Here are some recommended tours and facilities on Ishigaki Island where you can interact with popular animals, such as those at the zoo, dolphins, and horses.
Let's meet various animals in Ishigaki Island!
Did you know that in Ishigaki Island, you can not only enjoy beaches, nature, and local food, but also many places where you can interact with animals?
Among themAn endemic species found only on Ishigaki Island and other remote islands of OkinawaSince some zoos feature these animals, you'll be able to enjoy a zoo experience that's a little different from the rest.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the charming zoos and animal interaction spots on Ishigaki Island!
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Zoos and animal petting facilities on Ishigaki Island
There are many places where you can meet animals on Ishigaki Island.
Here, let's take a look at the zoos and animal interaction facilities on Ishigaki Island. Start by comparing them in the list below.
| Facility Name | Animals You Can Interact With | Estimated Fees | area |
|---|---|---|---|
| dolphin fantasy | dolphin (or other small toothed whales, such as porpoises and belugas) | Starting at 605 yen | Southern Gate Bridge |
| Yamama Village | Squirrel Monkey · Water Buffalo | Starting at 900 yen per hour | Nagura Bay |
| Hirano Animal Terrace | Capybaras, Horses, Goats, and Guinea Pigs | Starting at 1,000 yen | Hirano (Northern Part of the Island) |
| unruly horse | Horses (Horseback Riding, Beach Rides) | Starting at 10,000 yen | Toward Kabira Bay |
| Ishigakijima Horse Square | Yonaguni Horse (Sea Horse Play) | Starting at 2,000 yen | Hirakubo (Northern Part of the Island) |
dolphin fantasy
In a spot overlooking the sea near Ishigaki,You can interact with dolphins and swim with themDolphin Fantasy is a great place to visit with kids.
The facility is so well-known as a holiday destination that it has been featured in feature articles.
What kind of animals can I touch?
There is a dolphin swim experience where you can have direct contact with dolphins.
Dolphin swim is to wear swimwear and swim with dolphins in the pool.
Dolphin Fantasy offers an experience program that allows visitors to feed and swim with dolphins in a ykezu (pool) at sea with the assistance of staff.
Also,We offer trial programs not only during the summer but also during the winter (December through March).So, if you'd like to swim with dolphins, why not pay a visit?
Closed: Open daily (subject to weather conditions)
Admission Fees, etc.: Course-based pricing (advance reservation required)
Dolphin Viewing Only: 605 yen / Swim: 10,780 yen / Interaction: 4,180 yen / Trainer Experience: 13,200 yen / Dolphin Watching: 1,650 yen (Not available from July through September)
Parking: Available
Directions: About a 30-minute drive from the airport and about 5 minutes from the Remote Islands Terminal. It is located just past the Southern Gate Bridge in Yashima-cho, Ishigaki City.
*Please note that while each tour includes transportation from the registration desk to the activity site, there is no transportation provided from the airport, hotels, or other locations.Please.
Yamama Village
Yaima Village is a place where you can meet precious animals in the midst of the good old houses of Yaeyama and the rich nature of the island.
What kind of animals can I touch?
This is,An ethnic village-style theme park where you can interact with squirrel monkeys and water buffaloIt is.
It is a must visit place if you want to see the precious squirrel monkeys that inhabit the mangrove and forest areas, and the unique water buffaloes of Ishigaki Island.
In addition to the animals, there are alsoA building designated as an Important Cultural PropertySince there are also [...], you're sure to enjoy a unique sightseeing experience that you can only have here.
Closed: Open every day
*Restaurants in the facility may be closed, so please inquire in advance.
Admission Fees, etc.: Starting at 900 yen per hour
Parking: Available (100 spaces)
Access:Head toward Nagura Bay. It’s about 15 minutes from Ishigaki Port and about 30 minutes from the airport.
Hirano Animal Terrace
The Hirano Animal Terrace, famous for its fence-free zoo, allows visitors to interact directly with friendly animals.
What kind of animals can I touch?
Capybaras, horses, goats, guinea pigsThere are many animals like these that are friendly and easy to interact with.
Also,There are no fences inside the park.So, you'll be able to freely interact with the animals and enjoy yourself.
