What is the "Phantom Continent"
Yabiji

Yabiji is located 22km north of Ikema Island and 5km wide.
It is known as Japan's Great Barrier Reef. Yabiji is formed from 10 huge coral reefs with clusters of smaller reefs around them. It is designated as a National Natural Treasure and an area of National Scenic Beauty.

At certain times of the year low tides cause some reefs to appear mysteriously on the sea's surface like islands, known locally as "phantom continents"! Local fishemen know how to navigate this complicated topography.
Cruise through this beautiful ocean scenery in a fishing boat, stoppong to fish here and there on the way. If you catch some fish youcan eat them later on your return at a local seafood restaurant, and so experience how this richly fertile sea supports the lives of local people.
The restaurant is managed by Ikema Fisheries Cooperative.

地元漁師だけが知っている？！島の魅力と「幻の大陸」体験ツアー
地元漁師だけが知っている？！島の魅力と「幻の大陸」体験ツアー 八重干瀬の地図
地元漁師だけが知っている？！島の魅力と「幻の大陸」体験ツアー 八重干瀬の地図

Tour Plan

The Ikema Fisheries Cooperative offers tours of Yabiji, a very large cluster of coral reefs measuring 17 Km North to South, and 6.5 Km East to West. The name for the section of the reefs visited during the tour is Yaebashi.
The tours are led by local fishermen and as well as seeing the coral reefs you can fish if you want. This is a great experience; why not try taking the Yabiji sightseeing tour.

地元漁師だけが知っている？！島の魅力と「幻の大陸」体験ツアー 八重干瀬の地図

Meeting point for the tour is the “Ikema Shokudo” restaurant on Ikema Island Assembly time for those taking the tour is 10.30 hrs

Ikema Island is approximately 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport/Hirara City. Buses also run from the city. When you cross the Ikema Ohashi Bridge and enter Ikema Fishing Port you will find the “Ikema Shokudo” restaurant, operated by the Ikema Fisheries Cooperative.

池間島／池間食堂集合

Boarding time is 11.00 hrs

The fisherman who will be your guide will explain the route (Ikema Fishing Port- Yabiji) and the outline of the tour before you board the boat. About 20 minutes after departure Yabiji comes into view. After enjoying the spectacular views you will have the opportunity to fish, and your fisherman guide will give an introductory explanation of the richness of Yabiji as a marine habitat.

Return to Ikema Fishing PortScheduled return time is 14.00 hrs

After returning from Yabiji the fisherman who guided you will gut and clean the fish you caught and will explain what kind of fish they are.

池間島漁港に帰港

Late lunch scheduled for 14.10 hrs

Enjoy a late lunch at “Ikema Shokudo” restaurant. The meal will feature the fish you caught yourself, together with local ingredients from Ikema Island. The focus is on Okinawan local cuisine. The types of dishes served will vary depending on the types of fish that you caught and the availability of local ingredients.

池間食堂にて釣った魚を調理いただきお召し上がりください
池間食堂にて釣った魚を調理いただきお召し上がりください 池間食堂にて釣った魚を調理いただきお召し上がりください

The tour ends after lunch Scheduled end of tour 15.45 hrs

After enjoying the spectacular views of Yabiji, a delicious lunch, and the stories of your fisherman guide you’ll probably want to know more about Ikema Island. Please take a stroll to explore. The attractive scenery, friendly people and the culture of the island await you

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Monitor tour has ended
The number of people recruited 14people/a day Number of people on board per boat: 7 people
Include Boat fee, Experience of fishing, Lunch, Insurance
The meeting place Address:90-12, Aza-ikema Miyakojima Hirara,Okinawa
The Meeting time 10:30
Set Date 10/13・14・15・28・29・30・31、11/12・13・14・15・26・27・28
*The set date will be the spring tide day.
Travel organizer JAL JTA　Sales Co.,Ltd.
Address:Kafuna Asahibashi A-block 3F, 1-20-1, Izumizaki, Naha-city Okinawa
Tel:098-857-2111 Fax:098-857-8260
Japan Tourism Agency Resistered Travel company No.1479

Touring with the fishermen of Ikema Island
A trip to experience spectacular views of Yabiji And learn about the culture of Ikema

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TOUR REPORT

REPORT.01

Touring with the fishermen of Ikema Island A trip to experience spectacular views of Yabiji And learn about the culture of Ikema

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 Isla…

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