Comeback Japan: Ishigaki

Ready to go! Departure from Europe to Tokyo on an overnight flight, so get ready for the adventure waiting ahead of you! 

You'll arrive in Tokyo and transfer from the airport to your hotel. Tokyo combines Japan's deep traditions and strong culture with the latest in innovative design, niche stores and Michelin-starred restaurants. 
 
Visit Shibuya and wander the fashion trendsetting Harajuku area. Continue through to the vibrant nearby Yoyogi Park, just a stone's throw away Shinto shrine Meiji-Jingu. 

On your first full day in Tokyo, we suggest you visit the historical Asakusa area with the impressive Senso-ji temple, the oldest in Tokyo, and the nearby Nakamise street with its small stalls with food specialities and souvenir stores. 
 
In the afternoon, maybe take a boat ride on the Sumida River to see Tokyo from a different angle. Nearby is Tokyo Skytree, the perfect place to watch the sunset over the city. 

Get up early and visit the outer fish market in Tsukiji! Try sushi from one of the nice small restaurants in the area. Afterwards, visit the Eastern Garden of the Imperial Palace and continue shopping at Ginza district. Once the night falls, try finger food, beers and sake in the narrow alleys in any one of the city's neighbourhoods. 

Time to leave Tokyo by shinkansen (bullet train) and head to Kyoto, the country's ancient capital. Our suggestion for your first day in Kyoto is to visit the samurai castle Nijo, a UNESCO-protected building. The palace served as the residence and office of the Shogun during his visits to Kyoto in the old days. From here, walk to the Imperial Palace and visit the site's inner and outer garden. Spend your first night in Kyoto by watching traditional Kabuki theatre or other Gion's geisha neighbourhood shows. 

Your first full day of leisure in Kyoto. You see the 1001 golden statues of the Goddess of Mercy Kannon at the Sanjusangendo temple and get a great view of the city from Kiyomizu-dera. 
 
Continuing further north, you will reach the famous Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavillion), home to one of Japan's most fascinating landscape gardens. This is also the starting point of the Philosopher's Path, a trail along a small stream leading you to the beautiful Nanzen-ji shrine. 

Today, take a day trip to Japan's first-ever capital, Nara. Start off by visiting Todai-ji temple to see the world's largest bronze Buddha in the giant Todai-ji temple. Charming, friendly deer populate the outskirts of the temple and the nearby park. 
 
You can spend the afternoon wandering around in Kyoto, in the Nishiki Market, which is very interesting and offers plenty of local specialities of food and other products. 
 
On your final night in Kyoto, have a traditional dinner at one of the classical restaurants in Pontocho Dori street. 

Today you'll travel from Kyoto station to Osaka Kansai airport by airport limousine bus and fly to Ishigaki Island. If you have chosen the Rent a Car option, you will pick up your car and drive to your hotel in 30 minutes.

The island of Ishigaki is part of the Yaeyama archipelago, the most southwestern part of Japan. Due to their location, these islands have an authentic tropical, relaxed and rural character unlike any other and are excellent places to enjoy some of the most pristine beaches and nature.

Upon arrival at your hotel, enjoy the sunset with a drink from the bar area before dinner.

After breakfast at the hotel, you can explore the beautiful nature of Ishigaki. Stroll along one of the beautiful bays on the island, walk under the palm trees and enjoy the view of the island and the sea. It's also nice to drive to the Miyara River and do a kayaking tour surrounded by mangroves. Kabira Bay is just a few kilometres from your hotel and is also nice to visit. Swimming is prohibited but it is such a beautiful scenic view. Afternoon you can enjoy snorkelling and exploring Ishigaki city's many restaurants.

Today you should take a day trip to Taketomi, the westernmost island of Japan. Drive to the harbour in Ishigaki and take the ferry, just 10 minutes. Here you can take a nice walk through the authentic village, where the houses have been preserved in traditional style, and enjoy the local restaurants and the white sand beaches. You might also rent a bicycle. Make sure to take your swimsuit with you and enjoy paddling in Kondoi or Kaiji beach.

Alternatively (if you want to explore in a more adventurous way!), we highly recommend this day to visit the prefecture's most adventurous island and national park, Iriomote. The island can be reached by high-speed ferry from the harbour area and takes 35-40 minutes. This island is almost completely covered with dense jungle and lush mangrove forests. Take a boat up one of the larger rivers or by kayak further inland. Walk along the island's beautiful beaches and go hiking through the dense forests or diving and snorkelling through the beautiful coral reef.

After a morning at leisure, with a final sea view breakfast and maybe an enjoyable walk along the beach in the afternoon, you head to Ishigaki airport and take a domestic flight to Tokyo/Haneda airport. Here you will spend the final night of your Japan trip at an airport hotel.

In the morning you will leave Japan and fly back to Europe. Reflect on your metropolis adventure in Tokyo, the imperial delights of Kyoto, and the magnificent unspoiled nature, vast sea views and sunny white beaches of Ishigaki and its surrounding islands.