Ishigaki Island—Monument Commemorating Tatsushiro Koga’s Pioneering of the Senkaku Islands—

Ishigaki Island Tourist Information

◆Ishigaki Island for sightseeingRental car required.Oh my god!!!
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.

Ishigaki Island Car Rental Ishigaki Island Tours offers easy comparison and reservation of rental car plans for Ishigaki Island! It takes about 3 hours to go around Ishigaki Island by car. If you want to visit all the sightseeing spots efficiently, you need to rent a car! There are plans that include free pick-up from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, car navigation system, no need to return a full tank of gas, and even child seats. We also introduce other means of transportation other than rental cars! (29 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!

Ishigaki Island Rides (Bike Rental & Bicycle Rental) Activities There are many other ways to get around in Ishigaki Island☆ Ishigaki Island Vehicle Activity Feature Ishigaki Island is dotted with attractive spots such as beautiful ocean, mountains, and observatories where you can overlook the magnificent nature. With such favorable conditions, how can you not go driving touring in Ishigaki Island [...]. (20 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

What Is the Tatsushiro Koga Senkaku Islands Development Memorial Monument?

It is located within Yashima Ryokuchi Park, about a 10-minute walk from the Ishigaki Island Remote Islands Terminal.
This monument honors the achievements of two generations of the Koga family—Tatsushiro Koga, who traveled to the Senkaku Islands in the early Meiji period and invested his personal fortune to develop these remote, isolated islands.
Above the detailed explanatory text on the monument regarding the settlement of the Senkaku Islands, there is a monument shaped like the Senkaku Islands, as well as a detailed map of the archipelago engraved on a stone slab.

The location is very hard to find; it’s in the bay directly across from the ferry terminal at Ishigaki Island’s Remote Islands Terminal,
It is located on the opposite side of the pier just before you reach the office of Fukuyama Kaiun’s “Yonakuni” ferry, which serves as the departure and arrival point for ferries bound for Yonaguni Island.

Directions to the Tatsushiro Koga Senkaku Islands Development Memorial Monument

The Tatsushiro Koga Senkaku Islands Development Memorial is about a 26-minute drive from New Ishigaki Airport,
It is located about a 3-minute drive from the Remote Islands Terminal.

●If you're coming from New Ishigaki Airport
① Leave New Ishigaki Airport, head south on Route 390, cross the Todoroki River, and turn right at the sixth T-intersection.
② Follow the road for a while, turn left at the T-intersection where Route 209 joins, and then turn right at the Y-intersection after crossing the Miyara River.
③ After turning right, turn left immediately and follow the road south.
④ Turn right at the intersection with the goat meat processing and sales shop on your right, then turn left at the intersection where the road merges with Route 87.
⑤ Continue straight along the road, turn left at the intersection with the 730 Monument, and turn right at the T-intersection where the Ohama Shinsen Memorial Hall is on your left.
⑥ Go straight ahead, and you'll find it on your left.

● If you're coming from the Remote Islands Terminal
① Exit the Remote Islands Terminal and turn right.
② Turn left at the 730 Monument intersection, then turn right at the T-intersection where the Ohama Shinsen Memorial Hall is on your left.
③ Go straight ahead, and you'll find it on your left.

How to Have Fun at the Tatsushiro Koga Senkaku Islands Development Memorial Monument

A monument to Mr. Tatsushiro Koga, who pioneered the Senkaku Islands.

If you're taking the ferry to Yonaguni Island, be sure to stop by.

Details of the Tatsushiro Koga Senkaku Islands Development Memorial Monument

The Tatsushiro Koga Senkaku Islands Development Memorial Monument was erected to commemorate Tatsushiro Koga’s achievements, including the development of the Senkaku Islands,
In 1995 (Heisei 7), Yashima Ryokuchi Park was established near the Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal.
The monument is shaped like the Senkaku Islands and features detailed maps and other information about the Senkaku Islands engraved on it.

Tatsushiro Koga traveled to the Senkaku Islands around the early Meiji period and invested his personal fortune to develop the area.
Tatsushiro Koga devoted himself to the development of the Senkaku Islands over two generations, and a monument was erected in honor of his achievements.
The following text is inscribed on the monument dedicated to Tatsushiro Koga:

