As I mentioned in my previous post, I stayed at Haimurubushi on Kohama Island using the Okinawa Prefectural Residents' Discount.
Here's a view from the room at Haimurubushi:
"It's been a while!"
The best thing about staying here has to be getting around in the carts, don't you think? Once again, we had a blast with the cart-inclusive plan. Thank you so much!
I was looking forward to enjoying the pool, but unfortunately, it rained. Still, I was determined to get into the pool, even if just for a bit, to feel that resort vibe. (Of course, no one else was there.) Thank you to the lifeguard for watching over us.
While I was in the pool under light rain, I heard thunder rumbling in the distance. The lifeguard promptly instructed everyone to get out of the pool. And just like that, our pool time for the day was over. How many minutes did we even get to play in the pool?
But that's okay. Just sitting on a lounge chair by the pool and soaking in the resort atmosphere was enough for me.
We also enjoyed a tropical blue drink at the mini café spot right next to the pool, while admiring the beautiful pool and the well-maintained garden beyond it.
Ah, the greenery is so beautiful.
I expected there would be more tourists around mid-April, but it wasn't crowded at all. If you're wondering when to visit, I hope this serves as a helpful tip for planning your trip.
Near Haneda Airport, there's a hotel with hot spring facilities, which I used for the first time during this trip. You can check the link for more details.
While I usually stay at hotels in Tokyo for my time in the city, this time, due to the layover, I searched for places near the airport and found this facility.
Surprisingly, this new facility is connected to Haneda Airport Terminal 3, allowing you to check in without stepping outside. On the day of my visit, there were many foreign visitors, creating a lively atmosphere.
What surprised me the most was the moment I entered Terminal 3 before checking into the hotel. I instantly sensed a foreign aroma. It felt like I wasn't in Japan anymore; it was a foreign atmosphere! Although I had seen the inbound tourism boom on TV, this was the first time I truly felt it.
The hotel's check-in counter had a spacious lobby with high ceilings, lined with neatly arranged check-in machines.
The building also housed numerous dining options and souvenir shops, providing an array of Japanese souvenirs from different regions. However, despite the variety, the building seemed less crowded. Perhaps this place is not yet widely known?
Prices, especially at shops in the connecting passageway, were set at inbound rates, making them quite expensive — 800 yen for a bag of candies and around 2,500 yen for a set meal.
After settling into my room, I decided to relax in the hot spring. Wearing the provided indoor wear and slippers, I crossed the connecting passageway to the hot spring. Although I didn't use it this time, I noticed a lovely gym for guests along the way.
The hot spring, accessible throughout the night, offered a relaxing space for around 8,000 yen, even if you stayed overnight without reserving a room. I observed a few guests choosing this option, spending the night in the hot spring relaxation area without booking a room.
The bathing area featured various amenities, including a sauna and an open-air bath, all within a new and well-maintained facility. The sauna even provided sauna mats and occasionally exchanged towels. The only minor inconvenience was the television in the sauna room — a personal preference, but I prefer a quiet sauna experience without the noise of a TV in the background.
One thing I appreciated was the mist sauna infused with herbal scents, a delightful addition amid the current sauna trend. With fewer people around, it was perfect for someone like me who prefers less crowded bathing areas.
The hotel had an exceptionally long hallway. Fortunately, our room was close to the elevator, saving us from navigating the entire length. It's highly recommended for sports enthusiasts, given the corridor's length, exceeding 50 meters.
The photo taken from inside the room is here.
Unfortunately, I couldn't capture the sparkling scenery on this slightly cloudy and rainy day, but the view of the sea satisfied me. I enjoyed watching cars sporadically driving on the newly built bridge.
The room was relatively small, but since it was only for sleeping during the layover, it was comfortable enough. The next morning, with a plan that included breakfast, we enjoyed a buffet in a nearby restaurant. The silver salmon was particularly delicious.
In conclusion, for those transiting through Haneda Airport, I highly recommend this accommodation. I hope it becomes one of your options.
The list of targeted fisheries is quite extensive.
Fortunately, it seems that the more commonly targeted fish for recreational fishing are not heavily included in this announcement. It's a relief.
For those easily accessible to the general public, seaweed and octopus seem to be popular choices. Just be sure not to mistakenly catch the restricted species.
