Ishigaki Island - Ishigaki Dam -
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
About the Ishigaki Dam
The southernmost dam in Japan, located on the Isobe River in the Miyara River system on Ishigaki Island.
It was constructed by the Ryukyu Government between Showa 37 and 38, prior to the reversion to the mainland (and was later renovated between Showa 52 and 54 as part of the Miyara River District project under the National Irrigation and Drainage Program).
With a height of 18.5 meters and a crest length of 65 meters, this is a relatively small dam. The reservoir is spanned by “Seishika Bridge,” the first suspension bridge in Okinawa Prefecture, from which visitors can enjoy a spectacular view.
It is located near Banna Park and features an observation deck and walking trails.
How to Get to Ishigaki Dam
Ishigaki Dam is located about a 19-minute drive from New Ishigaki Airport and about a 13-minute drive from the Remote Islands Terminal.
If you're coming from New Ishigaki Airport
After leaving New Ishigaki Airport, turn left and head south on Route 390.
Cross the Todoroki River, turn left at the sixth T-intersection, and continue straight along the road.
At the end of the road, turn left at the T-intersection where Route 209 joins, then turn right at the Y-intersection just past the Miyara River.
When you reach the end of the road and see Banna Park straight ahead, turn left to find Ishigaki Dam.
If you're coming from the Remote Islands Terminal
Exit the Remote Islands Terminal, turn right, pass the 730 Monument intersection, and head north on Route 87.
Follow the road, and after you see Nakayama Farm, Ltd. on your right, turn left at the second T-intersection.
If you continue straight ahead, you'll come to Ishigaki Dam.
Things to Do at Ishigaki Dam
Although it's small, it is the southernmost dam in Japan.
You can see them even while traveling on night tours and the like.
I recommend visiting both Ishigaki Dam and Banna Park.
At dams on Ishigaki Island, including the Ishigaki Dam, “dam cards” are distributed as souvenirs for visitors.
A "Dam Card" is a card-style pamphlet about dams that is managed, produced, and distributed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Japan Water Resources Agency.
It contains information about the dam in question and is distributed as part of the dam’s public relations efforts.
A total of 22 dam cards have been distributed in Okinawa Prefecture and 555 nationwide, making this an irresistible treat for dam enthusiasts.
I hear there are even people who travel all over the country to collect them.
On weekdays, they are distributed at the dam management office, and on weekends, at the Yaeyama Peace Memorial Hall in Ishigaki City.
There are several conditions for receiving dam cards, as described below, so please review them.
① Dam cards are distributed only to visitors to the dam, and are handed out in person at the distribution location—one card per person.
② We do not accept requests to have dam cards sent by mail or courier.
③ Dam cards will be distributed only at designated locations.
④ To receive the Oura and Ishigaki Dam Cards, you must provide proof of your visit to the dams, such as photographs (as specified in *1 and *2 below).
*1 For example, those wishing to receive a dam card must present a photo they took of the dam.
*2 Images published on the Internet may not be distributed.
Ishigaki Dam Card:
Sokohara Dam Management Office Tel: 0980-82-1791
(Inquiry Hours) Weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
*Since there is no management office at Ishigaki Dam, registration will take place at the Sokohara Dam Management Office.
Details on the Ishigaki Dam
The Ishigaki Dam, managed by Okinawa Prefecture, is an earthen dam dedicated to irrigation with a height of 18.5 meters and a crest length of 65 meters; it is also known as the southernmost dam in Japan.
By the way, the westernmost point—in terms of location—is the Nagura Dam.
Although the dam body of Nagura Dam was completed in 1962, renovation work was underway.
The renovation project, designed to completely cover the original dam, began in 1979 and was completed in 1981.
Near the dam, there is an inscription providing information about the former Ishigaki Dam, which indicates that it had a height of 16.18 meters and a crest length of 61.00 meters.
It's not a very large dam, but it's a popular spot where you can feel its history.
Since there are some along the walking path, you can easily take a stroll around the area.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Ishigaki Dam
Bangna Park
If you're heading to Banna Park from Nagura Dam, it's on your left as you drive north along the road.
Banna Park is the largest prefectural forest park on Ishigaki Island, which has a circumference of 8 km.
Mount Banna, with an elevation of 230 meters, towers over the center of the park, allowing visitors to enjoy a hike up the mountain.
The grounds of Banna Park are divided into zones A through E, each based on a specific concept.
For a limited time, there are also zones where you can see fireflies, as well as zones with observation decks and adventure courses. The zones are as follows:
Zone A: Located at the South Exit and houses the General Information Center.
Zone B: There is an observation deck here, which is a great spot for stargazing.
Zone C: Insectarium of the World, etc. can be enjoyed even when it rains.
Zone D: It is also famous as a firefly viewing spot, where you can see the unique flora and fauna of Ishigaki Island.
Zone E: Athletic and attractions are available.
Address: 961-15, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
Ishigaki City Central Sports Park
To get to Ishigaki City Central Sports Park from Ishigaki Dam, head south along the dam and turn right at the T-intersection where Route 87 joins the road.
Follow Route 87 south, cross the Shinkawa River, and you'll find Ishigaki City Central Sports Park on your left.
Ishigaki City Central Sports Park is a sports park where visitors can enjoy a variety of sports, including a baseball field, an athletic field, tennis courts, a sports field, and a gymnasium.
It’s a place that everyone—from professionals to the general public—can enjoy, and every year, various events are held here, such as the Ishigaki Island Marathon in January and the Chiba Lotte Marines’ training camp in February.
Address: 1408-1 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Directions: About a 5-minute walk from the "Sogo Undo Koen Iriguchi" bus stop on the Higashi Unyu Bus line
Parking: Available
Food (Nearby): None (though food stalls may appear during events)
Toilet: Yes
Ishigakijima limestone cave
To get to Ishigaki Island Cave from Ishigaki Dam, leave the dam and head south, then turn right at the T-intersection where Route 79 joins the road.
Head south along Route 79, pass the cattle ranch on your left, and turn right at the next intersection.
Turn right at the intersection where Route 208 joins the road, then turn left at the next T-junction.
Turn right at the Y-intersection and continue straight ahead; you'll find Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave on your left.
Ishigaki Island Cave is the world’s first cave to feature illuminated decorations, and it is also known as the largest cave on Ishigaki Island.
The white, glowing stalactites—formed over hundreds of thousands of years—and the lighting are sure to move you.
Location: 1666 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 30 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Details on the Ishigaki Dam
| Location | Aza Tonojo, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture (View in MAP) |
| Access | Approximately 15 minutes by car from the remote island terminal |
| parking lot | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| toilet | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| Business Hours | - |
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