Ishigaki Island

Main island of the Yaeyama Islands

Recommended

4.2 (133)

#1 of 4 most visited in Yaeyama Islands

Ishigaki Island (�Ί_��, Ishigakijima) is the main island of the Yaeyama Islands and the region's transportation hub. Ishigaki City, Japan's southernmost city, is the only urban center of the Yaeyama Islands and the site of the region's major airport and ferry terminal, as well as of lots of hotels, shops, restaurants and bars.

Ishigaki offers several nice beaches and good snorkeling and diving in the surrounding coral reefs. Snorkeling can be enjoyed at nearly every beach on the island, while diving is offered through the numerous dive shops with tours available for all experience levels. A diving highlight is Manta Scramble near Kabira Bay, where manta rays congregate in large numbers.

Ishigaki's rivers, while not quite as wild as those of nearby Iriomote, also offer a jungle-like scenery and are nice to explore by kayak. Ishigaki also has the highest mountain in Okinawa Prefecture, as well as various hiking trails throughout the island's hilly interior.

The view from Tamatorizaki Observation Point

Beaches

Ishigaki Island has both sandy beaches and rocky beaches which are covered in small pieces of bleached coral. At the beaches you can enjoy swimming (best during high tide), snorkeling, and diving, or just lay in the sun; and while the beaches are open year round, they are best from April to November when the air temperature consistently tops 25 degrees. The beaches usually have public facilities such as showers, restrooms and rental shops; however, there are no lifeguards, and the facilities may be closed outside of summer.

When using the beaches, always beware of strong currents that can pull you out to sea and poisonous creatures such as Habu Jellyfish, a type of box jellyfish, that are most prevalent from June to October. Signs in English inform about the dangers while some beaches have netted-off swimming areas. Although jellyfish stings are rare, if stung you should pour vinegar over the sting, remove any tentacles and seek medical help.

Yonehara Beach

Admission: free, 500 yen for parking

This is one of Ishigaki's nicest beaches with some of the best snorkeling on the island. The beach is mostly covered in pieces of white coral, and its reef offers great snorkeling and diving. There are shower, restroom and changing facilities, and snorkeling equipment can be rented at the camping site nearby.
Sukuji Beach

Admission: free, no parking fees

The one kilometer long Sukuji Beach, near Kabira Bay, is one of Ishigaki Island's nicest sand beaches. The waters are shallow with a sandy bottom and offer swimming and snorkeling with a portion of the beach netted off to protect swimmers from habu jellyfish. Showers, restrooms and changing rooms are located near the parking area. The Club Med Kabira Ishigaki resort is located at one end of the beach.
Sunset Beach

Admission: 500 yen for facilities and 500 yen for parking

Sunset Beach is a sandy beach located in a cove along the western side of Ishigaki's tail shaped northeastern peninsula. The beach is a short walk down from the parking lot and offers swimming and snorkeling that is good even during low tide. Most of the beach is surrounded by a net to protect swimmers from habu jellyfish. Next to the parking lot are picnic areas and paid showers and restrooms.

Nature

While Ishigaki Island is the most populous of the Yaeyama Islands, there is still a lot of nature to experience. In addition to the island's beaches and coral reefs, the interior of Ishigaki has palm forests, mangrove-lined rivers and jungle-covered mountains that offer hiking and camping.

Kabira Bay

Boat departures: 9:00 to 17:00
Boat fee: 1300 yen

Emerald blue Kabira Bay (Kabirawan) is considered Ishigaki Island's most scenic view. Swimming, snorkeling and diving in the bay are not allowed, but a touristy 30 minute long glass bottom boat ride lets you take a look at the bay's underwater world. Kabira Bay, along with Iriomote, are the only two cultivation sites of black pearls in Japan.
River Kayak Tours

Tours depart in the mornings and afternoons
Fee: around 4500 yen for a 90-minute tour

Kayak tours are offered on the mangrove lined Miyara River (not far from the city center) and Fukido River (near Yonehara Beach). Tours start around 4500 yen per person for a 90 minute guided tour. Unguided boat rentals are not available.
Tamatorizaki Observation Point

Hours: always open
Admission: free

This is an observation platform offering nice views of Cape Tamatori, Ibaruma Bay, Ishigaki's hilly northern peninsula and the emerald blue ocean with its coral reefs.
Yonehara Palm Tree Groves

Hours: always open
Admission: free

Walking trails lead through this palm forest, which features several dozen types of palm tree varieties, including the tall, native Yaeyama Palm, a designated national natural monument.

