【沖縄】東京から2000km！？ 石垣島１泊２日の旅

I booked Premium Class for my flight from Haneda to Ishigaki, which is a higher category than economy. It cost me an extra 10,000 yen, but the seats are large and spacious, offering a very comfortable experience. The display showed the distance to Ishigaki as 2026 km, making it the furthest domestic destination from Tokyo without a transfer. The flight takes 2 hours and 50 minutes, which is longer than some international flights. The Boeing 787 has a cool feature where you can dim the windows with a button, making them darker while still allowing you to see outside. During the flight, I enjoyed a deluxe sandwich and white fish seasoned with mango for breakfast, along with unlimited drinks. Free in-flight Wi-Fi was a bonus, letting me research my destination. The seats in this 787 model are the same as international business class, almost fully reclining, so I could relax comfortably.

I decided to enter Ishigaki Village, a theme park with a 1000 yen entrance fee. Beyond the main attractions, there's a jungle area with a wooden deck that leads into a mangrove forest. Mangroves thrive where fresh and saltwater mix. I visited during low tide, so the roots were exposed, but the water level was rising. I spotted mudskippers, which can breathe air, and numerous crabs, including fiddler crabs and hairy-legged crabs. The sheer abundance of life, from giant shells to various crabs, highlights Ishigaki's rich natural environment. It's a great place to experience the island's unique ecosystem up close, especially the diverse creatures living among the mangrove roots.

I took a glass-bottom boat tour at Kabira Bay, which is a must-do here. I booked online for 900 yen, a slight discount. The boat's unique docking method, where it rides up onto the sand, was fascinating. The captain recommended taking the tour between 2 PM and 5 PM, closer to high tide, for the best views. I chose the 5 PM slot. The transparency of the water was incredible, allowing me to see vibrant coral reefs, giant clams, and various fish, including clownfish. The captain pointed out different types of coral, like blue coral, and explained how coral grows towards the sunlight. We even spotted sea turtles! It was a dense 30 minutes, and I could have stayed on the boat all day. The boat's ability to navigate shallow waters and get close to the reefs was impressive.

After the boat tour, I explored the traditional village near Kabira Bay. This area was historically a 'wind-waiting port,' so it has a long history. I noticed the unique street layout, where roads are not straight but slightly offset at intersections. This traditional Okinawan design is meant to prevent 'evil spirits' from traveling directly through the village. At these offsets, you often find 'Ishiganto' stone markers, which act as guardians. Many houses still use traditional coral stone walls instead of concrete, preserving the old-world charm. It's a fascinating glimpse into Okinawa's unique cultural heritage and architectural practices.