Additionally, there are regulations that all anglers in Okinawa should be aware of, implemented due to concerns about depleting resources. Simply put, release small fish. Popular species like red-spotted grouper and parrotfish fall under this regulation. In general, fish under 40 centimeters should be released.
These species are often encountered a bit offshore, so extra caution is needed.
...Speaking of fishing, I haven't caught a single Japanese flying squid (Aori Ika) this season. Why, you ask? Well, the winds are strong here in Ishigaki Island until the end of March. It's the season where a windbreaker is a must-have.
I found a newspaper insert featuring discounted rates and accommodation plans for resort hotels in Okinawa, exclusively for Okinawa residents, courtesy of I’murubushi.
Curious about the details, I inputted my dates and the number of people, and to my surprise, the prices were quite reasonable. So, I went ahead and made the reservation 😊
I'll be staying there in April, and I'm really looking forward to it.
This time, I opted for a plan with breakfast included. For dinner, I'm planning to make a reservation at a local restaurant on Kohama Island. I'm hoping they provide transportation as well, fingers crossed!
There's this Italian restaurant that gained some attention recently, and it seems I'll finally be able to visit this time. I missed it during my last trip to Kohama Island due to time constraints, so I'm excited about fulfilling that wish now.
I'll be sure to share the experience on this blog, so stay tuned for updates!
The climate in mainland Japan seems to be varying between snow, strong winds, and a prolonged winter. However, here in Ishigaki Island, it's already summer! ♡
That being said, until yesterday, the temperature was below 20 degrees, and we were shivering in the cold. But, today is a different story - it's around 25 degrees, and I can comfortably spend the day in a short-sleeved shirt.
However, I can't help but feel like there's some pollen or PM2.5 in the air. My throat feels a bit scratchy.
Tourists are steadily visiting even in February, and the city streets are bustling with many foreigners, mostly of Chinese descent, enjoying a stroll.
If you find the streets crowded, it's worth taking a look at the Southern Gate Bridge. Today, I spotted large buses and taxis waiting at the Southern Gate Bridge's signal.
This indicates that a cruise ship has docked at the pier just beyond the Southern Gate Bridge. As the access from the pier to the city center is not very convenient, everyone seems to be using taxis or chartered buses to get around.
The nearby island terminal (port) was also bustling with many people. It seems like the lively atmosphere from before the pandemic is returning.
Now, let me share about my lunch today at an adult cafe in the city center. Recently, many places in Ishigaki City have increased their prices, and this cafe is no exception. They mentioned a price revision. Hmmm, I wonder if it went up by around 100 yen overall?
↑ At first glance, it looks like Mapo Tofu, lol. This is Chicken Curry. It had a seasonal touch with a sprinkle of lemon zest on top! A light and refreshing flavor was added.
I got so caught up in the meal that I forgot to take more photos, but let me tell you, the coffee after the meal was delicious! Definitely worth trying!
It was a satisfying lunch for two, totaling 2600 yen. As always, the reliably delicious adult Napolitan with a fried egg on top, followed by a leisurely spiced curry, and then a coffee after - that's my go-to.
Price increase? It's a concern, but it doesn't bother me because it's worth it.
I'll continue to share the charm and changes of Ishigaki Island on the blog. Stay tuned for the next one!
It's squid (Japanese flying squid) season, isn't it? What's this? Could it be squid ink?!
The other day, when I visited the fishing port, I noticed black substances scattered on the ground, resembling squid ink. Huh? Squid? I gazed at the sea for a while, but I couldn't spot any at all.
When I asked the locals, they said, "In the past, there used to be a lot of them." Apparently.
I've tried countless times myself, but I just can't seem to come across them! To be honest... I'm starting to feel a bit disheartened.
The other day, in my quest for squid, I walked along the northern coast of Ishigaki Island for three hours, but I returned home with no success. What's going on?!
It seems that catching squid requires a persistent dedication, with a daily routine of diligently walking along the coastline.
Even if you just have news of catching squid, please let me know! I'd love to hear about it.
By the way, the spot where squid are said to be caught near Ishigaki City is around Hachijima - the artificial island beyond the Southern Gate Bridge. But truly, it seems quite challenging to come across them. After a whole season of effort, I finally got one... Sigh.