Ishigaki Culture & Crafts
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Port
Ishigaki Island, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$139.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Depart from the pier and head to Kabira Bay, a picture-perfect landscape with powder-white sand, dense vegetation, and waters in mesmerizing shades of turquoise and emerald. Small boats float just offshore, perfectly enhancing the scene. No wonder the bay has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty and awarded a coveted three stars by the Michelin Guide.
Continue to Ishigaki Pottery Studio, where you will see fine examples of yutekitenmoku. This type of pottery is characterized by a pattern of irregular dots on a dark surface. The lustrous effect is often described as oil drops on water or glittering stars in the night sky. Browse in the gift shop and purchase unique ceramics decorated with natural ocean-colored Okinawa glass.
Next, visit a local craft studio to learn about minsa -- a vibrant cloth that has been a tradition in Ishigaki for many centuries. Women have long woven minsa textiles for prospective husbands in a pattern representing eternal love. You may recognize the customary pattern with horizontal lines and groups of small rectangles. Colors vary from blues and blacks to ochres and yellows. Try hand-dying a handkerchief or scarf, etc, using the dye from plants that grow wild on Ishigaki. Get in touch with your inner artist, as the pattern is up to you.
Following your cultural experience, return to the pier.
Notes: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Tour sequence may vary. Bring local currency, as many vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars.