Ishigaki Island

Main island of the Yaeyama Islands

Recommended

4.2 (127)

#1 of 4 most visited in Yaeyama Islands

Ishigaki Island (�Ί_��, Ishigakijima) is the main island of the Yaeyama Islands and the region's transportation hub. Ishigaki City, Japan's southernmost city, is the only urban center of the Yaeyama Islands and the site of the region's major airport and ferry terminal, as well as of lots of hotels, shops, restaurants and bars.

Ishigaki offers several nice beaches and good snorkeling and diving in the surrounding coral reefs. Snorkeling can be enjoyed at nearly every beach on the island, while diving is offered through the numerous dive shops with tours available for all experience levels. A diving highlight is Manta Scramble near Kabira Bay, where manta rays congregate in large numbers.

Ishigaki's rivers, while not quite as wild as those of nearby Iriomote, also offer a jungle-like scenery and are nice to explore by kayak. Ishigaki also has the highest mountain in Okinawa Prefecture, as well as various hiking trails throughout the island's hilly interior.

The view from Tamatorizaki Observation Point

Beaches

Ishigaki Island has both sandy beaches and rocky beaches which are covered in small pieces of bleached coral. At the beaches you can enjoy swimming (best during high tide), snorkeling, and diving, or just lay in the sun; and while the beaches are open year round, they are best from April to November when the air temperature consistently tops 25 degrees. The beaches usually have public facilities such as showers, restrooms and rental shops; however, there are no lifeguards, and the facilities may be closed outside of summer.

When using the beaches, always beware of strong currents that can pull you out to sea and poisonous creatures such as Habu Jellyfish, a type of box jellyfish, that are most prevalent from June to October. Signs in English inform about the dangers while some beaches have netted-off swimming areas. Although jellyfish stings are rare, if stung you should pour vinegar over the sting, remove any tentacles and seek medical help.

Yonehara Beach

Admission: free, 500 yen for parking

This is one of Ishigaki's nicest beaches with some of the best snorkeling on the island. The beach is mostly covered in pieces of white coral, and its reef offers great snorkeling and diving. There are shower, restroom and changing facilities, and snorkeling equipment can be rented at the camping site nearby.
Sukuji Beach

Admission: free, no parking fees

The one kilometer long Sukuji Beach, near Kabira Bay, is one of Ishigaki Island's nicest sand beaches. The waters are shallow with a sandy bottom and offer swimming and snorkeling with a portion of the beach netted off to protect swimmers from habu jellyfish. Showers, restrooms and changing rooms are located near the parking area. The Club Med Kabira Ishigaki resort is located at one end of the beach.
Sunset Beach

Admission: 500 yen for facilities and 500 yen for parking

Sunset Beach is a sandy beach located in a cove along the western side of Ishigaki's tail shaped northeastern peninsula. The beach is a short walk down from the parking lot and offers swimming and snorkeling that is good even during low tide. Most of the beach is surrounded by a net to protect swimmers from habu jellyfish. Next to the parking lot are picnic areas and paid showers and restrooms.

Nature

While Ishigaki Island is the most populous of the Yaeyama Islands, there is still a lot of nature to experience. In addition to the island's beaches and coral reefs, the interior of Ishigaki has palm forests, mangrove-lined rivers and jungle-covered mountains that offer hiking and camping.

Kabira Bay

Boat departures: 9:00 to 17:00
Boat fee: 1200 yen

Emerald blue Kabira Bay (Kabirawan) is considered Ishigaki Island's most scenic view. Swimming, snorkeling and diving in the bay are not allowed, but a touristy 30 minute long glass bottom boat ride lets you take a look at the bay's underwater world. Kabira Bay, along with Iriomote, are the only two cultivation sites of black pearls in Japan.
River Kayak Tours

Tours depart in the mornings and afternoons
Fee: around 6000 yen for a 3-hour tour

Kayak tours are offered on the mangrove lined Miyara River (not far from the city center) and Fukido River (near Yonehara Beach). Tours start around 3000 yen per person for a 90 minute guided tour. Unguided boat rentals are not available.
Tamatorizaki Observation Point

Hours: always open
Admission: free

This is an observation platform offering nice views of Cape Tamatori, Ibaruma Bay, Ishigaki's hilly northern peninsula and the emerald blue ocean with its coral reefs.
Yonehara Palm Tree Groves

Hours: always open
Admission: free

Walking trails lead through this palm forest, which features several dozen types of palm tree varieties, including the tall, native Yaeyama Palm, a designated national natural monument.

