Ishigaki Island-Tamatorizaki Observatory
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
About the Tamatorizaki Observation Deck
An observation deck located in the middle of Ishigaki Island, just before Ihara, where the island narrows.
This scenic spot has long been known for its breathtaking views; standing on the observation deck, you can see Ihara Bay to the left, Mount Banna straight ahead, and a cluster of coral reefs to the right, all displaying their striking beauty.
How to Get to Tamatorizaki Observation Deck
The Tamatorizaki Observation Deck is located about 21 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport, about 35 minutes by car from the Remote Islands Terminal, and 60 minutes by bus from the Bus Terminal.
・If you're coming by car
If you're coming from New Ishigaki Airport
After leaving New Ishigaki Airport, turn right and head north on Route 390; you’ll see the Tamatori-zaki Observation Deck on your left.
If you're coming from the Remote Islands Terminal
Exit the Remote Islands Terminal, turn right, pass the 730 Monument intersection, and head north along Route 87.
Turn right at the intersection where you'll see Pineapple Club on your left, then turn left at the intersection where Route 209 joins the road.
Head north on Route 209, and turn right at the intersection where it meets Route 87.
Head east along Route 209, and at the T-intersection where it meets National Route 390, turn left.
As you drive north on Route 390 with the ocean on your right, you’ll see the Tamatori-zaki Observation Deck on your left.
There are two parking lots at Tamatorizaki: one on the ocean side and one on the mountain side. The ocean-side lot can accommodate 10 small cars and 1 large bus, while the mountain-side lot can accommodate 25 small cars and 5 large buses.
・If you're traveling by bus
At the terminal, take the Hirano Line or the East Loop Line and get off at the "Tamatorizaki" bus stop.
After getting off the bus, it's about a 10-minute walk to get there.
The bus ride takes about 55 minutes.
Things to Do at the Tamatorizaki Observation Deck
From the Tamatorizaki Observation Deck, you can enjoy breathtaking views as far as the eye can see.
It's also fun to take photos or fly a drone to capture footage.
There are also cafes and barbecue spots nearby, so I highly recommend taking in the stunning views and then stopping by a cafe for a cup of tea.
Details of Tamatorizaki Observatory
The Tamatorizaki Observation Deck is located on a cape along the east coast, on the road from the airport toward the Hirakubo Peninsula.
There are parking lots on both the mountain side and the ocean side, so you can easily access the site by car.
Also, since the observation deck is close to the parking lot, you can reach the top in just a few minutes.
In addition, the walking trails leading to the summit branch off into several paths, and some of them allow you to enjoy tropical plants such as sago palms and adan trees along the way.
There is also a red-tiled gazebo at the top of the observation deck, so you can relax and take in the beautiful scenery.
The observation deck is surrounded by stone walls, giving it a distinct Yaeyama atmosphere.
There are several dining options near the Tamatori-zaki Observation Deck, where you can enjoy beautiful views, so we’ll introduce them below.
Restaurants Near the Tamatorizaki Observation Deck
・Uriuri Cafe
Uriuri Cafe, located near the parking lot on the ocean side of the Tamatorizaki Observation Deck.
This Western-style restaurant features ingredients sourced from the island, and every item on the menu—from the Uriuri Burger made with Ishigaki beef and homemade buns to the Ishigaki beef tendon curry—is top-notch!
Once the food is sold out, we will only serve drinks and desserts.
Eating sweets while taking in the beautiful scenery really makes you feel happy.
Address: 2-511 Iharama, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone Number: 0980-89-2002
Hours: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (*Wednesdays only: 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.)
Closed: Thursdays and Fridays
・SeaForest
SeaForest is a restaurant and lodging facility located near the mountain-side parking lot at the Tamatori-zaki Observation Deck.
It's very popular because you can stay overnight and enjoy the spectacular views.
You can enjoy a view of Ihara Bay.
The menu features dishes made with ingredients unique to Ishigaki Island, such as Ishigaki beef hash—made with Ishigaki beef, a local specialty—and the Island Grape Set Meal, as well as dishes made with chicken and pork from Okinawa Prefecture.
Address: 2-736 Iharama, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Directions: About a 20-minute drive from the airport; about a 40-minute drive from downtown and Ishigaki Port
Phone Number: 0980-86-7301
Hours: 11:30–16:00
Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Tamatorizaki Observation Deck
Nata Beach
To get to Nata Beach from the Tamatori-zaki Observation Deck, leave the observation deck, turn left, and head north on Route 390; the beach will be on your right.
Nata Beach is a shallow beach that is rarely visited by tourists.
It is a popular spot for swimming in the ocean, and nearby accommodations include Natabi Villa and Coral Resort Ishigaki Island.
It's a secluded beach that's perfect for an overnight stay.
Address: 2-391 Ibaruma, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 20 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport.
Phone number: 0980-89-2060
Parking: -
Equipment:-
Store:-
Rental:-
Marine Activity: Beachcombing
Habu Jellyfish Net: - Habu Jellyfish Net
Inoda Auto Camp Ground
The Inoda Auto Campground, accessible from the Tamatori-zaki Observation Deck, is fully equipped with restrooms, hot showers, a kitchen area, and laundry facilities, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable barbecue.
With amenities ranging from a beach and a multipurpose plaza to an adventure playground, it’s the perfect spot for families with children.
Since it's located on the east coast, you can enjoy beautiful sunrises and have a blast from early morning until night.
Of the three campgrounds on Ishigaki Island, this one is the quietest and has a more mature atmosphere.
Location: Momosato Inoda, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 40 minutes by bus from Ishigaki Port
Parking: 10 cars / free of charge
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Ihara Sabichi Cave (in Okinawa)
To reach the Iharama Sabichi Cave from the Tamatorizaki Observation Deck, leave the observation deck, turn left, and head north on Route 390 for a while.
If you follow Route 208 for a while, you'll find it on your right.
There are several limestone caves on Ishigaki Island, but the Iharama Sabichi Cave is known as the only limestone cave in Japan that opens out into the sea.
This limestone cave was formed 300 million years ago when Ishigaki Island was created by seafloor uplift.
Stalactites, stalagmites, and fossils in various shapes—such as icicle-like formations and stone pillars—are scattered throughout the area, offering visitors a truly unique experience.
It is said that stalactites take several years to grow just 1 mm, so their sheer size allows us to appreciate the grandeur of nature, which has been shaped over the course of many years.
When you enter the cave, it isn't pitch black; light streams in from the exit facing the sea.
As you walk toward the light and exit the cave, the ocean spreads out before you.
There is also a rock near the exit that looks like a turtle.
It has such an interesting shape, so be sure to take a photo to commemorate the moment.
Since it's only accessible at low tide, be sure to time your visit to coincide with low tide.
Near the entrance to the Sabichi Cave in Ihara, there is a pond said to be home to a giant eel, as well as jars and bottles that once held salted pork preserved for long-term storage, making it a place well worth visiting.
Ishigaki Island is home to several famous caves, including the Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave, the Yaeyama Limestone Cave, and the Blue Cave, so be sure to visit them all.
Location: 185-44 Ibaruma, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 40 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Available (free of charge)
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: Yes
Details of Tamatorizaki Observatory
| Location | Ihara-ma, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture (View in MAP) |
| Access | 60 minutes by bus from the bus terminal |
| parking lot | ant |
| toilet | ant |
| Business Hours | - |
See all activities
Ishigaki Island Tours
