20 Recommended Holey Spots on Ishigaki Island
Table of Contents
- 1 20 recommended hole-in-the-wall spots
- 1.1 Neizo Anpal
- 1.2 Sukuji Beach
- 1.3 mountain at the bottom of the Siberian mountain range
- 1.4 Bangna Park
- 1.5 Blue Cave
- 1.6 Arakawa Falls
- 1.7 Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)
- 1.8 Mt. Omotodake
- 1.9 river running between Tokyo-to and Kanagawa Prefecture
- 1.10 Barasu Island, the "Miracle Island
- 1.11 Minaminohama Artificial Beach
- 1.12 Shiraho Coast
- 1.13 Soccer Park Akanma
- 1.14 Mt. Kara (in Chinese mythology, the mountain where Buddha delivered his first sermon)
- 1.15 deified volcano or volcanic eruption
- 1.16 Osaki Beach
- 1.17 Yaeyama palm colony in Yonehara
- 1.18 Telegraph shop ruins
- 1.19 Yarabe-dake
- 2 summary
20 recommended hole-in-the-wall spots
Ishigaki Island is a very popular tourist destination as a place to relax and heal your body and mind while surrounded by nature, but there are so many places to see that it is difficult to find even the best spots.
Therefore, we would like to introduce some recommended spots on Ishigaki Island.
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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Neizo Anpal
Nagura Amparu is an area consisting of mangrove forests and vast mudflats near the mouth of Nagura River in western Ishigaki Island, and was registered under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for wetland conservation, in 2005.
At Nagura Ampal, visitors can observe waterfowl such as snipes, birds of prey such as crested serpent eagles, which are designated as national natural treasures, southern snapping turtles, and other animals and plants unique to subtropical climates.
Kayak tours are available in the area, allowing you to explore places that are not accessible on foot.
The sunset over the Meizo Bridge at dusk is also popular as a spectacular spot, and visitors can enjoy a romantic atmosphere as they watch the sky and ocean colors change beautifully before the sun goes down.
⇒Neizo AnpalFor more information on
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Sukuji Beach
There are so many beaches in Okinawa that some people are at a loss as to which one to visit.
If so, please visit Sukuji Beach.
Sukuji Beach is located about 10 minutes by car from the famous tourist spot "Kabira Bay," and the shallow waters make it a great beach for children because the waves are gentle.
The clear blue and emerald green gradations of the ocean are very beautiful, and at sunset, you can watch the ocean turn a golden color.
Located right in front of Sukuji Beach, Ishigaki Seaside Hotel offers activities such as banana boarding and snorkeling tours that take you to Manta Point.
You do not have to be a guest to use this service.
⇒Sukuji BeachFor more information on
mountain at the bottom of the Siberian mountain range
Nosodake is a 282-meter-high mountain in the northern part of Ishigaki Island, about a 30-minute drive from Shin-Ishigaki Airport.
There are two ways to climb the mountain: the first is on foot from the foot of the mountain via the Nosoko forest road, which takes about 45 minutes to the top.
The second course is to drive to the 8th station near Mt. Nosoko and start climbing from the middle of the mountain, which takes about 15 minutes to the top.
As you walk along the forest path leading from the trail entrance, you can hear birdsong and feel the fresh air released by the trees.
From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the forests covering Ishigaki Island, the beautiful sea surrounding the island, and the blue sky.
The view to the west is of Kabira Bay, to the east is the viewpoint of Tamatorizaki, and to the north is the mountain range leading to Hirakubo.
Nosodake is known as a power spot for romance, and it is said that climbing the mountain with the person you love will bring your love to fruition.
⇒Mt. Nosoko (Nosoko Marpei)For more information on
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Bangna Park
Banna Park is a prefectural natural park developed around 230-meter-high Banna-dake (Mt. Banna) located in the northern part of Ishigaki City, and is the largest park in Ishigaki Island with a circumference of approximately 8 km.
The park is divided into five zones, A to E.
Zone A is an open space where local people stroll along the promenade.
In Zone B, there are more than 10 observatories in total, among which the "Emerald Sea Observatory" offers a panoramic view of the Yaeyama islands, the beautiful sea, and the Ishigaki city. At the "Observatory for Starry Sky", you can enjoy the star-filled sky, and at night, the stairs and floor of the observatory are made to twinkle, creating a romantic mood, making it a suitable date spot.
Zone C is a forest walking plaza, and in the "Nature Botanical Garden" visitors can see tropical butterflies and other insects, as well as beautiful tropical flowers.
