Japanese LCC Vanilla Air will launch new routes to southern Okinawa’s Ishigaki Island from this summer.
Japanese LCC (Low Cost Carrier) Vanilla Air has launched new flight routes to Ishigaki Island in Okinawa in the far south of Japan from 1 July, 2018. The two new routes operate between Ishigaki Airport (ISG) and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) and between Ishigaki and Okinawa’s capital city’s Naha Airport (OKA), with late morning, early and late evening departures designed to fit conveniently with traveller’s schedules.
Vanilla Air also operates three flights per day between Narita and Naha, with prices for a one-way ticket starting from 5,780 Yen (£38.40). Prices for a one-way ticket on the new Narita to Ishigaki route will start at 7,480 Yen (£49.70), while for the Naha to Ishigaki route they will cost from just 3,780 Yen (£25.10).
Flight Schedules for the New Routes
Vanilla Air operate one flight per day in each direction on the new route between Narita and Ishigaki. The outbound flight (JW811) operates every day of the week between 1 July and 27 October, departing Narita at 10:00 and arriving at Ishigaki at 13:40. The inbound flight (JW812) also operates daily during the same months, and departs Ishigaki at 14:40 and arrive at Narita at 17:40.
Meanwhile, on the new route between Naha and Ishigaki there are two flights per day in each direction. The first flight flies every morning at the same time, while the second flight flies at a slightly different time on each day of the week (details below). All flights operate between 1 July and 27 October.
With such a range of affordably priced flights in each direction on both of the new routes, it's suddenly easier than ever for travellers to access the crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands of Ishigaki Island’s tropical beaches.
What To Do in Ishigaki
From its mesmerizing emerald green waters and abundance of adrenaline-pumping marine sports to its unique local food, subtly different to that of Okinawa’s main island, Ishigaki is full of attractions to tempt visitors to its paradisal shores.
You’ll soon find that time flows differently on Ishigaki, and this too is one of the island’s charms. Blue seas and skies, white sand beaches, traditional red-tiled roofs, warm southern breezes, and the slow rumble of carriages pulled by water buffalo. Give yourself up to ‘island time’ and soak up the scenery of views that have hardly changed compared to a century ago. In such beautiful surroundings, even a simple stroll along the beach will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed in both mind and body.
Finally, don’t forget to sample some of Ishigaki’s local cuisine before hopping on your flight back to Naha or Tokyo. Not-to-be-missed choices include the island’s traditional Yaeyama Soba noodles - different to the better-known Soki Soba of Okinawa’s main island - and the local variety of Japanese Wagyu beef, soft and melt-in-the-mouth Ishigaki Beef (Ishigaki-gyu).
There is plenty more on offer in addition to scuba diving with manta rays, glass bottom boat tours, and water buffalo carriage rides. Why not try one of these great activities on your visit? Take your pick from cycling, stargazing, trekking to a waterfall, canoeing through a mangrove forest, sunset BBQ cruises, swimming with dolphins, sunset and night-time kayaking or SUP (stand-up paddle-boarding), night safari to discover fireflies, bats and coconut crabs, and more.
Ishigaki Island is waiting for you this summer! If you’re planning to fly to Okinawa, then why not travel a little farther on one of Vanilla Air’s new flights and get your fill of Ishigaki Island’s aquamarine waters and sparkling golden sands?
Looking for other things to do on Okinawa's many islands? Take a look at our dedicated Okinawa subsite packed with travel tips and interesting tid bits on getting around and what there is to see.
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