Here's what you need to know! 25 Must-See Spots on Ishigaki Island
Table of Contents
Covering the best views & activities in Ishigaki Island!
25 Must-See Spots
Ishigaki Island is a tropical paradise with beautiful nature and rich culture.
Cobalt blue sea, lush green mountains, and historical spotsThere are many things to see and do, including
In this article, we boldly present "25 Must-See Spots" for beginners and repeat visitors alike.
◆If you are wondering where to go sightseeing in Ishigaki Island
◆For those who want to cover Ishigaki Island completely, from classic to hidden places.
◆Those who are looking for a spectacular spot or a place to take pictures.
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Ishigaki Island.
What is Ishigaki Island like?
Ishigaki Island is the second largest warm island in Okinawa Prefecture after the main island and Iriomote Island,Base for access to the Yaeyama IslandsThe first two are the following.
The area is warm throughout the year, and the beach opens in March, with swimming available until October.
Various activities are fun in the ocean, mountains, and rivers, and there are also many spectacular spots and gourmet foods.
Check it out and make a reservation early☆.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also rapidly gaining popularity☆.
Recommended Beaches in Ishigaki Island
Many beaches are scattered throughout Ishigaki Island alone.
Here are five of the best beaches in the area.
There are many beaches where you can see beautiful coral and colorful fish, as well as "phantom islands" with only sandy beaches!
Enjoy the ocean of Ishigaki Island according to your travel plans.
↓Click here for recommended snorkeling tours.
Yonehara Beach
This beach has an expanse of white sand, beautiful coral reefs, and colorful fish.
The shallow waters are still there, so it is possible to see many fish, but the area is a no-swimming zone because of the fast currents and rip currents.
There are no monitors, so don't get too carried away with the fish.Enjoy the ocean where it is safeMake sure to do so.
Campgrounds are also adjacent to the site, so many campers enjoy camping while viewing the beautiful ocean.
Access: 20 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigakijima Airport, 30 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
↓Learn more about Yonehara Beach
↓Click here for recommended tours in Yonehara.
Sukuji Beach
It takes about 10 minutes by car from Kabira Bay, a tourist attraction on Ishigaki Island,Ishigaki Island's representative beachIt is.
The beach is characterized by white sandy beaches and shallow, clean waters with gentle waves.
Even small children can safely play in the water and enjoy the view from the shade provided by the trees in front of the beach.
This is a great beach for families to enjoy swimming.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigakijima Airport, 30 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
↓Learn more about Sokoji Beach↓.
↓10 minutes drive from Sokoji Beach! Click here for tours of Kabira Bay ↓ Click here for tours of Kabira Bay
Shiraho Coast
Shiraho Coast is a world-classOne of the largest blue-green coral reef groups in the northern hemisphereThe beach is a stretch of beach where the
Blue coral is a precious coral found only in limited areas in Okinawa and is located 1 km offshore. To actually enjoy its beauty, you must join a tour.
Although there are no swimming facilities, Shiraho Beach, rich in coral, is a favorite beach of the locals.
Recommended for those who want to enjoy the local atmosphere in a quiet environment.
Access: 8 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigakijima Airport, 25 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
↓Shiraho Coast
↓Click here for recommended tours of Shiraho Coast
Minaminohama Artificial Beach
Nanu Hamacho Artificial Beach is a relatively new beach, opened in 2018, and is within walking distance of the remote island port and scenery as a base for travel on Ishigaki Island.
Located across the Southern Gate Bridge, you can feel the pleasant ocean breeze after playing on the beach during the day,Beautiful Sunsetto the fullest.
A watchman is always on duty to ensure that children can play in a safe and comfortable environment.
The beach is clean and comfortable, with shower rooms and restrooms, and even if the boats are not sailing, you can still enjoy your time here, so be sure to stop by.
Access: 25 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigakijima Airport, 5 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
↓Learn more about Nannu Beach Artificial Beach
↓Click here for recommended tours of Nannu Beach Green Park.
Hamashima, the "Phantom Island
Hamajima Island is located between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island,A "phantom island" that only appears at low tideIt is known as the
Accessible by boat from Ishigaki Island in about 30 minutes, it is a popular snorkeling spot where you can see beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish.
The beautiful contrast of the crystal clear sea and white sandy beach is spectacular!
Access: 30 minutes by boat from Ishigaki Island, 15 minutes from Kohama Island
More about Hamashima, the "Phantom Island" ↓↓.
↓Click here for recommended tours to "Phantom Island" Hamashima.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island
Next, we will introduce some recommended spots that you should not miss for sightseeing in Ishigaki Island.
