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.

There are numerous ferries leaving every day for Taketomi Island, about 10 minutes away from Ishigaki City. Not the most interesting scene, but I loved the color of the water there, and this shows it nicely.

Ishigaki Island flower, posted earlier: