Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island is a main island of Yaeyama islands in located approximately 400 km southwest of Okinawa main island in the East China Sea. It takes about a 50-minute flight from Okinawa main island. The 3rd largest island of Okinawa Prefecture followed by Okinawa main island and Iriomote Island, and the mild climate and crystal-clear water characteristic of tropical countries are attractive. It is famous for attracting many divers from all over the world who are fascinated by its beauty.

The suburbs, with its abundant nature and traditional landscape, also offer many other attractions, such as beautiful tropical flowers, traditional red-tiled roof houses that are many seen in Okinawa, and sugarcane fields.

The ocean of Ishigaki Island is one of the most popular places in Japan to see manta rays and sea turtles. Kabira Bay, a scenic spot designated as a National scenic beauty spot, offers a beautiful panorama of white sandy beaches and Kabira-blue ocean. This island is also famous for starry sky, where 84 constellations including the Southern Cross can be seen, and you can enjoy island’s beauty of nature at night. Local dishes such as the Ishigaki beef and seafood including sashimi and masu-salt stew, and the, tuna caught in the surrounding waters is especially exquisite.

A new airport, Painushima-Ishigaki Airport opened in 2013, and with the expansion of routes and launch of LCC flights, it has become easier to travel to the island.