A model course around Ishigaki Island! A must-see for those who are not confident about their physical strength!

Ishigaki Island is the largest resort area in Japan, with impressive white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and an abundance of leisure facilities. There are also many places where you can see beautiful sunset and taste delicious tropical fruits. It is easy to get lost in making a schedule to visit such Ishigaki Island. In this article, we will introduce a model course that can go around Ishigaki Island for 2 days 1 night and 3 days 2 nights.

Model Course Characteristics for a Round of Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island is a popular resort destination for both domestic and international tourists. Ishigaki Island is surrounded by Taketomi Island and Iriomote Island, which can be easily accessed from the remote island terminal. Ishigaki Island, the base of Yaeyama trip, has many variations to enjoy resort trip. We will introduce a model course so that you can enjoy an efficient trip to Ishigaki Island during your stay.

Ishigaki Island Model Course 2 days 1 night

Day 1

14:20 Arrive at Shin-Ishigaki Airport

After arriving at Shin-Ishigaki Airport, we will secure a rental car and head to the hotel we have reserved for the downtown area.

For more information about Shin-Ishigaki Airport, click here↓.

Thorough description of New Ishigaki Airport (Nannujima Ishigaki Airport)! Introducing the airport's restaurants, how to get there, and nearby sightseeing spots!Contents1 What is New Ishigaki Airport (Nannujima Ishigaki Airport) 2 What is the airport in Ishigaki Island like? 2.2 Sightseeing spots (1) Creatures of Yaeyama welcome you 2.3 Sightseeing spots (2) Omotodake [...

15:15 Arrival at hotel and check-in

After checking in at the hotel and a short rest, we will head to the beautiful Sokoji Beach, a two-star Michelin Green Guide beach.

15:25 Swimming at Sokoji Beach

Sukuji Beach, which was the site of the beach opening, is a long white sand beach with a large arc-shaped shoreline that extends about 1 km to Kabira-ishizaki. As mentioned above, it is so scenic that it was awarded two stars by the Michelin Green Guide. The beach is covered with a native forest of mokumao trees, which act as a windbreak, and the sea is calm. Toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a large parking lot make this a popular beach for swimming. Activities can also be enjoyed, and its location on the east coast offers beautiful sunset views. After playing on the beach, head to Hitoshi Honten, where you can taste the freshest island fish.

Click here to play marine sports

18:10 Dinner at Hitoshi's main restaurant

Hitoshi Honten is a popular restaurant that serves fresh tuna caught in the waters near the island that is patronized by the locals. The restaurant is packed with customers making reservations even before it opens. During the season, reservations can be made up to a month in advance. Not only table seating, but also counter seating is available, making it perfect for solo travelers! Tuna served at Hitoshi is plump and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Sashimi and sushi are also on the menu, and you can enjoy high quality tuna at a reasonable price. Not only fresh fish, but also Ishigaki beef, a specialty of the island, is served. After enjoying your meal, head to the remote island terminal to join the jungle night tour.

Related Rankings:tavern | Ishigaki City

20:00

Meet at the remote island terminal. Head for the jungle.

20:30

Arriving in the jungle at night. Start searching.

21:00 Arrival at secret coconut crab point.

We will closely observe the coconut crab, a nocturnal creature of subtropical climates.

21:30

Night tour ends. Return to the remote island terminal.

22:00

Arrival at the remote island terminal.

22:30

Returned to the hotel and went to bed.

2nd day

7:30

rising

8:00 Island Vegetable Cafe Re:Hellow BEACH

Island Vegetable Cafe Re:Hellow BEACH is a popular restaurant in the form of a house featuring dishes made with an abundance of freshly picked island vegetables. You can enjoy the ocean view from every seat. You can enjoy the beautiful nature of Ishigaki Island while eating food made with the blessings of the island. Vegetables used at the Island Vegetable Cafe Re:Hellow BEACH come directly from farmers and JA Yurateiku market on the same day, so they can be served in fresh condition. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, of which we recommend the healthy island vegetable curry that uses plenty of fresh island vegetables. After enjoying the healthy menu from Island Vegetable Cafe Re:Hellow BEACH, head to Fusaki Beach to enjoy swimming.

