Ishigaki Island - Gushiken Youtaka Memorial Hall
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
About the Yoshitaka Gushiken Memorial Museum
A memorial hall honoring Yoshitaka Gushiken, the undisputed hero of Ishigaki Island.
It is located north of Ishigaki's downtown area along City Hall Street.
It takes about 20 to 25 minutes to walk from the outskirts of the city center.
On display are the gloves, championship belt, and trophies he used in the fights that showcased his illustrious career, which includes the record of successfully defending his WBA World Junior Flyweight Championship title 13 times in a row.
Videos of the title defense matches are shown continuously, making this a must-visit spot for boxing fans.
Directions to the Yoshitaka Gushiken Memorial Museum
The Yoshitaka Gushiken Memorial Museum is located about an 8-minute drive from the Remote Islands Terminal and about a 15-minute drive from Ishigaki Airport.
●If you're coming from New Ishigaki Airport
After leaving New Ishigaki Airport, turn right and head north on National Route 390.
Turn left at the T-intersection where Route 211 joins and head west.
Follow the road for a while, turn onto Route 87, continue along the road, cross the Shinkawa River, and turn right at the Konami-Honbashi intersection.
Proceed straight ahead with the Shinkawa River on your right, turn onto City Hall Street, and follow the road; you'll find the memorial hall on your left.
● If you're coming from the Remote Islands Terminal
After exiting the Remote Islands Terminal, follow the road on the left, turn left at the intersection where it meets City Hall Street, and proceed northwest along City Hall Street.
If you follow the road for a while, you'll see it on your right.
It is located across from the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Museum.
How to Enjoy Your Visit to the Yoshitaka Gushiken Memorial Museum
When it comes to Yoshitaka Gushiken, he is one of Japan’s most renowned world champions.
Remote Island TerminalAt the boat landing there, tooBronze Statue of Yoshitaka GushikenThere is a section where you can see actual items used in the past, such as gloves and championship belts.
It's a bit of a walk from downtown, but if you take a rental car, you can get there in no time.
A must-see for boxing fans.
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Details on the Yoshitaka Gushiken Memorial Museum
The Yoshitaka Gushiken Memorial Museum is a museum featuring exhibits related to Yoshitaka Gushiken, a former professional boxer from Ishigaki Island.
Mr. Gushiken is currently a very popular variety show personality, but during his boxing career, he set a legendary record by successfully defending his WBA Junior Flyweight World Championship title 13 times in a row!
A memorial hall was built to honor the remarkable achievements of the legendary boxer Mr. Gushiken, and a monument was erected in front of the pier at the Remote Islands Terminal.
A crowned eagle—a symbol of Mr. Gushiken—is depicted at the entrance to the memorial hall. Inside, the first floor features an exhibition of trophies, boxing equipment, and famous quotes, while the second floor displays the robe, gloves, training ring, and trophies that Mr. Gushiken actually used.
When asked why he was able to keep winning after successfully defending his title so many times, Mr. Gushiken said that he was afraid of fighting, so he would knock his opponents down right away.
It was probably Mr. Gushiken’s earnest determination to face his fear head-on that made him a legend.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Yoshitaka Gushiken Memorial Museum
Funakura Park
To get to Funakura Park from the Yoshitaka Gushiken Memorial Hall, exit the memorial hall, turn right, turn left at the intersection, and cross the Shinkawa River.
If you continue straight along the road, you'll find Funakura Park on your left.
Funakura Park is a large green space, and since Makira Elementary School is right across the street, it’s always bustling with children.
It was affectionately known as the "Children's Park" by the locals.
It's usually a lively and friendly place, but events are often held there.
This park faces the ocean across a walking path, and from here you can see Taketomi Island.
You can also reach Kannon-zaki by following the walking trail westward.
Address: 2462-1 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
Parking: Available
Restaurant: None
Toilet: Yes
Shin-Ei Park
To get to Shin-Ei Park from the Yoko Gushiken Memorial Hall, exit the memorial hall, turn left, and head southeast on City Hall Street.
Turn right at the intersection where the road meets the Momobayashi-ji Nishi-dori Line.
If you go straight ahead, you'll find Shin-Ei Park on your left.
Like Funakura Park, Shin-Ei Park is a spacious green space, and children and families from the island often visit to have picnics.
The park features playground equipment, the World Peace Bell, a monument commemorating the City’s Declaration of Peace, and a statue of “Pai-guru,” Ishigaki City’s official mascot, so visitors can enjoy playing and strolling around.
In addition, because the grounds are so spacious, many of the island’s major outdoor events—such as the Orion Beer Fest and the Tuba-Rama Festival—are held there.
Address: 4 Shin-ei-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 5 minutes on foot from the remote island terminal
Parking: Available
Dining (Nearby): Available (in the city center area)
Toilet: Yes
Sakhalin fir (Abies sachalinensis)
To get to Tōrin-ji Temple from the Yoshitaka Gushiken Memorial Hall, exit the memorial hall, turn left, and head southeast on City Hall Street.
Turn left at the intersection where the road meets the Momobayashi-ji Nishi-dori Line.
Pass the Torin-ji intersection, turn right at the first intersection, and you'll find it on your left.
When the Satsuma Domain invaded the Ryukyu Islands, it was pointed out to King Shō Nei that there were no temples or shrines in the Yaeyama Islands, leading to the construction of Tōrin-ji in 1614.
It is now the oldest wooden structure in Okinawa Prefecture. The Gongen-dō Hall was also built that same year, along with Tōrin-ji Temple.
In 1737, two Nio statues were enshrined at the temple gate; today, they are designated as Prefectural Tangible Cultural Properties and are also known as the oldest wooden sculptures in Okinawa.
It has a calm, historic atmosphere, featuring traditional Yaeyama-style red-tiled houses and large banyan trees.
It's a popular spot during the year-end and New Year's holidays, so feel free to stop by.
Location: 285 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 15 min. walk from the remote island terminal
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Details on the Yoshitaka Gushiken Memorial Museum
| Location | 2376-1 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture (View in MAP) |
| Access | About an 8-minute drive from the Remote Islands Terminal, and about a 15-minute drive from Ishigaki Airport |
| parking lot | Available (3 units) |
| toilet | ant |
| Business Hours | - |
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