Ishigaki Island-Minamijima Folk Museum
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
Minamijima Folk MuseumMeaning
It's located just a short way down an alley from downtown Ishigaki Island.
The Minamishima Folk Museum is a privately run museum housed in the former residence of Mr. Taki, the fourth son of the ninth-generation head of the Miyara Dunchi family.
A red-tiled private home built about 180 years ago stands quietly here.
The museum displays approximately 5,000 items from private collections, including materials gathered by Takayoshi Yoshino—who also served as governor of the Yaeyama Civil Administration—to prevent the outflow of cultural properties, as well as archaeological artifacts, folklore materials, folk tools, and pottery collections from the Yaeyama region donated by local collaborators.
There are also items unique to the daily lives of fishermen, such as wooden diving goggles and portable pillows used on boats.
Registration takes place at the adjacent “Minamishima Folk Crafts” shop, which also sells folk crafts such as shisa.
Directions to the Minamishima Ethnological Museum
The Minamijima Ethnographic Museum is located about a 5-minute drive from the Remote Islands Terminal and about a 10-minute drive from Ishigaki Airport.
You can get there by car or bus.
・If you're coming by car
Exit the Remote Islands Terminal, turn right, pass the 730 Monument intersection, and head north on Route 87.
Turn left at the first intersection after the Ishigaki City Cultural Association, and you'll arrive at your destination.
Leave New Ishigaki Airport and head south along Route 390.
Turn right at the intersection in front of the Bunkan, then take the first left on the Tomino-Okawa Line and continue straight ahead to arrive at your destination.
・If you're traveling by bus
Take the Higashi Unyu Bus (Yoshihara Line) from the bus terminal and get off at the Museum Stop—it's right there.
How to Enjoy the Minamishima Folk Museum
Although it is a small folk museum, it houses a wide range of exhibits—from valuable postwar materials related to the Yaeyama Islands to toys—making it a museum that everyone can enjoy.
It's located just north of Yui Road, which is lined with restaurants, so it's a great spot to visit while you're out for a stroll.
Details on the Minamishima Ethnographic Museum
The Minamijima Ethnological Museum is a museum featuring exhibits related to the Yaeyama Islands. It is housed in the former residence of Mr. Taka, the fourth son of the 9th generation of the Miyara family, whose father, Miyara Chikunagami Tōen, was once the head of the Yaeyama Islands.
Since it's located in the heart of downtown Ishigaki Island, it's easy to get to, so you can pop in whenever you have some free time.
The mansion is built in the Ryukyu style with red tiles; the pillars and beams, constructed without nails, retain their original appearance, and the garden is beautifully landscaped with tropical plants and scarlet winter cherry trees.
There is also a giant clam shell on display that is said to have been washed ashore by the Meiwa Tsunami.
The exhibits in the museum were collected by Mr. Takayoshi Yoshino, who served as governor of the Yaeyama Civil Administration, with the aim of preventing the outflow of cultural properties.
From the exhibits to the building itself, this museum is filled with the folk culture of the Yaeyama Islands.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Minamishima Ethnological Museum
Euglena Mall
To get to Euglena Mall from the Minamishima Ethnological Museum, exit the museum, turn right, and then turn left at the very next intersection.
Turn left at the third intersection, and you'll find Euglena Mall.
Euglena Mall is Ishigaki Island’s largest shopping district, home to more than 100 stores.
There are shops selling souvenirs and daily necessities, as well as fresh produce and restaurants, so it’s a great place to stop for a break or pick up the ingredients you need for a barbecue.
As you walk down the shopping street, you’ll hear the shopkeepers’ cheerful calls ringing out all around you—it’s a really lively place. Some stores are open from 8:00 a.m. until midnight, so feel free to stop by.
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
Sakhalin fir (Abies sachalinensis)
To get to Tōrin-ji Temple from the Minamishima Ethnological Museum, exit the museum, turn right, and then turn left at the next intersection.
Turn right at the intersection where Yui Road joins the road, and continue straight for a while.
Turn right at the Torin-ji intersection, then turn right at the first intersection, and you'll see Torin-ji on your right.
Since there were no temples or shrines in the Yaeyama Islands, the Satsuma Domain advised King Shō Nei, and Tōrin-ji Temple was built in 1614.
A Gongen-do hall was also built that same year.
In addition, two Nio statues were erected at the temple gate in 1737.
Tōrin-ji Temple is the oldest wooden structure in Okinawa Prefecture, and its Nio statues—designated as Prefectural Tangible Cultural Properties—are famous as the oldest wooden sculptures in Okinawa.
The grounds of Tōrin-ji feature red-tiled houses typical of the Yaeyama Islands and large banyan trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
It’s the second most popular spot for visitors during the year-end and New Year’s holidays, right after Tomizaki Kannon-do.
There are some unique rules, like putting the cost of the fortune slip into the offering box, so you can really enjoy yourself.
Location: 285 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 15 min. walk from the remote island terminal
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Southern Gate Bridge
To get to Southern Gate Bridge from the Minamishima Ethnographic Museum, exit the museum, turn right, and then turn left at the very next intersection.
Turn left at the second intersection where Route 79 joins, then turn right at the intersection in front of the Bunkan.
Head south on Route 390 and turn left at the intersection with the 730 Monument.
Continue along the road for a while, then turn right at the intersection at the Southern Gate entrance, and you’ll see the Southern Gate Bridge ahead of you.
The Southern Gate Bridge is a large bridge spanning Minaminohama Town, which was built on reclaimed land.
With its blue color scheme and striking appearance, it is famous as a symbol of Ishigaki Island.
One side of this bridge has been converted into a sidewalk, so you can cross it on foot.
There is also a large parking lot just past the bridge, so you can park your car there and visit.
The Southern Gate Bridge has stairs leading to its highest point, where visitors can enjoy a variety of breathtaking views, including sunrises, sunsets, starry skies, and the city’s nightscape.
Since the Southern Gate Bridge is a popular spot for marriage proposals, it’s a great place to visit with someone special.
Address: 1-chome, Yashima-cho, Ishigaki City
Directions: About a 5-minute drive from the Remote Islands Terminal and about a 30-minute drive from Ishigaki Airport.
Details on the Minamijima Folk Museum
| Location | 188 Okawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture (View in MAP) |
| Access | About a 5-minute drive from the Remote Islands Terminal, and about a 10-minute drive from Ishigaki Airport |
| parking lot | Available (2 units) |
| toilet | ant |
| Business Hours | - |
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