This series will cover a weekend getaway down to Ishigaki (??), which is the southernmost resort in Japan. It is located east of Taiwan. For the planning and background, please refer back to Part 1. The routing for this simple series:
This report will cover the return flight to Nagoya and there will be a bonus at the end briefly highlighting Ishigaki and the ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort.
Pre-flight:
We took the bus to the airport from the bus center in downtown Ishigaki. There are two buses that go to the airport and so one leaves about every 15 minutes. The bus costs ¥540 and takes 30-40 minutes depending on which bus you take. The bus schedule is posted at the terminal and the buses are clearly marked as “Airport” on the side
The bus dropped us off right in front of the terminal.
Like most airports in Japan, the airport is split in half for NH and JL groups. The NH group check-in counters are on the left side as you enter. No one is in line so we are quickly helped and boarding passes are handed over.
FIDS. OKA is by far the most common destination from ISG.
The lobby of the airport has a bunch of omiyage shops and some cafes.
The gates are located upstairs.
Stained-glass windows in ISG, reminds me a lot of OKA.
Marathon will be happy to know there are also butterflies at ISG.
Upstairs, you get a better view of the lobby at ISG. (Yes, Starbucks has infested the airport)
Terminal map.
We head upstairs to get some fresh air on the observation deck. The deck is like a little tower with a 360-degree view.
A NU B734 getting pushed back for departure to OKA.
A salute and bow by the ground crew as she heads out to the runway and takes off.
Two minutes later, another NU B734 lands from OKA and immediately takes the same gate.
The front of the NU planes say “??????” or “Wings of Okinawa.”
On the horizon is my NH B738 in final descent from NGO.
She touches down and pulls into the gate.
That’s our queue to head back downstairs to go through security. There is no one at the security line, so we are instantly airside.
Airside is pretty desserted. As you would expect, more omiyage shops. If you look closely, the floor is color-coordinated for the NH and JL sides of the terminal. I found that slightly amusing to see. No power outlets in sight in the waiting area.
I quickly head to the bathroom before boarding, interesting to see that diaper changing is a man’s job in both the men’s and women’s bathrooms. How’s that for progressive?
The bathrooms are clean and nice.
——————————-
All Nippon Airways, NH 580 Equipment: Boeing B737-800 [JA54AN, delivered March 2009] Departure: 14:30 (ATD: 14:34) Arrival: 16:40 (ATA: 16:36) Flight time: 2:02
Boarding is already started by the time I get back to the gate area. This plane will be heading back to ???? (NGO) with ~25% load.
Modern jetbridge.
Fuselage shot.
Boarding, a smiling FA welcomes us onboard in Japanese.
As before, I’ll be in 9K this time.
The pitch is okay…
… But seeing the light load, I politely ask the FA if I can move back to the empty exit rows. She asks me to wait until boarding is finished. She comes back a minute later and takes our bags and carries them back to the exit rows. Ms. NGO85 settles into the empty Row 16 for a nap and I’ll take 15K. The improved pitch in 15K.
The tray table-less seat back where headphones are preplaced.
Gasp! What is this? Trash on a NH plane?
Seat pocket contents are the same as in Part 1 of this series, but with the addition of the exit row safety instruction card.
The FAs pass through offering blankets and newspapers. I’ll grab a blanket.
As we push back, the safety video plays on the overhead monitors.
I was distracted and missed the NH B788 from HND landing across our nose, but as soon as it clears we turn onto the runway for takeoff.
As we head down the runway, there is a RAC Dash8-Q100 camped out in the corner.
We lift up over the NH B788 taxing back to the terminal.
Goodbye ocean, hello clouds.
Brief seat tour. There is a small entertainment box under the middle seats.
The audio controls and recline button.
Foldout tray table in the armrest.
View of the cabin from my seat.
As soon as we level off, ANA Sky Vision starts playing.
Drink service is done by cart by a friendly and efficient crew.
The sagging tray table. Coffee and water for me. Coffee is served with a lid because of the turbulence.
We are hauling back to NGO: 616 mph at 37,000 feet.
More drinks are served, this time just water for me.
Getting closer to Honsh?.
More drinks are offered. This time ANA’s kabosu, which is a citrus drink.
Like good Japanese, the people across the aisle are fast asleep.
We arrive over Mie-ken at sunset.
Ise (??).
Ships leaving Ise Bay.
Our final descent takes us past Utsumi (??).
We touch down ahead of schedule giving a glimpse of the EY A332 in new livery.
We taxi around to the domestic terminal.
We pull in next to this JL B738. (You can see a couple up on the observation deck braving the weather.)
View of the cabin as we deplane.
The FAs in the galley thank us for flying as we head into the jetbridge.
With no checked bags, we quickly make our way to the train station to catch the train back to Nagoya. Thanks for stopping by this report and/or series!
——————————— Bonus: ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort
A towering building that isn’t so attractive on the outside, but has a nice garden and pool area in the middle.
Our room was in the Coral Wing, which was much quieter. The room was 50 square meters and was moderately appointed. For Japanese hotel standards its nice, but not what you would really expect for a 5*-resort. The manager personally welcomed us; he is a French ex-Pat and said that less than 1% of their yearly guests are non-Japanese.
The bathroom also looks pretty plain. There was a separate shower (not pictured).
The hotel had a private beach, too cold to go swimming this time of year.
But what the beach did offer, was a great view of sunset.
Ishigaki itself is a pretty small town and nothing really to see there. Just a rundown port town.
What it did have was a park with feral cats. Who doesn't like Japanese feral cats?
See more
Verdict
ANA
6.9/10
Cabin8.5
Cabin crew9.0
Entertainment/wifi5.0
Meal/catering5.0
Ishigaki - ISG
8.2/10
Efficiency10.0
Access7.0
Services6.0
Cleanliness10.0
Nagoya - NGO
8.9/10
Efficiency10.0
Access7.5
Services8.0
Cleanliness10.0
Conclusion
Standard NH domestic service. Clean and comfortable B738 with an efficient and friendly crew. For a short weekend getaway on an award ticket, NH did everything I needed them to do.
Cabin comfort: Clean B738. The seats are reaching their limit for a 2+ hour flight, but in the exit row I had plenty of room to stretch out. The light load really made the flight pleasant.
Crew: They were smiling and friendly, but with a light load, there is no excuse not to be. Happily reseated us at my request and even moved our bags for us.
Meal and catering: Three drink runs on a 2-hour flight. Good enough, definitely no food as per NH standards. The BOB menu was available (see Part 1 for menu), but I didn’t need anything.
Entertainment: Newspapers offered and standard seatback literature. Headphones and TV programs played, but I just looked out the window.
On-time performance: We left on time and landed early.
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Many thanks for this FR. I'm also considering to travel to Ishigaki, all I need to find now is time :) Very nice hotel with great view, the architecture is however very similar with some hotels you could find in North Korea.
Ishigaki is okay, not much to do on the island if you don't have a car. I'll be traveling to Miyakojima (???) this weekend so you can compare the offerings.
Most of Japan's buildings look visually unattractive, it's not a very modern country; however, everything is impeccably maintained (don't judge a book by its cover).
Different side for the Bloods and the Crips at South central Ishigaki :)) - I guess that makes NH the Crips since JL is blood colored?
who can be very expensive for a ticket without Japan Experience fare ^^ - I paid with EY miles, otherwise way too expensive to fly there^^ Flights to the US in Y are cheaper^^
Takayama in winter? You brave fool! Be happy you were not here yesterday, >5cm snowfall.
Your Bari reports are in my queue, but alas I have been too busy to reply^^ I will reply to your Matera and Trulli soon^^ I will fly AirCobra on Saturday morning, my first 7G experience!
