Kabira Bay Glass-Bottom Boat & Minsa Textile Studio
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Port
Ishigaki Island, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$230
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4¼ 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. This splendid bay is a designated Place of Scenic Beauty, awarded a top three stars by the Michelin Guide.
Enjoy a 30-minute glass-bottom boat cruise to view its stunning underwater world. Beautiful coral reefs and more than 90 different kinds of tropical fish live in this area. The black pearls from Kabira Bay are quite famous. A souvenir outlet here offers a limited number of Japanese-made black pearl products, difficult to find in other places.
Continue to the Ishigaki Chinese Tomb for a fascinating glimpse into a unique chapter of Japanese history and culture. This site serves as the final resting place for Chinese immigrants who arrived in Okinawa during the Meiji era, approximately 200 years ago. Chinese influences are evident in the distinctive tombstones and layout -- a fantastic cross-cultural insight into Japan and China.
Next, visit a local craft studio to learn about Minsa -- a vibrant cloth that has been a tradition in Ishigaki for many centuries. Minsa weaving is a traditional craft of Ishigaki Island and has long been woven by women to express their eternal love for men; the distinctive pattern of five rectangles combined with four rectangles expresses the wish for "forever" ("Itsu = five" and "Se = four"). Traditionally, indigo blue and black were used, but in recent years, various shades of ochre, yellow, and other colors have been produced, giving the piece a modern twist.
Please note:
The glass-bottom boat operates weather and sea conditions permitting. Terrain includes steps to board the boat and at the Kabira Bay Observatory. Suitable for guests using a wheelchair with a companion to assist. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring local currency, as some vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars. Photography is prohibited at the museum at the Minsa Art Center. Traffic can be unpredictable; your patience is greatly appreciated if a delay extends the tour duration. Weather and atmospheric conditions vary; no guarantee is offered regarding visibility or views on any day.