Top 3 Recommendations

Here are some recommendations for the island's scenery, food, activities, and more, especially for first-time visitors to Ishigaki Island.

Scenic Spot

Hirakubo Cape Lighthouse
At the northernmost tip of the island, you can see a beautiful gradient of colors in the sea. It has been designated a "Lighthouse of Love."

Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay boasts beautiful emerald waters. You can also take a glass-bottom boat ride to explore the underwater world.

Tamatorizaki Observation Deck
This observation deck offers views of both the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea simultaneously. You can relax and enjoy the view of the northern part of the island.

beach

Fusaki Beach
Long Beach within Fusaki Beach Resort Hotels & Villas. The pier extending into the sea is also a popular photo spot.

Sokochi Beach
Located in the Kabira area, this beach boasts beautiful shallow waters surrounded by lush greenery. Jellyfish nets are also available for added safety.

Sunset Beach
A natural beach with exceptionally clear water, located in the village of Kuura, near the northernmost tip of the island. Showers are available during the summer months.

Sunset

Cape Goshinzaki
From the base of the Ogamizaki Lighthouse, located on a high point on the cape, you can watch the sunset sinking towards Iriomote Island.

Funakura Park
This spacious park, located on the west side of the island, is a place where even the islanders come to relax. Taketomi Island is visible right in front of you.

Southern Gate Bridge
A bridge that's within walking distance of the city center. From the bridge, you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea, the city, and even nearby islands.

starry sky

Nagura Bay
Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park is the first place in Japan to be provisionally designated as a "Dark Sky Reserve" by the International Dark-Sky Association. The Winter Triangle is visible beyond the mangroves.

Tamatorizaki
The Milky Way is clearly visible. This is the coast near Tamatorizaki, which is within the Dark Sky Reserve. You can gaze upon the starry sky stretching southward from the pitch-black sandy beach.

Yashima Coast
Taken at dawn. The brightest star on the left is Venus.

food

Ishigaki beef
Ishigaki beef, raised freely amidst the island's natural environment. Enjoy it grilled, as steak, or in sushi.

Yaeyama soba
Yaeyama soba typically features a broth made from bonito and pork, topped with thinly sliced pork, fish cake, and island leeks.

Tropical Fruits
Mangoes, pineapples, dragon fruit, and other fruits from the island are in season from May to August.

souvenirs

Awamori
There are six distilleries on Ishigaki Island that produce awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit). Be sure to try comparing them!

Yaeyama Kamaboko
Yaeyama kamaboko (fish cake) is typically a type that resembles tarashiage (a type of fried fish cake). It's great as a snack or appetizer.

Brown sugar
Brown sugar grown under the abundant sea breeze is rich in minerals. There are also many souvenir sweets made with brown sugar.

Island hopping

Taketomi Island
You can take a leisurely stroll through the village, where the original Okinawan landscape remains, complete with red tiled roofs, Shisa statues, and coral stone walls.

Iriomote Island
This jungle island boasts many untouched primeval forests and is home to the Iriomote wildcat.

Hateruma Island
Japan's southernmost inhabited island. The sea at Nishihama is breathtakingly beautiful. Staying overnight and enjoying stargazing is highly recommended.

event

Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival, held in summer, is an annual event to pray for a bountiful harvest. Featuring vibrant flagpoles and various performing arts, it's a lively and exciting festival.

Old Obon Festival
The Obon festival on the island is lively. Following the lunar calendar, various events are held in each region during Obon, including Angama dances, lion dances, and Eisa dances.

Harley
The Hari Festival, a fisherman's festival, is held every year on the 4th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar. It is a lively sea festival featuring a magnificent boat race.

activity

Diving & Snorkeling
You should definitely take a look inside the ocean, where you can see tropical fish and colorful coral reefs. You might even encounter manta rays.

Mangrove Kayaking
Explore the mangrove-lined river by kayak. You can also observe various creatures that inhabit the tidal flats.

buggy
With a regular driver's license, you can experience the thrill of speeding through the jungle on a four-wheeled buggy.

Top 3 RecommendationsVarious Recommendations