Ishigaki Island - Fukiutsu River
Check it out and make a reservation early☆.
⬇︎Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also rapidly gaining popularity☆
What Is the Fukidori River?
What Is the Fukidori River?Ishigakijima Port TerminalThis is the Mangrove River, located about a 40-minute drive from here.
Around the Fukidori RiverMangrove Forestschool (e.g. of ikebana)National MonumentIt’s designated as Ishigaki Island’s premier real jungle! This is the spot on Ishigaki Island where the term “forest bathing” fits best.
The term “mangrove” is actually a general term for trees that grow in “brackish water areas”—where saltwater and freshwater mix—in rivers in tropical and subtropical regions. Different species of mangroves grow naturally depending on the distance from the sea (and thus the salinity of the water).
You can see mangrove trees with a variety of root structures, ranging from those with roots shaped like octopus legs, such as the Yaeyama mangrove, to those with clustered roots, such as the common mangrove.
Mangrove forests are also known for their abundance of wildlife, such as crabs, and at low tide, you can even enjoy observing the mudflats!
This spot is especially recommended for anyone who wants to experience the subtropical mangrove jungle on Ishigaki Island.
How to Get to the Fukidori River
◆Access from New Ishigaki Airport
The Fukidori River is located about a 20-minute drive from New Ishigaki Airport.
① Head north along the national highway, then turn west onto the Ohama-Tomino Road.
② Enter the Tomino-Okawa Line, head north, and pass through the Omoto Tunnel.
③ Turn right onto Prefectural Road 79 and head toward Nosoko.
④ Drive for a while with the ocean on your left, then turn right at the "Ota" bus stop, and you'll arrive.
⑤ You’ll come to Fuki-dori Bridge, which also serves as the starting point for activities that include parking.
◆Access from the City Center
To get to the Fukidori River from downtown, head north on Prefectural Route 87 and pass through the Omoto Tunnel.
The rest of the route is the same as the route from the airport.
How to Enjoy the Fukidori River
The Fukidori River is one of the most satisfying spots on Ishigaki IslandActivity SpotsIt's one of them!
You can mainly enjoy kayaking and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding).
Canoeing and SUP on the Fukidori River begin at the ocean and proceed into the mangrove river.
So, on a single cruise, you can enjoy two different spots: the crystal-clear ocean and the mangrove river, which is a designated natural monument!
Normally, activity tours on the Fukidori River also head toward the waterfall. Commonly known as “Waterfall for marriage"It's also known as..." and is a popular spot for romance!
At the waterfall, you can sit back and relax, or have a lively time splashing around with friends—there are many ways to enjoy yourself.
Details of the Fukiutsu River
The Fukidori River is a 2.2-kilometer-long river that originates at Mt. Nosoko and flows through the northwestern part of Ishigaki Island.
The area near the river mouth is a brackish water zone where freshwater and seawater mix, and it is home to a wide variety of living creatures.
Mangroves are designated as natural monuments and consist of species such as the Yaeyama mangrove, the black mangrove, and the red mangrove.
Because these mangroves serve as windbreaks and provide protection against tidal surges, it’s not uncommon for activities on the Fuki-tsu River to go ahead even on days when strong winds cause other marine activities to be canceled.
Creatures of the Fukidori River
◆Yaeyama Fiddler Crab
The Yaeyama fiddler crab is a member of the fiddler crab family, and as the tide comes in, you can see it waving its large claws.
Near these adorable Yaeyama fiddler crabs, you’ll find clumps of mud scattered everywhere. Since they’re very agile, be sure to observe them carefully without making any noise.
southern redlip mullet crab (Chelon haematocheilus)
Among the crabs found in the tidal flats of the Fukidori River is the Southern Spiny Crab, which has a spherical body and eyes that appear to protrude.
They have a very cute appearance, and because they form large groups, they are also known as "army crabs."
Compared to fiddler crabs, they move more slowly, so you can take your time observing them.
grey frog hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus)
The Southern Leaping Goby is a member of the Mutsugoro family that is beloved by locals for the adorable way it hops around on the mudflats.
It is known locally as "Tontonmi" and is very popular.
⬇︎ Held on the Fukidori River! Click here for SUP tours
⬇︎ Held on the Fukidori River! Click here for the canoe tour ↓
⬇︎Includes a hike to Nosoko MarpeOh my god!!!
Click here for the Fuki-tsugi River SUP and Canoe Tours↓
Details of the Fukiutsu River
| Location | Nosoko, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, JapanView on Map) |
| Access | 20 minutes drive from Shin-Ishigaki Airport About 35 minutes from the Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal |
| parking lot | Free parking: Available (search for "Fukidori Bridge Parking Lot") |
| toilet | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| Business Hours | - |
⬇︎Click here for details on the Ishigaki Island SUP tour
⬇︎Click here for details on the Ishigaki Island Kayak Tour
