Photos
Arrival at Ishigaki, Okinawa
Our transport from Ishigaki to Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park.
Ferry ready for us to board
In motion with Magnifica in background
Lighthouse as we leave Ishigaki harbor
Map showing route to Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park
Walking to the boat that will take us up the river
Our river captain – didn’t speak English
Travelers on the river boat
What a river boat looks like
Kayak boaters on the river
Mangrove trees along the river
View of mangroves along the river
Long view of mangroves and hills beyond
Closeup of mangrove roots
Young mangrove trees among the mature trees
Young mangrove trees
Rice paper butterfly on the river
Rice paper butterfly on the river
Bird looking for food on the bank of the river
100-year-old tree
Bird taking flight from the river
Bird taking flight from the river
Bird taking flight from river
Stand of mangrove trees along the river
Silver oleander trees
Marker for fish trap in the river
Our position on the river
Leaving the river boat for the bus to Yubu Island transport
Yubu Island bus
Location of Yubu Island
Walking to the water buffalo carts – Yubu Island in the background
Our water buffalo and driver and the other cart
Ready for the trip to Yubu Island
Part of our journey by water buffalo to Yubu Island
Our driver playing her sanshin
Selfie with our cart, water buffalo and driver
Water buffalo and driver – note rope through nose with knob on the end
On the way to the restaurant
Bringing a water buffalo out of the pond
Welcome sign outside gift shop
Map of Yubu Island
Lunch (from the buffet). The breaded fish (center left) was the best followed by the seaweed soup and pickled cabbage.
Jan and Kelsey chowing down
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea
Hibiscus
Hibiscus
Hibiscus
Hibiscus
Hibiscus
Hibiscus
Hibiscus
Pink water lily
White water lily
Hibiscus – there are over 300 varieties on Yubu Island
Rice paper butterfly
Rice paper butterfly
Rice paper butterflies
Striped tiger butterfly
Rice paper butterflies and chrysalis
Unknown flower on Yubu Island
Rice paper butterflies flying
Rice paper butterfly
Parantica butterfly
African tulip tree
Thunbergia
Hibiscus
The return trip via water buffalo
Our wagon of passengers
A different water buffalo for the return trip
Water buffalo and cart from the side
Sugar cane along the road on the way back to the ferry
MSC Magnifica as viewed from the ferry
Ferry destinations for Dream Tours (ferry operator). Yubu Island is at the top.
Our guide Max playing his sanshin (with python skin cover)
Signage on way back to port
Display at the entrance to the restaurant this evening