Ishigaki Island is the commercial and transportation hub of the Yaeyama Islands, with a larger and more modern city than the other islands in the group (population 48,000) and a new, expanded airport that serves thousands of tourists every year from both mainland Japan and overseas. It also has some of the most beautiful beaches in Japan as well as a rugged natural landscape and is famed for its snorkeling, diving and surfing spots.

Adan trees are commonly found on Okinawan beaches and seem to tolerate the salty soil and heavy winds better than other plants. The fruit has been mistaken for a pineapple but isn’t eaten, except by crabs, reportedly.

Star sand, Iriomote Island, posted earlier: