17 recommended tours to enjoy Ishigaki Island with your family
Table of Contents
- 1 Let's have active fun with your family on your trip to Ishigaki Island!
- 2 How to choose a tour for family fun on Ishigaki Island
- 3 16 Family Tours for Families
- 3.1 Family Cruise on the Fukidori River for the whole family
- 3.2 Blue Cave Snorkeling for the whole family
- 3.3 Kabira Bay SUP where the family can get on board together.
- 3.4 Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour
- 3.5 Iriomote Island Sightseeing Tour
- 3.6 Dolphin tours for even the youngest children
- 3.7 Sunrise Retreat for the whole family
- 3.8 Family-friendly spectacular view! Nagura Bay Sunset SUP (Canoe) Cruise
- 3.9 Yaeyama fireflies for a family experience in a fantasy world
- 3.10 Inspiring stargazing for parents and children
- 3.11 Ishigaki Island Marine Sports (Banana Boat, Tubing)
- 3.12 Ishigakijima Glass Boat Experience
- 3.13 Fishing Tour
- 4 Set packages are recommended for family trips.
- 4.1 Kabira Bay walk & Blue Cave, waterfall snorkeling
- 4.2 Mangrove Cruise & Blue Cave Snorkeling & Waterfall Fun - 1 Day Tour
- 4.3 Kabira Bay SUP (Canoe) & Blue Cave Snorkel & Waterfall Fun - 1 Day Tour
- 4.4 Visit the largest blue coral reef in the northern hemisphere! Shiraho Sea Kayak & Snorkeling - Half Day Course
- 5 Five family tourist attractions to enjoy on your trip
- 6 summary
(company trips, family trips, graduation trips, school trips, etc.)
⬇︎First, you can consult with us for more information!
Let's have active fun with your family on your trip to Ishigaki Island!
For the past few years, "Ishigaki Island" has always ranked high on the list of tourist destinations that families want to visit. The good thing about Ishigaki Island for family tours is that there are many activities that small children can enjoy safely. And the biggest attraction is that not only children but also adults can enjoy and satisfy the whole family.
Ishigaki Island, with its ocean, mangrove, river, jungle, and nature, is an exciting place not only for children but also for the whole family! We often receive questions from families with small children about which activities they can do when they go on a trip.There are many activities on Ishigaki Island that the whole family can enjoy even with small children, but the information is not readily available....
In this issue, we would like to introduce some of the recommended activities that were highly satisfied with our family tours. We have carefully selected plans that allow the whole family to enjoy playing together safely and happily!
Enjoy a comfortable trip with a rental car!
We'll also make reservations in advance for car rentals, which fill up quickly!
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How to choose a tour for family fun on Ishigaki Island
The most common problems that occur when families participate in activities are that "the tour is harder than expected and the children get sick," or "the children are afraid to go in the water. It is essential that all family members can participate in activities on a family vacation safely and without danger. For this reason, we have carefully selected tours that are not so hard but can be enjoyed by both children and families!
16 Family Tours for Families
Family Cruise on the Fukidori River for the whole family
The No. 1 family tour favorite is the Real Jungle Cruise, which wades through a mangrove river covered with subtropical virgin forest.The attraction of this real jungle cruise is the magnificent mangrove forest.
You may have an image of Iriomote Island when you think of mangroves, but there is also a powerful jungle on Ishigaki Island. The magnificence of these mangroves impresses everyone in the family regardless of age or gender! (Laughs).The mangrove river is actually only knee-deep, so it's safe for small children.The river is a very safe place to swim. Moreover, life jackets are required, so you will be safe even if you fall into the river.
There will be a short trekking tour along the way to a waterfall in an unexplored area. This is a family tour that will satisfy everyone's needs, including a chance to play in the waterfall, which is said to be a "match-making waterfall" among the locals! At high tide, you will walk along the mangrove river up to your waist, which is truly a jungle expedition for the whole family.
Click here for more information about Mangrove SUP & Trekking Tour ↓↓ Click here for more information about Mangrove SUP & Trekking Tour
Click here for more information on mangrove canoeing and trekking tours ↓↓ Click here for more information on mangrove canoeing and trekking tours
Click here for a list of SUPs in Ishigaki Island
Click here for a list of canoes in Ishigaki Island
For more information on the Fukidori River, click here↓.
Blue Cave Snorkeling for the whole family
If you want to snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Ishigaki Island but are worried about your children, we recommend snorkeling in the Blue Cave. The beauty and safety of the cave is the most attractive point of snorkeling here.
The waters around the Blue Cave are not very deep and the area is small, making it an easy spot for guides and parents to monitor their children's movements.Also, life jackets are worn while snorkeling, so there is no need to worry about sinking and drowning.
Families are also welcome to explore the 30-meter-deep cave. Even in the shallows, you can see a variety of colorful tropical fish, including the famous bear flea from "Finding Nemo". Recommended for those who want to snorkel properly and safely in Ishigaki Island! It is a very popular snorkeling spot for families. Families with small children are recommended to visit at low tide because you can play on the shore at low tide.
Click here for more information about the Blue Cave Snorkel Tour.
Click here for a list of Blue Cave tours in Ishigaki Island.
Click here for a list of snorkeling in Ishigaki Island
Kabira Bay SUP where the family can get on board together.
Enjoy Ishigaki Island's most popular world-class scenic spot with your family.SUP cruises in Kabira Bay, one of the clearest bays in Japan, where the wind is not too strong and the water level is not too high.
The paddle boards are large and stable, so there is almost no danger of falling off. The board can be ridden by two people, so it is safe.
In addition, even if you should get swept away, it is done in a place where you can be swept back to shore, so it is fun enough for the whole family! Kabira Bay SUP Cruise is also famous as a photojournalistic spot, so it is a safe and fashionable way for families to have fun.
For more information about Kabira Bay SUP Tour, click here↓.
For more information about Kabira Bay, click here↓.
Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour
The remote islands of Yaeyama from Ishigaki IslandEfficient SightseeingFor those who want to do so, a tour around the islands is recommended.
This tour allows you to fully enjoy the charms of Yaeyama's remote islands such as Iriomote Island, where 90% of the island is covered by jungle, Taketomi Island, where traditional townscapes remain, and Yubu Island, which is reached by a buffalo crossing the sea from Iriomote Island.
Unlike marine activities,Basically, it never gets wet.Therefore, it is also recommended for those who do not like the sea.
Click here for popular island tours
Check out more Yaeyama Remote Islands Tour Plans from Ishigaki Island!
Iriomote Island Sightseeing Tour
90% of the islandIriomote Island is covered by jungle in 2021.world natural heritage siteThe island has also been registered as a "remote island" and has become even more of a focus of attention.
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors and feel it firsthand, please visit.
You can enjoy a variety of activity experiences on Iriomote Island,day tripThere are also many tours that can be joined by
Ishigaki Island-Iriomotejima Ferry" and "Iriomotejima Activities" are included in the package.Cheap ToursThe ferry and activities are also available, and are more economical than booking the ferry and activities separately!
Click here for popular Iriomote Island tours
Check out more details about Iriomote Island tours from Ishigaki Island!
Dolphin tours for even the youngest children
A tour that everyone can enjoy on a family vacation with small children. You can actually touch and feed the dolphins. You can also shake hands with the dolphins, which is sure to please children! It might be a good opportunity for small children to get interested in dolphins and other living creatures.
On the tour, you can first learn about the dolphins and their ecosystem. Other activities include dolphin swims and instructor experiences.
Click here for a list of dolphin tours
Sunrise Retreat for the whole family
If you want to see the Sunrise of Ishigaki Island with your family, this is the place. Get up a little earlier in the morning with the whole family and watch the sunrise at the beach! Go to the beach spot where is said to have the best sunrise view in Ishigaki Island, and watch the sunrise while drinking Sanpincha.
After that, we will hike and explore the jungle in the early morning. The hike is almost tiring because it is in the morning, but the early morning jungle is different and more enjoyable than during the day. Let's welcome the best day of the year with the whole family.
Click here for details on Sunrise & Early Morning Retreat Tours ↓↓ Click here for details on Sunrise & Early Morning Retreat Tours
Click here for an article about sunrise on Ishigaki Island.
Family-friendly spectacular view! Nagura Bay Sunset SUP (Canoe) Cruise
If you want to see a divine sunset that will enchant not only children but adults as well, this is the place to be. Enjoy a cruise to the sunset while canoeing or SUPing slowly with the whole family in the mangrove swamp called Nagura Ampal!
When the sun drops near the horizon, watching the sunset from the sea in the largest bay in Ishigaki Island... you can enjoy the best moment when the scene changes to seven different colors. It is also nice to be able to do SUP and kayaking at the same time within the family.
For more information about Nagura Bay Tour, click here↓.
Click here for an article about sunset in Ishigaki Island.
Yaeyama fireflies for a family experience in a fantasy world
Children will be delighted and adults will be moved by the wild dance of the Yaeyama fireflies, which can be seen from March to May. The Yaeyama firefly, known as the "carpet of light," is Japan's smallest firefly and, as its name suggests, can only be seen in the Yaeyama Islands.They are called carpets of light because they glow in clusters of several hundred.
Viewing Yaeyama fireflies is a bit of a night tour as well as fireflies, as you will be exploring the jungle, and owls and wild birds may pass overhead. This tour is only available for a limited time, so if you are traveling between March and May, be sure to bring the whole family!
For more information about the Yaeyama firefly viewing tour, click here.
Click here for a list of firefly tours in Ishigaki Island.
Inspiring stargazing for parents and children
Ishigaki Island is also called "Star Island" because of its beautiful starry sky.Ishigaki City and Taketomi Town are also recognized as Japan's only starry sky protected areas and are the best starry sky spots in Japan as selected by astronomers.It is a good place for children to learn about constellations and see stars that they would not normally be able to see!
Guides will explain the constellations, first magnitude stars, and depending on the time of year, the Nandu Cross, the only star that can be seen in Japan. It is a good idea to take a tour with your family and make a wish on a shooting star!
Click here for details of Ishigaki Island star gazing tour.
Click here for an article about the starry sky of Ishigaki Island.
Ishigaki Island Marine Sports (Banana Boat, Tubing)
Snorkeling and graph boats are popular for observing creatures in the clear waters of Ishigaki Island, but why not try more fun activities? Marine sports in Ishigaki Island include banana boat, jet ski, wakeboard, and other exhilarating activities that take you through the ocean.
There are many tricks and other skills in wakeboarding that can be enjoyed by one person, and it is a good way to hone your skills. There are also some that can be enjoyed by more than one person, such as the Big Marble. It's a great way to get the whole family on board for a powerful activity. You can bounce on the surface of the ocean and feel the centrifugal force, which is a very exciting experience.
There are 16 types of marine sports on Ishigaki Island that can be enjoyed year-round surrounded by nature. In addition to the standard banana boat and wakeboarding, there are also unusual smoootubing and revolutionary spinning, so you will never get bored of enjoying a wide variety of marine activities!
The whole family can enjoy flyboarding, which is often featured in the media and on SNS, and other yet-undiscovered marine sports that will inevitably break out in the near future!
Click here for an article on marine sports in Ishigaki Island↓.
Ishigakijima Glass Boat Experience
If you are traveling with small children or elderly people who may not be able to participate in marine activities, a glass boat is a good option. A glass boat is a boat with a transparent glass bottom suitable for underwater observation. There are basically no age restrictions, and the boat is roofed, so it can be used even in the rain. They are also roofed, so they are recommended even when it rains.
Glass boat cruising in the ocean of Ishigaki Island allows you to see colorful coral reefs and colorful creatures swimming around comfortably. The Ishigaki Island glass boats are usually located in Kabira Bay and Ishisei Jagako. Kabira Bay is the most scenic spot in Ishigaki Island, and just watching the sea while cruising is a feast for the eyes.
The water quality is so good that it is used as a black pearl farm, and the transparency is extremely high, so you can observe the ocean clearly. The area is a world-class sightseeing spot that has been awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide and selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan, so you can enjoy just cruising around.
Lake Shihsi Jagoho is also famous for being the largest coral colony in Japan, home to more than 400 species of coral and many other marine creatures. If you are lucky, you can even see sea turtles, making you feel like you are visiting a real dragon's palace.
Click here for the article about glass boats.
Fishing Tour
The sea of Ishigaki Island is extremely biologically productive, with nutrient-rich water flowing in from the rivers, so there are many plankton that need nutrients, small fish that are their predators, and many medium and large fish that are their prey.
It also has a rich variety of coral reefs and many creatures that make their home there. With a wide variety of fish species and sizes, it is known as one of the best fishing spots in Japan.
Also, you can go out to the outline of the island if you run the boat for a few minutes offshore, so you can catch a big fish! Because of such abundance of creatures, fishing in Ishigaki Island is often called "Bakuhari" (explosive fishing) because you can catch more fish than in a fish tank.
If you join us on a tour, you will receive a detailed lecture on how to assemble the rod, how to put on bait, the key points of fishing, and how to remove the fish. This makes it possible for first-timers, women, and children to try fishing without worry.
The fish caught on the fishing tour in Ishigaki Island can be cooked and eaten at our partner pubs. The taste of fish you caught by yourself is exceptional, so we recommend you to try it.
The fish are freshly caught and cooked, so you can enjoy them as sashimi, or boiled in mars or grated radish. It is a memorable experience that you will never forget.
Click here for a list of fishing tours in Ishigaki Island.
Set packages are recommended for family trips.
If you want to have fun as a family, we recommend a set plan that allows you to enjoy the tour at a leisurely pace. Half-day excursions are also good, but the set plan is a little cheaper, and you can leave the transportation to the guide, which is especially good for families with small children. Moreover, many of them include hotel pick-up and drop-off services, which are very family-friendly. In this issue, we introduce three popular tours among the set plans for families.
Kabira Bay walk & Blue Cave, waterfall snorkeling
If you want to spend half a day exploring Kabira Bay, snorkeling in the Blue Cave, and playing in the waterfalls, this is the place for you! First, we will go to the most beautiful spot of Kabira Bay, which has been awarded 3 stars by the Michelin Green Guide. After that, we will go to the Blue Cave for snorkeling, and take a dip in the waterfall to remove salt from the water. This half-day tour is highly recommended for families with small children.
Click here for details of Kabira Bay Walk & Blue Cave and Waterfall Snorkeling Tour ↓↓ Click here for details of Kabira Bay Walk & Blue Cave and Waterfall Snorkeling Tour
Mangrove Cruise & Blue Cave Snorkeling & Waterfall Fun - 1 Day Tour
This course includes SUP (or canoeing) in Miyara River, the largest mangrove river in Ishigaki Island, in the morning, and snorkeling and playing at Arakawa Falls in the afternoon. In the morning, you will cruise elegantly while viewing the hirugi forest of Miyara River which is designated as a natural monument. In the afternoon, let's swim with colorful tropical fish in snorkeling! You can enjoy 120% of Ishigaki Island with your family.
Mangrove Cruise & Blue Cave Snorkeling & Waterfall Fun - 1 Day Tour
Kabira Bay SUP (Canoe) & Blue Cave Snorkel & Waterfall Fun - 1 Day Tour
No.1 SUP (canoe) set plan in Kabira Bay. Enjoy the spectacular view from the top of the water while admiring the sea called "Kabira Blue. Snorkeling in the Blue Cave is safe for families with small children because the water level is not that high.
Click here for details of Kabira Bay SUP (Canoe) & Blue Cave Snorkel & Waterfall Fun Tour
Visit the largest blue coral reef in the northern hemisphere! Shiraho Sea Kayak & Snorkeling - Half Day Course
The last tour we will introduce is Shiraho Sea Kayak & Snorkeling! Shiraho Coast is one of the best spots in Ishigaki Island for the abundance of coral reefs and tropical fish.
In particular, it is the largest beach in the northern hemisphere with the largest colony of blue coral, one of the rarest species of coral in the world. Because of its rarity, much research has been conducted. It is also famous as a diving and snorkeling spot, and many people from Japan and abroad visit this area for this purpose.
A lecture on sea kayaking is given at the beginning of the tour, so even beginners can participate safely. The sea kayak will take you to an area where blue corals grow in colonies. The sensation of paddling through the crystal clear ocean while feeling the pleasant and gentle tropical breeze is unforgettable!
Snorkeling will follow. Seeing the blue coral colony up close, you will be amazed at the size of the colony. You will be able to see popular tropical fish up close, such as bears, snappers, and butterfly fish. The view from the sea by sea kayak is very different from the underwater view by snorkeling, making this the perfect plan to experience the spectacular scenery! Make it the best part of your family vacation.
Five family tourist attractions to enjoy on your trip
Enjoy a comfortable trip with a rental car!
We'll also make reservations in advance for car rentals, which fill up quickly!
↓Click here for more information.
Minsa Crafts Museum
Minsa Crafts Museum is a crafts museum where you can observe the sales and production process of Yaeyama Minsa-ori, Yaeyama Kamifu, and Gunpo, which are the traditional crafts of Yaeyama including Ishigaki Island. You can actually experience hand weaving and make your one and only Minsa-ori in the world. Even children can try it as they will be carefully taught.
Address: 909 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 20 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 7 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
Phone number: 0980-82-3473
Business hours: 09:00-18:00
Parking: Available
Euglena Mall
Euglena Mall is the largest shopping mall in Ishigaki Island and is centrally located. More than 100 stores are lined up in the mall, selling souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, and fresh foods. You can feel the lively atmosphere of the mall as it echoes with the shouts of customers walking down the street. It is a good place to stop by for a break when you are tired from sightseeing.
There are many souvenir shops that offer not only typical Okinawan items but also souvenirs unique to Ishigaki Island. There are also stores that sell fresh vegetables, fruits, and Ishigaki beef from Ishigaki Island. It is a place that can be used for multiple purposes, so please visit.
Minami Nuhama-cho Green Park
Nannuhama Green Park is located on the man-made island of Nannuhama-cho, across the Southern Gate Bridge, which is the symbol of Ishigaki Island. There are only a slide and a small observation deck in the park, but it is a good spot to buy food in the city center and have lunch since it is a very large park.
Because it faces the ocean, it is also a famous sunset spot, and at night you can see stars all over the sky. During the Tanabata (Star Festival) season, it is the main venue for the Minami no Shima Star Festival.
There is also a well-managed man-made beach in the surrounding area with a lifeguard on duty and well-equipped facilities. There is also a fish tank where you can interact with dolphins. With such versatility, Nannuhama-cho Ryokuchi Park is the perfect place for a family vacation!
Address: Nannuhama-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 16 minutes on foot or 4 minutes by car from the Remote Island Terminal, 28 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Available
Toilet: Yes
Observation deck: Yes
Shani-Shani Beach
Shani Shani Beach is a great place to spend an enjoyable family vacation! The name of Shani Shani Beach, "Shani Shani," is a Yaeyama dialect word for excitement. Shani Shani Beach is also a place where marine activities are popular, and it is truly an exciting beach. The clear water with calm waves and the beautifully curved coastline are beautiful.
On a fine day, you can see surrounding islands such as Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, and Kohama Island from the beach, making it a very scenic spot. You can enjoy activities or just relax and spend time with your family. Why not have an exciting experience at the largest resort in Japan?
Address: 2484 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 30 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport
Operating period: April 1 - October 31
Hours of Operation:
Summer vacation period (July 20 - August 31), GW
9:00-18:00
Outside the above period
9:00-17:00
Infinity pool usage fee:
Guests: Free of charge
Non-residents:
Adults 1080 yen (13 years and older)
Child 760 yen (3-12 years old)
Parking: Available
Nearby Facilities: Ishigakijima Beach Hotel Sunshine
Observer: Yes
Fukitsu River tidal flat
Fukitsu River Tidal Flat is a tidal flat near the mouth of Fukitsu River located in the northern part of Ishigaki Island. The tidal flat has a unique ecosystem such as Yaeyamashiomaneki, flying gobies, and hermit crabs. Unlike the Meizo Ampal, the river is very clear with low turbidity due to the sandy soil.
The mud flats of the Fukidori River are submerged in the river at high tide, but only appear at low tide. At this time, you can also see the unusual roots of the mangroves. For a truly subtropical experience, it is recommended to visit at low tide! Why not look for creatures on the tidal flats of the Fukidori River, where there is a rich variety of flora and fauna?
Address: Nosoko, Ishigaki Island, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 35 minutes by car from the remote island terminal, 20 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Fee: None
Parking: Free
summary
There are still many unknown, safe and secure family tours in Ishigaki Island. Even if you have small children, please join the activities and make the best trip to Ishigaki Island that both children and adults can enjoy!
All the fun of Ishigaki Island is here↓.
Ishigaki Island Tours
Enjoy a luxurious and relaxing experience after a day of activities.
