50 Ishigaki Island afternoon fun spots & activities!

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Ishigaki Island ADVENTURE PiPi!

 

Ishigaki Island, with its great nature, is recommended for both activities and sightseeing!

 

Visit famous classic spots in a warm and easy to move around environment, as well as deep holes in the ground that only locals may know about.

 

In this article, we will introduce some of the best places to visit and activities to do in the afternoon on Ishigaki Island!

 

Characteristics of an afternoon on Ishigaki Island

 

Ishigaki Island is home to many natural wonders such as oceans, mountains, and rivers, and is a solid environment for relaxation. In the afternoon, the temperature is at its highest, so marine activities such as swimming and snorkeling, SUP and canoe trekking in the mangrove forests are recommended. In the evening, the sun setting over the horizon is beautiful and a must-see. At night, there are few light sources, so you can see a star-filled sky.

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island (1) Osaki Beach

 

 

Osaki Beach is famous as one of the best surfing spots in Ishigaki Island. There are also diving spots nearby, Hanagoi Reef and a spot called "Minocasago Palace" can be reached. It is a recommended spot for those who want to enjoy the ocean of Ishigaki Island.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island (2) Sakieda Beach

 

 

Sakieda Beach is a hidden gem of a beach known only to those in the know. The coral here is extremely beautiful, and the shallow waters make it a great place for coral viewing. Due to the currents and other reasons, swimming is not allowed at this time, but the beach is beautiful when the tide is low, so be sure to visit.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island ③Hira Ririshima Beach

 

 

Taira-rijima Beach, located at the tip of the cape of Kabira Bay, is surrounded by rocks and has very calm waves. Near Taira-rijima Beach is a dive site called Manta City, where you have a good chance of encountering manta rays.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots on Ishigaki Island (4) Tadahama Beach

 

 

This is a natural beach located in the Maesato area. It is a secluded beach that is often visited by locals. However, the beach itself is rocky and not suitable for swimming. There is no light source nearby, so it is a good beach for star gazing.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots on Ishigaki Island (5) Ishizaki Beach

 

 

Ishizaki Beach is a private beach owned by Club Med Ishigakijima, where no visitors are allowed to enter the beach. It is a recommended sunset spot and the evening scene is breathtaking.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island ⑥Idona Beach

 

 

Idona Beach is located in Nosoko, a beach on the northern side of Ishigaki Island. At sunset time in the evening, there is nothing to block the view from here, so you can relax and watch the sun fall over the horizon.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots on Ishigaki Island (7) Gongendo

 

 

Gongendo is a temple and shrine located along Yui Road in the city. The shrine is dedicated to Kumano Gongen, the first temple and shrine to be built in Yaeyama, and is a valuable cultural heritage.
It is the only remains of an authentic early modern shrine and temple architecture, which is rare in Okinawa, and is also an important cultural property of Japan.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island (8) Minsa Craft Museum

 

 

The Minsa Crafts Museum was created to carry on the textile culture of Yaeyama Minsa, Yaeyama Kamifu, Gunbo, and other textiles. Visitors can observe the production site and learn about the history and the works of art. Of course, you can also purchase them.
You can also try your hand at weaving, so why not create the original textile you want?

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island (9) Momorinji Temple

 

 

Momorinji Temple was built next to Gongendo. It is a temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism and is famous for the pair of Niou statues at the temple gate. Since it is located near the terminal, why not visit the temple at the beginning of your sightseeing tour to pray for the safety of your trip?

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island ⑩ Fusaki Kannondou

 

 

The temple is located in the southwestern part of Ishigaki Island, very close to Husaki Beach. It is located on the mountain side of the cape called Kannonzaki. It has been worshipped as Kannon-sama who watches over the islanders for safe voyage and good health since olden times.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots on Ishigaki Island (11) Nagura Dam

 

 

It is the second largest dam in Ishigaki Island, located upstream from Nagura Bay. It is located to the south of Omotodake. There is no large park near the dam, but there is an observatory and a promenade where you can relax.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island ⑫Kara-dake

 

 

A small mountain located near Shin-Ishigaki Airport. From the top of the mountain, you can see the whole view of the airport and airplanes passing by in the sky. The contrast with the sea of Shiraho that spreads beyond the airport is truly spectacular! There are almost no trees and the mountain is covered with thick undergrowth, and the path to the summit takes about 15 minutes one way. Even if you don't climb to the top, you can see the mountain from the observation deck of Shin-Ishigaki Airport.
It is also a famous photo spot due to its proximity to the airplane field. You can take pictures of the sea and airplanes.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots on Ishigaki Island⑫Sukuhara Dam