History

The Yaeyama Islands have a rich history and culture going back to before their incorporation into Japan, when they were part of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Yaeyama Museum

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (or next day if Mon is a public holiday), Dec 29 to Jan 3
Admission: 200 yen

The Yaeyama Museum displays historical and cultural items of the Yaeyama Islands. On display are wooden canoes, pottery, traditional clothing and household items as well as items from the various festivals and cultural events held among the islands.
Tojinbaka

Hours: always open
Admission: free

A lavishly decorated grave for 300 Chinese laborers, who were supposed to be shipped to the Americas as mine workers by American and British traders in the mid 1800s, but many of whom were massacred after a mutiny raised by the inhumanly treated Chinese. The incident happened to partially take place on Ishigaki.
Miyara Dunchi

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: Tuesdays, January 1-3
Admission: 200 yen

Miyara Dunchi is a preserved samurai style residence, built by a local nobleman in 1819. Similar residences on Okinawa Honto were mostly destroyed in the war, making Miyara Dunchi a rare surviving example. It is not possible to enter the house, but you can walk around the outside of the house and visit its small garden.
Ishigaki Yaima Village

Hours: 9:00 to 17:30 (entry until 17:00)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 1200 yen

Ishigaki Yaima Village is a collection of relocated Yaeyama Island-style residences from across the archipelago. There are a variety of activities at the village including a traditional song and dance performance which is held a few times daily in one of the houses and reminiscent of the traditional form of entertainment. There is also a small mangrove area, a squirrel monkey park as well as a restaurant and a souvenir shop.

How to get to Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island is the transportation hub of the Yaeyama Islands. Please visit the Yaeyama orientation page for information on how to get to Ishigaki.

How to get around Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Airport is located ten kilometers outside of Ishigaki's city center.

A rental car is the recommended means of transportation to get around Ishigaki Island. All major Japanese rental car companies have outlets on the island. Most of the island's attractions are within a 30-45 minute drive of Ishigaki City, except for the northernmost peninsula, the tip of which is about 35 kilometers from the city center.

Buses operate frequently between the airport and central Ishigaki. There are two types of buses: buses that stop only at the airport and the ferry terminal in the city center (30 minutes, 500 yen one way, every 30 minutes) and buses that serve several stops between the airport and the bus terminal in the city center (35-40 minutes, 540 yen one way, every 30 minutes).

Bus connections to other places on the island are much less frequent. Among them, the Kabira Line connects central Ishigaki with Kabira Bay once every 1-3 hours (45 minutes, 730 yen one way), while the even less frequent Yonehara Line connects central Ishigaki and the airport via Yonehara Beach with Kabira Bay. A 1-day pass for all bus lines is available for 1000 yen, while a 5-day pass costs 2000 yen.

A taxi ride between the airport and Ishigaki's city center takes about 30 minutes and costs around 3000 yen.

How to get to the Yaeyama Islands

Questions? Ask in our forum.

English

Japanese

Budget:

- The Ubufuru Ishigaki
  Luxury
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  The Ubufuru Ishigaki in Ishigaki Island offers family rooms with sea views, private bathrooms, and balconies. Each room includes air-conditioning, a work desk, and free WiFi.
  Exceptional Facilities
  Guests can enjoy a sauna, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and tennis court. Additional amenities include a fitness centre, tennis equipment hire, and free on-site private parking.
  Dining Experience
  The resort serves American and Asian breakfast with local specialities, juice, and fruits. Lunch is available at the restaurant, offering Japanese, local, Asian, and European cuisines.
  Convenient Location
  Located 8 km from New Ishigaki Airport, the resort provides easy access to local attractions. Highly rated by guests for its excellent service and facilities.
  View on Booking.com
  9.4Booking.com
- Beach Village Nosoko
  Budget-friendly
  
  Beachfront Location
  Beach Village Nosoko in Ishigaki Island offers direct access to the beach and stunning sea views. Guests can relax on the terrace or swim in the pool with a view.
  Comfortable Accommodations
  The lodge features adults-only rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies. Each room includes a kitchen, washing machine, and free WiFi, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  Leisure Facilities
  Guests can enjoy a swimming pool with a view, a hot tub, and an outdoor seating area. The property also provides a pool bar, laundry service, and free on-site private parking.
  Nearby Attractions
  Idona Beach is 2.6 km away, and New Ishigaki Airport is 15 km from the lodge. Highly rated for its beach access, terrace, and swimming pool.
  View on Booking.com
  9.3Booking.com
- Seven Colors Ishigakijima
  Luxury
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  Seven Colors Ishigakijima in Ishigaki Island offers family rooms with sea views, balconies, and terraces. Each room includes air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and modern amenities.
  Dining Experience
  The traditional restaurant serves Japanese cuisine for dinner. Guests can enjoy meals in the outdoor seating area or relax in the hot tub.
  Leisure Facilities
  The hotel features a sun terrace, garden, and private beach area. Additional amenities include yoga classes, a hot tub, and free WiFi.
  Convenient Location
  Located 27 km from New Ishigaki Airport, the property provides free on-site private parking and a tour desk. Highly rated for beach access, hot tub, and attentive staff.
  View on Booking.com
  9.2Booking.com
- Nata Beach Villa
  Mid-range
  
