Looks like a small version of Okinawa big island. So very much developed, too much concrete, and too many tall buildings. Not a tropical paradise I had imagined. If they treated animals kindly, for a Castaway experience with beauty and nature, I would choose Taketomi. The only redeeming features here are the transport hub conveniences, and MOS Burger.
Southernmost Japanese island next to Taiwan. Difficult to get around without a rental car. Most of the tourists are Japanese, I did not see any foreigners. A small island, shops closed early and people spoke little English.
Should not have booked in March, it’s raining all day everyday, there is absolutely nothing to do, restaurants have odd opening hours or don’t serve food so we eat at the same restaurant every day. If thought the hospitality industry in Japan mainland was bad then you haven’t been here!
Edit: found the arcade halls and karaoke bars and restaurants in Ishigaki city so it’s still not great but doable.