Palm trees also grow in the area, creating a tropical mood.
At the "Waterfowl Observation Site" in Zone D, visitors can observe waterfowl that come to Ishigaki Dam to rest their wings.
Zone E has swings, slides, seesaws, and other athletic activities for children to play.
There are also facilities for bouldering, so adults and children can play together in nature.
⇒Bangna ParkFor more information on
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Blue Cave
Italy is famous for its Blue Cave, but there is also a Blue Cave on Ishigaki Island.
Ishigaki Island's Blue Cave is located about 30 minutes by car from Ishigakijima Port Remote Island Terminal.
The Blue Cave, where sunlight reflects off the white sand at the bottom of the cave, turning the sea a beautiful glowing blue color, is a great photo spot.
The Blue Cave offers three activities: snorkeling, SUP, and sea kayaking.
Visitors can explore the cave by snorkeling and observe colorful fish, such as clownfish, swimming in front of them, just like in a real aquarium.
The cave is also walkable, so you can explore the dynamic cave, and when you look at the entrance from the back of the cave, you can see a spectacular view of the ocean surface reflected like a mirror.
⇒Blue CaveFor more information on
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Arakawa Falls
Arakawa Falls is the only waterfall on Ishigaki Island that has upstream and downstream points flowing from the largest mountain in Okinawa, Omotodake.
You can heal your body while bathing in negative ions at a secluded waterfall in the jungle.
The waterfall downstream is 3 to 4 meters and has a Tarzan rope so you can dive from the air and enjoy playing in the water.
After playing in the Blue Cave, it is also possible to remove salt and play with waterfalls downstream.
From there, climbing up the stream, there is a waterfall of about 10 meters upstream, and above the upstream waterfall is a natural monument, the kanhizakura (cherry tree).
Arakawa Falls is the only point in all of Japan where the Kanhizakura cherry tree grows naturally, so you can see these precious sakura.
⇒Arakawa FallsFor more information on
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Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)
Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) is the collective name for two islands in the Yaeyama Archipelago, Kamiji Island and Shimoji Island, where "Panari" means "away" in the Okinawan dialect.
Known as "Panari Island" because of the separation of the two islands, it is a small island of about 3 square kilometers with a population of only a dozen or so people.
There is no regular boat service from Ishigaki Island to Panari Island, so you need to join a sightseeing tour, which takes about 30 minutes from Ishigaki Island to Panari Island.
Panari Island is very attractive with its beautiful clear water and white sandy beaches, and colorful coral and tropical fish can be seen.
Panari Island itself is included in the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park and is full of rich nature, so you can enjoy not only the beautiful sea but also walking around.
The banyan trees are a sight to behold, and the "Hateruma Muri," a stone tower and tree integrated into one on Shimoji Island, looks like something out of Castle in the Sky Laputa.
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Mt. Omotodake
Omotodake is 525.5 meters above sea level, and it takes about one hour from the trailhead to the summit.
The mountain is a subtropical jungle, where you can see national natural treasures such as the "Saxifraga Lizard" and the "Ryukyu Pigeon".
Also, at a point about 700 meters uphill from the starting point, you can view a powerful waterfall.
Omotodake is the highest mountain in Okinawa, so from the top you can enjoy a magnificent view of the cobalt blue ocean and the mountains of Ishigaki.
⇒OmotodakeFor more information on
river running between Tokyo-to and Kanagawa Prefecture
Fukitsu River is about a 20-minute drive from Ishigaki Airport, where you can see a mangrove forest called "hirugi community of Fukitsu River," which is a natural monument of Ishigaki City.
The mangrove forests are home to many creatures such as the Yaeyama Sea Lamprey, and at low tide, visitors can enjoy observing the mud flats.
Also, at low tide, the mangroves can be seen all the way down to the roots, which is breathtakingly powerful. At high tide, the mangrove forests are reflected on the surface of the water, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Canoes and kayaks are used to proceed along the Fukidori River, but from the upper reaches, trekkers can reach the waterfalls deep in the river.
This waterfall is known as a power spot, so you can bathe in the power of nature and recharge your batteries.
⇒river running between Tokyo-to and Kanagawa PrefectureFor more information on
Barasu Island, the "Miracle Island
Barasu Island is located between Iriomote Island and Hatoma Island, about 45 minutes by boat from Ishigaki Island.
