Ishigaki Island—Furusto Hara Ruins—
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
What Is the Furusto Hara Site?
This archaeological site is located a short distance upstream from the Miyara River in the Miyara area, which lies along the route from downtown Ishigaki toward New Ishigaki Airport.
There’s a small sign by the road, but it’s a little hard to spot, so please drive carefully!
As you follow the signs along the gravel path, you’ll come upon an archaeological site featuring a series of stone walls and the remains of gates lining the top of the cliff.
Although it is said to be the site of Oyake Akahachi’s castle, it appears to have been constructed as a defensive enclosure for a residence.
It’s a relatively large and impressive archaeological site, so be sure to check it out!
Also, since the Furusto Hara Ruins are featured at the Yaeyama Museum, I recommend visiting there as well♪
How to Get to the Furusto Hara Ruins
The Furusto Hara Ruins are located about a 16-minute drive from the new Ishigaki Airport and about a 13-minute drive from the Remote Islands Terminal.
Since you can get there by car or bus, we’ll provide the details below.
・If you're coming by car
If you're coming from New Ishigaki Airport
① After leaving New Ishigaki Airport, turn left and head south on Route 390.
② Cross the Todoroki River, turn right at the sixth T-intersection, and continue straight toward the west.
③ Turn left at the intersection just past Ishigaki Island Starry Sky Farm on your left.
④ Follow the road south and turn right at the T-intersection at the end of the road.
⑤ Head west on Route 390, and when you see Takakoruse Rock on your left, turn right at the first intersection onto the road ahead.
⑥ Turn right at the Y-intersection just before the river, and it will be on your left as you follow the road.
If you're coming from the Ishigaki Island Remote Islands Terminal
① Exit the Remote Islands Terminal, turn right, pass the 730 Monument intersection, and head north on Prefectural Route 87.
② After passing the "Konami-Honbashi” intersection, turn right at the third intersection, continue straight for a short distance, and then turn right to reach the destination.
③ If you follow the signs, you'll have no trouble finding your way there.
・If you're traveling by bus
If you're coming from New Ishigaki Airport
From New Ishigaki Airport, take the Higashi Bus Shiraho Line.
”After getting off at the ”Ohama” bus stop, you’ll see a sign for the ”Furusto Hara Ruins Entrance” nearby, so
If you follow the directions, you'll arrive in about 15 minutes.
If you're coming from the bus terminal
Board the bus at the bus terminal, get off at the ”Ohama” bus stop, and
If you walk for about 15 minutes following the directions, you'll reach it.
How to Enjoy the Furusto Hara Ruins
It's a popular spot among people who love archaeological sites.
Although it is a nationally designated historic site, the route there can be difficult to find, so we recommend checking the directions carefully in advance before you go.
We also recommend stopping by the Furusto Hara Ruins after visiting the mangrove forest along the Miyara River.
We also recommend joining a tour and combining it with mangrove canoeing or SUP on the Miyara River.
Details on the Furusto Hara Ruins
The Furusto Hara Ruins are located in Ohama, Ishigaki City, and are believed to have been constructed more than 700 years ago.
It was designated as a national historic site in 1978.
No records or other materials regarding the Furusto Hara Site have survived, so the details are unknown.
At first glance, it looks like the ruins of a castle because of its stone walls, but it is believed to have most likely been used as a private residence.
One reason for this is that archaeological surveys have unearthed a large number of Yaeyama-yaki pottery and Chinese ceramics, which are believed to have been used in daily life.
Furthermore, since almost no weapons or similar items were found, it is believed that the site is unlikely to be the ruins of a castle.
The stone walls at the Furusto Hara Ruins are constructed of coral-derived Ryukyu limestone, and there are 15 walls, numbered 1 through 15.
Although it was heavily damaged when it was first discovered, restoration work has progressed, and it has been recreated in excellent condition.
Since the grounds are quite large, it takes about 20 minutes to walk all the way around, so it’s nice to take a leisurely stroll.
As mentioned above, based on the scarcity of weapons and the discovery of daily-use items, the site is believed to have been a residence, and it is speculated that this may have been the residence of Oyake Akahachi, who used Ohama as his base.
Oyake Akahachi was born on Hateruma Island about 500 years ago, after which he moved to Ishigaki Island and made the Ohama district his home.
He is a legendary hero who rose up on behalf of villagers suffering under heavy taxes and rebelled against the Ryukyu Kingdom in pursuit of the Yaeyama Islands’ independence.
Unfortunately, he was killed in battle against the royal court, but stone statues and other monuments have been erected in honor of his courageous leadership on the battlefield.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Furusto Hara Ruins
Ohama Beach
To get to Ohama Beach from the Furustuhara Ruins, head south from the ruins, turn onto Route 390, and continue south.
Turn left at the Ohama (North) intersection, then turn left at the end of the road.
Turn right at the next intersection, and continue straight ahead with Sakihara Park on your left until you arrive.
This is a beach with a peaceful atmosphere and few tourists, as tours are rarely held in this area.
This is a spot where you can enjoy beautiful scenery, such as sunrises and starry skies.
Since this is also a popular walking route for locals, please feel free to give it a try.
Access: 15 minutes by car from the terminal
Parking: Available
The Okaya Kahachi Monument
To reach the Okeya Akahachi Monument from the Furusto Hara Ruins, head south from the monument and then continue south on Route 390.
Turn left, keeping the Ohama Community Center on your left.
If you continue straight ahead, you’ll see the Okaya Kahachi monument on your left.
As mentioned above, this statue is a bronze monument honoring Oyae Akahachi, the island’s hero, located in the Ohama settlement.
Oyake Akahachi was born on Hateruma Island in the late 15th century. From the time of his birth, he established a power base in Ohama on Ishigaki Island and rose up against the Ryukyu government on behalf of the farmers suffering under heavy taxes.
Unfortunately, he was killed in action, but he remains a hero whose legend is still passed down to this day.
Location: Within Sakihara Park, Ohama, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: Yes
Miyara River
The Miyara River flows south past the Furustohara Ruins and continues east along Route 390 toward the New Ishigaki Airport.
After walking for a while, you’ll come to the Miyara Bridge, with the Miyara River flowing beneath it.
There is a free parking lot, so you can park your car and walk down the stairs to get there.
The Miyara River is the river with the largest watershed on Ishigaki Island, and mangroves grow in dense stands along a 1.5-kilometer stretch from the mouth upstream.
It is said to have a total area of 225 hectares, which is equivalent to about 48 Tokyo Domes.
The mangrove ecosystem consists almost entirely of Rhizophora trees, which are designated as Natural Monuments, and visitors can enjoy observing how the vegetation changes depending on the salinity levels.
On the Miyara River, you can go canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, or take a sightseeing cruise, allowing you to fully enjoy the changing scenery.
Location: Ohama, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 15 minutes from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal
Parking: Free parking: approx. 4 cars
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Details on the Furusto Hara Ruins
| Location | Ohama, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture (View in MAP) |
| Access | A 15-minute drive from Ishigaki Port |
| parking lot | ant |
| toilet | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| Business Hours | - |
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