"‘Tatsushiro Koga was a native of Fukuoka Prefecture. He came to the prefecture in Meiji 12, following the abolition of the han system and the establishment of prefectures.’"
In the same year, they opened Koga Shoten in Naha, and in the 15th year, they opened the Yaeyama Branch near the coast of Okawa Village on Ishigaki Island.
In Meiji 29, with permission from the Japanese government, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to developing marine and terrestrial resources on the Senkaku Islands—Uotsuri Island, Minami-Kojima, Kita-Kojima, and Kubajima—and exported the produced goods overseas.
He made significant contributions to the economy and society of the country and the prefecture, and was awarded the Blue Ribbon Medal in Meiji 42.
His son, Zenji, acquired the four islands on the right from the government in Shōwa 7, and after his death, his wife, Hanako, managed them.
After the war, the Koga family’s estate was inherited by Kunikatsu Kurihara, a businessman from Saitama Prefecture, in accordance with the will.
Founded the Koga Association (a public interest incorporated foundation), which is contributing to the promotion of sports in Okinawa Prefecture
It was a development project on a remote, uninhabited island in the middle of the ocean, to which they devoted their personal fortunes and the lifetimes of two generations—father and son.
We have erected this monument at this site, near the former location of the branch, to commemorate the great achievements of our pioneers.
—December, Heisei 7—
1-20 Nishi 1-chome, Naha City
"Koga Association (Foundation), Chairwoman Sayoko Kurihara; Inscription and Calligraphy by Kiyoshi Makino"

Things to Enjoy Around the Monument
・Minami-no-Hama Town Artificial Beach
Minami-no-Hama Town Artificial Beach is a relatively new artificial beach, opened in 2016, located in the Minami-no-Hama Town Seaside Park in Ishigaki City.
Since it’s an artificial beach, it’s well-maintained, thoroughly cleaned, and very beautiful.
In addition, the facility is fully equipped with changing rooms, lockers, shower rooms, restaurants, and other amenities, so you can enjoy a comfortable stay.
That’s a definite plus for Ishigaki Island, which has many natural beaches without any facilities.

Since Minami-no-Hama Town’s artificial beach was built on reclaimed land, the swimming area is designated, so while you may have less freedom compared to other beaches, you can enjoy yourself safely. Even though it’s an artificial beach, it’s rich in natural elements—seabirds come here to lay their eggs, and large shrimp molt here.

・Over 100 cats
A walking path has been built alongside Minami-no-Hama Town Green Park, where the monument commemorating Tatsushiro Koga’s development of the Senkaku Islands is located.

There are nearly 100 cats living in this area.

That is why it is called "Cat Island."

Since these cats were originally pets that were abandoned and took up residence here, they are very used to people and have become quite affectionate.

There are some cats that are so skinny you can’t help but want to feed them, but since they are stray cats and some may have feline AIDS, please never feed or touch them.

・Dolphin Fantasy
Near the Tatsushiro Koga Senkaku Islands Development Memorial, there is also a facility where you can interact with tropical dolphins.

We offer a wide variety of activities that not only let you interact with the animals but also give you the chance to experience being a trainer.

It's a unique activity you won't find anywhere else, so be sure to check it out.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Tatsushiro Koga Senkaku Islands Development Memorial Monument

Nobuizumi Ohama Memorial Hall

To get to the Ohama Shinsen Memorial Hall from the Koga Tatsushiro Senkaku Islands Pioneering Memorial, leave the memorial, turn left, and then immediately turn right; you will see the Ohama Shinsen Memorial Hall ahead of you.

After the war, the Ohama Shinzen Memorial Hall was built to honor the achievements of Shinzen Ohama, former president of Waseda University, who had worked tirelessly for Okinawa’s reversion to Japan.

The museum displays documents related to Okinawa’s reversion to Japan, as well as famous quotes and maxims left behind by Shinzen Ohama.

Misaki Utaki (Mt. Misaki)

To get to Misaki Ontake from the Tatsushiro Koga Senkaku Islands Development Memorial, leave the memorial, turn left, and then turn left at the end of the road.

Turn right at the Southern Gate entrance, then turn left at the first T-intersection.

Turn left at the second intersection where Route 390 joins the road, then turn left at the intersection where Ishigaki General Law Office is on your left, and turn left again at the next intersection—you’ll find it on your left.

Misaki Gokoku, built to pray for safe voyages, features rows of trees near its entrance, creating a serene atmosphere.

Although it’s located in the heart of the city, once you step inside, the urban atmosphere fades away and a mysterious ambiance takes over.

It was registered as a prefecturally designated tangible cultural property in 1956.

ICT Cultural Hall

To get to the ICT Cultural Hall from the Tatsushiro Koga Senkaku Islands Pioneering Monument, exit the monument, turn left, turn right at the end of the road, and turn left at the T-intersection where Route 390 joins.

Turn right at the intersection just past the T-junction, then turn right or left at the end of the road, and you'll find it on your right.

The ICT Cultural Hall is operated by Ishigaki Cable TV. Each hall in this facility measures 54 tsubo; the first floor houses a parking lot, the second floor contains offices, the third floor is a multipurpose studio hall, and the fourth floor is a comprehensive cultural center offering a variety of classes for people of all ages. and the fifth floor is a multimedia studio equipped with state-of-the-art music equipment capable of live internet broadcasting and video streaming.

Although this facility is primarily used by local residents, tourists are free to come and go as they please.

It’s a great way to take a break and interact with the locals.

Details of the Tatsushiro Koga Senkaku Islands Development Memorial Monument

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