 

 

Located near the center of Ishigaki Island, it is the largest dam in Ishigaki Island. It is a super-long horizontal rock-fill dam and has the longest embankment in Japan for an agricultural rock-fill dam! There is a promenade around the dam lake where you can take a walk.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island⑭ Maesato Dam

 

 

Maesato Dam was built together with Sokobaru Dam on the opposite side. There is a promenade nearby where visitors can take a walk.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots on Ishigaki Island (15) Hirugi colony in Fuki-tsuki-gawa River

 

 

This term refers to the hirugi (hollyhock) that grows in clusters at the mouth of the Fukidori River. At low tide, the water recedes, allowing visitors to walk through the mangroves and interact with crabs, gobies, and other estuary creatures.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island⑯Tugushiken Youtaka Memorial Museum

The Gushiken Yoshitaka Memorial Museum was established to honor Yoshitaka Gushiken, who is currently a TV personality.
It is easily accessible, about a 20-25 minute walk north of the city center, making it an easy stopover.
Gushiken is a former boxer and legendary boxer who has a formidable record of 13 consecutive defenses as WBA World Jr Flyweight Champion.
The Gushiken Yoshitaka Memorial Museum displays gloves, championship belts, trophies, and other items used in the matches, and videos of the defense matches are always on view.
We invite you to visit the memorial museum about the great star of Ishigaki Island.

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island⑰Yaeyama Peace Memorial Hall

 

 

Yaeyama Peace Memorial Museum is a museum that introduces the actual situation of malaria in Yaeyama area during the Pacific War through photos and documents.
Established in 1999 as a branch of the Peace Memorial Museum on the main island of Okinawa, it preserves history so that the ruthlessness of war and the horrors of malaria will not be forgotten.
It is frequented by locals, history buffs, and children visiting on social studies tours.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island⑱Kawahira Kannondou

 

 

Kannon-do Temple stands in Kabira Park adjacent to the beautiful emerald green waters of Kabira Bay, and was built around the 17th century. It is a good place to visit when you come to Kabira Bay.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots (19)

 

 

The jail is located about 10 minutes on foot from Ishigaki Port Terminal.
The deity is located in a small forest behind the Okinawan-style worship hall. This Utaki is used to pray for the safety of officials boarding tribute boats to the main island of Okinawa, and is still believed to be a place of prayer for safety.

 

 

 

Afternoon sightseeing spots⑳伊野田漁港(⑳伊野田漁港) in Ishigaki Island

 

 

Inoda Fishing Port is a fishing port in the Inoda region in the northern part of the island. It is a fishing port visited by many locals and has a beautifully maintained embankment. It is a small fishing port on the island with a relaxed atmosphere unique to the island. It is also recommended for those who wish to fish.

 

 

 

Ishigaki Island Afternoon Sightseeing Spots211Shiraho Coral Village

Shiraho Coral Village is working to protect Ishigaki Island and the coral reefs on the path of symbiosis by conducting research and environmental conservation, preserving coral reefs, and using resources to the extent possible. If you want to know more about coral, visit here.

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island㉒Denshinya Ruins

 

 

It was built by the army in 1897 for military purposes, connecting Taiwan and Japan by submarine electric cable, and was an important military base for about half a century until after World War II. It is now in ruins, but has an atmospheric stone structure.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island㉓Kawahira Park

 

 

The park is located along Kabira Bay and offers a panoramic view of Kabira Bay, and the sea scenery from the observatory is exceptional. Kabira Kannon-do (Kabira Goddess of Mercy) is located in the park.

 

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island㉔Furusto Hara Ruins

 

 

The Hulstuhara Ruins are ruins dating from the first half of the 14th century to the 16th century, located beside the old Ishigaki Airport. The stone enclosure of limestone blocks served as a defensive function for the village. It is impressive to see the stone mounds lined up in a row in the large park.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island㉕Shisa-kan

 

 

As the name suggests, Shisa-Kan is a souvenir shop selling many Shisa. It also sells miscellaneous goods and foodstuffs. If you are thinking of taking a Shisa as a souvenir, please visit there.