History

The Yaeyama Islands have a rich history and culture going back to before their incorporation into Japan, when they were part of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Yaeyama Museum

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (or next day if Mon is a public holiday), Dec 29 to Jan 3
Admission: 200 yen

The Yaeyama Museum displays historical and cultural items of the Yaeyama Islands. On display are wooden canoes, pottery, traditional clothing and household items as well as items from the various festivals and cultural events held among the islands.
Tojinbaka

Hours: always open
Admission: free

A lavishly decorated grave for 300 Chinese laborers, who were supposed to be shipped to the Americas as mine workers by American and British traders in the mid 1800s, but many of whom were massacred after a mutiny raised by the inhumanly treated Chinese. The incident happened to partially take place on Ishigaki.
Miyara Dunchi

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: Tuesdays, January 1-3
Admission: 200 yen

Miyara Dunchi is a preserved samurai style residence, built by a local nobleman in 1819. Similar residences on Okinawa Honto were mostly destroyed in the war, making Miyara Dunchi a rare surviving example. It is not possible to enter the house, but you can walk around the outside of the house and visit its small garden.
Ishigaki Yaima Village

Hours: 9:00 to 17:30 (entry until 17:00)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 1000 yen

Ishigaki Yaima Village is a collection of relocated Yaeyama Island-style residences from across the archipelago. There are a variety of activities at the village including a traditional song and dance performance which is held three times daily in one of the houses and reminiscent of the traditional form of entertainment. There is also a small mangrove area, a squirrel monkey park as well as a restaurant and a souvenir shop.

How to get to Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island is the transportation hub of the Yaeyama Islands. Please visit the Yaeyama orientation page for information on how to get to Ishigaki.

How to get around Ishigaki Island

In 2013, the New Ishigaki Airport was opened ten kilometers outside of Ishigaki's city center, replacing the former airport as the island's gateway.

A rental car is the recommended means of transportation to get around Ishigaki Island. All major Japanese rental car companies have outlets on the island. Most of the island's attractions are within a 30-45 minute drive of Ishigaki City, except for the northernmost peninsula, the tip of which is about 35 kilometers from the city center.

Buses operate frequently between the airport and central Ishigaki. There are two types of buses: buses that stop only at the airport and the ferry terminal in the city center (30 minutes, 500 yen one way, every 30 minutes) and buses that serve several stops between the airport and the bus terminal in the city center (35-45 minutes, 540 yen one way, every 15 minutes).

Bus connections to other places on the island are much less frequent. Among them, the Kabira Line connects central Ishigaki with Kabira Bay once every 1-3 hours (45 minutes, 730 yen one way), while the even less frequent Yonehara Line connects central Ishigaki and the airport via Yonehara Beach with Kabira Bay. A 1-day pass for all bus lines is available for 1000 yen, while a 5-day pass costs 2000 yen.

A taxi ride between the airport and Ishigaki's city center takes about 30 minutes and costs around 3000 yen.

How to get to the Yaeyama Islands

Questions? Ask in our forum.

English

New Ishigaki Airport

Official website.

Tide Prediction: Ishigaki, Okinawa

Tide prediction for Ishigaki Island.

- Little Mermaid Hotel Ishigakijima
  Mid-range
  
  Situated in Ishigaki Island, 400 metres from Fusaki Beach, Little Mermaid Hotel Ishigakijima features accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a terrace. This 3-star hotel offers luggage storage space and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is set 2.3 km from Shanishani Beach. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a wardrobe. Rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a hairdryer, while some boast sea views. All units in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and slippers. Guests at Little Mermaid Hotel Ishigakijima will be able to enjoy activities in and around Ishigaki Island, like fishing. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Nei Museum of Art, Tojinbaka and Kannonzaki Lighthouse. New Ishigaki Airport is 18 km from the property.
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- Guesthouse Asibina
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located 1.1 km from Painuhama Artificial Beach, 2.6 km from Tadahama Beach and 400 metres from Yaeyama Museum, Guesthouse Asibina offers accommodation set in Ishigaki Island. With a shared lounge, the 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and linens for a supplement. The units include a safety deposit box. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Nantominzoku Museum, Euglena Mall and 730 Monument. New Ishigaki Airport is 13 km away.
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- Joya
  Mid-range
  
