Mariya Shake

　September on Ishigaki Island marks the peak of the migratory bird season. Whilst this coincides with typhoon season, bringing the risk of flight cancellations, it is a time that bird lovers simply cannot miss.

　Unlike a few years ago, foreign tourists can now be seen all over the place. Perhaps Ishigaki Island will eventually change in the same way as Miyako Island has.

　Whenever I visit Ishigaki Island, I always end up having a Mariya Shake. Produced by Mariya Dairy—which, alongside Yaeyama Genki Dairy, has long been a favourite among locals—this shake is made using fresh milk from the company’s own dairy farm. You can find it at the Remote Islands Terminal, the airport and souvenir shops in Misaki-cho.

　It’s sold exclusively on Ishigaki Island and isn’t available on the main island of Okinawa. Despite its appearance, it’s not overly sweet and comes highly recommended.