If you want stunning wild bird photos on Ishigaki Island, this is the only place to go!! This guide's skills are so highly regarded that a world-famous camera manufacturer — one everyone knows — asked him to field-test prototype equipment. My senior birding mentor from my Ishigaki days, he left his salaryman life to become a tour guide. He's the one who taught me bird photography. Utterly dedicated and serious about his craft. Holds a second-class driver's license. Certified nature observation instructor by the Japan Nature Conservation Society.
iora flies all over Japan on live tours, just like migratory birds. The live shows are fantastic, and the embroidery Momo-chan has stitched onto Shu-kun's costumes is incredible!! Plenty of tracks that will make any birdwatcher smile. Based in Hokkaido.
A jazz vocalist. He's the one who introduced iora (above) to the joys of birdwatching. Go out birding with him and he's just a regular guy — but the moment he steps on stage, the presence is something else.
Active with Dai-chan (introduced above) at "Ibuki Sarasa," playing trumpet and melodica. Apparently got into birdwatching after being inspired by the two acts above. A serious lover of sake and dadacha beans.
Ishigaki Island's first photography museum, run by a friend of mine. There's always something going on, so be sure to stop by when you visit the island.
The only gyoza specialty restaurant on Ishigaki Island. The owner is from Nagoya, same hometown as me, and his wife is from neighboring Gifu. I find myself going back at least twice a month.
The relaxed interior is inviting and the food is great — pairs perfectly with wine. It's my favorite spot, just a few dozen meters from home. They even have Hoegaarden on tap — well, not draft, but still. The owner is a surfer.
Great sake selection. When you go with someone, most dishes are served as two portions — a thoughtful touch. The genuine hospitality is evident right down to the details. It's always busy, so a reservation is a good idea. My most-visited restaurant.
Almost exclusively a craft beer bar. You can enjoy a carefully curated selection of delicious craft beers chosen by the owner, who is a true beer lover. He also runs a guesthouse, so you'll often meet international travelers — great for cultural exchange.
The best soba restaurant on Okinawa Main Island. The rich bonito-dashi broth and smooth noodles are totally addictive. It gets crowded at lunchtime, so you might want to go a little earlier or later.
It's called Yamagusuku because it's run by Mr. Yamashiro. Two rotating craft beers on tap change weekly. The whisky selection is mostly Japanese, but they had TALISKER PORT RUIGHE and were happy to pour me a glass.
A Thai restaurant. The drinks are nothing special, but the food is excellent. The owner is young but clearly has real skill. Also, the part-time staff member there was super friendly.
After a beloved run, it temporarily closed on April 8, 2018, but reopened on August 4 of the same year!! The menu centers on charred soy sauce ramen and white soy sauce ramen. The smooth, mellow broth pairs perfectly with thin straight noodles. The roast pork rice on the side menu is also outstanding. My all-time favorite ramen.
Authentic tonkotsu ramen. When I first found it I happened to get a seat, but it's a popular spot and gets really crowded. Go at off-peak hours and it might already be sold out. The owner has a surfer vibe and is genuinely warm and welcoming.
I stumbled into this place during work too. Apparently it falls under the "Kyoto ramen" category — chicken bone and soy sauce broth. Toss in some kujo green onions and nira kimchi with the regular chuka soba and it's perfect. Not much of a sales pitch, but it's good.