Maritime Life, Culture and Gastronomy Experience in Okinawa

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6 hours (approximately)
Offered in: Japanese and 1 more

A sustainable tour of Okinawa's traditional wood sailing boat, Sabani! Experience the maritime culture passed down by Ishigaki Island's boat builder. [Yoshida Sabani Shipbuilding]

Okinawa's traditional wooden sailing boat "Sabani" symbolizes the wisdom, culture, and deep connection with the sea of ​​the Yaeyama people. This is a valuable program that allows you to contribute to the future of Okinawa's marine culture through the experience of "learning", "building", "riding" and "operating" a Sabani together with Tomoatsu Yoshida, the only boat carpenter on Ishigaki Island who preserves the traditional techniques of "Sabani" construction and passes on the steering technique to the next generation.

What's Included

Snorkeling on the reef
Sabani cruise experience
Sabani culture learning
*Life jackets, waterproof bags, and Kuba umbrellas (hat) are available for free rental
Lunch and tea time on a private beach
Sabani sailing experience
*Drinks can be brought in
Workshop *Materials included
Transportation to the venue
Accomodation

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Address: English address: Yoshida Sabani Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., 234-243 Hirakubo, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Japanese address: 沖縄県石垣市平久保234-243 吉田サバニ造船 Access: - 30 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport - 50 minutes by car from the city center - 1 minute walk from "Kuura" bus stop

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

[Explanation]
The main event is an adventure tour set in the sea where coral reefs comparable to the Great Barrier Reef lie, and catering filled with Yaeyama food culture is provided at a private beach visited by Sabani! You can also take home coasters made from the scraps of Sabani as souvenirs.

[Schedule]
10:00am Meet at Yoshida Sabani Shipyard
10:30am Kuura Beach - Sea
Get on the Sabani. Enjoy an adventure cruise on the sea where Japan's largest coral reefs, comparable to the Great Barrier Reef, lie.
11:15am At sea (reef) "Coral snorkeling"
12:00am Private beach
Eat lunch at island terroir. The cruise stops at a small private beach.
1:00pm At sea
"Control" the sabani...The sea is calm. A gentle breeze occasionally blows, and the sail is manipulated with a rope from the rear of the sabani to catch the wind.
2:00pm Kuura Beach Return to port
2:30pm Yoshida Sabani Shipbuilding
"Building" a Sabani...The second half is a workshop where you can experience the traditional techniques of Sabani.
3:30pm Around Kuura
Free time...Walk around the Hirakubo Peninsula, chat with local residents, or just relax on a quiet hill with a great view.
4:00pm End of the tour

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Supplied by 株式会社Japanticket

Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Extreme Sports
Walking Tours
Kayaking Tours
On the Water
Swimming
Wildlife Watching
Small Group
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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