Ishigaki Island-Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
Ishigaki City Yaeyama MuseumMeaning
Located just a short walk from the Remote Islands Terminal, this museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Yaeyama Islands.
It opened in Showa 47 (1972) as part of the projects commemorating the return to the motherland.
Visitors can learn about the history and folklore of the Yaeyama region—including not only Ishigaki Island but also the surrounding islands—by viewing a rich collection of regional archaeological and folklore materials, documents from the Ryukyu Kingdom, and art and craft items such as Yaeyama jofu and Yaeyama-yaki pottery.
Although it’s called a museum, the exhibits themselves aren’t that large, so you can enjoy them in a short amount of time.
Directions to the Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum
The Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum is located about a 25-minute drive from New Ishigaki Airport and a 5-minute walk from the Remote Islands Terminal.
If you're coming from New Ishigaki Airport
Leave New Ishigaki Airport and head south on Route 390.
Cross the river and turn right at the seventh T-intersection.
At the end of the road, turn left at the T-intersection where Route 209 joins, then head south on Route 209 and turn right at the Y-intersection.
Turn right, then turn left at the T-intersection immediately after that, cross the Miyara River, and turn right at the sixth intersection.
Turn left at the intersection where Route 87 joins, head south on Route 87, turn left in front of the Bunkan, and you'll find it on your right.
If you're coming from the Remote Islands Terminal
Exit the Remote Islands Terminal, turn right, follow the road, and pass the intersection with the 730 Monument.
Turn right at the intersection in front of the Bunkan, and you'll find it on your right.
How to Enjoy Your Visit to the Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum
If you want to learn about life in the Yaeyama region, this museum is highly recommended.
You can get a sense of historical texts, archaeological finds, and local customs.
There are also many exhibits of historical value, such as Panari-yaki pottery—for which the Yaeyama Islands are famous—and artifacts from the era of the poll tax.
With an admission fee of just 200 yen and its proximity to the Remote Islands Terminal, it’s a great place to stop by briefly before heading out to the various islands or after returning.
Details of Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum
The Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum was built on the site of the former Ishigaki City Hall in 1972, the year Okinawa was returned to Japanese sovereignty, as part of the projects commemorating that return.
In addition to the permanent exhibition featuring historical materials from the Yaeyama Islands and arts and crafts such as porcelain and pottery, the museum also houses folkloric artifacts that provide insight into the daily lives of ordinary people.
There are valuable artifacts here that offer insight into the unique history and culture of the Yaeyama Islands, including Panari pottery, flagpoles used in festivals, and documents related to the poll tax.
We also host events such as special museum culture lectures and hands-on workshops.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum also sells publications from the Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum, such as brochures and reference materials for special exhibitions.
In addition to the exhibits, a variety of events will be held.
To pass on the culture of the Yaeyama Islands to future generations, we offer children’s museum classes, hands-on workshops, and craft classes.
We have all kinds of events, so be sure to check out our website.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum
730 Monument Intersection
To get to the 730 Monument Intersection from the Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum, exit the museum and turn left.
If you turn left at the intersection in front of the Bunkan, the intersection you see ahead is the 730 Memorial Monument Intersection.
The 730 Monument Intersection is a large intersection in the city center where Route 390, Sanbashi Street, and City Hall Street meet, so you’ll recognize it right away when you get there.
Near the intersection, there is a stone monument engraved with the number 730.
After World War II, Okinawa followed U.S. traffic rules, and cars drove on the left side of the road.
Following the reversion of Okinawa to Japanese sovereignty in 1972, the traffic system was switched from right-hand to left-hand traffic, which led to the intersection being named the "730 Memorial Monument Intersection."
With a variety of shops lining the street, you can pick up daily necessities or stop by for a meal.
Location: 3 Misaki-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 5 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: None
Euglena Mall
To get there from the Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum, exit the museum and turn left.
Go past the intersection in front of Bunkan, turn left at the next intersection, and turn right at the next T-junction to reach Euglena Mall.
Euglena Mall is Ishigaki Island’s largest shopping district, home to over 100 stores, including restaurants, souvenir shops, and clothing stores.
You can buy everything from classic Okinawan souvenirs to items unique to Ishigaki Island.
There’s also a rest area, so please stop by for a break during your sightseeing or tour.
Location: 207 Okawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 25 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport, 7 minutes on foot from the remote island terminal
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Bangna Park
To get there from the Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum, exit the museum and turn left.
Turn right at the intersection where the Momobayashi-ji Nishi-dori Line joins the road.
Follow the road, then turn left at the T-intersection where Route 208 joins and head north.
If you continue for a while, you'll see Banna Park on your right.
Banna Park is the largest prefectural forest park on Ishigaki Island, with a circumference of 8 km.
Mount Banna, with an elevation of about 230 meters, is located in the center of the park, so you can enjoy trekking as if you were on a hike.
The park is divided into Zones A through E.
Zone A is the area where the General Information Center, located near the South Exit, is situated, while Zone B features an observation deck overlooking the emerald-green sea and another observation deck for birdwatching.
From here, you can enjoy sunsets, starry skies, and night views of the city. There’s also a parking lot and a bus stop, making it very convenient.
Zone C features insect museums and botanical gardens from around the world, while Zone D is home to the Firefly Trail, where you can see Yaeyama princess fireflies flying and glowing in early spring.
Zone E features plenty of playground equipment and adventure courses, making it a great area for families with children to enjoy.
Address: 961-15, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Details of Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum
| Location | 4-1 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture (View in MAP) |
| Access | 5 min. walk from the remote island terminal |
| parking lot | ant |
| toilet | ant |
| Business Hours | - |
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