  Beautiful Facilities
  Nata Beach Villa in Ishigaki Island offers a private beach area, lush garden, terrace, and restaurant. Guests enjoy free WiFi, air-conditioning, balconies with garden views, and free on-site parking.
  Comfortable Accommodations
  Rooms include private bathrooms with bidets, refrigerators, work desks, and TVs. Additional amenities feature a beauty salon, family rooms, tour desk, and luggage storage.
  Delicious Dining
  The restaurant serves Japanese, local, Asian, and barbecue grill cuisines. Breakfast options include American and Asian styles. Dinner is available for guests.
  Prime Location
  Located a few steps from Nata Beach, the hotel is 15 km from New Ishigaki Airport. Nearby attractions include Kabira Bay and Taketomi Island. Highly rated for breakfast, staff, and beach access.
  View on Booking.com
  9.2Booking.com
- Ishigaki Sunset Cove
  Luxury
  
  Situated on the secluded West Coast of Central Ishigaki Island, 18km from Ishigaki City, 5km from Yonehara Beach, Ishigaki Sunset Cove is set along the beach and rooms with free WiFi access. Among the various facilities of this property are an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. We have rental cars at the hotel. Our airport transfers are free until 6pm. A car is essential to explore the island. Please inquire after booking for rates and availability. Parking charges are expensive for outside rentals; parking for our cars is free. At the resort, the rooms come with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Selected rooms here will provide you with a kitchen with a microwave, a toaster and a fridge. The units at Ishigaki Sunset Cove come with a seating area. Tamatorizaki Observation Point is 5 km from the resort, while Kabira Bay is 10 km away. The nearest airport is New Ishigaki Airport, 10 km from Ishigaki Sunset Cove. A Western breakfast is available daily at the property. A rental car is essential for mobility on the island. We have rentals available at the hotel, please inquire.
  View on Booking.com
  9.1Booking.com
- Lulaliya
  Luxury
  
  Set in Ishigaki Island, 300 metres from Kabira Bay, Lulaliya features air-conditioned rooms and free private parking. The bed and breakfast has a barbecue and sun terrace, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Some units feature a seating area for your convenience. Extras include slippers, free toiletries and a hair dryer. Lulaliya features free WiFi throughout the property. There is a shared lounge at the property. Sukuji Beach is 1.9 km from Lulaliya, while Yonehara Beach is 5 km away. The nearest airport is New Ishigaki Airport, 13 km from Lulaliya.
  View on Booking.com
  9.1Booking.com
- Little Mermaid Hotel Ishigakijima
  Mid-range
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  Little Mermaid Hotel Ishigakijima in Ishigaki Island offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and sea or mountain views. Each room includes a balcony or terrace, walk-in shower, and free WiFi.
  Convenient Facilities
  Guests can enjoy a garden, terrace, and free on-site private parking. Additional amenities include bicycle parking, luggage storage, and free WiFi.
  Local Attractions
  Fusaki Beach is a 5-minute walk away, while New Ishigaki Airport lies 18 km from the hotel. Activities such as fishing are available nearby.
  Guest Satisfaction
  Highly rated for its attentive staff, child-friendly environment, and comfortable rooms.
  View on Booking.com
  9.1Booking.com
- HOTEL Ishigakijima 2020
  Mid-range
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  HOTEL Ishigakijima 2020 in Ishigaki Island offers aparthotel-style rooms with air-conditioning, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, laundry service, family rooms, full-day security, bicycle parking, and express check-in and check-out services.
  Modern Amenities
  Each room includes a washing machine, refrigerator, microwave, TV, soundproofing, and free toiletries. Additional features include a sofa, bidet, hairdryer, and electric kettle. Free on-site private parking is available.
  Prime Location
  Maezato Beach is a 12-minute walk away, while New Ishigaki Airport lies 10 km from the property. Guests appreciate the room cleanliness, comfort, and well-equipped kitchens.
  View on Booking.com
  8.9Booking.com
- Hotel Patina Ishigakijima
  Mid-range
  
  A 7-minute walk from Ishigaki Port Ricoh Ferry Terminal and a 3-minute drive from the beach, Hotel Patina Ishigakijima offers cosy rooms with hardwood floors, free internet and a private balcony. Free parking is available on site. The air-conditioned rooms at Patina Hotel include a private bathroom and refrigerator. Guests can enjoy watching the flat-screen TV with a fresh cup of tea. A free-use washing machine and coin-operated dryer are provided, as are free-use bicycles. Free wireless internet and 2 computers with free internet access are offered in the lobby. Massages can be requested for an extra cost. Ishigakijima Patina Hotel?fs restaurant serves breakfast daily.
  View on Booking.com
  8.9Booking.com
- Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima
  Budget-friendly
  
  Comfortable Accommodation
  Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima in Ishigaki Island offers adults-only hostel accommodation with free WiFi. Each ground-floor unit features air-conditioning, a bidet, hairdryer, and slippers.
  Convenient Facilities
  The property includes a lounge, shared kitchen, daily housekeeping service, bicycle parking, bike hire, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a shower and shared bathroom.
  Local Attractions
  Painuhama Artificial Beach is 2.4 km away, and New Ishigaki Airport is 15 km from the hostel.
  View on Booking.com
  8.9Booking.com
See more on Booking.com