Macaron Hello there! If you’re following my journey on social media, you probably know where I currently reside: Ishigaki Island.
Back in September 2021, I officially became a resident of this beautiful corner of Japan. But let me take you back to the moment when the pandemic reshaped my plans and pushed me toward island living.
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The Pandemic Catalyst for Change
Before COVID-19 turned our world upside down, I had long harbored dreams of living on an island. But let’s be real: moving to a remote location without the right job prospects felt like a leap into the unknown. I wasn’t an IT professional or a digital nomad back then, and the idea of being isolated from business opportunities was daunting.
Then, the pandemic hit, and everything changed. Remote work and online collaboration became the new norm, opening up possibilities I’d only dared to dream of before. Suddenly, projects I could contribute to from anywhere were within reach. It was time to make my move.
Why I Chose Ishigaki Island
When it came to choosing my new home, I prioritized a location that blended my professional ambitions with personal passions. Ishigaki checked all the boxes. Here’s why:
Accessibility
First and foremost, I needed a place where I could maintain my career while enjoying the island lifestyle. It need to hit the balance.
Direct flights from Tokyo
Ishigaki’s connectivity to Tokyo is a game changer. With six direct flights daily between Ishigaki and Tokyo (thanks to ANA, JAL, and Peach), I can hop on a plane whenever I need to connect with clients or attend important meetings.
Ishigaki City Center is Close to the Airport
And here’s the kicker: the bus ride from the airport to the city center takes just 30 minutes. Compared to my previous commute back in Kanagawa, this is a breeze.
Nature at My Doorstep
Living in Ishigaki also means having access to some of the most stunning natural beauty imaginable. The allure of the surrounding ocean was irresistible. Having lived near the Mediterranean, I thought I knew beautiful waters, but the vibrant blues of Okinawa’s seas took my breath away.
From Ishigaki, day trips to nearby islands like Iriomote, Taketomi, and Yonaguni are just a ferry ride away. The freedom to explore these paradises whenever I want is invaluable.
Culinary Delights
Let’s talk food. Ishigaki is renowned for its delicious, fresh ingredients. Yes, being on an island can mean some goods are pricier, but when it comes to local produce, the quality is outstanding. Fresh tuna and bonito are both affordable and delectable. And let’s not forget Ishigaki beef—though it’s on the pricier side, it’s undeniably exquisite.
I never realized how difficult it would be to enjoy supermarket fish back in Kanagawa after experiencing the freshness of Ishigaki’s offerings.
Living in Ishigaki is the Dream? Or the Biggest Regret?
Of course, no place is perfect. There are certainly challenges to island life, and I’ll be sure to dive into those in my next post. For now, though, I’m thriving in this beautiful corner of the world, balancing work and play, surrounded by stunning nature and a vibrant community.
Stay tuned for the nitty-gritty on what it’s really like living here—both the highs and the lows. Until next time!
