Yaeyama cultural experience tour
For travelers seeking a journey that immerses them in culture and uncovers the true charm of the islands, welcome to the Yaeyama Cultural Experience Tour!
Surrounded by rich nature, it is the culture that people have built and nurtured over time that is truly “one-of-a-kind here.”
The islands, centered around Ishigaki Island, located further south of Okinawa Island, are known as “Yaeyama,” and they have cultivated their own unique culture. While Ishigaki Island is often associated with the image of a “tropical resort island,” the island is also home to festivals and traditions that have been cherished and preserved for generations, keeping the spirit of its rich and fascinating culture alive.
For those seeking a journey to “immerse themselves more in culture and discover the true charm of the islands,” we offer two unique tours:
- A “city walk” where you can explore the streets of Ishigaki with a guide, immersing yourself in the history, food, and traditional performing arts of Yaeyama, as well as an experience playing the “shamisen,” an essential instrument in Okinawan music.
- A tour where you can appreciate and experience the songs and dances of Yaeyama and the Ryukyu Islands, learning about their origins and backgrounds.
By the end of these tours, you’ll surely want to learn even more about the wonders of Yaeyama.
A. Walking Tour & Sanshin Performance Experience (with Light Snacks)
① Walk through the “History and Culture of the Island” with a Local Guide
Your guide will be a resident of Ishigaki Island. They will share stories about the island’s daily life, history, and culture, drawing from their own experiences. As you walk through the town, rich with the culture nurtured by the people of Ishigaki amidst its abundant natural beauty, you’ll enjoy a local perspective on the island’s unique atmosphere.
The meeting point is Yuntaku House, located within Ishigaki Island’s only shopping arcade, the Euglena Mall.
② Experience the “Island’s Performing Arts and Their Spirit” Through Watching, Listening, and Participating
On this tour, you won’t just watch and listen to traditional Yaeyama dances and sanshin performances, which have a rich history—you’ll also get the chance to try them yourself. Learn a simple routine in just a few minutes, and with a deeper connection to the local culture, enjoy the island’s atmosphere even more.
③ Savor the Island While Engaging in Conversation
During the walking tour, you’ll visit Ikehara Distillery, a small brewery with over 70 years of history. Here, you’ll have the chance to hear directly from Mr. Ikehara, the artisan behind the operation, about his passion for crafting awamori using traditional methods. You can also enjoy a tasting of this iconic spirit.
After the cultural experience, take a break and savor delicious island meals or snacks while engaging in yuntaku (friendly conversation).
※ Depending on the date, there are two plans available: one with lunch (22,000JPY) and one with snacks (18,750JPY).
SCHEDULE
Walking Tour & Sanshin Performance Experience
Tour Schedule
With Lunch:
December 12, 2024 (Thu)
December 19, 2024 (Thu)
January 9, 2025 (Thu)
January 16, 2025 (Thu)
January 23, 2025 (Thu)
With Snacks:
January 20, 2025 (Sun)
January 31, 2025 (Fri)
| 09:30 | Meeting at Yuntaku House: Tour Information and Guidance |
| 10:00 | Start of the Walking Tour ・Miyara Dounchi ・Ikehara Distillery |
| 11:00 | Sanshin Performance Experience |
| 11:40 | Snack Time & Yuntaku (Chatting) |
| 12:30 | Dismissal |
※The time may change depending on the situation on the day.
Snacks will be changed to lunch or snack depending on the day.
OVERVIEW
Tour Overview and Guidelines
| Tour title | “Yaeyama Cultural Experience Tour” A. Town Walking & Sanshin Experience Tour |
| Event period | Late November 2024 to January 2025 |
| Time required | Approximately 3 hours |
| Price | Lunch：22,000 JPY (1 person)/Snack:18,700JPY（1 person）（Includes guide fee, transportation fee, and snack fee） |
| Minimum number of participants | 2 people ~ |
| Number of participants per group | 1to7 people |
| Target age | no limit |
| Application | Apply by 20:00 the day before |
| Meeting point | Yuntaku-House |
・There is no vegan menu available.
・If you require transportation to the cruise ship, please select this option when booking.
・We do not offer luggage storage. Please participate with comfortable attire and manageable baggage.
・Rain gear will be provided in case of rainy weather.
・Travel times may change due to traffic conditions. Thank you for your understanding.
B. Song and Dance Performance & Experience Tour (with Tea)
Discover the Roots of Yaeyama Songs and Dances: Listen, Dance, and Experience
The songs and dances of Yaeyama have been cherished and deeply intertwined with the daily lives of its people. Behind traditional folk songs lie many stories. This tour allows you to not only enjoy these performances but also experience the rich narratives behind them.
Let’s end on a high note with everyone joining in a lively kachāshī dance!
SCHEDULE
Song and Dance Performance & Experience Tour
Tour Schedule
Dates:
December 26, 2024 (Thu)
December 27, 2024 (Fri)
January 11, 2025 (Sat)
January 12, 2025 (Sun)
| 13:30 | Gather at the venue and receive information about the tour |
| 14:00 | Dance viewing & experience |
| 15:00 | Tea time & Yuntaku (chat) |
*Times may change depending on the event date.
OVERVIEW
Tour Overview and Guidelines
| Tour title | “Yaeyama Cultural Experience Tour” B. Song and Dance Appreciation & Experience Tour |
| Event period | Late November 2024 to January 2025 |
| Time required | Approximately 2 hours |
| Price | 9,900JPY(1 person) (Includes guide fee, transportation fee, and snack fee) |
| Minimum number of participants | 5people〜 |
| Number of participants per group | 20people |
| Target age | no limit |
| Application | Apply by 20:00 the day before |
The venue varies depending on the event date. Please confirm at the time of booking.The duration of the tour may change due to traffic conditions. Thank you for / understanding.
FAQ
FAQ
- AIf you cancel on the day before, you will be charged a cancellation fee of 100% of the tour fee. However, if the tour is canceled due to bad weather, there will be no cancellation fee.
- AYes. Refunds will be provided in the event of flight cancellations, cancellations due to transportation delays, or tour cancellations due to bad weather.
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AYes. Can be issued. Please note that the issuing method differs depending on the payment method.
●In case of advance payment If you require a receipt, we will issue one based on the information you provide. (Please note that this does not apply to eligible receipts)
●For local payment The guide will issue it locally. Please request a receipt at the time of payment.
- AWe are very sorry. Please refrain from participating in wheelchairs.
- AWe are very sorry. There is no vegan menu available.