9 recommended observatories on Ishigaki Island!

Hello everyone! Ishigaki Island has many spectacular views of the ocean, rivers, and mountains. Observation decks are often used to relax and enjoy such scenery. Ishigaki Island also has many small hills, mountains, and large forest parks, so there are many observatories. In this article, we will introduce the recommended observatory in Ishigaki Island.

What is the observatory on Ishigaki Island?

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, there are many observatories in Ishigaki Island. In Banna Park alone, the largest park in Ishigaki Island, there are dozens of observatories, some overlooking the ocean, some for bird watching, and some for enjoying the starry sky and night view. There are also some observatories located on the mountain with a spectacular view overlooking the island and some on the cape overlooking the sea. It is a must-see spot for your trip to Ishigaki Island, so please check it out!

9 recommended observatories on Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island Observatory (1) Tamatorizaki Observatory

Tamatorizaki Observatory is located in the central part of Ishigaki Island, and the emerald green sea spreads out below. From the observatory, you can see Ibaruma Bay on the left, the sea of Ishigaki Island on the right, and Banna-dake in front. You can also see the coral reef group on the ocean bottom on the right side. There are cafes and BBQ places nearby, so you can relax and enjoy the spectacular view.

Ishigaki Island-Tamatorizaki Observatory   Tamatorizaki Observatory is located in the middle of Ishigaki Island, just before Ibaruma where the island narrows. It has long been a scenic spot known for its spectacular view. When you stand at the observatory, you can see Ibaruma Bay on the left, Mt. &nbs [...].

Ishigaki Island Observatory (2) Kabira Park Observatory

It is a park observatory located in Kabira Bay, the most scenic spot in Ishigaki Island. From the observatory, you can overlook the beautiful bay which is said to change 7 different colors. Because of its beauty, it was awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide in 2008. The park has a promenade and glass boats for sightseeing in the bay. The bottom of the boat is made of transparent glass, allowing visitors to observe coral and tropical fish without getting wet. There is also a Kabira Kannon Hall with interesting anecdotes, so be sure to visit and check it out. Since Kabira Bay is the No. 1 tourist attraction, there are various facilities such as accommodations, observatory, restaurants, ice cream shops, and souvenir shops. It is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

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!

Ishigaki Island / 1 Day] Visit 2 major scenic spots you must see at least once! Kabira Bay Glass Boat & SUP Experience and Blue Cave Snorkeling Tour (No.397)開始時間8:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 8 hours15,500 yen

Observatory on Ishigaki Island (3) Observatory on Minami Island

The South Island Lookout is one of the lookout points in Banna Park. It is located about 1 km from the north entrance of Banna Park on the Banna Skyline, the central road of Banna Park. The South Island Lookout is a craggy rock visual lookout, fortress-like and very photogenic. From the Minami no Shima observatory, you can enjoy the scenery of pineapple fields and ranches in Nagura and Miwa, and Shin-Ishigaki Airport. You can also see the sea such as Nagura Bay and Shiraho.

Ishigaki Island-Banna Park   About Banna Park Banna Park is a nature-rich park located in the center of Ishigaki Island at an elevation of about 230 meters. It is the widest park in Ishigaki Island with a circumference of about 8 km, and there are entrances (east, west, north, south, and west) in each direction. Banna Park is an area rich in nature [...].

Ishigaki Island Observatory (4) Crested Serpent Eagle Observatory

The Crested Serpent Eagle Observation Deck is another observation deck in Banna Park, located near the north entrance of the park. Banna Park is open from 9:00 to 21:00, so Kammuri Eagle Observation Deck and other observation decks in the southern island introduced earlier can be used only during the above hours. From this observatory, you can see Shin-Ishigaki Airport and Ishigaki Dam. You may be able to see migratory birds flying to the Ishigaki Dam every year. There is also a waterfowl observatory near the crested serpent eagle observatory, so if you want to observe waterfowl carefully, it is recommended to visit there.

Ishigaki Island/Autumn Special SALE [Ishigaki Island/After Sunset] Limited from February to May☆Natural Illumination! Japan's smallest firefly "Yaeyama Firefly" viewing tour (No.318)開始時間18:00 - 20:00所要時間Approx. 1.5 hours7,900 yen →4,900yen

Ishigaki Island-Banna Park   About Banna Park Banna Park is a nature-rich park located in the center of Ishigaki Island at an elevation of about 230 meters. It is the widest park in Ishigaki Island with a circumference of about 8 km, and there are entrances (east, west, north, south, and west) in each direction. Banna Park is an area rich in nature [...].