It is said that there are only two islands in the world made entirely of coral fragments, and Barras Island is a "miracle island" made entirely of coral fragments.
Barasu Island is so small that it is not marked as an island on Japanese maps, but the contrast between the island made of pure white coral and the clear blue sea is truly beautiful.
The shape of the island changes with the tide. In the evening, as the sun sets and the tide is high, the land area decreases, so the island looks like a thin line.
It is very mysterious because when you are walking on land at that time, from a distance it looks like you are walking on the sea.
Around Barasu Island, the water is shallow and the color of the sea looks emerald green because of the accumulation of coral fragments, and a little further away from the island, the water becomes deeper, so the sea color looks deep blue, which is very beautiful.
Barras Island is also a treasure trove of marine life, where you can see beautiful tropical fish and sea turtles, and enjoy snorkeling and diving.
⇒Ishigaki Island] "Miracle Island" Barasu Island Tourclick here
⇒Barasu Island Tourclick here
Minaminohama Artificial Beach
Nanu Hamacho Artificial Beach is a new beach created in 2018 and is the closest beach to downtown Ishigaki, a 20-minute walk from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal.
Why an artificial beach when there are so many beautiful beaches in Ishigaki Island? Some people may think, "Why an artificial beach when there are so many beautiful beaches in Ishigaki Island?
The Southern Gate Bridge is located on the way to the Minami-Nuohama Artificial Beach.
The Southern Gate Bridge is approximately 440 meters long, and from the bridge you can enjoy the clear blue sky, beautiful sunsets, sunrises, and oceans, and star gazing at night, and you can see the Southern Cross, which cannot be seen in Honshu.
The Nannuhama Artificial Beach is equipped with restrooms, coin-operated showers, and coin-operated lockers, and you can enjoy the silky white sand beach and beautiful, clean ocean.
There are also other places on this beach where you can interact with dolphins.
By all means, if you have time, try to experience a dolphin interaction.
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Shiraho Coast
Shiraho Beach is a 5-minute drive from Shin-Ishigaki Airport and is located in the eastern part of the island with an excellent location.
This beach is a 10-km stretch of long natural white sand beach, and the ocean is the most abundant and rich in coral and tropical fish species and quantity on the island, making it a popular spot for snorkeling.
The first feature is the largest colony of blue coral in the northern hemisphere, which is also known as a rare species.
It is a world-famous place that attracts snorkelers and divers from Japan and abroad to snorkel and dive for blue corals.
In addition to blue corals, there are more than 70 species of corals such as common corals, yellow corals, and green corals, and popular tropical fish, the bear flea, can also be seen.
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Location: Shiraho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 5 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Parking: -
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: No
Soccer Park Akanma
Soccer Park Akanma is a soccer field located near Sokobaru Dam in the center of Ishigaki Island.
It has three high-quality natural grass fields, a multi-functional clubhouse, and other full-fledged facilities, all created in the rich natural environment of the tropics, and was a candidate for an official World Cup 2002 soccer camp site.
In the past, FC Tokyo and Shimizu S-Pulse also used the area as a campsite, and famous soccer teams from Japan and abroad have visited the area. Of course, local soccer and youth teams also visit.
Soccer Park Akanma has a lawn area and a coffee shop, so visitors can take a break as well.
Soccer Park Akanma is a soccer field that offers soccer schools, but you can also experience other sports such as archery and futsal.
It is also a good idea to stop by the Blue Cave and Yaeyama palm colony in Yonehara, which are located near Soccer Park Akanma.
Location: 2166-1 Miyara Yoshikido, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 10 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Mt. Kara (in Chinese mythology, the mountain where Buddha delivered his first sermon)
Kala-dake is a small mountain about 136 meters above sea level, located near Shin-Ishigaki Airport, and is a green mountain with few trees and only short, tall grasses and trees.
The summit can be reached in about 15 minutes one way. From the top of the mountain, you can see planes flying in and out of Shin-Ishigaki Airport.
It is also a popular photo spot, so take a commemorative photo with an airplane flying into the blue sky in the background!
As mentioned above, there are almost no native trees that play the role of windbreaks, and the sea breezes hit directly and generate updrafts.
For this reason, it is famous as a paragliding point.
