Introducing "Shiraho Coral Village" and spots where you can enjoy the coral reefs of Shiraho!

The number one reason to visit Ishigaki Island is, of course, the sea. It's said that it's hard to believe it's the same sea as in Japan! Ishigaki Island is synonymous with emerald green seas and white sandy beaches! And let's not forget the coral reefs.

The island is surrounded by the sea! This time, we'd like to feature Shiraho, a region of Ishigaki Island, focusing on Shiraho Coral Village and the Shiraho coral reefs! But first, let's talk about the sea and coral of Ishigaki Island...

~The Secrets of Ishigaki Island's Sea and Coral Reefs~

The sea around Ishigaki Island proudly ranks number one in the nation's diving spot rankings.
Many of you have probably seen it featured on TV or in magazines. Aren't you curious why the sea around Ishigaki Island is such a beautiful emerald green, and why its sandy beaches are so white and pristine?

It's a bit simple, but...
Blue seas and white sandy beaches! That's all thanks to coral reefs.

The sea around Ishigaki Island, with its abundance of beautiful corals and seaweed in various shapes and colors, combined with the sunlight, creates stunning ocean colors such as emerald green and cobalt blue.

The white sandy beach is actually made up of coral and the remains of marine life.
The coral and other reefs turn white, and as they are eroded, they become part of the white sandy beach.

It's surprising to learn that corals are actually carnivorous animals, similar to sea anemones, and are actually coral polyps!

What is [Shiraho Coral Village] in the Shiraho area of Ishigaki Island?!

Shiraho Coral Village was established in the spring of 2000 with the cooperation of many people in order to preserve the coral reefs of Shiraho, Ishigaki Island.
It is said that there are approximately 600 to 800 species of coral worldwide, with about 400 species in Japan, and 9% of them inhabiting Okinawa.

The waters off Shiraho are home to over 120 species of coral, a large number of fish, and a beautiful blue coral colony, said to be one of the largest in the Northern Hemisphere and famous worldwide.

Shiraho Coral Village is a place where you can learn about questions about the ocean, such as "why?", the relationship between the ocean and people, coexistence with nature, and the history of its connection to environmental issues.
The WWF Coral Reef Conservation Research Center "Shiraho Coral Village" works together with the people of Shiraho to protect the coral sea, focusing on research, environmental conservation, interaction with nature, coral reef conservation activities, and promoting resource utilization within the limits of what nature can create.

If you'd like to learn more about their activities, marine life, and the life cycle of corals, please check it out!

WWF Coral Reef Conservation and Research Center "Shiraho Coral Village"
Head north on National Route 390, turn right at Shiraho Post Office, and continue straight towards the sea; you'll see it. There is also parking available.
Zip code:907-0242　118 Shiraho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone number: 0980-84-4135
Admission fee: Free
Opening hours: 13:00-16:30
Closed on Mondays and Thursdays

[Shiraho Coral Village] They also have a Sunday market♪

Here at Shiraho Coral Village, the "Shiraho Sunday Market" is held every Sunday, and it's bustling with locals and tourists on Sundays.

The elderly residents of Shiraho, along with other local people, run a shop selling local specialties, vegetables, fruits, and other products from the island.
Also, you can find bento boxes made with local island ingredients, miso, chili oil, and more. You might even discover other delicious foods that vary from day to day.

Not just food, but also handmade accessories, amulets, small items, etc...
If you're staying in Ishigaki Island on a Sunday, I recommend taking a stroll along Shiraho Beach and checking out the Shiraho Sunday Market!
From 10 AM to 13 PM. Check out the Shiraho Sunday Market Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/shiraho.nichiyoichi

[Check these out too]
If you're coming to Ishigaki Island, do it on a Sunday! Enjoy plenty of local flavors at the "Shiraho Sunday Market"!

Let's go! To the captivating coral reefs and magnificent ocean of Shiraho - snorkeling!

While some people go snorkeling in the waters off Ishigaki Island without a guide, I'd like to introduce a few shops that offer safe and reliable snorkeling tours in the waters off Shiraho, guiding you to the best spots.

Minshuku Maezato
It's located next to Shiraho Post Office and is easy to find as it has a sign that says "Maezato Store/Restaurant/Minshuku Maezato". The store is on the left and the restaurant is in the middle. The restaurant serves soba noodles, soups, rice bowls, yakisoba, fried rice, and more.

Next door is the Maezato guesthouse. They offer two tours a day that you can join even if you're not staying at the guesthouse. The tours are divided into morning and afternoon sessions, and both will take you to several locations, including the world's largest blue coral reef.
Meeting time: 8:30 AM
13:00 PM
Phone: 0980-86-8065 (Reservation required)

Shiraho Tourism Service
It can be found by continuing further north along National Route 390, where the Shiraho Post Office is located.

As this is a snorkeling specialty shop, they will take you on a snorkeling-only boat and guide you to several of the best spots. Suitable for all ages, from first-timers to veterans and repeat customers! There are both morning and afternoon sessions available.
Meeting time: 8:30 AM
12:30 PM
Phone: 0980-86-8419 (Reservation required)

Chura Nessia
The shop is located in the Tonoshiro area, and among the many tours they offer, there is a half-day experience course.

The appeal is being able to take a sea kayak to the spot and then snorkel while viewing the blue coral of Shiraho!
We offer a half-day trial course in the morning and a half-day trial course in the afternoon.

We offer a pick-up and drop-off service, but you are also welcome to come to the shop by rental car.
Meeting time: 9:00 AM
12:30 PM
Phone: 090-2641-7601 (Reservation required)

Let's enjoy some delicious food from Ishigaki Island in Shiraho!

It's located on National Route 390, on the way from Shiraho Junior High School towards Shiraho Elementary School.
Shiraho Shokudo is a popular restaurant among locals, known for its large portions and reasonable prices.

[Shiraho Cafeteria]
Menu
Yaeyama Soba (Large) ¥500 (Small) ¥400
Soki Soba (pork rib noodle soup) ¥700, Yasai Soba (vegetable noodle soup) ¥600, Yakisoba (fried noodles) ¥600
Katsudon (pork cutlet rice bowl) ¥600, Oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl) ¥600, Ebi Tendon (shrimp tempura rice bowl) ¥700
There are also many kinds of set meals available!
Opening hours: 11: 30 to 16: 30
Closed on Mondays
Telephone number: 0980-86-7941
Next up is a cafe where you can enjoy a view of the sea at Shiraho from the terrace seating.
This is a cafe and natural goods store. It's about a 6-minute drive from the airport.

Afterword

The Shiraho area has been gradually becoming more lively since the opening of the new Ishigaki Airport in Shiraho in 2013, with an increase in cafes and tourist attractions.

That's very good news, but it seems that traffic accidents have been increasing in recent years.

Once you enter the side streets, you might find that there are no traffic lights and the roads can be a bit confusing, but please be careful and enjoy your sightseeing so that you can return home with wonderful memories!