this intelligent creature change its color and texture to blend in with its surroundings.
The snorkeling adventures in Miyako-jima were undoubtedly some of the most exciting moments of our trip, filled with both beauty and unexpected encounters with the oceanâs more mysterious inhabitants.
Closing Thoughts on Okinawa
Looking back on our Okinawa trip, itâs hard to pick a favorite partâit was all so incredible. From the breathtaking snorkeling experiences in Ishigaki to the amazing people we met at Happy Island Hostel in Miyako-jima, every moment felt special. The beautiful surroundings of Okinawa, combined with the warm hospitality of the locals, made for a truly unforgettable experience.
We left Okinawa with full hearts, knowing that we had shared in something truly magicalâan adventure in one of Japanâs most beautiful and unique islands. Whether it was the funny moments, like the girls wearing makeup for snorkeling, or the awe-inspiring encounters with sea turtles and sea snakes, we wouldnât trade a single moment of our journey. It was the perfect balance of laughter, adventure, and discovery, and we canât wait to return to Okinawa in the future to relive the magic once more.
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