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

Scenic spots

Hirakubozaki Lighthouse
At the northernmost point of the island, you can see the beautiful gradation of the ocean. It has been certified as a "lighthouse of love."

Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay has beautiful emerald waters. You can also take a glass-bottom boat and peer into the sea.

Tamatorizaki Observation Deck
An observation deck where you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea at the same time. You can spend some time relaxing while looking out at the northern part of the island.

Beach

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

Sukuji Beach
Located in the Kabira area, this beach has beautiful shallow waters surrounded by greenery. Jellyfish nets are also provided for your safety.

Sunset Beach
Located near the northernmost tip of the island, in the village of Kuura, this natural beach has exceptionally clear water. Showers are available in the summer.

Sunset

Okanzaki
From the foot of Onozaki Lighthouse, located on the high point of the cape, you can watch the sun sink into Iriomote Island.

Funagura Park
Facing the west side of the island, this spacious park is a place where islanders come to relax. Taketomi Island can be seen right in front of you.

Southern Gate Bridge
You can walk to this bridge from the city center. From the bridge, you can see the beautiful ocean, the city, and nearby remote islands.

starry sky

Nagura Bay
Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park is the first in Japan to be provisionally certified as a "Starry Sky Reserve" by the International Dark-Sky Association. Beyond the mangroves, we can see the Winter Triangle.

Tamatorizaki
The Milky Way is also clearly visible. This is the coast near Tamatorizaki, which is within the Starry Sky Protection Area. From the pitch-black sandy beach, you can see the starry sky stretching southward.

Yashima Coast
This photo was taken at dawn. Venus is the brightest star on the left.

food

Ishigaki beef
Ishigaki beef is raised freely in the island's natural environment. Enjoy it as yakiniku, steak, or nigiri sushi.

Yaeyama soba
Yaeyama soba is typically topped with shredded pork, kamaboko fish cake, and island leeks in a broth made from bonito or pork.

Tropical Fruits
The island's fruits, including mangoes, pineapples, and dragon fruit, are in season from May to August.

Souvenirs

Awamori
There are six breweries on Ishigaki Island that produce awamori. Be sure to try different varieties.

Yaeyama kamaboko
Yaeyama kamaboko is typically deep-fried and is a great snack or appetizer.

Brown sugar
Brown sugar is rich in minerals and grown in the sea breeze. There are 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, with its red tiled roofs, shisa lions, and coral stone walls.

Iriomote Island
A jungle island with many untouched virgin forests remaining, and home to the Iriomote wildcat.

Hateruma Island
The southernmost inhabited island in Japan. The sea around Nishihama is so beautiful that it will astound anyone. We also recommend staying overnight and observing the starry sky.

event

Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival, held in the summer, is an annual event to pray for a bountiful harvest. It is a lively festival featuring a variety of performing arts, including colorful flag-carvings.

Obon
Obon on the island is a lively event. Obon, which follows the lunar calendar, is celebrated in each region with events such as Angama, lion dances, and Eisa.

Harley
The Hari Festival, also known as the Seafarers' Festival, is held every year on May 4th of the lunar calendar. It is a lively sea festival featuring heroic boat races.

activity

Diving & Snorkeling
Be sure to take a look under the sea to see tropical fish, colorful coral reefs, and even manta rays.

Mangrove Kayaking
Explore the mangrove-lined river by kayak and observe the various creatures that live in the tidal flats.

buggy
Anyone with a regular driver's license can experience a four-wheeled buggy ride through the jungle.

Top 3 RecommendationsVarious recommendations