The good thing about smaller airports is that you can in/out of the airport quickly and smoothly.
Great spotting shots as usual!
I wouldn't want to sit on the regular seats for too long even though the pitch was probably okay for a flight of this length, it's good you were able to switch to 15K to get some additional legroom.
Three drink services on a flight of this length is good.
Unlike other countries, the small airports in Japan usually have very good bus service. A lot of the times, cities make agreements with NH/JL to force them to operate flights so the city is obligated to provide bus service to make sure passengers will take those flights. Often, it is around 70% load. If the load is under 70% the city will have to pay for the remaining seats, but if the load is over 70% then the carrier will give the money back to the city so it usually balances out.
This flight was only 2 hours so the seats are bearable, but NGO-ISG is much longer at 3 hours and then the discomfort can be felt. The pitch on these seats is better than on the NH B788s (domestic configuration).
Three drink services on a flight of this length is good. - The number of drink services is usually proportional to the quality of the crew on NH, lol.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I'll be transiting through ARN in March on some unexpected carriers.
Thanks for sharing this report with nice pictures! The interior of ISG airport looks quite new (like just refurbished). It is small but decent and functional. Although it is a standard domestic flight, a light load, good seat pitch and services, clean and tidy plane (except your seat back pocket…) can make it a pleasant flying experience. Excellent bonus shots of Ishigaki! (Recently there was also a HK TV show introducing the Ishigaki and Miyakojima ^^) Look forward to your next trip!
The interior of ISG airport looks quite new (like just refurbished). - The airport just opened in 2013 so of course it is new ;)
Although it is a standard domestic flight, a light load, good seat pitch and services, clean and tidy plane can make it a pleasant flying experience. - This is exactly what you expect, and NH performs.
Recently there was also a HK TV show introducing the Ishigaki and Miyakojima ^^ - I went to Miyakojima this past weekend, it was a really nice island (I think nicer than Ishigaki) ruined by terrible weather. Reports will be coming out sometime...
She comes back a minute later and takes our bags and carries them back to the exit rows. - Japanese service never ceases to amaze me.
I was distracted and missed the NH B788 from HND landing across our nose, but as soon as it clears we turn onto the runway for takeoff. - Glad to see that you are human. ;)
This time ANA’s kabosu, which is a citrus drink. - The equivalent of JL's Skytime I suppose? I kind of like these drinks that are more hydrating than anything. Don't they supposed to have some minerals or electrolytes?
Who doesn't like Japanese feral cats? - Japanese dogs? :P
Gorgeous aerials and bonus as always. Thanks for sharing Michael.
Japanese service never ceases to amaze me. - Especially compared to the US. On one of my flights on AA, the FA flat out said to a passenger I'm not lifting that for you... as the lady was struggling to get her suitcase in the overhead bin.
The equivalent of JL's Skytime I suppose? I kind of like these drinks that are more hydrating than anything. Don't they supposed to have some minerals or electrolytes? - Maybe, not sure, I don't think it is quite the same as Aquarius or Pocari Sweat. I'll ask next time and confuse the FA.
On one of my flights on AA, the FA flat out said to a passenger I'm not lifting that for you... as the lady was struggling to get her suitcase in the overhead bin. - Talk about transparency and honesty. What you see is what you get.
I don't think it is quite the same as Aquarius or Pocari Sweat. I'll ask next time and confuse the FA. - A bit sadistic, don't you think? :P
You would go there... - You'd be surprise as to where I'd be willing to go. ;)
Another Japanese Geography lesson brought to you by NGO85. Had no idea there were Japanese islands so far south. I always thought Okinawa was the southernmost part of Japan.
A bit long of a flight for just overhead monitors and no snacks, but the cabin looks nice and clean and it's nice that you had a exit row seat.
Had no idea there were Japanese islands so far south. - The Senkaku Islands are part of Ishigaki, which are of great interest to the Taiwenese and Chinese. All of this region is a bit controversial for political reasons.