Related Rankings:cafe | Ishigaki City

10:00 Swimming at Husaki Beach

Bathing at Fusaki Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Ishigaki Island. This beach faces Nagura Bay, the largest bay in Ishigaki Island, and you can see the surrounding islands of Yaeyama on the opposite shore. In addition, since the beach is managed by Fusa Kiri Resort Village, a resort hotel, it is well equipped with a full-time lifeguard and nets to prevent jellyfish, as well as a wide variety of rental equipment for activities and various marine sports! Although Husaki Beach is crowded with tourists, it also retains its natural beauty as sea turtles visit the beach every year to lay their eggs. After a morning of swimming and activities at Husaki Beach, we will have lunch at BOLD KITCHEN.

12:30 Lunch at BOLD KITCHEN

BOLD KITCHEN is a restaurant in Husaki Resort Village that serves Yaeyama cuisine such as dulwakasi, jimmy tofu, and pawpaw.
Fresh seafood caught in the waters around the island, island vegetables, Ishigaki beef, and other exquisite dishes are all available. All the dishes are generous in volume and taste great! Enjoy tropical cocktails with the island cuisine! After lunch, we will head towards the airport along the south coast and go snorkeling at Shiraho Beach!

Related Rankings:Viking | Ishigaki City

14:00 Snorkeling at Shiraho Beach

Shiraho Beach boasts the largest amount of coral and tropical fish on the island. This beach is home to the largest colony of blue coral in the northern hemisphere. It is extremely valuable worldwide, and many people from Japan and abroad come to Shiraho Beach to snorkel and dive for blue corals. In addition to blue coral, there are more than 70 species of coral, including common coral, yellow coral, and green coral, making it possible to see a rich variety of colorful coral! After taking the time to observe the island's largest amount of living creatures and colorful corals on the Shiraho Coast and enjoying underwater exploration, we will head to the Yaeyama palm colony in Yonehara.

16:30 Walking in Yaeyama palm community in Yonehara

The Yaeyama palm is a palm that grows naturally only on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands in the Yaeyama Archipelago. It is designated as a national natural treasure, and the Yaeyama palms in Yonehara are the largest colony in the world. The height of the trees is 15 to 20 meters, and some of them are over 30 cm in diameter, which is very powerful. In addition to the yaeyama palms, there are many other subtropical plants that grow in this colony, making it an enjoyable place to appreciate the plants. After enjoying the yaeyama palms, we will head for the airport.

18:00

Arrive at Shin-Ishigaki Airport one hour before flight departure.

Ishigaki Island Model Course: 3 days 2 nights

Day 1

14:20 Arrive at Shin-Ishigaki Airport

As with the 2-day/2-night model course, you will depart Haneda Airport at 11:25 a.m. and arrive at Ishigaki Island at 14:20 p.m. You will access Shiraho Beach with the rental car we have arranged for you.

15:00 Arrive at Maesato Beach

From Shin-Ishigaki Airport, exit to Route 390 and follow the south coast to Maesato Beach. Maesato Beach is a well maintained artificial beach managed by ANA Intercontinental Ishigaki Resort. It is a very popular beach because it is equipped with a permanent lifeguard and hub jellyfish net prevention nets, and it is free to use even for non-guests. Also, there are equipment rentals and tours available for your activity needs, so you are sure to be satisfied.

Click here to play marine sports

Ishigaki Island/One-Day Tour: All-you-can-do Marine Sports Course with Lunch (No.398)開始時間8:20-16:30所要時間Approx. 7 hours19,300 yen →17,500yen

17:00 Kannonzaki Lighthouse

Heading westward along the southern coastline from Maesato Beach, you will find the Kannonzaki Lighthouse at the western end. This lighthouse was built in 1953 by the U.S. military, which ruled Okinawa. Its location on the east coast offers beautiful sunset views. Because it is located on a hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area and the sea side of Nagura Bay, Taketomi Island, and Ishigaki Island Beach. It is also good to visit caves, Toujin Tombs, and Fusaki Beach in the vicinity. After enjoying the sunset, head to Island Eatery Nanpu.

18:30 Dinner at Island Eatery Minamikaze

Island Eatery Nanpu is popular for its wide variety of island cuisine. Locals frequent the restaurant, and it is crowded with tourists during the season. The staff is energetic, lively, and pleasant. The restaurant's signature dishes include its signature fried rice with squid meat, island tofu with garlic soy sauce, and other typical island dishes.