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island㉖Kannonzaki

 

 

About 15 minutes drive from downtown Ishigaki, Kannonzaki near Husaki Beach is a spot where you can overlook the island from a hill. The view is spectacular and you can enjoy the scenery of Nagura Bay, Taketomi Island, and Ishigaki Island Beach.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island㉗Hirakubozaki

 

 

Hirakubozaki Lighthouse is the northernmost cape on Ishigaki Island and offers a panoramic view of the emerald green to cobalt blue sea, depending on the time of day and climate.
The excellent transparency of the ocean allows visitors to observe the coral reefs growing in clusters from above, and there is also a nearby ranch where they can observe the animals.
It is a good spot for evening and night views with few people. Since it is the northernmost point of Ishigaki Island, there is no light around, so you can see beautiful starlit sky. The moon can be seen clearly and it is nice to look at the stars by moonlight.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island㉘Tamatorizaki Observatory

 

 

Tamatorizaki Observatory is located on top of a small hill and offers a 360-degree panoramic view. There are observatories all over Japan, but there are not so many where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. Even more rare is a place where you can see a beautiful view of the sea. At night, visitors and locals can be seen at Tamatorizaki Observatory. Visitors come to see the beautiful starlit sky and spend a relaxing time looking at the starlit sky.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island㉙Nanjima Folk Museum

 

 

The museum has a wide collection of valuable postwar Yaeyama materials, folk tools, toys, and other items. The souvenir shop "Minamijima Mingei" next to the museum offers a wide variety of Yaeyama souvenirs, making it a good place to buy Yaeyama souvenirs.

 

 

 

Afternoon Sightseeing Spots in Ishigaki Island㉚ Misaki Gogu

 

 

The Utaki is located near the Ishigakijima Port Terminal and was built to pray for safe voyage. The entrance is surrounded by magnificent trees, creating a solemn atmosphere. Since it is close to the city and the remote island terminal, why not visit there when you take an evening walk?

 

 

 

20 recommended afternoon activities on Ishigaki Island

 

Afternoon Activity in Ishigaki Island (1) Sunset SUP

 

 

You can enjoy the sunset view by SUP (stand up paddle), which is now a hot topic.
Sunsets on land are beautiful, but sunsets in the ocean have a different feel as the ocean changes color from moment to moment.
Depart for the ocean to watch the sunset when the afternoon sun begins to tilt, and paddle leisurely to the spot with the setting sun in front of you and the light of the tilted sun in front of you. You can look up at the sky and see the beautiful colors of the sky with its various faces gradually changing as the sun changes its tilt. You will surely be struck by the inspiring scenery.
At sunset time, the whole area turns orange and is absolutely beautiful. Enjoy the contrast between the orange and the islands in the background.

 

 

Ishigaki Island Afternoon Activity 2: Sunset Canoeing

 

 

Canoes are very stable vehicles and can accommodate more than one person, so families with small children can also enjoy this tour.
As with Sunset SUP, you can take a canoe out to sea to enjoy the sunset.
Sunset canoeing also offers sunset and twilight times.
If you are considering an activity for more than one person, we recommend this canoe tour.

 

 

Afternoon Activity on Ishigaki Island (3) Diving

 

 

Diving is one of the activities you can't miss when you visit Ishigaki Island. There are many diving spots and many specialized stores in Ishigaki Island. Please join the tour and enjoy the ocean of Ishigaki Island.

 

 

Ishigaki Island Afternoon Activity 4: Taketomi Island Sightseeing

 

 

Taketomi Island is a small island created by the uplift of coral reefs, located about 10 minutes offshore by boat from Ishigaki Island. You can enjoy swimming and diving.
Especially popular spots are Kondoi Beach, Kaiji Beach famous for its star sand, Takidunguchi in the northwestern part of the island, Simovishi in the southwestern part of the island, and Taketomi Island Minamioki Reef in the southern part. You can also see various faces of Shisa in houses with red-tile roofs, and Taketomi Island retains the simple, beautiful, old-fashioned Okinawan original landscape. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of daily life and want to relax, please visit Taketomi Island. You will definitely be healed.

 

 

If you would like to book a ferry ticket to Taketomi Island, we recommend booking online.

 

 

Ishigaki Island Afternoon Activity 5: Kabira Bay Walk

 

 

Kabira Bay is a beautiful bay with a beautiful emerald green ocean surface dotted with lush green islands and the contrast between the all-white sandy beach and the emerald green ocean color. Although swimming is not allowed due to the ocean currents, visitors are encouraged to play on the beach, collecting coral and shells that have washed up on the beach.