Location: Shiraho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: Just a short distance from Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Available (Ishigaki Airport Parking Lot)
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
deified volcano or volcanic eruption
Mikamizaki is the westernmost cape of Ishigaki Island, and from the precipitous cliff, you can see the coral reefs on the ocean floor in the clear emerald green sea. In early spring, the area is tinged with white and pink by the tepukuyuri and hirsutaki tsukimisou. The white lighthouse at the tip of the cape contrasts beautifully with the surrounding day lilies. From this cape, visitors can access the beach and enjoy activities such as SUP and snorkeling.
Location: Aza Sakieda, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 45 minutes by car from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal
Parking: Available (approx. 10 cars) free of charge
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Osaki Beach
Osaki Beach is the westernmost beach on the island, located at the southwestern tip of Yarabe Peninsula in the northwestern part of Ishigaki Island. It takes about 30 minutes by car from the city center, so it is a secluded beach not often visited by tourists. Osaki Beach stretches behind the ruins of the telegraph office, and is characterized by crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and corals growing in clusters in the shallows. It is often used as a field for snorkeling tours, as it is also home to an abundance of living creatures. Be aware, however, that since this is not an artificial beach or a private hotel beach, there are no jellyfish prevention nets or lifeguards on duty, so safety must be managed on an individual basis.
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Location: Sakieda, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 30 minutes by car from Ishigakijima Island Terminal
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Yaeyama palm colony in Yonehara
Yaeyama palm is designated as a national natural monument. It is a species of palm that grows naturally only on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, including all over the world, with a height of 15 to 20 meters and some exceeding 30 cm in diameter.
The Yaeyama palm was once considered to be the same as the Noyashi palm of the Ogasawara Islands, but after it was described as a new species in the genus Noyashi by Sumihiko Hatsushima in 1964, the genus Yaeyama was newly established by H.E. Moore and transferred to this genus. The genus name, Satakentia, was given in honor of Toshihiko Satake, a member of the palm research family. In addition to the Yaeyama palm, the following subtropical plants also grow wild in this large colony, so please look for them when you walk around.
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Hamai Japanese mulberry (Morus bombycis)
common red mullet (Chelon haematocheilus)
Japanese mountain ash (Sorbus japonica)
Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra var. italica)
Ryukyu Oyster
Red Cherry Blossom
Japanese clover (any flowering plant of genus Lespedeza, esp. Lespedeza japonica)
Asparagus schoberioides
yellow-throated spinefoot (Siganus javus, species of Indo-Pacific rabbitfish)
Kuzuimo
Migratory Ferns
A. grandiflora var.
common crane (Grus grus)
Location: Beikkai, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 25 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 30 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Parking: Free parking (approx. 15 cars, paid parking available)
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Telegraph shop ruins
The Telegraph House Ruins (official name: Submarine Cable Landing Room) was built by the Army in 1897 as a submarine cable connection between Taiwan and Japan for military purposes. It remained useful for nearly 50 years until after World War II, when it was heavily damaged by Allied bombardment during the Pacific War. Numerous bullet holes remain on the walls and ceiling, showing the tragedy of the war at that time.
Location: Sakieda, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 35 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
Parking: None (there is space for cars to make a U-turn)
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Yarabe-dake
Yarabudake is a mountain with an elevation of 216.5 meters and is a popular tourist spot for its rock formation known as the Troll's Tongue. Many tourists may go to Nosoko-dake, but the view from Yarabudake is also quite good and offers beautiful scenery different from that of Nosoko Marpei. Since you can drive up to the 8th peak of the mountain, even those who are not confident about their physical strength can easily join the trekking. Students from the local Sakieda Elementary and Junior High Schools often climb this mountain, so you can see that even beginners can climb without difficulty! During the trekking, you will push forward while observing subtropical flora and fauna. After parting the vegetation, the symbol of Mt. Yarabudake, the troll rock, appears. It is so called because it sticks out like the huge tongue of the monster troll. Visitors can walk under the troll's tongue or climb up to admire the view. The view from the top of the troll's tongue is spectacular, so be sure to try it!
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Access: 30 minutes by car from downtown Ishigaki
Parking: No dedicated parking, paid parking available nearby.
summary
Tamatorizaki Observatory and Kabira Bay are well-known sightseeing spots on Ishigaki Island, but you can learn more about the charm of Ishigaki Island in depth by visiting the hidden spots introduced here.
These are some of the recommended spots on Ishigaki Island.
Related columns are here↓.
Ishigaki Island Sightseeing Spots! 30 recommended sightseeing spots
All the fun of Ishigaki Island is here↓.
Ishigaki Island Tours
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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Enjoy a luxurious and relaxing experience after a day of activities.