Related Rankings:Okinawan cuisine | Ishigaki City

21:00

Return to the hotel and go to bed

2nd day

9:00 Morning at Blue Cafe

The Blue Café is a hotel and café in one, with a bakery and freshly baked bread inside, and opens at 6:20 a.m., so you can visit before your tour or after enjoying the sunrise. The Blue Café offers a freshly baked brown sugar waffle set that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and a breakfast buffet that includes egg dishes and vegetable soup. There is also a morning set that includes one piece of bread of your choice, a salad, and a drink for 500 yen. After morning, head to Kabira Park.

Related Rankings:cafe | Ishigaki City

10:00 Stroll in Kabira Park

Kabira Bay, which won three stars in the Michelin Green Guide, is a park with Kabira Bay, the most scenic spot in Ishigaki Island, and you can spend your time comfortably as the parking lot and promenade are well maintained. Since Kabira Bay is the No. 1 tourist attraction in Ishigaki Island, there are accommodations, restaurants, souvenir shops, etc., so you can take your time to explore. From the Kabira Observation Deck located on a small hill, you can see the whole view of Kabira Bay. It is said that the ocean color of Kabira Bay changes seven different colors depending on the tide level, sunlight, and other factors. There is a red-tiled pavilion at the observatory, which is typical of Yaeyama, so you can enjoy the view in a relaxed manner. After exploring the park, we will have lunch at Kabira Park Tea House.

For more information about Kabira Bay, click here↓.

Ishigaki Island's No. 1 popular tourist spot! Summary of recommended tours & things to do in Kabira BayKabira Bay, located in the northwestern part of Ishigaki Island, is a 3-star tourist spot in the Michelin Green Guidebook. We introduce the attraction of Kabira Bay and access information!

12:10 Lunch at Kabira Park Teahouse

Kabira Park Teahouse is located about 2 or 3 minutes on foot from Kabira Bay, and the back of the restaurant is a guest house. It is spacious with 24 table seats and 12 tatami room seats, so you can relax in comfort. In addition to local dishes such as Yaeyama soba (buckwheat noodles), soki soba (buckwheat noodles), and somen chanpuru, which are representative of Yaeyama, curry rice, yakisoba, and fried rice, which are standard menu items, are also available. After having lunch at Kabira Park Tea House, head to Banna Park in the center of the island.

Related Rankings:Okinawa soba (thick noodles served in a pork soup) | Ishigaki City

13:30 Banna Park

Banna Park is a prefectural forest park with a circumference of about 8 km centering on Mt. Banna, which is about 230 m above sea level. The large site was divided into five zones from A to E. Zone A, just after entering from the south entrance, has a general information center, and Zone B has a telescope to view the emerald sea where you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Ishigaki Island sea, sunset, and starry sky. There is a parking lot and a bus stop here, making this a spot with excellent accessibility. There are world insect museum, botanical garden, zone C where Segway experience tour is held, zone D where you can appreciate subtropical plants and animals, and zone E where there are many attractions and athletic facilities. In the park, you can see crested serpent eagles, which are a national natural treasure, coconut crabs, and Yaeyama fireflies at night.

16:00 Tidal flats and mangrove walk at Nagura Ampal

Mangroves grow in clusters near the mouth of Nagura Bay, the largest bay on the island, located in the western part of Ishigaki Island. The river provides nutrient-rich water to the sea, making it a habitat rich in life, and it is the only place in the Yaeyama Islands designated for protection under the Ramsar Convention.

Click here for Sunset Canoe Tours↓.

Ishigaki Island] Same-day reservations OK! Dusk Sunset Canoe Tour (No.333)開始時間17:00-19:30 (varies)所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours14,500 yen →7,900yen

18:15 Ishigakijima Kitachi Ranch Misaki Branch

If you want to eat Ishigaki Island's specialty Ishigaki beef, Ishigakijima Kitachi Ranch Misaki Branch is the place! The main restaurant is located near Ishigaki Island Remote Island Terminal and is a yakiniku restaurant boasting Ishigaki beef. They own a ranch and wholesale directly from the ranch, so the beef is served in fresh condition. The whole head is processed so you can enjoy both standard and rare parts of the beef. Although it is a yakiniku restaurant, hamburgers are also very popular, so please be sure to order them as well! We will leave early and return to the hotel to prepare for the next morning's sunrise viewing.