A bit long of a flight for just overhead monitors and no snacks - Hmm, sounds like US flights to Hawaii. Conceptually its the same, it's technically a domestic flight and gets treated as such.
There is actually a lot to do on the island if you like the outdoors. The shallow waters are good for scuba diving, but there are also mountains for hiking.
The new ISG looks much more pleasant than the one which was about to close when I went there, and yes, I am happy that there are butterflies ;) The observation deck is a plus, too, although plane spotting was easy at the old ISG. I remember this bridge to nowhere extending beyond the runway :) No power outlets, ugh :( I fail to understand why a woman should first change to trousers before changing her kid's diapers :) OK, the room was huge, but I prefer the creaky floors of the weathered minshuku where I stayed. There are things to see in Ishigaki (not that many), but you need a car to get there. Thanks for sharing !
Thank you Marathon^^ (sorry for the slow response, e-mail notifications weren't working)
No power outlets, ugh :( - I find this is the case with most small airports in Japan. But who neds power outlets when you can pass the time watching butterflies flutter around ;)
I remember this bridge to nowhere extending beyond the runway :) - Doesn't it just have the approach lighting system on top?
There are things to see in Ishigaki (not that many), but you need a car to get there. - I was just there for an overnight stay, but I think there are plenty of things to do on the island with a car since it has both mountains for hiking and oceans for scuba diving.
Of course, this is the approach lighting system, but when seen from below before this new airport was in operation (and with an adequate amount of bad faith ;), it looked like a bridge to nowhere. There is a similar one at Hiroshima airport. I remember the time when snail mail took a strict minimum of seven days between Japan and Europe: no problem with the delay ;)
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17 Comments
I'm also considering to travel to Ishigaki, all I need to find now is time :)
Very nice hotel with great view, the architecture is however very similar with some hotels you could find in North Korea.
Ishigaki is okay, not much to do on the island if you don't have a car. I'll be traveling to Miyakojima (???) this weekend so you can compare the offerings.
Most of Japan's buildings look visually unattractive, it's not a very modern country; however, everything is impeccably maintained (don't judge a book by its cover).
Your experience at ISG was very close to the mine...a pleasant little airport ^^
Different side for the Bloods and the Crips at South central Ishigaki :))
Standard flight on domestic flight...who can be very expensive for a ticket without Japan Experience fare ^^
Nice view of Mie shore, ans Ise ^^
I recently passed by the Nagoya Station,coming back from Takayama i had a thought for you !;)
Ciao !
Different side for the Bloods and the Crips at South central Ishigaki :))
- I guess that makes NH the Crips since JL is blood colored?
who can be very expensive for a ticket without Japan Experience fare ^^
- I paid with EY miles, otherwise way too expensive to fly there^^ Flights to the US in Y are cheaper^^
Takayama in winter? You brave fool! Be happy you were not here yesterday, >5cm snowfall.
Your Bari reports are in my queue, but alas I have been too busy to reply^^ I will reply to your Matera and Trulli soon^^ I will fly AirCobra on Saturday morning, my first 7G experience!
The good thing about smaller airports is that you can in/out of the airport quickly and smoothly.
Great spotting shots as usual!
I wouldn't want to sit on the regular seats for too long even though the pitch was probably okay for a flight of this length, it's good you were able to switch to 15K to get some additional legroom.
Three drink services on a flight of this length is good.
Absolutely fantastic shots upon arrival!
Great tourism bonus!
Have a good one, see you!
This flight was only 2 hours so the seats are bearable, but NGO-ISG is much longer at 3 hours and then the discomfort can be felt. The pitch on these seats is better than on the NH B788s (domestic configuration).
Three drink services on a flight of this length is good.
- The number of drink services is usually proportional to the quality of the crew on NH, lol.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I'll be transiting through ARN in March on some unexpected carriers.
The interior of ISG airport looks quite new (like just refurbished). It is small but decent and functional.
