Let's know the annual weather, climate, and what to bring to Ishigaki Island.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is Ishigaki Island?
- 2 Weather in Ishigaki Island
- 3 Cost of travel to Ishigaki Island
- 4 Rental Car Situation
- 5 Activity Reservations
- 6 Spring (March - May) on Ishigaki Island
- 7 3 Spring Sightseeing Spots
- 8 Summer (June-August) on Ishigaki Island
- 9 3 summer tourist attractions
- 10 Autumn (September to November) on Ishigaki Island
- 11 3 Autumn Sightseeing Spots on Ishigaki Island
- 12 Winter (December - February) on Ishigaki Island
- 13 3 Winter Tourist Spots on Ishigaki Island
- 14 summary
What is Ishigaki Island?
The Yaeyama Islands are located at the southernmost tip of Japan. Based on Ishigaki Island, touring around the remote islands of the Yaeyama Islands is very attractive.
Ishigaki Island and the other Yaeyama Islands offer a variety of attractive spots, gourmet foods, and activities.
However, even though it is a fun trip, many people have a limited travel schedule, so make sure to prepare well in advance and enjoy your trip to Ishigaki Island with plenty of time to spare!
We will provide you with the information you need to know about weather, climate, and what to bring on your trip to Ishigaki Island!
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.
Weather in Ishigaki Island
Source: time-j.net
The weather on Ishigaki Island is about 20 degrees Celsius all year round, and even the coldest month of January is mild compared to the mainland with an average temperature of 18.6 degrees Celsius.It is.
In addition, Ishigaki Island belongs to a hot and humid subtropical zone, so there is little sense of four seasons; it is more like an image of two seasons, an eight-month summer and a four-month spring.
The island is also pleasant and easy to visit, with average temperatures exceeding 20°C for eight months in a row.
You may think that winters are cold, but in fact, Okinawa is located at about the same latitude as Hawaii, so it can be enjoyed year-round, just like Hawaii.
Cost of travel to Ishigaki Island
For Ishigaki Island in off-season, the total cost of airfare and accommodations for 4 days and 3 nights is approximately 80,000 yen.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
During the year-end and New Year's holidays and high season, the price can more than double.
If you want to enjoy playing in the sea, the best time is from mid-May to September.
Off-season months from October to April are the most affordable travel months.
howeverOff-season is warmer and more comfortable than on the mainland, but cloudy and rainy days are common!The following is a list of the most common problems with the
Rental Car Situation
If you want to sightsee around Ishigaki Island, you should have a rental car.
However, when participating in activities such as island sightseeing, snorkeling, and diving, transportation to the hotel is often provided, and the downtown area is often close to the hotel, so walking around on foot is sufficient.
Renting a car can be done on the same day during off-peak periods, but during peak periods it is recommended to rent a car at least two weeks in advance.
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.
Activity Reservations
During the off-season, you can make reservations for activities the day before or the day after, but during the peak season, reservations gradually fill up from about 3 months in advance.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
Sea-based activities such as snorkeling, experience diving, and marine sports are very popular in the summer, while ocean and mangrove cruises such as SUP and kayaking are popular in the fall, winter, and spring.
Here are some popular plans for Ishigaki Island!
Spring (March - May) on Ishigaki Island
Spring Weather in Ishigaki Island
The season called "Urizun".
3In June, average temperatures exceed 20°C (68°F), with days when short sleeves are sufficient.
The weather continues to be beautiful, and my mind is in a sunny mood.
Snorkeling tours are offered year-round, but from mid to late March, the ocean opens and more days are available for snorkeling without a wetsuit.
After April, the summer season will finally arrive.
It is also a popular season because of its pleasant days.
Click here for popular snorkeling plans
Check out snorkeling tours on Ishigaki Island!
What to bring for spring in Ishigaki Island
From March, you can enter the ocean, so bring your swimsuit. Other items are sunglasses and sunscreen.If you want to get a tan, this time of year you can get just the right amount of sun.* If it is summer time in Ishigaki Island, it is like a burn.
Spring Events on Ishigaki Island
Rhizophora mucronata (species of midge)
The earliest firefly in Japan, the Yaeyama firefly, which starts its season around the beginning of March.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
It is a must-see if you travel to Ishigaki Island during this time of the year.
The illumination of light played by hundreds or thousands of fireflies, the smallest in Japan, in groups is so beautiful that it is impressive.
We encourage you to join the tour and appreciate it!
Click here for popular plans
Check out more about fireflies on Ishigaki Island!
Earliest sea opening in Japan
Ishigaki Island has the earliest sea opening in Japan around March 20 every year.
Many people already enjoy snorkeling and playing in the water during the spring season.
Ishigaki Island has many scenic beaches and some of the best snorkeling points to go to by snorkel boat.
Find a beach or point of interest that suits your tastes.
Related columns are here↓.
3 Spring Sightseeing Spots
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.
Spring Tourist Spots in Ishigaki Island (1) Ibaruma Sabichi Cave
Ibaruma Sabichi Cave, which is said to have been formed by crustal movement about 370 million years ago, is located in the northern part of Ishigaki Island and is the only limestone cave in Japan that goes to the sea.
As you enter the cave, there is a ray of light at the end of the darkness.
The thrill of the walk toward the exit is unbearable.
When you reach the exit, the visibility clears and the ocean extends to the horizon, from where you can view the sunset.
Inside Ibaruma Sabichi Cave, visitors can observe a wide variety of stalactites, including fossils, icicles, and stone pillars.
Spring on Ishigaki Island is already equivalent to summer on the mainland with strong sunlight, so you can stop by the limestone caves for a break.
It is cool and perfect for a break!
Location: 185-44 Ibaruma, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 40 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Available (free of charge)
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: Yes
Spring Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island (2) Mikamizaki
Mikamizaki is one of the most beautiful spots in Ishigaki Island.
The clear blue sea seen from the precipitous cliffs, lapping against the cliffs, is just like a drama!The following is a list of the most common problems with the
Since the cape is located at the westernmost tip of Ishigaki Island, you can enjoy beautiful sunset views.
It will surely be a great day if you end the day surrounded by the blue sea, a mysterious space where the clear blue sea gradually turns into an akane-red color.
In early spring, the area around Goshinzaki is covered in white and pink with tsukkimisou and hirsutsukimisou, completely changing the appearance of the area from the rest of the season!
Address:Sakieda, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 45 minutes by car from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal.
Spring Tourist Spots in Ishigaki Island (3) Banna Park
Banna Park, the largest park in Ishigaki Island, is the island's largest prefectural forest park with a circumference of 8 km centering on Mt.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
The large site has various zones.
There are various zones, such as a zone with an observatory for viewing the emerald sea, a zone with a bird-watching observatory, and a zone popular among families with a lot of playground equipment and athletic facilities.
Firefly watching is a particularly recommended pastime in spring on Ishigaki Island.
Ishigaki Island is home to the Yaeyama firefly, the smallest firefly in Japan, which is found only in a part of the Yaeyama Islands.
Yaeyama fireflies are known to fly in the spring season, and viewing tours are offered for a limited time.
Yaeyama fireflies cannot glow for long periods of time and glow in a blinking manner.
They are also very beautiful because of their habit of glowing in clusters of thousands or tens of thousands of them.
It is also called a carpet of light because of its beauty.
The beauty of the place makes it an unforgettable memory that must be repeated.
It is a place I would like to see at least once.
Address: 961-15 Ishigaki-city, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 15 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Popular night tours in Ishigaki Island are here↓.
Summer (June-August) on Ishigaki Island
Summer Weather in Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island in summer is really filled with people!
By this time, the downtown area is overflowing with people, and it is truly a resort area.
Enjoy the beach and snorkeling to the fullest under the sun♪
Recommended for those who like the lively and cheerful atmosphere of festivals.
Click here for popular snorkeling plans
Check out snorkeling tours on Ishigaki Island!
What to bring in summer on Ishigaki Island
In summer, be sure to bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen products.
Because the ultraviolet rays are several times higher than on the mainland, you can get sunburned even when it is cloudy.
It is recommended to always wear a rash guard or other sun protection.
In summer, the air conditioning in the room is very strong, so please bring something to wear.
countermeasures against heat stroke
Be sure to take precautions against heat stroke in the summer on Ishigaki Island.
It is also recommended to keep drinks on hand, as they can easily dehydrate.
Summer Events on Ishigaki Island
Phantom flower "Sagaribana
From June to the end of JulySagaribana" called "phantom one-night flowerAppreciate the
Sagaribana, which blooms only in subtropical regions, attracts people with its sweet vanilla-like fragrance.
We encourage you to view it at least once in your lifetime.
Click here for popular plans
typhoon
In July and August, about one typhoon a month hits Ishigaki Island.
If your departure flight is cancelled, cancel or postpone your trip if you have made personal arrangements.
If your return flight is cancelled, please contact each airline to change your flight.
Related columns are here↓.
3 summer tourist attractions
Summer Tourist Spots in Ishigaki Island (1) Fusaki Beach
Fusaki Beach is located in the western part of Ishigaki Island and faces "Nagura Bay", the largest bay on the island,It is such a beautiful natural beach that sea turtles visit every year to lay eggs.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
When you think of natural beaches visited by sea turtles, you might imagine unmanaged, pristine beaches, but that is not the case.
In front of Husaki Beach is a popular resort hotel, Husaki Resort Village, which attracts many tourists.
The beach is managed by Fusaki Resort Village, which also operates a rental store for activity equipment.
There is also a guide for marine sports, and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of menus including snorkeling, sea kayaking, marine jets, and dragon boats.
During the summer season, there are habu jellyfish nets and lifeguards on duty, so you can enjoy the sea of Ishigaki Island with peace of mind.
Location: 1625 Shinkawa-Tomizaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: Approximately 19 km from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 35 minutes by car
Parking: Available (free of charge)
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Ishigaki Island Summer Tourist Spots (2) Tadahama Beach
Tadahama Beach is a natural beach located in Maesato in southern Ishigaki Island.
In the same Maesato area, there is an artificial beach called Maesato Beach, which is overwhelmingly visited by tourists, while Tadahama Beach is rarely visited by tourists.
That's as it should be,It is a truly natural beach that has been left in its natural state with little maintenance.
There is also no activity taking place due to the very fast tides.
Nevertheless, it is very clear and very beautiful because the tides flow quickly and are constantly replaced by new seawater.
There are many flotsam and jetsam and pieces of coral, so beachcombing can be enjoyed, but it is also a place where you can spend quality time just admiring the scenery because the ocean is just so beautiful.
Address: Maesato, Ishigaki City, Okinawa
Access: 10 minutes by car from the city center.
Parking: -
Equipment:-
Store:-
Rental:-
Marine Activities:- Marine Activities
Habu Jellyfish Net: - Habu Jellyfish Net
Tourist Spots in Ishigaki Island (3) Phantom Island
Located 30 minutes by boat from Ishigaki Island, there is a phantom island "Hamashima" that is not on the map.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
It is called a phantom island because of its unusual characteristic of appearing and disappearing under the sea depending on the tide.
The island is completely devoid of vegetation and offers a 360-degree view of the ocean.
The sparkling white sands, made glistening by the summer sun, and the emerald green and cobalt blue waters are beautiful and very photogenic.
Also, offshore is the country's largest coral area, theLake Shihshihshanand there you can encounter more than 400 species of corals and other living creatures.
Especially in summer, when the amount of living organisms is high, you can experience a real Ryugujo (Dragon's Palace).
It is one of the spots you should visit at least once when you visit Ishigaki Island, a fantastic island perfect for summer.
Click here for popular plans to visit Phantom Island
Check out more tours to the Island of Illusions!
Autumn (September to November) on Ishigaki Island
Fall Weather
Personally, I most recommend this fall time of year.
Ishigaki Island is thriving until the end of September, but you can still enjoy ocean tours after that.
Although there are a few people here and there, it is the perfect time to relax and stretch your wings in the tropics.
Until mid-November, snorkeling can be enjoyed with only a bathing suit.
What to take with you in the fall
Autumn (September to November) is summer on the mainland because Ishigaki Island is a tropical island.
Therefore, not only swimsuits but also sun protection is necessary even at this time of the year.
Fall Events
Speaking of autumn, the Harvest Festival is held around the end of October.
The Taketomi Island Harvest Festival, in particular, is a festival with a history that stretches back hundreds of years.
There are many other festivals at this time of year, so if your travel schedule allows, be sure to show up.
3 Autumn Sightseeing Spots on Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island Autumn Tourist Spots (1) Akashi Beach
Akashi Beach is one of the best sunrise spots in Ishigaki Island!The following is a list of the most common problems with the
Akashi Beach is located on the east coast of Hirakubo Peninsula, which extends to the northeast of the island.
Because of its distance from the airport and the city center, it is rarely visited by tourists.
Wait for the sunrise with the sound of rippling waves as background music on the quiet Akashi Beach in the early morning.
Compared to the summer season when typhoons visit the area, the arrival of autumn will offer a more stable climate and beautiful sunrises.
Also nearby is Akashi Shokudo, the most popular set meal restaurant on Ishigaki Island.
The restaurant is so popular that people stand in line every day, and even locals who have tasted the Yaeyama soba repeat their visit.
Why don't you fill your body and soul from morning with Sunrise and Yaeyama Soba?
Ishigaki Island Autumn Tourist Spots (2) Blue Cave
It is known that the cooler the water temperature, the clearer the ocean.
Autumn gradually transitions to more comfortable weather while retaining a summery feel.
Therefore, the fall season may actually be the best environment for swimming and marine activities.
The "Blue Cave" is a popular tourist spot on Ishigaki Island. Of course, the angle of sunlight and the topography are important, but the clarity of the ocean is essential to create this fantastic space.
In autumn, the season of such high transparency, the water shines a deeper blue on fine days, creating a mysterious world.
