11 Things to Do in Ishigaki Island

Spring is the ideal season for visiting Ishigaki Island. Enjoy marine activities such as snorkeling to observe coral reefs and tropical fish or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in the clear waters.
Summer can bring frequent typhoons, which may disrupt your travel plans.

Access to Ishigaki Island is straightforward. From Okinawa’s Naha Airport, it’s just a one-hour flight to Ishigaki’s Painushima Ishigaki Airport.
Direct flights are also available from Kansai International Airport in Osaka and Haneda Airport in Tokyo, taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
International flights from Taiwan and Hong Kong take just 1 to 2 hours, offering convenient access for travelers from abroad.

Here’s one spot located off the northwestern part of Ishigaki Island with views so epic it’s even ranked on the list of Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Landscapes. Kabira Bay is heralded as the prime scenic location on Ishigaki Island, complete with views of the "Kabira Blue" sea, pristine white sand beaches and a famed heritage culture around black pearls.

The prefectural forest park is located on 230m high Mt. Banna in the center of Ishigaki Island. There are exotic tropical trees, a plaza where children can play freely in the great outdoors, and the best ocean view of Ishigaki Island can be seen from the observatory. There are many butterflies and plants that can only be seen in Yaeyama, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Carved into the southern part of Ishigaki Island in the Yaeyama Islands, the Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave is the southernmost tourist-accessible limestone cave in Japan. Formed over 200,000 years, this natural masterpiece spans 3.2 km, making it the largest cave on Ishigaki Island.

Located at the northernmost tip of Ishigaki Island, Hirakubozaki Lighthouse is a highly popular spot for breathtaking views. With nothing to obstruct the surroundings, visitors are treated to sweeping vistas of coral reefs and the stunning blue sea. While the sunlight reflecting off the water is mesmerizing, the sight of the sunset is equally captivating. The gradient of vibrant blues created by the coral and the ocean is an absolute must-see.

Located on the Yarabuhantou Peninsula at the westernmost point of Ishigaki Island, Oganzaki is renowned as a "sacred place where gods descend," offering breathtaking views.
From the white lighthouse standing at an elevation of approximately 37 meters, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of Ishigaki's stunning ocean. The sight of the sunset from this spot is particularly mesmerizing.
Don't miss the dramatic cliffs at the tip of the cape, a testament to nature's raw power.
In spring, the area is adorned with blooming Easter lilies, filling the air with their delightful fragrance.

Located about a 40-minute drive from Ishigaki Island’s city center, Sukuji Beach offers breathtaking views of emerald-green waters, pristine white sand, and lush green mountains. Widely regarded as one of Ishigaki's most scenic beaches, it spans 1 kilometer and features shallow, calm waters ideal for families.

Safety measures, including jellyfish prevention nets and on-duty lifeguards, ensure a worry-free experience for visitors with children. Whether you're collecting driftwood and seashells along the shore, enjoying a relaxing stroll, or hosting a barbecue, Sukuji Beach is the perfect spot for quality family time.

Just a 10-minute drive from "Minami no Shima Ishigaki Airport," Shiraho Beach offers a serene escape into untouched nature. Spanning approximately 10 kilometers, this beautiful beach is minimally developed, with few facilities like restrooms or showers, allowing visitors to enjoy its pristine environment in peace.
Renowned for being home to one of the Northern Hemisphere's largest blue coral reefs, it’s a prime spot for snorkeling, where you can marvel at the vibrant underwater world. For those with young children or who aren’t comfortable swimming, glass-bottom boat tours provide a safe and convenient way to explore the stunning coral formations beneath the surface.

Torinji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in the Yaeyama Islands and the southernmost in Japan. Located in Ishigaki City's urban area, this Rinzai Zen Myoshinji sect temple boasts a history of approximately 400 years.

The temple was established in 1614 at the behest of King Shō Nei, the 7th king of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Though it was destroyed by a massive tsunami caused by the 1771 Yaeyama Earthquake, it was rebuilt the following year.

The red-tiled roofs and stone walls made of Ryukyuan limestone exude a distinct Okinawan charm. Highlights include the "Nio Statues," designated as a cultural property of Okinawa Prefecture, and the "Gongendō Hall," recognized as a National Important Cultural Property.

Withstanding numerous disasters, Torinji Temple is also regarded as a spiritual power spot known for bestowing blessings of protection from misfortune and life restoration.