Ishigaki Island Observatory (5) Maesedake Observatory

Maesedake Observatory, as the name suggests, is an observatory located on the mountain of Maesedake, from which you can see the whole Ishigaki Island. This observatory is a hidden spot that is not introduced in guidebooks and cannot be searched by car navigation system. Therefore, it is recommended to take a cab to get there. The observatory is located deep in the mountains, and even some locals are unaware of this spot. In any case, there are very few people here, so it is a great spot to relax and spend time. The observatory also has a small athletic field, so it is perfect for those with children! Maesedake where Maesedake Observatory is located is the mountain where Ishigakijima Observatory is built, so you can see full of stars in the sky. You can also enjoy the night view as you can see the whole city.

Ishigaki Island Observatory (6) Nosodake Observatory

Nosoko Observatory is the observatory on Mt. Nosoko, the No. 1 scenic spot in Ishigaki Island located in the northern part of the island. If you follow the narrow forest road on Prefectural Road No. 79, you will find the entrance of the trail to Nosoko-dake. The forest road is very narrow, and the visibility is poor due to many undulations, so please visit with caution. The forest road leads to an observation deck. From the Nosoko Observation Deck, you can see the ocean and the summit of Nosoko-dake, but visitors to the Observation Deck are strongly encouraged to go to the summit of Nosoko-dake. The summit of Mt. Nosoko has an unobstructed view, so visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. It is also a power spot with the legend of love between Kanimui and Ma-pei, so please be sure to climb up there.

A new attraction in Ishigaki Island! Trekking through the legendary Nosoko Marpei!Nosoko Marpei, the second largest mountain in Ishigaki Island surrounded by beautiful sea, is 282m above sea level. 30 minutes up the mountain, you will see the rock at the top. There you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view!

Ishigaki Island Observatory (7) Observatory with Emerald Sea View

The Emerald Sea Viewing Observatory is another of the observatories located in Banna Park. The Emerald Sea View Observation Deck is one of the most popular observation decks in the park. It is an easily accessible spot with free parking and a bus stop in place. As the name of the observatory suggests, you can overlook the emerald green ocean of Ishigaki Island and see the beautiful sunset in the evening. When the sun goes down, you can see stars all over the sky.

Ishigaki Island - Observatory with Emerald Sea View   What is the observatory to see the emerald sea? The observatory is located in Bangna Park. With free parking and a bus stop nearby, it is a tourist attraction that attracts many visitors. Many tour buses also stop by. The view is particularly scenic in Banna Park [...].

Ishigakijima Observation Deck (8) New Ishigaki Airport Observation Deck

As the name suggests, the Shin-Ishigaki Airport Observation Deck is located on the rooftop of Shin-Ishigaki Airport. From here, you can see airplanes flying in and out of the runway and Mt. Even though it is an observation deck, few people come here, so it is nice to take in the breeze and wait for the planes with the sound of waves as background music. Since the runway side is facing the sea, the planes flying to the sea are very picturesque, making it a popular photo spot.

Ishigaki Island-Nannujima Ishigaki Airport   About Nannujima Ishigaki Airport Ishigaki Airport is the only airport in Ishigaki Island with domestic and international flights. Ishigaki Airport has direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, allowing you to travel to Ishigaki Island very comfortably. Also, Osaka (Kansai International Airport) [...].

Ishigaki Island Observatory (9) Kabira-ishizaki Observatory

Kabiraishizaki Observatory is located at Kabiraishizaki, one of the most famous scenic spots in the northwestern part of Ishigaki Island. On a fine day, you can faintly see the shadow of Iriomote Island in the distant sea. To access the Kabiraishizaki Observatory, you need to go along a narrow road overgrown with tropical spiny adan trees. Nearby is the popular Club Med resort hotel. The Kabira Ishizaki Observation Deck can also be accessed from the Club Med property. On the way to the Club Med entrance, there is a sign that reads "Cape Ishizaki Peninsula" and follow the signs to reach the observatory. Kabira Ishizaki is a dive site where you can see many manta rays, and you can watch the boats coming and going.

KAWAHIRA ISHIZAKI   About Kabiraishizaki The beautiful emerald green sea stretches out at the tip of the cape on Club Med's grounds. On the left side of the cape is a quiet sea with Mikamizaki on the opposite shore. The right side of the sea is a world-famous diving spot where manta rays congregate. [...].

summary

We introduced the observatory on Ishigaki Island. How was it? There are places where you can observe migratory birds in Banna Park, observatories where you can appreciate the sunset and starry sky, and observatories where you can see the ocean below. You can enjoy one of the best views of Ishigaki Island at any of the observatories, so please visit them. Thank you for reading to the end.

Sunset SUP Tour: Twilight Cruising in the Tranquil Sea (No.332)開始時間17:00-19:30 (varies)所要時間Approx. 2 hours14,500 yen →7,900yen

[Starry Sky Special] Ishigaki City and Iriomote Island have been chosen as Japan's first starry sky protected area!Ishigaki City and Iriomote Island were chosen as Japan's first starry sky protection area. Ishigaki Island, also known as Star Island, is a place with beautiful stars. Since it was recognized worldwide, we introduce the starry sky you can see here.