From Ikema island to the “Phantom Continent” Of Yabiji

Approximately 30 minutes by rental car from Miyako Airport, Ikema Island is located in the West of the Miyako Islands.
There is a new initiative on Ikema Island whereby you can experience the ancient traditions and culture of the Island by taking a trip to the coral reefs of Yabiji accompanied by a local fisherman. These coral reefs are known locally as the “Phantom Continent”.

Yabiji is one of the largest coral reef groupings in Japan, and is located approximately 15Km off the Northeast coast of Ikema Island.
It is a vast area that stretches some 17Km from North to South, and 6.5 Km from East to West. This spectacular spot is known locally as the “Phantom Continent” because the reefs only become visible above the surface of the sea during the period of low spring tides. The Ikema Fisheries Cooperative arranges tours of this area that enable you to experience the scenery as well as fish if you want to.

In Ikema Port meet up with the fisherman who will be your guide. The meeting point is the local restaurant “Ikema Shokudo”.

Please go to the “Ikema Shokudo” restaurant first and inform the people there that you are applying to go on the tour. The restaurant is operated by the Ikema Fisheries Cooperative. You will be introduced to the fisherman who will be your guide and he will take you to the particular boat that you will be boarding that day.
People often imagine that fishermen are quiet and say very little, but here you will find your guide friendly and kind.
He will answer your questions while speaking Ikema Island’s dialect.
After the outline of the tour and the route to Yabiji has been explained you will board the boat.

Eyes glued to the beautiful sea on the way to Yabiji

What surprised me was the overwhelming beauty of the sea as soon as we left the port.
As the depth of the water changes so the water takes on a variety of different blue colours, and in the distance is the view of the Miyako islands. Just describing how it looks doesn’t really convey how moved I was. That said the outward journey seemed a little long, taking about 20 minutes to get to Yabiji, but just looking at the scenery made the time pass quickly.
※Depending on the season and direction of the wind the boat may roll with the waves

Heading to Yabiji, the “Phantom Continent” with its spectacular coral reefs.

“As soon as the boat starts to slow down a little the fisherman guide announces “This is the Yaebashi area”. It
seemed as if the coral reefs were spread out over a much wider area than I had appreciated when I looked on the map before we set off.
When we arrived it was an hour before low tide, so some parts of the reefs were still not exposed, but nevertheless the view was overwhelming, unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else.

From this point on we explored the marine seascape of Yabiji, moving around between the reefs.
The fisherman explained where we were going as we traced our movements on the map, pointing out where we could take good pictures from. He adjusted the position of the boat as the tidal currents came into play. It was such a good feeling moving around in this way with an Ikema fisherman who knows Yabiji like the back of his hand. What luxury! It was a special time.

After enjoying the spectacular views of Yabiji, try a spot of fishing.

After enjoying the many different views of Yabiji as the boat moves between the reefs you can try a spot of fishing with the help of your fisherman guide. Beginners will be provided with kind and careful help setting up the bait, attaching it to the fishing line, and then be shown how to work the fishing tackle, so you can enjoy the experience with confidence.

With easy-to-understand advice focusing on the basics even those with no experience can improve their skills.
I was able to catch various kinds of fish, and then was able to see more of the coral reefs and understand the richness of the ecosystem that they nurture.
Everyone on board including our guide was excited by the fish we were catching and the time passed quickly. Once we had secured enough for lunch we headed back to port.

After experiencing Yabiji enjoy a luxurious lunch, eating the produce of the island accompanied by the fish you have caught.

After arriving back at Ikema Port you can take the fish you caught to “Ikema Shokudo”,
have it cooked for you, and enjoy a delicious lunch unique to the restaurant, with fresh fish and produce of the island. This was bliss. What luxury!
During the tour I not only felt that I was a fisherman for the day but also a native of Ikema island as well! I had a wonderful time, and was made to feel very welcome thanks to the warmth of Ikema island’s people and their culture.

Ikema Island is an attractive place to visit, surrounded by beautiful sea, with charming people and a beautiful culture.

While taking part on the tour I was able to learn from my fisherman guide, and also from the staff at the restaurant, about many places on Ikema Island recommended for a visit. In addition to the beautiful blue sea and the mysterious scenery of the Ikema Wetland, the Island has a traditional culture that has remained constant since ancient times, and there are many spots that give you a sense of history when you visit them, such as shrines and sacred sites. The people of the Island are kind and welcome visitors warmly.

Ikema Island is full of mysterious charm, and its people, Nature and culture are in harmony with each other. Once you have experienced it you’ll want to visit again.