Related Rankings:yakiniku | Ishigaki City

20:30

Return to the hotel and go to bed

3rd day

6:00 Stroll along Akashi Beach and watch the sunrise

Akashi Beach, one of the best sunrise spots in Ishigaki, is a natural beach in Akashi area of Hirakubo Peninsula located in the northeast of the island. You can wait until sunrise while beachcombing. Because of its distance from the city center, the beach is rarely visited by tourists, making it a very private beach. It is perfect for relaxing in a calm atmosphere!

Sunrise Canoe is here↓.

Special Autumn SALE [Ishigakijima/Early morning] Let's enjoy sunrise in Ishigaki Island☆Sunrise kayak tour to feel the sunrise☆Free photo（No.312開始時間6:00-8:30 a.m.所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours14,500 yen →7,900yen

7:30 Suncoast Cafe

Suncoast Cafe is a restaurant on the ground floor of ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort and opens at 5:00 am, so you can easily visit even after sunrise. Morning, lunch, and dinner are served, and the morning meal is also buffet style. The buffet-style breakfast menu includes plenty of vegetables and fruits, so you can enjoy the last day to the fullest after a good morning meal. After breakfast, head to the Fukidori River.

Related Rankings:Viking | Ishigaki City

9:00 Mangrove viewing at Fukiutsu River

The Fukidori River is the island's representative jungle river, with hirugi forests, a national natural treasure, growing in clusters on both banks of the river. At low tide, the characteristic roots of the mangroves are exposed and mud flats dry out. On the mudflats, you can see the Yaeyama lionfish waving its scissors and the flying gobies jumping about. As you proceed upstream from the mouth of the river, the types of native mangroves change due to fluctuations in salinity. Near the upper reaches of the river is Yabiku Falls, known as a waterfall of matchmaking, so feel free to visit. After enjoying the creature observation and forest bathing at the Jungle River, we will head for Nosoko-dake.

Click here for mangrove activities

Ishigaki Island】Choice of SUP or Canoe Experience in Fuki-togawa Mangrove & Trekking Tour to "Nosoko Marpei" with 360-degree panoramic view★Optional drone shooting available (No.363)開始時間8:30-15:30所要時間Approx. 7 hours15,000 yen

10:45 Mt. Nosoko trekking

Nosoko-dake, one of the most beautiful spots on the island. Nosoko-dake is not so high at 284 meters above sea level, making it a popular mountain for trekking. It is a designated national park and one of the 100 most beautiful mountains on the island. The summit of the mountain offers an unobstructed 360-degree panoramic view. Trekking from the foot of the mountain takes about an hour, but you can reach the 8th peak in 10 minutes by car. The course from the foot of the mountain also allows you to take your time to observe the subtropical flora and fauna, so you can fully enjoy Nosodake. Nevertheless, please consult with your own physical strength and visit.

Click here for Mt. Nosoko trekking

Ishigaki Island] Easy trekking tour to "Nosoko Marpei," selected as one of the 100 best Shimayama (No.320)開始時間9:30-12:00 / 13:30-16:00 / 17:00-19:30所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours6,900 yen

13:00 Lunch at Natural Garden Cafe PUFFPUFF

Natural Garden Cafe PUFFPUFF is a cafe that serves delicious sweets and juices made from island tropical fruits. In particular, the seekers' juice and tropical parfait are very popular. In addition to sweets, the cafe also offers a lunch menu, so you can enjoy luxurious island cuisine and sweets. You can thoroughly enjoy the island's ingredients.

Related Rankings:cafe | Ishigaki City

14:20

Arrive at Shin-Ishigaki Airport one hour before flight departure.

summary

We introduced a model course around Ishigaki Island. How was it? There are spots where you can enjoy spectacular views of Ishigaki Island such as sunrise and sunset, and beaches where you can enjoy swimming and other activities. We hope it will help you to make a schedule for your trip to Ishigaki Island. Thank you for reading to the end.