Although it is a standard domestic flight, a light load, good seat pitch and services, clean and tidy plane (except your seat back pocket…) can make it a pleasant flying experience.
Excellent bonus shots of Ishigaki! (Recently there was also a HK TV show introducing the Ishigaki and Miyakojima ^^)
Look forward to your next trip!
The interior of ISG airport looks quite new (like just refurbished).
- The airport just opened in 2013 so of course it is new ;)
Although it is a standard domestic flight, a light load, good seat pitch and services, clean and tidy plane can make it a pleasant flying experience.
- This is exactly what you expect, and NH performs.
Recently there was also a HK TV show introducing the Ishigaki and Miyakojima ^^
- I went to Miyakojima this past weekend, it was a really nice island (I think nicer than Ishigaki) ruined by terrible weather. Reports will be coming out sometime...
- Japanese service never ceases to amaze me.
I was distracted and missed the NH B788 from HND landing across our nose, but as soon as it clears we turn onto the runway for takeoff.
- Glad to see that you are human. ;)
This time ANA’s kabosu, which is a citrus drink.
- The equivalent of JL's Skytime I suppose? I kind of like these drinks that are more hydrating than anything. Don't they supposed to have some minerals or electrolytes?
Who doesn't like Japanese feral cats?
- Japanese dogs? :P
Gorgeous aerials and bonus as always. Thanks for sharing Michael.
- Especially compared to the US. On one of my flights on AA, the FA flat out said to a passenger I'm not lifting that for you... as the lady was struggling to get her suitcase in the overhead bin.
The equivalent of JL's Skytime I suppose? I kind of like these drinks that are more hydrating than anything. Don't they supposed to have some minerals or electrolytes?
- Maybe, not sure, I don't think it is quite the same as Aquarius or Pocari Sweat. I'll ask next time and confuse the FA.
Japanese dogs? :P
- You would go there...
Thanks for your comments Adan!
- Talk about transparency and honesty. What you see is what you get.
I don't think it is quite the same as Aquarius or Pocari Sweat. I'll ask next time and confuse the FA.
- A bit sadistic, don't you think? :P
You would go there...
- You'd be surprise as to where I'd be willing to go. ;)
Stay warm and see you later.
A bit long of a flight for just overhead monitors and no snacks, but the cabin looks nice and clean and it's nice that you had a exit row seat.
The resort looks great! Gorgeous sunset pics!
- The Senkaku Islands are part of Ishigaki, which are of great interest to the Taiwenese and Chinese. All of this region is a bit controversial for political reasons.
A bit long of a flight for just overhead monitors and no snacks
- Hmm, sounds like US flights to Hawaii. Conceptually its the same, it's technically a domestic flight and gets treated as such.
There is actually a lot to do on the island if you like the outdoors. The shallow waters are good for scuba diving, but there are also mountains for hiking.
Thanks for stopping by Kevin!
The observation deck is a plus, too, although plane spotting was easy at the old ISG. I remember this bridge to nowhere extending beyond the runway :)
No power outlets, ugh :(
I fail to understand why a woman should first change to trousers before changing her kid's diapers :)
OK, the room was huge, but I prefer the creaky floors of the weathered minshuku where I stayed.
There are things to see in Ishigaki (not that many), but you need a car to get there.
Thanks for sharing !
No power outlets, ugh :(
- I find this is the case with most small airports in Japan. But who neds power outlets when you can pass the time watching butterflies flutter around ;)
I remember this bridge to nowhere extending beyond the runway :)
- Doesn't it just have the approach lighting system on top?
There are things to see in Ishigaki (not that many), but you need a car to get there.
- I was just there for an overnight stay, but I think there are plenty of things to do on the island with a car since it has both mountains for hiking and oceans for scuba diving.
There is a similar one at Hiroshima airport.
I remember the time when snail mail took a strict minimum of seven days between Japan and Europe: no problem with the delay ;)
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