Recommended Spots & Activities for Solo Travelers in Ishigaki Island
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Ishigaki Island is a great travel destination for solo travelers.
You can have time to relax and think about yourself, admire the spectacular natural scenery, and take pictures.
In this issue, we will introduce some of the best spots & activities & remote islands for solo travelers.
Enjoy a comfortable trip with a rental car!
We'll also make reservations in advance for car rentals, which fill up quickly!
↓Click here for more information.
Recommended places to visit in Ishigaki Island for a solo trip
Ishigaki Island is a treasure trove of spectacular scenery. Here are some recommendations for a solo trip around such Ishigaki Island.
Let's travel around Ishigaki Island in a relaxed and free spirit on your own!
Here are some popular plans for solo travelers!
Kabira Bay
This is one of only 17 places in Japan to be awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide.
The uninhabited islands in Kabira Bay and the color of the sea, which is said to change into seven different colors, are the must-see points when you visit Ishigaki.
The color of the ocean is especially beautiful when viewed from the observation deck after noon.
You can take a glass boat ride or admire the contrast between the gradation of the ocean and the uninhabited islands from the observation deck, which is great if you are traveling alone because you are free to do so.
For more information, click here↓.
Check out the glass boat tours on Ishigaki Island!
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Tamatorizaki Observatory
The observatory is located less than 20 minutes drive north from Ishigaki Airport.
The view of the sea and the island from its elevated location is both wild and beautiful, making it a truly natural place to visit.
It is also a popular photo spot.
You can also rent a car and go see the spectacular view at night.
For more information, click here↓.
Check out night tours on Ishigaki Island!
Southern Gate Bridge
This popular spot is located just outside the city center.
A small island across the bridge is a man-made beach where you can play with dolphins.
The sunset and city night views from here are very beautiful.
You can really see the night scenery that makes you think, "Is this Japan?" You can see the scenery at night that makes you think, "Is this really Japan?
Learn more about the Southern Gate Bridge
deified volcano or volcanic eruption
Mikamizaki Lighthouse is located in the northwest of Ishigaki Island.
The white lighthouse standing alone amidst the greenery is very impressive.
It is a beautiful spot along the coastline of Ishigaki Island.
Also, if the weather permits, Kohama Island and Iriomote Island can be seen.
It is also the westernmost point of Ishigaki Island, so it is a hidden sunset spot in Ishigaki Island, and the view of the sun setting into the Pacific Ocean from here is so spectacular that it will leave you speechless.
Bangna Park
It is a nature park with plants and animals unique to Ishigaki Island.
The park is very large and divided into five attractions.
Despite its pristine nature, it is a great place to spend a relaxing time with few people.
If you are traveling alone and want to take a walk in the forest, Banna Park is the place to go.
Yarabe-dake
Mt. Yarabudake is not the highest mountain on Ishigaki Island with an elevation of 216.5 meters.
Like Mt. Nosoko, you can access the middle of the mountain by car, and from there you can trek the remaining 70 meters for about 10 minutes to encounter a spectacular view.
Students from the local Sakieda Elementary and Junior High Schools often climb the mountain here, so even beginners visiting as tourists can climb the mountain.
Trekking through the vegetation, the view to the top of Mt. Yarabe opens up and the symbol of Mt. Yarabe, the troll rock, appears before you.
Troll's Tongue is so called because it is a huge rock that sticks out like the tongue of a monster troll.
You can pass under the troll rock or climb to the top for a spectacular view below.
Only a limited number of people can ride on the troll rock, so be sure to climb in order if people are waiting for you!
Access: 30 minutes by car from downtown Ishigaki
Parking: No dedicated parking, paid parking available nearby.
Check out trekking tours on Ishigaki Island!
statue of Niou at Momorinji Temple
The two carved wooden statues of the Deva of Momorin-ji Temple are located at the temple gate of Momorin-ji Temple.
Made in 1737 by Masatada Kuteken using ogatama kino from Yaeyama, it is the oldest wooden statue in Okinawa Prefecture.
The statues of Kongorikishi and Mijakurikishi are installed on the left and right sides of the temple gate, respectively.
In 1771, the Meiwa Tsunami wrecked Momorinji Temple and Gongendo Hall, and both of these structures were swept away.
After a search, it was found on the shore of Sakieda Bay, and its damaged limbs were repaired before being reinstalled at the temple gate.
Today it is a designated tangible cultural property of Okinawa Prefecture, and you can sense something of the history and awesome visuals of its endurance of the great tsunami.
It is one of the best spots for solo travelers!
Location: 285 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 15 minutes on foot from Rito Terminal, 20 minutes by car (open road) from Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Maesato Dam
Maesato Dam is located in the northern part of Ishigaki Island, and is the southernmost multi-purpose dam in Japan with multiple uses such as irrigation, flood control, and water supply, built on the main stream of Miyara River system flowing in the central part of Ishigaki Island.
It also serves as a lifeline in the surrounding area as it is used for water supply and agriculture.
Opposite the Maesato Dam is the Sokobaru Dam, and next to the Sokobaru Dam is the Omoto Tunnel, the longest tunnel in the Yaeyama Islands at 1,174 meters in length.
After passing through the tunnel, you will find sightseeing spots such as the Blue Cave and the Yaeyama palm colony in Yonehara. After visiting the dam, it is a good idea to go through the tunnel to the Blue Cave and the Yaeyama palm colony in Yonehara.
Location: Maesato, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 20 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Gushiken Youtaka Monument
The Gushiken Youtaka Monument is a monument in front of the pier at the Ishigaki Remote Island Terminal to Youtaka Gushiken, a great star born on Ishigaki Island.
