Ishigaki Island-Arakawa Falls
Check it out and make a reservation early☆.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also rapidly gaining popularity☆.
What Is Arakawa Falls?
Arakawa Falls is the only waterfall on Ishigaki Island.
There are two waterfalls in total—one downstream and one upstream.
The water flowing over this waterfall on the Arakawa River is a crystal-clear stream, and playing in the water is a popular activity during hot summers.
The waterfall downstream is about 3 to 4 meters high, and if you hike up the stream from there, you’ll find a waterfall about 10 meters high further upstream.
In addition, above the waterfall upstream is a natural habitat for the Kanhi cherry tree, a designated Natural Monument, which blooms beautifully in winter.
Also,Blue CaveAfter playing on the beach, some people come downstream to rinse off the salt.
How to Get to Arakawa Falls
Arakawa Falls is located about a 25-minute drive from New Ishigaki Airport and about a 30-minute drive from the Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal.
It is located along the route heading from Maibara toward Yamabaru, after traveling north on Prefectural Route 79 and turning onto the Ishigaki-Ihara Road.
There's also a parking lot near the river, making it an easy spot to reach by car!
How to Have Fun at Arakawa Falls
You can experience the exhilarating thrill of waterfall climbing—whether by walking upstream along the flowing water, splashing around in the pool at the base of the falls, or grabbing the Tarzan rope and jumping in.
Even if it's your first time, our guides will provide full support, so feel free to join us!
Click here for details on waterfall climbing at Arakawa Falls ↓
Details of Arakawa Falls
As mentioned above, Arakawa Falls is the only waterfall on Ishigaki Island. It flows down Mount Omoto, the highest peak in Okinawa Prefecture, and the two sections—the upper and lower falls—are collectively known as Arakawa Falls.
The crystal-clear stream is so beautiful that just looking at it is soothing, and it feels especially wonderful on your body after being out in the hot summer sun.
This area is also home to a natural habitat of the Kanhi cherry tree, a designated Natural Monument, and around March, the beautiful Kanhi cherry blossoms take center stage.
Precautions for Arakawa Falls
If you plan to dive into the pool at the waterfall downstream or go waterfall climbing upstream, it’s essential to wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet.
Also, the rocks and grass near mountain streams can be very slippery, so it’s better to wear shoes.
The jungles of Ishigaki Island are home to a wide variety of creatures, and you may even encounter dangerous animals such as habu snakes.
Recommended Spots Near Arakawa Falls
Yaeyama palm colony in Yonehara
The Yaeyama palm grove in Maibara is a large grove of Yaeyama palms located on the right-hand side as you head east along the road between Arakawa Falls and Ishigaki-Ihara.
The Yaeyama palm is a species of palm that grows wild only on Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island in the Yaeyama Islands; on Ishigaki Island, it grows wild exclusively at the foot of Mount Omoto in the Yonehara area.
Also, if you visit in December—which is the sugarcane harvest season—you can enjoy freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, so be sure to stop by.
Location: Beikkai, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 25 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 30 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Parking: Approx. 15 cars (free), paid parking available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Yonehara Beach
Yonehara Beach is a beach that can be seen on the left along the road leading from the Arakawa Falls to the Yonehara Yaeyama Palm grove.
Among rocky beaches, this one is home to an abundance of coral and fish, making it the perfect spot for snorkeling.
Location: 644 Beikkai, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 40 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Available (free of charge)
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Mt. Omotodake
Mount Omoto, at an elevation of 525.5 meters, is the highest peak in Okinawa Prefecture, with the Arakawa Falls flowing down its slopes, and it has been designated as a national park.
It is a mountain that serves as a symbol of Ishigaki Island and is also an object of worship for the local people; it holds a special place in the hearts of the islanders.
Along the trail, you might even spot the Ryukyu Golden Pigeon and the Crested Hawk-Eagle—both designated as National Natural Monuments—so be sure to give this hike a try!
Address:Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 20 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 30 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Details of Arakawa Falls
| Location | Beikkai, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, JapanView in MAP) |
| Access | 25 minutes drive from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 30 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal |
| parking lot | Free parking: approx. 4 cars |
| toilet | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| Business Hours | - |
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Ishigaki Island Tours
