How to Get to and Enjoy Hirakubozaki, a Popular Tourist Spot on Ishigaki Island! Our Ishigaki Island-based staff explains!

Hello everyone!

Ishigaki Island is Japan’s No. 1 resort destination, and because it’s surrounded by nature, you can enjoy breathtaking views from all over the island.
One of the recommended scenic spots on Ishigaki Island is Hirakubozaki.
The view from the northernmost tip of Ishigaki Island offers a panoramic view of the ocean, so be sure to check it out!
In this article, we’ll introduce you to Hirakubozaki.

 

 

 

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What Is Hirakubozaki?

 

 

As mentioned at the beginning, Hirakubozaki is the northernmost cape on Ishigaki Island. It offers a spectacular view of the East China Sea stretching out to the horizon, as well as the surrounding islands, such as Miyako Island and Tarama Island.
On the side opposite the ocean, there is a vast ranch where you can watch the animals going about their leisurely lives.

 

 

 

Since it’s the northernmost point of Ishigaki Island, it takes about an hour and a half by car from the city center. However, the scenery along the way—from mountains to pastures—is so captivating that you’ll never get bored. Plus, once you arrive at Hirakubozaki, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the East China Sea, so it’s definitely worth the trip!
The wind is very strong, so be careful not to let items you're wearing—such as hats—blow away.

 

How to Get to Hirakubozaki

 

 

Hirakubozaki is located at the northernmost tip of Ishigaki Island—a fact that becomes clear as you travel north.
To get there from New Ishigaki Island Airport, head north for about 30 km from National Route 390 onto Prefectural Route 206. The trip takes about 50 minutes, and since the road offers unobstructed views, you can enjoy a drive with a sense of openness.

 

 

On the way to Hirakubozaki, you'll pass Akashi Shokudo, a famous restaurant on Ishigaki Island, so it might be a good idea to try their soki soba.
It's a bit of a distance to Hirakubozaki, but the route is very straightforward, so feel free to stop by.

 

Detailed Information on Hirakubozaki

 

 

Hirakubozaki, the northernmost point of Ishigaki Island, is located about a 2-hour drive from the city center and about a 50-minute drive from New Ishigaki Airport. The distance might make you hesitate to make the trip, but I highly recommend visiting. The view from there is one of the most breathtaking on Ishigaki Island.

 

 

Hirakubozaki, which is also famous as a tourist attraction, features a monument marking the northernmost point and is one of the area’s popular photo spots.
The site of the northernmost marker is located on a small hill, offering a panoramic view of the Hirakubo Peninsula. To the right of the lighthouse is Hirakubo-zaki Beach, where you can enjoy various activities. Since it’s a bit of a distance from the city center, there are few tourists, allowing you to enjoy these activities with plenty of freedom!

 

 

Hirakubozaki, which offers views of the crystal-clear ocean, is also famous as a sunset spot. On clear days, you can take your time watching the sun sink below the horizon from the deep-blue sky. While we’d love for you to watch the entire sunset, we recommend returning to your hotel before it gets completely dark.

 

 

 

 

 

As you’ll likely notice when traveling to Hirakubozaki, there are almost no traffic lights or streetlights along the way. Because of this, you might not notice if an animal suddenly darts out in front of you. Every year, there are confirmed cases of wildlife fatalities caused by vehicle collisions. Of course, this is also for your own safety, so please be sure to stay alert!

 

■Nearby Facilities

Since this is the northernmost point of Ishigaki Island, people often assume there are no facilities here—such as restrooms, vending machines, or shops—but there are actually cafes and hotels nearby.

 

cafe

There is a café called ”Hamayu” in the village in the Hirakubo area.
At Hama-Yu, a café with a distinctly Okinawan atmosphere, you can enjoy local specialties such as Yaeyama soba and taco rice. The menu varies depending on the season, so it’s a good idea to check it before you go.

 

 

Hotel

Near Hirakubozaki is a hotel called ”Seven Colors Ishigakijima,” which opened in 2017 and features seven rooms, all with ocean views.
This hotel was opened by a family of owners who visited Hirakubo, fell in love with its beauty, and decided to move here. Since the owner knows more about the charms of Hirakubo Cape than anyone else, be sure to ask him about them.
A seaside café has also opened inside the hotel, so you can savor creative French cuisine made with local island ingredients while taking in the breathtaking views.

 

 

How to Enjoy Hirakubozaki

 

 

The best way to enjoy Hirakubozaki is, of course, to take in the view. Its beauty is so captivating that you feel you could gaze at it forever.
You can enjoy various activities in this area. At Hirakubo Beach, you can go swimming andsnorkelYou can also do that.

 

However, my top recommendation would have to be the paragliding experience. It’s an activity you can only experience here on Ishigaki Island.
There’s a shop called ”Sky Adventure Umakku” in a village on the Hirakubo Peninsula, where you can try paragliding. You can glide over the ocean like a bird while taking in the beauty of the coral reefs. It’s sure to be a memory you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

 

 

 

 

summary

 

 

We’ve introduced you to Hirakubozaki. What did you think?
As you’ve seen, the northernmost point of Ishigaki Island offers a spectacular view stretching out to the horizon. In addition to the various water sports available on the beach, this spot also offers the chance to enjoy paragliding.
Here are some recommended spots at Hirakubozaki, a scenic viewpoint.

 

 

Keep the points mentioned above in mind and be sure to visit Mt. Nosoko.
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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