Gushiken is a multi-talented TV personality these days, but he is actually a former professional boxer who has defended the WBA World Jr. Flyweight Champion 13 times in a row.
A monument was built in his honor. It is also a popular photo spot.
It is recommended to visit in the afternoon because the golden statue of Gushiken is backlit in the morning.
There is also the Gushiken Youtaka Memorial Museum in Ishigaki City, which I would like to visit together.
It is located near the remote island terminal where visitors can go to and from Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, Kohama Island, and other remote islands, so feel free to drop by and take a commemorative photo!
Location: 1 Misaki-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture (in front of Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal)
Access: 30 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Click here for ferry reservations to remote islands
Shiraho Coral Village
Shiraho Coral Village is an exhibition facility located near Shiraho Beach, where the world's rarest blue corals grow in the largest colony in the northern hemisphere.
Coral is conserved and managed in the waters of the Shiraho Coast by WWF, which manages this facility.
The Coral Village has many exhibits about that research and corals.
Also, every Sunday, Shiraho Coral Village holds a Sunday market selling specialty products of Ishigaki Island.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this place is used to help protect coral reefs.
Let's protect coral with Ishigaki Island's specialties!
Location: 118 Aza Shiraho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 25 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Recommended Activities in Ishigaki Island for Solo Travelers
dolphin tour
You can take pictures of dolphins right in front of you!
Depending on the course, you may also be able to feed the dolphins, shake hands with them, and swim with them.
It is just outside the city center, so it is easy to get to.
You can take pictures on a solo trip or interact with dolphins.
Click here for related plans!
Check out dolphin tours on Ishigaki Island!
snorkeling
Snorkeling in Churaumi is a must do at least once when you come to Ishigaki Island.
The snorkeling in the sea of Ishigaki Island is exceptional, with high scores for clarity, corals, and the number of tropical fish, all of which set it apart from other areas.
Boat snorkeling is with other tour participants on the boat, so you may get to know them well.
Here are some popular plans!
Check out snorkeling tours on Ishigaki Island!
SUP Experience
SUP is a stylish activity that can be enjoyed in the ocean, mangrove rivers and dozens of other places in Ishigaki Island alone.
The tour guide will take photos for you, so you can fully enjoy the experience even if you are traveling alone.
If it is off-season, maybe you can get one-on-one assistance.
Here are some popular plans!
Check out SUP tours on Ishigaki Island!
Night Tour
Explore the subtropical jungle of Ishigaki Island!
If you are in the city center, there is a pick up and drop off service to your hotel, which is good for solo travelers.
During jungle exploration, you will encounter animals such as coconut crabs and flying foxes, as well as plants you have never seen before.
If the weather is good, we will go to spots where you can see beautiful starry skies, so please join us on a solo trip.
Here are some popular plans!
Check out night tours on Ishigaki Island!
Hamashima Tour
Hamashima Island, also known as "Phantom Island," is located between Kohama Island and Taketomi Island, about 30 minutes by boat from Ishigaki Island.
The island appears as a crescent shape only when the tide is low, and disappears like a phantom when the tide is high, hence the name "phantom island.
Unlike Barasu Island, which is made up of coral fragments, Hama Island is made up mostly of powdered sand and can be walked on with bare feet.
The contrast between the emerald green sea and the powdery white sand is very beautiful.
Heading offshore, snorkeling and diving are popular because of Shihsi lagoon, the largest coral area in Japan.
Because Phantom Island is surrounded by spectacular scenery, it is also a popular photo spot for photo weddings and PV shoots.
When you visit on a tour, your guide will take free photos so that you can focus on your own activities!
Click here for related plans
Check out the very popular Hamajima tour for solo travelers!
Solo travelers are also recommended to visit remote islands.
Iriomote
Iriomote Island is a remote island that you should definitely visit on a solo trip.
When you are confronted with spectacular nature on a jungle tour, you will witness the power and strength of nature so much that your worries will seem very small.
The guide will also give you explanations about Iriomote Island, nature, animals, and plants, so you can learn a lot of things you don't know during the tour.
Healing the mind is also recommended on Iriomote Island surrounded by greenery.
Column about Iriomote Island is here↓.
Click here to book a ferry to Iriomote Island.
Taketomi
If you want to capture the original landscape of Okinawa in your photos, this is the place to go.
The same old red-tiled roofs and white sand roads.
Take a leisurely ride on a buffalo cart or rent a bicycle to explore the island.
There are also stylish cafes scattered throughout the area, so it's a good idea to drop by.
You can enjoy the unique atmosphere of a relaxed, remote island.
Click here for related plans
Click here to book a ferry to Taketomi Island
Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)
One of the most unexplored places in Yaeyama is Panari Island, which is not served by regular boats.
The sea is the clearest in Yaeyama, but you can only explore the island, which has a population of only 10 people, if you take a tour.
A local guide will take you on a walk while explaining the island's history and places of interest.
The villages on the island are as wonderful as those on Taketomi Island.
Click here for a column about Panari Island.
Hateruma Island
If you have time, you should definitely visit this southernmost island of Japan on a solo trip.
The starry sky of Hateruma Island is said to be the most beautiful in Japan, and the Southern Cross can be seen.
You can go there for a day trip, but if you want to stay overnight on Hateruma Island, I recommend you to see the star-filled sky.
Column about Hateruma Island is here↓.
summary
Ishigaki Island is full of sights to see, so you can fully enjoy even if you are traveling alone.
Please make sure to prepare well in advance and enjoy not only Ishigaki Island but also the Yaeyama Islands to the fullest!
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!
↓Click here for more information.
Enjoy a luxurious and relaxing experience after a day of activities.
