Sunrise SUP & Canoe on the Miyara River, Ishigaki Island | Early Morning Mangroves and Dawn Views

Start Your Ishigaki Morning on the Mangrove Waterways

This tour takes you out on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or canoe to wait for the sunrise, before Ishigaki Island has even begun its day. You'll visit the Miyara River Hirugi (Mangrove) Forest, a Natural Monument of Japan, and cruise through the quiet mangroves at daybreak.

The tour takes about 2 hours, so you'll still have time for sightseeing or other activities afterwards. The sunrise may not be visible depending on the weather, but the tour runs on cloudy and rainy days too.

Safety at PiPi, a Maru-Yu Certified Shop

The tour is run by "Ishigaki Island ADVENTURE PiPi," operated by NASH Co., Ltd.

PiPi is a certified shop under the "Excellent Marine Leisure Provider for Safety Measures" program (known as "Maru-Yu"), which is granted only to operators that meet the safety standards set by the Okinawa Prefectural Public Safety Commission. Only about 3% of operators in Okinawa Prefecture hold Maru-Yu certification (as of August 2025).

The shop has met strict standards for guide safety training and operations, including mandatory life jackets, carrying an AED, and regular safety training for staff. That's why first-time participants and families with children can join with confidence.

First, Choose Between SUP and Canoe

When you book, you'll choose either SUP or canoe. If you'd like to look around from a standing position, SUP is the one for you; if you prefer to paddle while seated, consider the canoe.

On a SUP, you move across a large board using a paddle. If standing feels unsteady, you can enjoy it seated too. The age range is 3 to 59.

The canoe is a seated style of paddling, with an age range of 3 to 65. If you're joining with family or friends, ask when booking whether you can share the same canoe.

Meet Your Guide at Dawn and Head to the River

The meeting point is in front of the main entrance of the Ishigaki Port Ritō (Offshore Islands) Terminal. Pickup is also available from accommodations in the southern part of Ishigaki Island. If you'd like a pickup, check at the time of booking whether your accommodation is covered.

The approximate meeting time is around 4:45 a.m. in summer and around 6:00 a.m. in winter. It may shift depending on the date and conditions on the day, so confirm the exact time in the information sent after you book.

Once there, you'll put on a life jacket and your guide will explain how to use the paddle and how to get on board. Equipment rental is included in the price, so you'll borrow what you need before setting off.

Paddle Out and Take in the Early Morning Mangroves

When you're ready, paddle out onto the river with your guide. You'll glide past mangroves lining the banks, with the sky reflected on the water.

The stillness of the mangroves at dawn is a favorite with participants. If you spot an interesting tree or root shape, don't hesitate to ask your guide.

On a SUP, the scenery looks different when standing and when sitting. Don't push yourself to stand; follow your guide's advice and enjoy the ride.

As the Sky Brightens, Wait for the Sunrise

As light spreads, the colors of the sky and water change. On a clear morning, you may see the sun rising and its light spreading across the water.

Unlike watching sunrise from land, this tour lets you take in the whole scene from the water. Don't just look up at the sky; look at the clouds and light reflected on the surface too.

The tour runs in cloudy or rainy weather, but the sunrise may not be visible. If conditions are judged unsafe, the tour may be canceled.

Back to Shore, Then On to Your Day's Sightseeing

After the cruise, you'll head back to shore. The photos your guide takes during the tour are yours to receive for free.

Because the tour takes place so early in the morning, hot showers are not available afterwards. Bring a towel and a change of clothes, and plan on changing after the tour.

After enjoying nature in the morning, head to breakfast or your next sightseeing stop. Getting up early gives you a longer day on Ishigaki Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

■ What time do we meet, and how long does the tour take? The approximate meeting time is around 4:45 a.m. in summer and 6:00 a.m. in winter. The tour takes about 2 hours, including transfers and breaks. Times may vary depending on conditions on the day, so please check the information sent after booking for the exact meeting time.

■ Where is the meeting point? Is hotel pickup available? We meet in front of the main entrance of the Ishigaki Port Ritō (Offshore Islands) Terminal. Pickup from accommodations in the southern part of Ishigaki Island is also available. If you'd like a pickup, please confirm your accommodation and the pickup time.

■ Can beginners join? What is the age range? Yes. Your guide will explain how to get on board and how to use the paddle. The age range is 3 to 59 for SUP and 3 to 65 for canoe.

■ Does the tour run on cloudy or rainy days? The tour runs in cloudy or rainy weather, but the sunrise may not be visible depending on conditions. If safety is judged to be at risk, the tour may be canceled.

■ Are rental gear and photos included in the price? Equipment rental is included in the price. Photo data taken by your guide during the tour is also yours free of charge.

■ What should I wear and bring? Are showers available? Wear clothes that can get wet, and bring a drink, a towel, and a change of clothes. Because the tour is in the early morning, hot showers are not available.

Things to Check Before Booking

• Meeting time: around 4:45 a.m. in summer, around 6:00 a.m. in winter. Check the exact time in the information sent after booking
• Meeting point and pickup: in front of the main entrance of the Ritō Terminal, or eligible accommodations in the south
• Age range: 3–59 for SUP, 3–65 for canoe
• What to prepare: clothes that can get wet, a drink, a towel, and a change of clothes. Hot showers are not available

Prices, meeting times, and plan details may change. Please check the latest information on the product page before booking.

Summary

Wake up a little earlier than usual and head to the mangrove waters. Paddle by SUP or canoe as the sky gradually brightens. If the sun appears on a clear morning, you'll likely find it was worth the early start.

This roughly 2-hour tour comes with equipment rental and photos taken by your guide. Since you can still enjoy sightseeing afterwards, it's a great pick for anyone with a long list of things to do on Ishigaki Island.

On your next trip, why not add one island nature experience before breakfast?

Check out the Ishigaki Island Sunrise SUP & Canoe Tour.