 

 

Ishigaki Island Afternoon Activity ⑥Fukidori River SUP & Trekking

 

 

Fukidori River is located in the northeast of Ishigaki Island and has one of the largest mangrove forests in Ishigaki Island, "Fukidori River Mangrove Community". This is the tour to go up the Fukidori River by SUP and trekking. You can feel the great nature of Ishigaki Island and observe the rare flora and fauna of the island.

 

 

Ishigaki Island Afternoon Activity 7: Fukiutsu River Canoeing & Trekking

 

 

Fukidori River is located in the northeastern part of Ishigaki Island and has one of the largest mangrove forests in Ishigaki Island, "Fukidori River Mangrove Community". You can directly feel the pristine nature along the Fukidori River because the rich nature of sea and forest including hirugi community is spreading around the Fukidori River. It is the feature that you can directly feel the great nature of Ishigaki Island. After going up the river to some extent, we will do trekking. You can directly experience the largest mangrove forest in Ishigaki Island.

 

 

Ishigaki Island Afternoon Activity #8: Phantom Island Landing Tour

 

 

Barasu Island is an uninhabited island near Ishigaki Island and is not on any map. Due to tidal fluctuations, Barasu Island is present in the ocean during high tide, and appears out of nowhere during low tide. In addition, Barras Island is composed entirely of coral fragments. This area is very rich in coral, and the island was created by the accumulation of coral fragments. It may be called the Miracle Island because of such miraculous stories and scenes.
Because Barras Island is sometimes submerged in the sea and is formed by coral fragments, no vegetation grows on the island. Its beautiful scenery is so popular that it is often used for photo weddings and PV shoots. The island is close enough to visit even in the afternoon.

 

 

Afternoon Activity in Ishigaki Island ⑨Snorkeling to Phantom Island

 

 

Snorkeling around Barasu Island, where coral reefs are abundant, is a popular activity. Not only are the waters of Barras Island crystal clear, but in addition to a wide variety of fish, visitors can observe colorful coral reefs.

 

 

Ishigaki Island Afternoon Activity 10: Nosodake Trekking

 

 

It is a 282-meter-high mountain located in the northern part of Ishigaki Island. Also known as Nosoko Marpei, the mountain is characterized by large rocks towering above the summit. The view from the top of the mountain is also outstanding. Even children can easily climb this mountain, making it a safe trek for beginners. It is easy for families and couples to join in because of the spectacular view of the island and the fact that it is a relatively easy mountain to climb.

 

 

Afternoon Activity in Ishigaki Island (11) Fishing Tour in Ishigaki Island

 

 

With a mountain whose elevation is the highest in Okinawa Prefecture and fertile water flowing from the island's undulating rivers, the island is rich in small fish and plankton, making it one of the best fishing spots in Japan for both the variety and size of fish, as there is no need to worry about food.
Ishigaki Island's fertile water from the mangrove forests nurtures plankton, and the abundance of fish makes fishing a blast, so you can enjoy fishing even in the afternoon.

 

 

Afternoon Activity on Ishigaki Island⑫Snorkeling in the Blue Cave

 

 

This activity is to enjoy snorkeling in the Blue Cave in Ishigaki Island. The Blue Cave in Ishigaki Island is so called because of the mysterious blue color of the sea inside the cave. At high tide, the blue cave is filled with seawater so you can enjoy snorkeling inside the cave. Visitors can safely enjoy tropical fish and coral reefs entering the Blue Cave.
There are few waves in the blue cave, and since it is a cave, there is almost no current, so you can enjoy snorkeling safely. Coral reefs also live in the cave, so you can enjoy Ishigaki's ocean safely and securely.

 

 

Ishigaki Island Afternoon Activity⑬ Blue Cave SUP

 

 

The Blue Cave in Ishigaki Island is so called because of the mysterious blue color of the sea inside the cave. You can enter the cave by SUP and safely enjoy tropical fish and coral reefs by peering through stalactites and small holes.

 

 

Ishigaki Island Afternoon Activity⑭Canoeing in the Blue Cave

 

 

This is a tour to enjoy canoeing in the Blue Cave in Ishigaki Island. Since the Blue Cave is filled with seawater at high tide, you can enter the cave by canoe and safely enjoy tropical fish and coral reefs by peering through stalactites and small holes.
When there is little wind and the waves are calm, you can look out from inside the cave and see the outside scenery reflected in the ocean like a mirror, just like the Salar de Uyuni. Canoeing is a popular tour for people who want to enjoy a safe activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, is stable, and can be enjoyed by families with children and couples.