Located in the northeastern part of Ishigaki Island at the base of Kinbu-dake on the Hirakubo Peninsula, Tamatorizaki Observatory sits atop a small hill about 30 meters above sea level.
This scenic spot offers breathtaking views of lush greenery and coral reefs while letting you enjoy a refreshing breeze unique to Ishigaki.
The walking path leading to the observatory is lined with vibrant hibiscus and Chinese hibiscus flowers, creating a tropical atmosphere to immerse yourself in.

Located in the northern part of Ishigaki Island, Yonehara Beach captivates visitors with its white sand and stunning sea that transitions from green to deep blue in a mesmerizing gradient. Known as a top snorkeling spot, the beach is home to vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish.

Nearby, you’ll find a campsite where many visitors enjoy beachside barbecues. The area also offers access to other attractions, such as the enchanting "Blue Cave," where the entire space glows with blue light, and the grove of Yaeyama palm trees, designated as a national natural monument. Additionally, it's close to Omoto-dake, the highest peak in Okinawa, making Yonehara Beach a perfect addition to any sightseeing itinerary.

Located on a hill overlooking the southwestern sea of Ishigaki Island, "Ishigaki Yaima Village" is a theme park that recreates the traditional village landscape of Yaeyama, surrounded by lush nature. Four century-old traditional houses, relocated to the site, are registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan. Visitors can explore their interiors, which faithfully recreate the lifestyle of the past.

Other highlights include the "Squirrel Monkey Forest," set in a subtropical natural environment, and the "Nagura Anparu," where you can observe mangroves. The park also offers hands-on activities like Shisa coloring and star sand art, as well as local delights such as Yaeyama soba at the "Nagura Drive-In Anparu Café." There’s plenty to see and do for everyone.

Located on a hill overlooking Fusaki Beach, about a 15-minute drive from Ishigaki City's downtown area, Mirumiru Honpo Main Store is a must-visit spot. The shop is renowned for its homemade gelato, crafted with freshly squeezed milk from Ishigaki-raised cows and locally sourced tropical fruits.
You can indulge in a variety of flavors, including Okinawa-inspired options like pineapple, mango, banana, and red sweet potato, as well as classic favorites. Don't miss their unique seasonal limited-edition flavors for an extra treat.
Enjoy your gelato on the terrace or rooftop while soaking in the breathtaking view of Ishigaki's stunning ocean.

Located in the heart of Ishigaki City, Uminchu Izakaya Gen Main Branch is a popular izakaya loved by both locals and tourists alike. Part of the "Uminchu Izakaya Gen" chain, which operates eight restaurants across Ishigaki Island, this establishment prides itself on serving dishes made with the freshest seafood, caught daily by their own fishing boats.
In addition to classic offerings like assorted sashimi and assorted sushi, diners can enjoy local specialties such as goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry) and nearshore fish simmered in salt (maasu-ni). Another standout is their Ishigaki beef seared sushi, a must-try delicacy that is highly acclaimed.

Located just a 10-minute walk from the Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal, the Ishigakijima Kitauchi Farm Hamasaki Main Branch is a specialty restaurant serving the rare Ishigakijima Kitauchi Farm Premium Beef.
Raised in a stress-free environment with a barley-rich diet, this beef offers the rich, deep flavor of Wagyu. Enjoy it prepared as yakiniku, hamburg steak, or a classic steak.
The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, and its farm-direct pricing makes it an even more attractive choice.

Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas is a resort hotel located along approximately 1 km of natural beach on the western coast of Ishigaki Island. The resort features cottages with red-tiled roofs and white walls, creating a tranquil atmosphere that feels like a traditional island village, perfect for relaxation.

With a new wing opening in July 2020, this luxury resort has one of the best room categories among resort hotels on the island. You can enjoy a fulfilling and relaxing time with a premium experience and personalized hospitality that only Ishigaki Island can offer. The azure sea in front of you is spectacular. Club InterContinental offers a private swimming pool, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails.

Nestled in the untouched natural beauty of Ishigaki Island's northern Hirakubo Peninsula, Seven Colors Ishigaki is an exclusive hideaway resort featuring just seven guest rooms. This tranquil retreat is surrounded by rich nature, including mangrove forests and clusters of Sagaribana flowers that bloom at night and wither by morning.

Guests can savor leisurely moments with ocean-view rooms and three private beaches. The rooftop observation deck is a prime spot to relax under a parasol or hammock while enjoying panoramic views of the ocean and stunning sunsets. At night, this space transforms into the perfect seat to admire the star-filled skies of Ishigaki, designated as a "Starry Sky Protection Area."