Japan

Ishigaki, Japan

Kabira Bay

Being our first port in Japan, we went through immigration. The process was very easy since Japanese immigration officials came on board. We each presented our passports and ship’s ID cards to an official. Once cleared, we could go ashore and begin our tour.

The first thing our tour guide taught us was “Shimanguni Konjo” or island consciousness and perseverance. The population is approximately 50K and is the 3rd largest island out of approximately 160 Islands. The main crop is sugar cane but is subsidized by the government.

Kabira Bay is a very popular beach resort.

Food

Fresh hot donuts always seem like a good idea. As we wandered around this quaint seaside village of Kabira Bay, the line for the donuts kept calling. They were so good with a crisp fried outside and soft inside. Note, I didn’t say they were good for you. Food trucks were getting ready to open and of course, the vending machines were always available.

The Protection of the Shisha

Kabira Bay: Legend of the Monk’s Temple

Ishigaki Sites

We ended our day with a quick stop downtown. It was very easy to find our way around, so many signs were in both Japanese and English. Surprised and not surprised to see so many American favorites like Pizza. Later that evening, we had a conversation with someone who said the Pizza was good. The Ishigaki beef is supposed to be very tender with 20% marbling. The open-air market had a lot of vendors and free wifi. Most of the vendors took credit cards so buying souvenirs was extremely easy.

Our Japan experience has begun.