About an hour by plane from the main island. The sea around Ishigaki, in the Yaeyama islands, is quieter and clearer still. We run morning sessions that begin with the sunrise and sunset sessions bathed in evening light, at Fusaki Beach and Maesato Beach.
The Yaeyama blue of the sea, at its most famous in Kabira Bay. Even within Okinawa, the blue around Ishigaki is considered exceptional. Laying a mat on that shore and laying your breath over the sound of the waves gives you sixty minutes in which the senses open — something a studio simply cannot offer.
Sessions run in the early morning while the island is still quiet, and at dusk as the day closes. They do not collide with sightseeing or diving, so your itinerary can stay exactly as it is. Whether yoga is new to you or you are travelling alone, come as you are.
A natural beach on Ishigaki's west coast. On this west-facing shore, known for its sunsets, you unwind slowly while the sun goes down beyond the silhouettes of Kohama and Iriomote islands.
About 15 minutes by car from central Ishigaki. Adjacent to Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas — guests staying there can simply walk over.
A shallow beach spreading out in front of ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort. The waves are gentle and the sand is wide, which reassures first-timers and families with children. It is the best seat in the house for a morning session, facing the sun as it climbs off the horizon.
About 20 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport and about 10 from central Ishigaki. Guests at the resort can walk over.
Original poses found nowhere else, named after Okinawan dances and landmarks. On a Yaeyama beach too, you laugh a little and find your body and mind have already come loose — that is the 60 minutes of Okinawa Beach Yoga.
Spread both arms wide, open your chest and stand tall. Become the guardian on the rooftop.
Hands to the sky, wrists turning, swaying. Exactly as the hand dance of Okinawan celebrations.
At the end of the day, raise one to the setting sun for its work.
Instructors who know the light and wind of the Yaeyama islands inside out, guiding first-timers and solo travellers alike, paced to how you feel that day.
Time for body and mind to let go
Taught for six years at a major yoga studio, working on programme development and instructor training, before moving to Ishigaki. Her strength is lessons that meet each person where they are, whatever their age or experience.
Time to reconnect with yourself
Born in Kanazawa and raised in Germany. A yoga instructor, musician and author who speaks English, Japanese and German, she holds workshops and retreats across Asia and Europe, and treasures the time yoga gives to turn slowly towards body and mind.
The lesson and the price are exactly the same as on Okinawa's main island. The mat and the photo files are both included.
Group lessons run with two or more participants. If you are the only one booked, we will offer a one-to-one lesson if you would like it, or cancel the session if you would not.
We take credit cards only, charged after your lesson.
Changes and cancellations are free of charge until 17:30 the day before.
Full payment and cancellation terms are on the pricing page.
Sessions run for 60 minutes in the early morning and at dusk. They do not collide with daytime sightseeing or activities, so your itinerary can stay as it is. You do not need a rental car — a taxi works, or you can walk from the adjacent hotels.
Morning yoga at Maesato Beach
Sixty minutes waking the body up in the sunrise off the horizon.
On to Kabira Bay and the outer islands
A glass-bottom boat or a trip to Taketomi — after morning yoga, the whole day is still yours.
Dinner in Ishigaki town
Island food and an Orion beer, earned by a good morning's movement.
Diving and snorkelling
After your fill of the sea, take a break at the hotel.
Sunset yoga at Fusaki Beach
Sixty unhurried minutes as the sun drops behind Kohama and Iriomote.
Stay for photographs
Take home a frame from the most beautiful hour of the day.
Bookings are open until 17:30 the day before. Pick your day from the calendar and choose Fusaki Beach or Maesato Beach.
After you book, we email the details of the meeting point. If the weather looks doubtful, we confirm whether the session is going ahead by one hour before the start.
Reach the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the start. Mats are provided. Wear something you can move in, and in summer bring something to drink.
I joined a sunset session. Breathing deeply while the sun sank into the sea is something I will never forget. I came alone, but the instructor was so kind that I felt completely at ease.
It was my first time doing yoga and I was nervous, but there were no difficult poses and the morning sea simply felt wonderful. Doing it on the first day of the trip was exactly right.
The three of us joined as a family. Our child could enjoy it too, and the photos they took are genuinely beautiful. If you come to Ishigaki, do this.
The same lesson is available on hand-picked beaches across Okinawa's main island, from Nago down to the outskirts of Naha. If you are unsure which beach to choose, our guide compares facilities and the character of each stretch of water.
Bookings close at 17:30 the day before. Once your Ishigaki plans are set, book early.