There are many other places to enjoy besides the ocean, so please enjoy your visit to Ishigaki Island.
Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay is located inThree stars in the Michelin Green Guide JapanIt is a beautiful scenic spot that won the
The contrast between the emerald green sea and the small islands that appear to float in the bay is a must-see!
Activities such as glass boating, SUP, and snorkeling are also fun and allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery that changes from hour to hour.
Access: 25 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigakijima Airport, 30 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
↓Learn more about Kabira Bay
↓Click here for recommended Kabira Bay tours.
Neizo Anpal
In 2005.Ramsar ConventionThe Nizo Ampal, registered with the National Park Service (NPS), offers a vast mudflat and mangrove forest.
You can discover creatures that cannot be seen in the ocean, and see a variety of wild birds and other birds flying in and out of the area.
At low tide, even children can safely play there and become enthralled in the search for crabs and other items.
Access: 20 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigakijima Airport, 20 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
↓More about ↓Nagura Ampal
↓ Click here for recommended Meizo ampal tours ↓ Click here for recommended Meizo ampal tours
Blue Cave
The "Blue Cave" in Ishigaki Island is,You should visit at least once when you come to Ishigaki Island.It is a very popular and spectacular spot.
It is known as one of the most beautiful photo spots among the "blue caves" throughout Japan.
In addition, SUP and kayaking activities allow visitors to enjoy the clear blue waters and feel the pristine nature of the caves up close.
Access: 20 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigakijima Airport, 30 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
↓More about the Blue Cave
↓Click here for recommended Blue Cave tours.
Southern Gate Bridge
The Southern Gate Bridge allows visitors to cross over to the man-made island of Minami-Nushima Town.
You can drive through, but you can also walk from the city center.
You can enjoy the spectacular view while watching the ships come and go.
There is also a park on the island,Walking with childrenIt is also a perfect spot for
Access: 25 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigakijima Airport, 5 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
↓Southern Gate Bridge is a bridge that is the most popular bridge in the world.
↓Click here for tours near the Southern Gate Bridge.
Tamatorizaki Observatory
On Ishigaki IslandEnjoy the panoramic viewThen the Tamatorizaki Observatory is recommended.
From the observatory, you can enjoy beautiful views of the clean white sandy beach, the cobalt blue sea, and the lush green Mt.
It is only a couple of minutes walk from the parking lot to the observation deck. You will be there in no time while enjoying the scenery.
Access: 20 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigakijima Airport, 35 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
↓Learn more about the Tamatorizaki Observation Deck
↓Click here for tours near Tamatorizaki Observatory
Remote islands that can be reached by day trip from Ishigaki Island and
Recommended Spots
Here are some recommended outlying islands that can be reached by day trip from Ishigakijima's outlying island terminal.
The atmosphere and characteristics differ from island to island, so please find time to visit the islands other than Ishigaki Island.
Click here to book ferry tickets to the islands
Iriomote
Iriomote Island, which has a larger area than Ishigaki Island, can be reached in about 40 minutes by high-speed boat.
About 90% of the entire island is virgin forestThe island offers a great sense of the great nature covered by the
In addition to the ocean, visitors can enjoy mangroves and waterfalls.
Tour with ferry ticket from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island is here↓.
↓Click here for our recommended 【from/to Ishigaki Island】Iriomote Island Tour
Pinaisara Falls
Pinaisara Falls is,The highest drop in Okinawa Prefecture at 55 metersIt is a waterfall waiting for the
The sight is breathtaking as you kayak or trek through the jungle.
Cooling off in a waterfall basin after a workout is the best way to refresh yourself.
You can enjoy walking to the waterfall, playing with it, and being healed by the negative ions.
Access to the climbing entrance: 40 minutes by high-speed boat from Ishigakijima Island Terminal, 40 minutes by car from Ohara Port / 5 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Learn more about Pinaisara Falls
Click here for recommended Pinaisara Falls tours.
Coola Falls
Continue along the Koola River near Uehara Port, where the spectacularly beautiful Koola Falls appear with a 5-meter drop.
What is "cooler"?It brings happiness."The name of the temple means "the place where the sun shines" and is still cherished and loved by the local people today.
The road to the waterfall is a mysterious trekking route with thick vegetation.
Walking along the path, feeling the breath of nature, soothes the soul, and the moment you reach the waterfall, you will feel as if you have come to a power spot.
