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.
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.
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.
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.
Getting there and around
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.
Links and Resources
English
Japanese
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Ishigaki City
Official website. -
Ishigaki Airport
Official website. -
Azuma Bus
Website of the local bus company. -
Karry Kanko
Official website of the company that operates the nonstop buses to the airport. -
Sunset Beach
Official website. -
Yaeyama Museum
Official website. -
Ishigaki Yaima Village
Official website.
Hotels around Yaeyama Islands
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The Ubufuru IshigakiView on Booking.comExceptional Facilities
The Ubufuru Ishigaki in Ishigaki Island offers an infinity swimming pool, fitness centre, garden, terrace, restaurant, tennis court, and free WiFi. Private check-in and check-out, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping ensure a comfortable stay.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature sea views, air-conditioning, balcony, private bathroom, kitchen, and amenities such as washing machine, dishwasher, and TV. Family rooms and ground-floor units cater to all guests.Dining Experience
Breakfast includes local specialities, juice, and fruits. The restaurant serves Japanese, local, Asian, and European cuisines for lunch.Local Attractions
Nearby attractions include Yaeyama Museum (7 km), Tamatorizaki Observation Point (20 km), and New Ishigaki Airport (8 km). Highly rated by guests. -
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Seven Colors IshigakijimaView on Booking.comBeachfront Location
Seven Colors Ishigakijima in Ishigaki Island offers a private beach area, beachfront, sun terrace, and lush garden. Guests enjoy sea views and direct access to the beach.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, balconies, and private bathrooms with free WiFi. Additional amenities include a hot tub, sauna, and yoga classes.Dining Experience
The traditional restaurant serves Japanese cuisine for dinner. Outdoor seating areas provide relaxing spaces.Nearby Attractions
Located 27 km from New Ishigaki Airport, the hotel is close to attractions such as Tamatorizaki Observation Point (14 km) and Kabira Bay (37 km). -
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Ishigaki Sunset CoveSituated 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 -
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Beach Village NosokoView on Booking.comBeachfront 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.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Mexican and European cuisines with vegetarian and vegan options. Guests can enjoy lunch and dinner in a modern and romantic ambience.Local Attractions
Located 15 km from New Ishigaki Airport, the property is near attractions such as the Rhizophoraceae Plant Community of Fukidogawa River (2 km) and Idona Beach (2.6 km). -
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Hotel Patina IshigakijimaA 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 Hotelfs restaurant serves breakfast daily.View on Booking.com -
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LulaliyaSet 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 -
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Little Mermaid Hotel IshigakijimaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Little Mermaid Hotel Ishigakijima in Ishigaki offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and sea or mountain views. Each room includes a balcony, terrace, and free WiFi.Leisure Facilities
Guests can relax in the garden or on the terrace, enjoy free WiFi, and take advantage of bicycle parking and luggage storage. Free on-site private parking is available.Local Attractions
Fusaki Beach is a 5-minute walk away, while Nei Museum of Art lies 1.1 km nearby. Other attractions include Kannonzaki Lighthouse (1.4 km) and Fusaki Kannondo (1.8 km). New Ishigaki Airport is 18 km from the hotel.Guest Services
The hotel staff provide excellent service support, ensuring a pleasant stay for all guests. Child-friendly amenities and comfortable rooms enhance the overall experience. -
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Guest House SuntoruView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Guest House Suntoru in Ishigaki Island offers a 1-star guest house experience with a garden, terrace, and free WiFi. Each ground-floor unit features a work desk, shared bathroom, slippers, and free on-site private parking.Convenient Facilities
The property includes a lounge, shared kitchen, and luggage storage. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a work desk, shared bathroom, slippers, and free on-site private parking.Local Attractions
Located 7 km from New Ishigaki Airport, the guest house is near Yaeyama Museum (8 km), Tamatorizaki Observation Point (20 km), and Ishigaki Dam (7 km). Other attractions include Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave and Euglena Mall, each 8 km away.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated by guests for its convenience for nature trips, friendly host, and availability of bicycles. -
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Guest House Chura Cucule IshigakijimaView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Guest House Chura Cucule Ishigakijima in Ishigaki Island offers adults-only hostel accommodation with free WiFi. The property features air-conditioning, bidet, hairdryer, ground-floor unit, shared bathroom, shower, and slippers.Convenient Facilities
Guests can enjoy a lounge, shared kitchen, daily housekeeping service, bicycle parking, bike hire, and luggage storage. Paid off-site private parking is available.Local Attractions
Nearby attractions include Yaeyama Museum (less than 1 km), 730 Monument (10-minute walk), Euglena Mall (700 metres), and Painuhama Artificial Beach (2.4 km). New Ishigaki Airport is 15 km away. -
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HOSTEL SunTerrace IshigakiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
HOSTEL SunTerrace Ishigaki in Ishigaki offers adults-only rooms with air-conditioning, soundproofing, and tiled floors. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free WiFi.Essential Facilities
Guests can enjoy a garden, terrace, and outdoor seating area. The property features a lounge, shared kitchen, games room, and full-day security. Additional amenities include a washing machine, dining area, and paid on-site private parking.Prime Location
Located 13 km from New Ishigaki Airport, the hostel is near attractions such as Painuhama Artificial Beach (15-minute walk), Yaeyama Museum (300 metres), and Euglena Mall (500 metres). Guests appreciate the room cleanliness, staff support, and comfort.
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