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How to get to and play in Banna Park, a sightseeing spot in Ishigaki Island! Ishigaki Island resident staff will give you a thorough explanation!
Hello everyone!
Ishigaki Island is known as a resort destination rich in natural beauty. While it may be strongly associated with the ocean, it actually boasts many charming mountains and rivers as well. Banna Park is a spot popular with both tourists and locals that is brimming with the natural charm of Ishigaki Island. Banna Park is a prefectural forest park developed around Mount Banna. Here, you can observe the Crested Serpent Eagle—a designated Natural Monument—and enjoy views of the beautiful ocean. At night, a sky full of stars fills your entire field of vision.
In this article, we’ll introduce Banna Park, a place rich in natural beauty.
Table of Contents
About Banna Park
Banna Park is the largest park in the prefecture, located in the northern part of Ishigaki Island. Since it’s close to both the city center and the airport, it’s easy to visit. However, because it’s a very large forest park, it’s best to explore it by car. The park features a wealth of observation decks and attractions, making it a popular destination not only for tourists but also for families with children and older visitors.
From the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the park’s forests, the emerald-green sea, and the cityscape. The vast grounds are divided into five areas—A through E—each with its own unique characteristics. I’ll go into more detail about them later. You may even encounter the Crested Hawk-Eagle, the Red-crowned Crane, and peacocks—all designated as National Natural Monuments—making for a truly exciting experience.
How to Get to Banna Park
Banna Park is about a 5-minute drive from downtown and about a 25-minute drive from New Ishigaki Airport. Since you can get there by bus as well as by car, we’ll explain both options below.
Access by car
From the New Ishigaki Island Airport, take Prefectural Route 208 north, and you'll find the south entrance to Banna Park along the road.
Access by bus
From the Ishigaki Island Bus Terminal, take a bus on the Yoshihara Line, the West Loop Ihara Line, or the West Loop Circular Line. Get off at the ”Yaemori Tower” bus stop, and it’s about a 2-minute walk to the south entrance of Banna Park.
Detailed Information on Banna Park
Banna Park is a prefectural forest park developed around Mount Banna, located in the northern part of Ishigaki Island.
As the largest park in Okinawa Prefecture, it features observation decks offering breathtaking views, as well as adventure courses and attractions throughout the park, making it a beloved destination for locals, especially those visiting with children. Additionally, its walking paths make it a popular spot for seniors to take a stroll. The park is divided into five zones, from Zone A to Zone E. Each zone has its own theme, offering different ways to enjoy the park, so let me introduce them to you.
Zone A: Banna Forest and Recreation Plaza
Zone A is the area where the south entrance to Banna Park is located. Since it’s the most easily accessible area from downtown, I think many people will enter the park from here. It’s also home to the war memorial, making it a very important place for Ishigaki Island. Plus, since there are maps of all the zones available here, this is a good spot to decide on your route.
Zone B: Banna Skyline
Zone B is the area connecting Zone A, which has the South Entrance, and Zone C, which has the North Entrance. If you enter from Zone A, you’ll reach the ”Observation Deck with a View of the Emerald-Green Sea.” From here, you can enjoy a view of Ishigaki Island’s crystal-clear, emerald-green sea. This is also the only spot in Banna Park where you can see the cityscape. You can enjoy the contrast between the city and the great outdoors.
You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, and since free binoculars are provided, you can take your time observing the scenery. There’s also an egg-shaped observation deck called the ”Migratory Bird Observatory” designed for birdwatching. There’s a guide to the birds you can spot in the park, so be sure to look for them! Don’t miss the ”Southern Island Observation Deck,” with its rugged, rock-like exterior!
Zone C: Forest Walking Area
Zone C is the area around Ishigaki Dam, which faces both the East and North Entrances. Located at the North Entrance of Zone C is the World Insect Museum. It’s a truly valuable museum featuring a collection of insect specimens from Ishigaki Island and all over the world. Since it’s a great place to visit even on rainy days, if you get caught in a sudden downpour, why not pop inside and check out the various insects? Segway tours are also available near the North Exit, so if you’re interested, please feel free to inquire!
As you exit the World Insect Museum, you’ll see the Butterfly Garden. This area is home to many plants that butterflies and their larvae favor, making it the area within Banna Park with the largest butterfly population.
There are rows and rows of beautiful flowers in bloom. The sidewalks are also very well paved, making this a popular spot for locals to take a stroll or go for a walk. It’s also nice to take your time exploring the park.
”Seishika Bridge,” a suspension bridge featuring Seishika plants—known as the "phantom flower"—spans Banna Park, where visitors can relax by the lakeside surrounded by lush greenery. From the Crowned Eagle Observation Deck, visitors can watch the Crowned Eagle—designated as a Natural Monument—soaring through the sky. It is also a scenic spot offering a panoramic view of the dam.
Zone D: Nature Observation Plaza
Zone D is located at the West Exit and is the perfect spot for firefly watching. Within this zone is an area known as ”Firefly Avenue,” where many fireflies live.
The fireflies found on Ishigaki Island are the Yaeyama Princess Firefly, and thousands or even tens of thousands of them gather and fly about, flashing their lights. The sight is truly breathtaking. Its beauty is so striking that it’s often likened to a ”carpet of light.” You’re sure to be amazed by its sheer beauty.
Be sure to stop by sometime. When you park your car in the parking lot,lightning bugThere are signs to guide you to the highway. Be careful on the way there, as you’ll need to climb stairs without handrails and cross a bridge.
Zone E: Children's Play Area
Zone E is located in the northwestern part of Banna Park and is a popular area for activities, featuring facilities such as the ”Multipurpose Festival Plaza” and the ”BMX Cycle Plaza.”
You can get there by heading from Zone D toward the North Exit. This area features an attraction called the “Fureai Children’s Playground,” which includes an adventure course. With large playground equipment and a bouldering wall, it’s a great place for young children and anyone looking to get some exercise. The ground around the playground equipment is paved with a cushioned surface, so you can rest assured that your children can play safely.
How to Enjoy Banna Park
As mentioned earlier, the E Zone features bouldering and an adventure course. This makes it a place where not only young children but also adults can have fun. In addition, the park is equipped with observation decks, each with its own unique theme, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of scenic views. If you visit during the right season, you can enjoy the breathtaking sight of beautiful fireflies in Zone D. There are also museums and other attractions, so it’s a great idea to take your time exploring the indoor facilities on rainy days.
Address: 961-15 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Directions: About a 25-minute drive from New Ishigaki Island Airport
Phone number: -
Hours: None
Closed: None
Parking: Available
Toilet: Yes
Adventure Course: Available
summary
We’ve introduced Banna Park. What did you think?
Banna Park, the largest forest park in Okinawa Prefecture, features adventure courses and attractions where you can get some exercise, as well as an observation deck offering beautiful views. Here are some of the highlights of Banna Park:
・Museums such as insect museums
・Segway Experience
・Carpet of Light
・Offers views of a star-filled sky and the city’s nightscape
Be sure to check out the information above and pay a visit to Banna Park.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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