Access to the climbing entrance: 40 minutes by high-speed boat from Ishigakijima Island Terminal, 40 minutes by car from Ohara Port / 5 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Click here for recommended Coola Falls tours.
Star Sand Beach
Hoshi-suna Beach (Star Sand Beach), as its name suggests, is a popular beach with many star-shaped sands and is a 5-minute drive from Uehara Port.
There are two small islands right in front of the beach that can be swum across.
Because of the shallow water.Small childrenBut you can play safely.
This is a great beach for families as they can search for star sand and observe coral and fish.
Access: 40 minutes by high-speed boat from Ishigakijima Terminal, 55 minutes by car from Ohara Port / 10 minutes by car from Uehara Port
Learn more about Hoshisuna Beach
Kohama
Location of NHK's drama series "ChurasanKohama Island, which also became a
It takes about 30 minutes from Ishigaki Island by high-speed boat.
It is a nice, relaxing island where you can also enjoy the sugarcane fields unique to Okinawa.
↓↓[From/to Ishigaki Island] Kohama Island Tour
↓Click here for recommended Kohama Island tours from Ishigaki Island.
Oodake (Ufudake)
At 99 meters above sea level, Ohdake is the highest point on Kohama Island,Panoramic view of the Yaeyama IslandsIt is a spot with a superb view.
On a clear day, you can see as far as Hateruma Island, and the vast sugarcane fields below offer a view unique to Kohama Island.
With a 360° panoramic view of the island, Odake is a special place where you can feel the island's nature and the ocean to your heart's content.
Please enjoy the charm of Kohama Island with your whole body while taking in the spectacular scenery.
Access: 30 minutes by high-speed boat from Ishigakijima Terminal, 5 minutes by car from Kohama Port, 25 minutes on foot
Click here for recommended Kohama Island walking tours.
sugar road
Sugar Road" on Kohama Island is a famous tourist spot as a location for the drama "Churasan.
Between the sugarcane fieldsThe exhilaration of riding through the city on a bicycleis exceptional.
The tranquil scenery unique to Okinawa and the endless blue sky will make visitors turn their cameras on themselves.
Access: 30 minutes by high speed boat from Ishigakijima Remote Island Terminal, 5 minutes by car from Kohama Port, 20 minutes on foot
Click here for recommended Kohama Island walking tours.
Taketomi
Taketomi Island is only a 15-minute high-speed boat ride from Ishigaki Island, making it easy to visit for beginners and those with limited time on the islands.
The compactness of the island is appealing, as a 15-minute bicycle ride around the island will take you to the main spots.
OkinawanRed tile roofs and stone wallsThe beautiful houses lined with "ku" (a kind of "pines") and the elegant old-fashioned scenery are soothing to the soul.
Tour with ferry ticket from Ishigaki Island to Taketomi Island is here↓.
↓Click here for recommended 【Tour to/from Ishigaki Island】Taketomi Island Tour
Kondoi Beach
Koi Doi Beach has a sandy beach that extends offshore,Clear blue seais an attractive beach.
The beach is shallow enough to enjoy playing in the water, although the lack of coral means that tropical fish cannot be seen very often.
The contrast created by the white sandy beach and emerald green is so wonderful that it is a soothing spot to relax and forget about time.
Access: 15 minutes by high-speed boat from Ishigakijima Island Terminal, 8 minutes by car from Kohama Port, 30 minutes on foot
↓More about Kondoy Beach
west pier
The pier is no longer in use, but if you go to the end of the pier, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view.
The pier, which is located on the west side of the island, is the only place on the island where you can feel as if you have the cobalt blue sea in front of you and on both sides of you all to yourself.sunsetIt is also a popular spot for
Watching the sun set while sitting on the pier is a great way to end the day.
Access: 15 minutes by high-speed boat from Ishigakijima Island Terminal, 5 minutes by car from Kohama Port, 25 minutes on foot
↓Learn more about the West Pier
Village of Taketomi Island
Selected as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1964, the villages of Taketomi Island continue to preserve their beautiful scenery.
You can view the village from the hilltop, with its rows of houses built with traditional Ryukyuan architecture such as red tiles and stone walls,Island Sightseeing by Buffalo RideYou can also do this.
summary
Ishigaki Island has an abundance of family-friendly beaches and tourist spots where you can drive, play in the water, or even join a tour to enjoy a variety of activities.
You can also visit other remote islands on a day trip, and there is not enough time to experience all the charms of the Yaeyama Islands at once.
Please refer to this article when planning your visit so that you can sightsee efficiently in the limited time available.
Thank you for your interest.
↓Click here to read the article.
