Cattle farmer, Hiroshi Miyara
Naka Miyara is a calf farmer and Ishigaki beef fattener, raising around 140 cattle. He is also very active in community activities in Shiraho, where he was born and raised, and in preserving traditional culture. We asked Mr. Miyara, who has a strong love for Shiraho, to introduce us to his recommended spots in and around Shiraho.
This restaurant, run by Mr. Goya, who lived in Brazil and Argentina as an immigrant, serves island and South American cuisine. Ms. Miyara always orders "pescado saltado," a Brazilian dish of white fish such as mahi-mahi stir-fried with vegetables and plenty of garlic. "The authentic appetizers made by the owner's aunt on the evening menu are also absolutely delicious."
Pescado Saldado is a Brazilian home-style dish. It's very filling.
Approximately 5 minutes by car
The quiet Shiraho settlement retains its traditional streetscape. There's even a tunnel of Fukugi trees like this. "I usually just drive through, but sometimes I think it would be nice to take a leisurely stroll through my own settlement." The settlement has narrow alleys and poor visibility, so drive slowly if you're in a car.
Approximately 8 minutes by car
An access road has been built right next to Mr. Miyara's cowshed. Apparently, he originally loved the view from his cowshed, where he could see the airport, landing planes, and the colorful lights of the runway and approach lights at night. The same view can be enjoyed from the access road, so it's a place you should definitely drive through.
Approximately 5 minutes by car
Right next to the airport entrance is a soba noodle shop run by Mr. Yonemori, a close friend of Miyara's father. The soba noodles, made with purple sweet potato, are delicious, but Miyara's favorites are the island banana smoothie and sweet potato dumplings. The view is great, and it's refreshing to see the horizon clearly beyond the greenery.
Island banana smoothie and chewy homemade sweet potato dumplings made with purple sweet potato and tapioca flour.
Approximately 20 minutes by car
This spot is located just before you reach Nosoko on the west side of the island, after leaving the Hoshino settlement on the east side. "When you're driving along the single forest road, it suddenly opens up to a great view. When I have time, I get out of the car and admire it. The daytime view is nice, but the evening view is also lovely."
Hiroshi Miyara
To become a cattle farmer, he enrolled in Tokyo University of Agriculture to study animal husbandry. After working for three years on a farm in Tokushima, he returned to his island. He joined the family business and now raises cattle with his mother and sister. He is also preparing to start a wholesale and processing business handling the meat of the cattle he raises himself.