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.

Ishigaki City, the urban side of the island. Although Okinawan cities are somewhat different from cities in mainland Japan, especially because of the natural beauty of the islands and the marvelous climate, in the end, they’re still unmistakably Japanese cities.

Kayaks, Iriomote Island, posted earlier: