The top 20 sightseeing spots in Ishigaki Island! Ishigaki Island's resident staff introduces you to the top 20 sightseeing spots in Ishigaki Island based on their actual experiences!
Table of Contents
- 1 Characteristics of famous places on Ishigaki Island
- 1.1 Ishigaki Island's Famous Landmarks (1) Kabira Bay
- 1.2 Ishigaki Island Famous Place (2) Blue Cave
- 1.3 Ishigaki Island's Famous Place (3) Ishigaki Island Cave
- 1.4 Ishigaki Island's Famous Spots (4) Yaima Village
- 1.5 Ishigaki Island Famous Place 5: Phantom Island
- 1.6 Ishigaki Island's Famous Place (6) Nosoko-dake (Mt. Nosoko)
- 1.7 Ishigaki Island's Famous Place (7) Maesato Beach
- 1.8 Ishigaki Island Famous Place (8) Fusaki Beach
- 1.9 Ishigaki Island's Famous Place (9) Ishigaki Island Sunset Beach
- 1.10 Ishigaki Island Famous Place 10 Hirakubozaki
- 1.11 Ishigaki Island's Famous Place (11) Manta Scramble
- 1.12 Ishigaki Island's Famous Place ⑫Fukidori River
- 1.13 Ishigaki Island Famous Place⑬Miyara River
- 1.14 Ishigaki Island Famous Place⑭Sabichi Cave
- 1.15 Ishigaki Island Famous Place (15) Hirakubo Sagaribana
- 1.16 Ishigaki Island's famous ⑯ firefly spots
- 1.17 Ishigaki Island's Famous Places⑰Kawahira Tabagar
- 1.18 Ishigaki Island's Famous Sites⑱Tamatorizaki Observatory
- 1.19 The most famous places on Ishigaki Island (19⑲ Mikamizaki)
- 1.20 Famous spots in Ishigaki Island⑳惠ーグレナモール(⑳)
- 2 summary
Ishigaki Island is the largest tropical resort in Japan.
It is a remote island rich in nature with mountains, rivers, and the sea, and there are many places of interest to enjoy such as scenic spots and activity spots. All of them are satisfying places to visit. We will introduce 20 famous places in Ishigaki Island.
Characteristics of famous places on Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island has a variety of natural environments unique to the subtropical climate. Ishigaki Island has many unique sights such as mountains where you can see 360 degree panoramic view, the sea that changes 7 different colors, and uninhabited islands that disappear.
Ishigaki Island sightseeing is also very popular due to its convenience of being accessible by a single flight between each city and Ishigaki Island. You can also go around the island with only one rental car. It might be fun to visit all the places of interest in Ishigaki Island introduced below!
Ishigaki Island's Famous Landmarks (1) Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay is a representative scenic spot of Ishigaki Island, selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan and awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide. It is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island. The contrast between the emerald green ocean with excellent transparency and the white sand beach is very beautiful. It is said that the sea changes its hue to 7 different colors depending on the tide level and the angle of the sun.
There are nine islets floating in Kabira Bay, and the sunset over the islets is spectacular. The bottom of the sea is rich in colorful coral and tropical fish, which can be observed while cruising on a glass boat. The park also has a well-maintained promenade where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll. Souvenir shops, inns, and eateries are available for visitors to stroll around. At Kabira Observation Deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kabira Bay while relaxing in a pavilion with a good old Yaeyama red-tile roof.
Ishigaki Island Famous Place (2) Blue Cave
The Blue Cave in Ishigaki Island is a popular tourist spot along with Kabira Bay. The cave has only one entrance on the ocean side, so it gets darker and darker as you enter the water and proceed into the cave, but when you turn around and look at the entrance, you will see a blue glow. It is a mysterious space that can be created only when various conditions such as incident sunlight, transparency of the sea, and the topography of the sea bottom and the cave are met. It is truly the unexplored region of Ishigaki Island. Surrounded by coral reefs, it is a great place for snorkeling with many tropical fish. It is one of the best places to visit when you visit Ishigaki Island.
Ishigaki Island's Famous Place (3) Ishigaki Island Cave
Ishigakijima limestone cave is located near Banna-dake, the center of Ishigaki Island, about 10 minutes by car from the Terminal, and is the largest limestone cave in Ishigaki Island. The limestone caves created over hundreds of thousands of years are very powerful and you can feel the power of nature. Inside the caves, stalactites shining in white can be seen here and there, and the collaboration with the decorated illumination is very fantastic, and the sound of dripping water creates an even more atmospheric atmosphere. There is also a restaurant and a store on the site, where you can taste Okinawan soba noodles and buy souvenirs.
In Ishigaki Island, there are Ishigaki Island stalactite caves formed by uplifted corals, Yaeyama stalactite caves with a wide variety of stalactites, and Blue Cave. Each cave has its own unique characteristics and can be visited in a short time, so you can try to conquer all the limestone caves in Ishigaki Island.
Location: 1666 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 30 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Ishigaki Island's Famous Spots (4) Yaima Village
Ishigaki Yaima Village is the southernmost theme park in Japan where the good old townscape of Yaeyama is reproduced. Since Yaima Village is located near Nagura Bay, it is one of the popular sunset spots and a popular star gazing spot. The sounds of shamisen (three-stringed Japanese guitar) echoes from the red-tiled old houses registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, and you can enjoy cultural experiences such as Ryukyuan costume and Shisa painting. In the village, you can interact with Yaeyama's living creatures in the buffalo pond, crested serpent eagle protection cage, and squirrel monkey garden. You can feed the squirrel monkeys, so please try it.
The nearby Nagura Ampal is home to wild birds unique to the island, as well as the Yaeyamashiro and the flying goby. Because of its high biodiversity, it is the only place in Yaeyama registered under the Ramsar Convention. In the village, visitors can taste delicious local cuisine at the Anparu Restaurant and purchase souvenirs at the store!
Location: 967-1 Motonagura, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes by car from Ishigaki Port
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Admission: Adults 1000 yen, children 500 yen (free for children under 3 years old)
Ishigaki Island Famous Place 5: Phantom Island
Phantom Island is a crescent-shaped uninhabited island located between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island. Since there is no grass or trees on the island, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the island. The spectacular view of the emerald green sea stretching across the pure white sandy beach looks great on SNS, and is also used as a spot for shooting music videos and photo weddings. The ocean around Hamashima, or the Island of Illusions, is shallow, making it safe for people with children to enjoy activities.
Hamashima is called a phantom island because it appears and disappears depending on the tide level. At high tide, the tide exceeds the height of the island and it disappears into the sea. At low tide, on the other hand, the island appears. As one moves offshore from Hamashima, the color of the sea surface changes from emerald green to cobalt blue due to the difference in depth, creating a two-tiered hue. The largest coral area in Japan, Shihsei lagoon, is located here, so visitors can observe colorful corals and tropical fish. If you are lucky, you may encounter sea turtles and manta rays, so a snorkeling experience is highly recommended when visiting the Phantom Island.
Ishigaki Island's Famous Place (6) Nosoko-dake (Mt. Nosoko)
Nosodake is a popular mountain located in the northern part of Ishigaki Island at 284 meters above sea level, where the legend of Marpei still remains. It is designated as a national park and is famous for its spectacular view as it is selected as one of the 100 most beautiful mountains on the island. Since the mountain is not so high, it is also used as a trekking course, and not only tourists but also local people climb the mountain. Visitors will be able to observe the unique flora and fauna of the subtropical zone as they make their way through the jungle. It takes about one hour to reach the summit from the foot of the mountain, but those who are not confident about their physical strength can drive up to the 8th peak, so it is recommended to visit by the latter course.
At the top of the mountain, there is nothing to block your view, so you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the sunrise, sunset, and starlit sky. The summit is also a power spot for romance where the legend of Nosoko Ma-Pei still remains, so touch the Ma-Pei stone to recharge your power after climbing to the top!
Location: Nosoko, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access
25 minutes drive from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 35 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Parking: Free parking available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: None
Ishigaki Island's Famous Place (7) Maesato Beach
Maesato Beach is an artificial beach located on the south coast of Ishigaki Island, easily accessible from the city center. 700m away from the ANA Intercontinental Ishigaki Resort grounds, it is well maintained and cleaned as it is managed by the ANA Intercontinental Ishigaki Resort. There is a full-time watchman and habu jellyfish nets are provided, so you can enjoy swimming with peace of mind. The resort is free for use by non-guests as well. Rental items necessary for activities are available, and tours are offered so that you can enjoy your stay to the fullest.
Address: ANA Intercontinental Ishigaki Resort, 354-1 Maesato, Ishigaki City
Access: 10 minutes by car from the city center, 25 minutes from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 15 minutes from the terminal
Phone number: 0980-88-7111
Hours of operation:- 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed:-
Ishigaki Island Famous Place (8) Fusaki Beach
Fusaki Beach is a natural beach facing Nagura Bay, the largest bay in Ishigaki Island. It is managed by the resort hotel Fusaki Resort Village, and like Maesato Beach, it is equipped with a lifeguard and nets to prevent jellyfish, so it is recommended for those with children.
Although the area attracts many tourists because of its proximity to the city center, it remains so clean and natural that sea turtles visit the area every year to lay their eggs.
In the evening, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset view, so why don't you relax and enjoy the sunset after enjoying activities during the day?
Location: 1625 Shinkawa-Tomizaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: Approximately 19 km from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 35 minutes by car
Parking: Available (free of charge)
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Ishigaki Island's Famous Place (9) Ishigaki Island Sunset Beach
Ishigaki Island Sunset Beach is an artificial beach located in the western part of Hirakubo Peninsula that extends to the north. Like Maesato Beach and Fusaki Beach, it is equipped with a lifeguard and nets to prevent jellyfish, so you can enjoy activities with peace of mind. Since it is located far from the city, it is less crowded than the above two beaches, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy activities and swimming in a relaxed atmosphere. Also, as the name "Ishigaki Island Sunset Beach" suggests, it is the spot where you can enjoy the beautiful sunset. When the sun goes down, the sky is covered with stars and you can see the star-filled sky.
Address:Hirakubo, Ishigaki City
Access: 25 km from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 50 minutes by car
Ishigaki Island Famous Place 10 Hirakubozaki
Hirakubozaki is a cape located at the northernmost tip of Ishigaki Island, and there is a lighthouse at the tip with a clear view of the ocean below. You can observe the coral reef over the sea and enjoy the change in the color of the sea due to the difference in the tide level and the reflection of sunlight.
Its location at the northern end of the island allows visitors to view the sunrise on the right side of the island with the sea in front of them, and the sunset on the left side. Since this is one of the most spectacular spots on the island, it is crowded with tourists during the daytime, but as the sun goes down, the number of visitors decreases and it becomes quieter. The sky is filled with countless stars and you can enjoy a different spectacular view from the daytime. Ishigaki Island was the first island in Japan to be designated as a starry sky protection area, and you can see such a beautiful starry sky that it is nicknamed "Star Island". Please come and enjoy the beautiful view that is different from the daytime.
Access: 50 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 90 minutes by car from the city center
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Ishigaki Island's Famous Place (11) Manta Scramble
The ocean of Ishigaki Island has some of the best manta spots (spots where you have a high chance of encountering manta rays) in Japan. The most representative of them is the Manta Scramble. Manta Scramble is located in Kabira area, a scenic spot on the island, and is a popular spot for beginner divers because there is almost no current and the maximum depth is shallow (15m). The area stretches approximately 600m from east to west and 200m from north to south, and has a number of roots that serve as cleaning stations for manta rays. During the breeding season from September to October, you may be able to see multiple manta rays chasing after the females!
Ishigaki Island's Famous Place ⑫Fukidori River
Fukitsu River is a mangrove river with hirugi forests, a national natural treasure, located about 40 minutes by car from Ishigakijima Port Remote Island Terminal. It is a representative jungle river of the island and the best place for forest bathing. Mangrove is a general term for plants that grow naturally in brackish water areas where seawater and freshwater mix in tropical and subtropical climates. The plants that form the mangroves of the Fukidori River are mainly Yaeyamahirugi, whose roots resemble octopus feet, and Ohirugi, whose roots clump together to form a knee-like shape.
At low tide, mud flats are revealed, and you can see the big scissors of a Pseudobagrus ichikawai and the flying gobies jumping about. You can enjoy cruising upstream on a SUP or canoe on the Fukidori River, and at the end of the cruise is Yabiku Falls, which is famous as a power spot for love and marriage. Why not go there to recharge your batteries while enjoying forest bathing?
Location: Nosoko, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 20 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 35 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Parking: Free parking available （search at Fuki-tsukibashi Parking Lot)
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Ishigaki Island Famous Place⑬Miyara River
Like the Fukitsu River, the Miyara River is a mangrove river that boasts the largest watershed on the island, where hirugi forests, a national natural treasure, grow in clusters. The hirugi forest of Miyara River grows from the mouth of Miyara River to 1,500m upstream on both banks, covering a total area of 225ha (about 48 times the size of Tokyo Dome). The mangroves are made up mainly of the Hirugiaceae plants (Dipterocarpaceae), but other subtropical plants and animals can also be seen here, such as the Japanese jujube, kakatsugayu, Japanese pond turtle, Okinawa sharinbai, and adan (Asian skunk cabbage). You can also cruise on the Miyara River by SUP or canoe, and enjoy a high degree of freedom in activities on the island's largest river basin.
Location: Ohama, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 15 minutes from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal
Parking: Free parking: approx. 4 cars
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Ishigaki Island Famous Place⑭Sabichi Cave
Sabichi Cave is located in the northern part of Ishigaki Island, and is the only limestone cave in Japan that goes to the sea. It was created by crustal movement about 370 million years ago.
Stone pillars, icicle stalactites, and fossils can be seen in various places in the cave, and the stalactites known as Niagara Falls have a great impact. The total length of Sabichi Cave is compact at 324m, but the path is wide enough to allow visitors plenty of room to explore. In addition, since it is adjacent to the ocean, you can access the ocean in about 10 minutes one way and enjoy marine activities.
Address:185-44 Banna, Ibaruma, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 40 minutes by cab from Ishigaki Airport toward Funakoshi
Ishigaki Island Famous Place (15) Hirakubo Sagaribana
Hirakubo area located in the northern part of Ishigaki Island is known for its colony of sagaribana. It is located between Hirakubo village and Hirakubozaki where there is a lighthouse, and can be reached by a side road across from a cafe. The sagaribana blooms in the summer season and is a fragile flower that blooms and falls in a single night. Because of this characteristic, they are also called "one-night flowers" or "phantom flowers. The sagaribana in Hirakubo usually blooms in June, so it is recommended to go there to see them. It is said that this is the largest native habitat in Japan for the sagaribana, and when it blooms, a sweet vanilla-like fragrance wafts into the surrounding area. You may be lucky enough to find the sagaribana, which has a beautiful floral language that says it will lead you to good luck.
Address:Hirakubo, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 50 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Ishigaki Island's famous ⑯ firefly spots
There are three known spots on Ishigaki Island where fireflies can be seen: the Firefly Road in Banna Park, the Maesedake Forest Road, and the Omotodake Climbing Forest Road.
Firefly Road in Banna Park is the best place to see fireflies in Ishigaki Island, and you can appreciate Yaeyama fireflies, which are only found in some remote islands of the Yaeyama Islands. Banna Park is a vast forest park centering on 230m-high Mt. The park has a zone with a world insect museum, an observatory from which visitors can view the emerald green sea, the cityscape, and the sunset, and a zone for bird watching, one of which is a zone with a firefly highway. One of the zones is the Firefly Trail, where thousands or tens of thousands of Yaeyama fireflies form clusters and flash in the sky. Because of their beauty, they are called a carpet of light.
Maesedake's forest road is on the way to Ishigakijima Observatory, a popular tourist spot. You can see fireflies glow from about 30 minutes after sunset. There is a place where tourists are on the way to the observatory for fireflies, so you may want to use it as a landmark. However, since the number of fireflies has been decreasing, we recommend that you go to the Hotel Road in Banna Park if you want to be sure of seeing fireflies.
Omotodake is the highest peak in Okinawa Prefecture at 520 meters above sea level. Omotodake is the highest mountain in the prefecture, but it is not as high as other mountains on the mainland, so it is also used as a trekking course. During the trekking, it is a great place to observe wildlife, as it is home to kanhizakura cherry trees, crested serpent eagles, which are designated as special natural treasures, and Ryukyu kinpigeon. It may be a good idea to enjoy trekking during the day and view fireflies on the Omotodake trail when it gets dark on the way back home.
Ishigaki Island's Famous Places⑰Kawahira Tabagar
Kabira Taba-ga is located in one of the island's most scenic areas, but it is a secluded spot known only to those in the know, so it is rarely visited by people. Therefore, visitors can enjoy leisurely swimming in the sea. It is also a good spot for snorkeling because of its shallow waters, almost no current, and abundance of living creatures. Nishi Beach on Hateruma Island is often mentioned as the most beautiful beach in the Yaeyama Islands, but this beach is just as beautiful. There are almost no people here, so you can enjoy the spectacular view in a secluded place.
Ishigaki Island's Famous Sites⑱Tamatorizaki Observatory
Tamatorizaki Observatory is located in the northeastern part of Ishigaki Island and is one of the best scenic spots in Ishigaki Island. It has a parking lot and can be easily accessed by car. It takes only 3 minutes from the parking lot to the observatory, so not only tourists but also locals often visit. On the way to the observatory, hibiscus and palm trees grow along the road, creating a tropical resort atmosphere. The observatory is located on top of a small hill, offering a panoramic view of both the sea and land. From the observatory, with the ocean in front of you, you can also see Hirakubo Peninsula, known as Seesaa's Tail, on the left side.
Address: Ibaruma, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 20 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Available
Facilities: Restrooms, vending machines
The most famous places on Ishigaki Island (19⑲ Mikamizaki)
Mikamizaki is the westernmost cape of Ishigaki Island with beautiful waves splashing on the precipitous cliffs. The white lighthouse standing at the tip of the cape where green land spreads out is very beautiful. In spring, the spectacle of lily of the valley and hirsutaki tsukimisou dyeing the surroundings white and pink is breathtaking. Visitors can also go down to the beach to experience marine activities such as SUP, canoeing, and snorkeling. Since it is located at the westernmost tip of the island, you can also watch the beautiful sunset on the horizon.
Address:Sakieda, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 45 minutes by car from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal
Famous spots in Ishigaki Island⑳惠ーグレナモール(⑳)
Euglena Mall is Ishigaki Island's largest shopping mall located in the center of the island, with over 100 stores including restaurants and souvenir shops. Fresh food is also sold here, so those who are staying with a kitchen or having BBQ can buy all the food here. It is a very lively shopping street, and the shouts of encouragement to customers walking along the street are full of energy. There are also spots where you can relax after a day of sightseeing, and cafes and rest areas where you can take a quick break, so it is a good place to stop in between sightseeing. There is also a wide variety of souvenirs to choose from and buy.
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
summary
We introduced some of the famous places on Ishigaki Island. How was it? There are many wonderful places such as emerald green sea, mangrove river, cape and mountain with great view where you can experience the great nature of Ishigaki Island. All of them are worth visiting, so please visit them. Thank you for reading to the end.