  Set in Ishigaki Island in the Ishigaki Region, 200 metres from Kabira Bay, Joya features a sun terrace. Free private parking is available on site. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a bath. Joya features free WiFi. There is a shared lounge at the property. Sukuji Beach is 1.9 km from Joya, while Yonehara Beach is 5 km away. New Ishigaki Airport is 13 km from the property.
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- Lulaliya
  Budget-friendly
  
  Set in Ishigaki Island, 300 metres from Kabira Bay, Lulaliya features air-conditioned rooms and free private parking. The bed and breakfast has a barbecue and sun terrace, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Some units feature a seating area for your convenience. Extras include slippers, free toiletries and a hair dryer. Lulaliya features free WiFi throughout the property. There is a shared lounge at the property. Sukuji Beach is 1.9 km from Lulaliya, while Yonehara Beach is 5 km away. The nearest airport is New Ishigaki Airport, 13 km from Lulaliya.
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- Beach Village Nosoko
  Budget-friendly
  
  Set 2.6 km from Idona Beach, Beach Village Nosoko offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The accommodation features a hot tub. Each unit is fitted with a terrace offering sea views, a satellite flat-screen TV, a dining area, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with bidet, a hairdryer and slippers. A fridge, a microwave and stovetop are also featured, as well as a kettle. At the lodge you will find a restaurant serving Mexican and European cuisine. Vegetarian and vegan options can also be requested. A car rental service is available at Beach Village Nosoko. Tamatorizaki Observation Point is 8.1 km from the accommodation, while Yaeyama Museum is 28 km away. New Ishigaki Airport is 15 km from the property.
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- Hotel Patina Ishigakijima
  Mid-range
  
  A 7-minute walk from Ishigaki Port Ricoh Ferry Terminal and a 3-minute drive from the beach, Hotel Patina Ishigakijima offers cosy rooms with hardwood floors, free internet and a private balcony. Free parking is available on site. The air-conditioned rooms at Patina Hotel include a private bathroom and refrigerator. Guests can enjoy watching the flat-screen TV with a fresh cup of tea. A free-use washing machine and coin-operated dryer are provided, as are free-use bicycles. Free wireless internet and 2 computers with free internet access are offered in the lobby. Massages can be requested for an extra cost. Ishigakijima Patina Hotel�fs restaurant serves breakfast daily.
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- Glamping Resort Yokabushi
  Luxury
  
  Featuring free WiFi and a restaurant, Glamping Resort Yokabushi offers accommodation in Ishigaki Island, 400 metres from Tamatorizaki Observation Point. Free private parking is available on site. A flat-screen TV is offered. Enjoy a cup of tea while looking out at the mountain or pool. Rooms have a private bathroom fitted with a bath. Extras include slippers and a hairdryer. The resort also offers free use of bicycles. Ishigaki Sunset Beach is 9 km from Glamping Resort Yokabushi, while Yonehara Beach is 10 km from the property. New Ishigaki Airport is 11 km away.
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- HOSTEL SunTerrace Ishigaki
  Budget-friendly
  
  Situated in Ishigaki Island, 1.3 km from Painuhama Artificial Beach, HOSTEL SunTerrace Ishigaki features accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. This 1-star hostel offers a shared kitchen, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 2.7 km from Tadahama Beach. A shared bathroom is provided in the rooms, while certain rooms are equipped with a game console. Popular points of interest near the hostel include Yaeyama Museum, Nantominzoku Museum and Euglena Mall. New Ishigaki Airport is 13 km from the property.
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- Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima
  Budget-friendly
  
  Situated within 2.3 km of Painuhama Artificial Beach and less than 1 km of Yaeyama Museum, Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima features rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Ishigaki Island. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Rooms are fitted with a shared bathroom, a bidet and a hairdryer, and some rooms at the hostel have a safety deposit box. At Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima every room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include 730 Monument, Euglena Mall and Nantominzoku Museum. The nearest airport is New Ishigaki Airport, 15 km from Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima.
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- Guest House Yun Terrace
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located within 1.1 km of Painuhama Artificial Beach and 2.2 km of Tadahama Beach, Guest House Yun Terrace provides rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Ishigaki Island. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property and private parking is available on site. Maezato Beach is 3 km from the guest house and Tamatorizaki Observation Point is 25 km away. At the guest house, all units have a shared bathroom. Guests can also relax on the sun terrace. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Yaeyama Museum, Maezato Park and Euglena Mall. New Ishigaki Airport is 13 km away.
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