Oritoori - Ishigaki City Official Tourism Information Website
Since you're already there, you might want to visit not only Ishigaki Island but also the other islands of the Yaeyama Islands. For those people, we'd like to introduce the Euglena Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal, which connects Ishigaki Island with the other Yaeyama Islands.
Euglena Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal is located in the heart of the city, making it very convenient to walk to Euglena Mall, which has many souvenir shops, Misaki-cho, the island's main shopping area, and the bus terminal. There are two large parking lots in front of and right next to the terminal.
From "Nannoshima Ishigaki Airport," the gateway to the islands by air, there is a direct bus that takes about 30 minutes, making it easy for people who want to go straight to the outlying island terminal after arriving at the airport, or for those who want to head straight back to the airport after returning from an outlying island.
There's a taxi stand right in front of the main entrance of the remote island terminal, so please don't worry.
Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal
1 Misaki-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0012
Terminal building operating hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
(Note: Shops and ferry company counters close at 6 PM. Only rental spaces such as meeting rooms are open until 9 PM.)
Ishigaki City HP Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal
Rooftop observation area
2nd Floor: Ishigaki City Senkaku Islands Information Center
1st Floor: Boats / Tour company counter, boat dock, shop, pharmacy, planetarium, conference rooms
From the Euglena Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal, regular high-speed ferries operate to seven islands: Iriomote Island (Uehara/Ohara), Taketomi Island, Kohama Island, Kuroshima Island, Hatoma Island, Hateruma Island, and Yonaguni Island.
Here are estimated boarding times to each island ↓
Taketomi Island (approximately 10-15 minutes)
Kohama Island: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Kuroshima: Approximately 25-30 minutes (approximately 45 minutes via Taketomi Island)
Iriomote Island, Ohara: Approximately 40-45 minutes (approximately 90 minutes via Taketomi Island, approximately 55 minutes via Kuroshima Island)
Uehara, Iriomote Island: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Hatoma Island: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Hateruma Island: Approximately 60-80 minutes
There isn't just one ferry company operating regular high-speed ferries; there are several, and each has different operating times. You can check departure times, cancellation information, and purchase tickets in advance on each ferry company's website.
Previously, passengers had to purchase tickets in advance at the counter before boarding, but from March 2024, contactless payment became available on all shipping companies, eliminating the need to purchase tickets. Accepted payment brands include Visa, JCB, American Express, UnionPay, and various other credit, debit, and prepaid cards.
Additionally, various island-hopping tours are offered at the counters of ferry and travel companies. While some tours can be booked on the day, it's best to reserve in advance. Many people travel to the Yaeyama Islands alone, so rest assured that there are plenty of tours available for solo travelers.
[Important Notes for Boarding the Ship]
Unlike Ishigaki Island, other islands accessible by boat do not have large supermarkets or convenience stores. Therefore, the ferry terminal for the outlying islands has a variety of shops, including souvenir shops, pharmacies, marine leisure shops, and accessory shops, so that passengers can buy everything they need before heading to the island.
There's a tour desk selling outdoor gear and limited-edition items, so it might be worth dropping by just for some shopping. As it's an outlying island terminal, it's also characterized by having many souvenirs related to the Yaeyama Islands.
Before setting sail, grab a bite to eat. At the remote island terminal, you can enjoy a wide variety of meals, including Yaeyama soba, tuna bowls, and taco rice. While there aren't any large restaurants, each place has a small, diner-like atmosphere and is run by locals. Feeling the island vibe makes you even more excited about the boat trip that's about to begin. You can also enjoy cold, sweet treats like milkshakes and ice cream. (Note that ice cream is not allowed on board!)
Surprisingly, the ferry terminal for the outlying islands offers not only shopping and dining, but also spots that provide opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
If you enter the remote island terminal and head to the back right, you will come across the "Churaboshi Gate Ishigaki Island Hoshi no Umi Planetarium." The Yaeyama Islands offer beautiful starry skies year-round, and it is said that 84 of the 88 constellations can be seen. This planetarium, located within the remote island terminal connecting the Yaeyama Islands, is the southernmost planetarium in Japan and is a very compact dome-shaped planetarium with 46 seats. The content changes slightly according to the season, and 5 to 6 different shows are screened each day. Many of the shows are related to the night sky of Yaeyama, so if you learn a little more about the night sky of Yaeyama at the planetarium and then actually see the starry sky with your own eyes, it will be an even more refined and moving experience.
Climbing the spiral staircase near the planetarium will take you to the "Ishigaki City Senkaku Islands Information Center." Here, you can learn about the nature and history of the Senkaku Islands through exhibits and videos, and even see a 3D model up close. This is a must-visit spot for anyone interested not only in the rich nature and culture of the islands, but also in the history and local culture of the Yaeyama Islands.
There are plenty of chairs in the lobby. Please relax and wait until the ship departs.
Climbing the ramp next to the Senkaku Islands Information Center will take you to the rooftop of the terminal building. From the spacious observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the blue sea and watch the ships arriving and departing for the various islands. On a sunny day, it might be a great place for a picnic.
Former WBA world light flyweight champion and professional boxer Yoko Gushiken hails from Ishigaki Island. The bronze statue erected in his honor has become a popular photo spot.
There's a cute little mailbox right next to the main entrance.
Upon entering through the main entrance, you will find ATMs for JA Bank and Seven Bank immediately to your right.
You can pick up information pamphlets about the Yaeyama Islands.
You can use coin lockers or luggage storage services in the terminal for any luggage you don't need during your stay on the remote island.
The Euglena Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal connects to a variety of charming islands. It's packed with things to keep you entertained during your wait before boarding and after disembarking. Even if you don't have a ferry to take, why not go and take a look around?