September 1, 2016 • mccsokinawa.com
Jim Kassebaum
O
kinawa is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands, but it’s surrounded by many other smaller islands. You may know some of the ones circling Okinawa that you can get to by ferry or car—Ie Island, Yoron Island, the Kerama Islands and Hamahiga Island. We want to introduce a few islands that are only a short flight away. Miyako Island Okinawa is known for its world-class diving, but some of the best diving in the Ryukyus is at Miyako. The waters are abuzz, glowing blue with pristine reefs. And the beaches? Clean, white sugar sand. At night, the island comes alive. Miyako is famous for its amount of nightclubs. They’re typically intimate and jovial with their own drinking custom known as otōri.
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Ishigaki Island Like Miyako, the waters of Ishigaki are immaculate. It’s known as the home of the Japanese black pearl industry. It also has a vibrant nightlife and plenty of shopping. Also, if you’re looking for good steak, it’s in Ishigaki. Iriomote Island Iriomote is famous for its unbridled wilderness and stunning waterfalls. It’s a good place to kayak and “get away from it all” in nature. If you’re lucky, you may spot the rare Iriomote wildcat. Water buffalo cart rides are the mode of transportation used between Iriomote and Yubu Island and on neighboring Taketomi. MCCS Tours+ offers tours to Ishigaki and Miyako Islands. For more information on those, visit mccsokinawa.com/tours. For is-
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"Water buffalo cart rides are the mode of transportation used between Iriomote and Yubu Island..." land exploration closer to home, check out page 3.
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