In addition, they sell local processed goods and agricultural products, making it a great place to select souvenirs.
*Since this is by appointment only (50 minutes), please make a reservation or contact us in advance via our website.
Closed: Weekdays (Generally open only on Saturdays and Sundays)
Admission Fees, etc.: 1,000 yen for ages 3 and up / Free for ages 2 and under
*Please bring your ID card as those whose birthday is on that day will receive free admission.
Parking: Available (Please contact us directly for details on the location.)
Access: About an hour from the city center. It’s located up a farm road on the mountainside, just one road before the end of Prefectural Route 206.
unruly horse
Recommended for those who are looking for a place to go horseback riding in Ishigaki Island, Hamba offers a rare horseback riding experience that can only be experienced in a tropical country.
What kind of animals can I touch?
Here, visitors can have direct contact with horses through a horseback riding experience.
By riding a horse, you can experience the view about 2 meters above the ground, and you may feel as if you are one with the beautiful scenery of Ishigaki Island.
Also, the highlight of Namama isThe beach ride course offers a uniquely tropical experience of horseback riding along the coast.is possible.
They lend you everything you need, so,You can go empty-handedThat's also appealing.
Other plans include private tours for families and friends only, and farm tours are also available, so please inquire in advance.
*Some courses are currently suspended, so please check when making a reservation.
Closed: Irregular holidays (Please inquire, as we operate by appointment only.)
Admission fees, etc.: 10,000 yen and up (varies by course)
Parking: Available (8 spaces)
Access:It's about a 40- to 50-minute drive from the airport and about 15 minutes from the Remote Islands Terminal. From downtown, take Prefectural Route 79 and continue straight toward Kabira Bay.
Ishigakijima Horse Square
We introduce Ishigakijima Horse Square, where you can casually play with horses on the beach.
What kind of animals can I touch?
At Ishigaki Island Horse Park, you can interact with small, adorable horses, andHorseback Riding and Playing with Seahorses at the BeachThis is a horse park where you can...
A rare native Japanese horse breedYonaguni HorseSince we specialize in these animals, we highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to see rare horses unique to Okinawa.
You can also experience walking in the shallows on horseback, and children and adults alike will have a lot of fun while having a great time.
The beginners' course includes a lecture on how to ride a horse and plenty of assistance, so even if you are new to riding, don't worry.
Closed: Unscheduled holidays
Admission Fees, etc.: Led rides and trial rides start at 2,000 yen (prices vary depending on the course)
Parking: Available (5 spaces)
Access:It's about a 40- to 50-minute drive from the airport and about an hour from downtown. It's located just before the entrance to Hirakubo Ranch, along Prefectural Route 206 heading toward Hirano.
If you are using a car navigation system, please set your destination to "Hirakubo Ranch."
*Since the meeting place may differ depending on the course, please inquire at the time of reservation for details.
Popular animal petting tours you can enjoy in Ishigaki Island
We introduce the most popular tours where you can interact with animals in Ishigaki Island.
If you do not have much time and cannot go directly to the zoo, or if you want to experience a tropical tour in a casual way, why not join us?
Dolphin petting experience
This tour is recommended for those who would like to interact with dolphins but are not confident swimmers, or who just want to touch and take pictures.
イAs for the Luca Tour,It's relatively affordable, and you can even just stop by for a tour.Therefore, families with children and older adults can feel free to participate.
We invite you to get up close and personal with these adorable dolphins and actually touch them.
Dolphin Swim Experience
This is a dolphin swim experience for those who want to swim with dolphins and interact with them a lot more.
Beginners are welcome to participate in the experience while staff members give lectures.
Also,Children ages 4 and older can participate in this activity.It is.
We invite you to join us as a family, a couple, or a group of friends and spend a dreamy time swimming with dolphins.
I highly recommend this tour because you can easily participate in it without feeling self-conscious.
summary
In this issue, we introduced zoos and other facilities you can enjoy in Ishigaki Island.
Ishigaki Island offers many animal petting experiences that are possible only in a tropical island, and are perfect for those who want to enjoy them with a large group.
If you want to make a different kind of trip to Ishigaki Island in addition to the standard tourist attractions, please consider joining a zoo or tour!
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