 

 

Afternoon Activity on Ishigaki Island (15) Jungle Night Tour

 

 

They will take you around Ishigaki Island at night and take you to secret places that only locals know about.
Night mangrove cruising by canoe or SUP, many creatures that can only be encountered here, belonging to the unique ecosystem of Ishigaki Island, which belongs to the subtropical climate zone, will show up after sunset. It is a chance to observe rarely seen nocturnal creatures.
If you go to Ishigaki Island, you should definitely go looking for the unique subtropical flora and fauna! And at night on Ishigaki Island, look up to see the breathtaking starry sky!

 

 

Ishigaki Island Afternoon Activity⑯Starlight Photo Tour

 

 

Ishigaki Island is one of the best spots for night views. One of the reasons is the beautiful starry sky. Ishigaki Island was the first island to be awarded the title of "Starry Sky Protection Area" and has the nickname "Star Island" because of the beautiful starry sky. In recent years, more and more people visit Ishigaki Island for the purpose of star gazing.
Ishigaki Island is a great place for photography because of its clean air, low light pollution, and very low latitude, which makes it possible to observe the Southern Cross, which is said to be impossible to see in the northern hemisphere.

 

 

Ishigaki Island Afternoon Activity⑰Night Mangrove & Starry Sky Canoeing

 

 

This tour allows you to enjoy canoe cruising while surrounded by mangrove forests designated as natural treasures.
On Ishigaki Island, beautiful stars fill the sky when the sun goes down. If you listen carefully, you can hear the sound of waves and animals and trees in the silence.
Putting down the paddles and letting the waves rock your body while you feel the comfortable swaying of the waves, stargazing is a supreme experience.
Why don't you experience the best swaying in a canoe with excellent stability under the starry sky of Ishigaki Island?

 

 

Ishigaki Island Afternoon Activity⑱Night Mangrove & Starry Sky SUP

 

 

SUP" is a fashionable marine activity that originated in Hawaii and is rapidly gaining popularity in recent years.
It is an easy to operate activity in which you get on a board and paddle through the water using a paddle. Once you get on the board, you can quickly master it.
This is a luxury plan that allows you to appreciate the starry sky of Ishigaki Island while experiencing such SUP.
Once you get your balance right, you can cruise around on your SUP under the stars or lie on your board and bask in the starry sky.

 

 

Afternoon activities in Ishigaki Island (19): SUP in Kabira Bay

 

 

Kabira Bay is a beautiful bay with a beautiful emerald green sea surface dotted with lush green islands and the contrast between the all-white sandy beach and the emerald green color of the ocean. There are also many coral reefs and tropical fish that make you want to swim, but because of the ocean currents, swimming is not possible, so SUP and other tours are available to enjoy the bay from the sea. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Kabira Bay.

 

 

Afternoon activity in Ishigaki Island⑳川平湾カヌー

 

 

This is a canoe tour to enjoy the beautiful emerald green ocean surface and white sandy beach of Kabira Bay. Kabira Bay in the late afternoon is teeming with coral and tropical fish. Cross the bay by canoe and enjoy the fish and corals swimming freely.

 

 

 

in the end

We introduced recommended spots and activities in Ishigaki Island. How was it?
Ishigaki Island has many fascinating spots and I am sure there are many places you would like to visit. Which spot or activity caught your attention? Please come and visit them.

 

Also,If you are going to visit remote islands from Ishigaki Island,Ferry Ticketsschool (e.g. of ikebana)Buy OnlineIt is convenient to do so.

Since you pay in advance, you only need to show your phone on the day of boarding. Especially during high season, the ferry ticket booths can be so crowded that there are long lines. However, if you pre-purchase tickets online, you don't have to worry about getting caught in a line at the ticket booth on the day of your trip. You can enjoy a smooth and stress-free trip. Please take a look at this page for more information.

 

Thank you for reading to the end.

 

 

 

This article was written by.

Hello! I'm Niwa-chan, your source for all things Ishigaki Island. I have loved to be in touch with nature since I was a child, and I am especially fascinated by the rich natural environment of Okinawa. Currently based in Ishigaki Island, I provide information on how to enjoy activities such as snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking, as well as the hidden charms of the island.

I want to experience the best activities in Ishigaki Island! and "I want to get local information about Ishigaki Island! We provide detailed information on recommended spots and activities on the island to those who want to "experience the best activities in Ishigaki Island! We aim to deliver unforgettable experiences for our customers by interacting with the local nature every day.

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