Why don't you go snorkeling and experience the beautiful blue world with your whole body?
Click here for popular plans for Blue Cave snorkeling
Check out snorkeling tours on Ishigaki Island!
Ishigaki Island Autumn Tourist Spots (3) Nosodake
Nosodake, one of the most beautiful spots on Ishigaki Island.
At 284 meters above sea level, the summit offers an unobstructed 360-degree panoramic view.
It is said that if you touch the Marpei Rock at the top of the mountain and make a wish, your wish will come true, so you may want to try it when you visit.
Also, as the temperature gradually drops and becomes more comfortable, trekking can be more easily attempted than in summer.
The trekking route is very enjoyable because of the many discoveries you will make, including encounters with flora and fauna unique to the subtropical zone!
Click here for popular plans for trekking Mt.
Winter (December - February) on Ishigaki Island
Winter Weather
The winter season on Ishigaki Island is not so cold, but there is a northerly wind and many cloudy days.
Nevertheless, travel costs can be kept down and can be enjoyed for less than half the amount of the season.
Snorkeling is not too much of a problem, as it can be done year-round with a wetsuit.
If you prefer to travel when there are fewer people and prices are lower, winter is the best time to visit.
The average temperature is slightly 20 degrees Celsius, so you don't feel cold without bottoming out.
Click here for popular tours that can be enjoyed even in winter.
Related columns are here↓.
What to bring for winter
Even though it is a tropical country, a jacket such as a sweatshirt is necessary from late December to early February.
It is just about the right time of year for activities such as jungle cruises.
Winter Events
In winter, there are fewer tourists and some restaurants/tour guides will be closed.
Therefore, although the number of tours is small, reservations are almost unnecessary, and tours can be enjoyed in a relaxed, private atmosphere.
3 Winter Tourist Spots on Ishigaki Island
Winter Tourist Spots in Ishigaki Island (1) Ishigakijima Observatory
Ishigaki Island is the first place in Japan to be designated as a starry sky reserve.
At night, you can see a brilliant star-filled sky as shown in the photo.
The best conditions for stargazing are the lack of city lights and clean air.
Ishigakijima Observatory has cleared these two points, so you can clearly see countless stars.
In addition to stargazing, visitors can learn about the universe in three dimensions using the 4U2D Theater inside the observatory.
Ishigakijima Observatory, where you can learn about and observe the stars and space, is a spot that is truly befitting of Ishigaki Island, also known as Star Island.
During the winter season, you can also observe the Southern Cross, which is said to be visible only in the southern hemisphere, so be sure to check out the Southern Cross when you come to Ishigaki Island in the winter.
Winter Tourist Spots in Ishigaki Island (2) Taketomi Island
Taketomi Island is the closest of the outlying islands surrounding Ishigaki Island and can be reached by boat in about 10 minutes.
The original landscape of Okinawa, with its red-tiled roofs, stone walls, and shisa, is still preserved, and you can see what many people imagine "Okinawa" to be like.
The island is so small that visitors can tour around by buffalo cart or rented bicycle.
You can also cruise around the island on a glass boat and enjoy the crystal clear winter sea of Taketomi Island!
Click here for popular tours to enjoy sightseeing in Taketomi Island.
Related columns are here↓.
Click here to book a ferry to Taketomi Island
Winter Tourist Spots in Ishigaki Island (3) Miyara River
Miyara River is the largest river in Ishigaki Island.
At the mouth of the river, hirugi forests, designated as a national natural treasure, form a mangrove community.
The Miyara River, with its atmospheric mangrove arches, is often used as a field for SUP and river kayaking experiences.
Cruising in the green surroundings is very atmospheric, and you can feel the thrill of a movie, as if dinosaurs are about to appear.
Even during the winter season, when northerly winds are strong, mangroves and riverine vegetation serve as windbreaks, tidal barriers, and breakwaters, so river activities are often held even when ocean activities are cancelled.
Would you like to experience one of the best jungle cruises in Japan?
Address: Ohama, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 15 minutes from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal
Phone number: 0980-82-1535 (Ishigaki City Hall Tourism and Culture Division)
Free parking: approx. 4 cars
Peripheral facilities:None (restrooms, changing rooms, lockers, vending machines, no restaurants)
Popular activities in the Miyara River mangrove forest are
Check out more Ishigaki Island SUP plans!
summary
Ishigaki Island has year-round ocean access and is full of ways to have fun even in winter.
Why don't you come to Ishigaki Island and enjoy it in different ways depending on the season?
All the fun of Ishigaki Island is here↓.
Ishigaki Island Tours
Click here for popular Iriomote Island tours
Check out more details about Iriomote Island tours from Ishigaki Island!
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.
