Ishigaki Island, Okinawa: 20 Driving Spots Recommended! Carefully selected by our staff living in Ishigaki Island!

• Ishigaki Island is one of the islands that make up Okinawa Prefecture.Third largest areaThe island boasts a

 

However, except for the southern part of Ishigaki IslandPublic transportation is not extensive enough to cover the island.

 

Therefore, rental cars are the most common way for tourists to get around Ishigaki Island.

 

In this issue, our local staff carefully selects 20 driving spots that you should keep in mind when you come to Ishigaki Island!

 

Don't miss the last bit of information about car rentals...

 

 

 

 

Western to northwestern part of Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island Driving (1) Kannonzaki

Kannonzaki is a cape located on the west side of Ishigaki Island, and its trademark is a white lighthouse called Ryukyu Kannonzaki Lighthouse.

 

 

The lighthouse was built in 1953 by the then U.S. military. You can feel the history.

 

Incidentally, the name "Kannonzaki" comes from a cultural asset called "Tomizaki Kannon-do" located near the cape.

 

 

The area around the lighthouse is an observatory built on natural rocky terrain, offering a panoramic view of the crystal clear ocean.

 

 

 

It is a recommended Ishigaki Island driving spot for both couples and children.

 

 

 

Ishigaki Island Driving (2) Toujin Tombs

 

This is the grave of a Chinese national who died in the Bawun Incident, known as the Toujinbaka. The ship ran aground on its way to Taiwan.

 

The case is that 380 people disembarked from the ship. Even people who live in Ishigaki Island are not familiar with this maniac spot.

 

I recommend you to visit there when you drive around Ishigaki Island!

 

 

 

 

 

Ishigaki Island Driving (3) "Mikamizaki

Uganzaki is a cape on the west coast of the Yarabe Peninsula in the western saki branch of Ishigaki Island, where a pure white lighthouse stands atop a precipitous cliff.

 

 

The view from the lighthouse is beautiful, and in April, one of the highlights of Mikamizaki, the white blossoms of the tepou lilies, are dyed by the setting sun.

 

 

Mikamizaki is sung in the island's Shinto songs (songs dedicated to the gods) as a sacred place where the gods descend.

 

 

A large rocky hill rises on the north side of the cape. This rock is"My sister's headstone."(Bunary tzvuriii), which appears in local folklore.

 

 

At Mikamizaki, a monument in memory of the victims of the Yaeyama Maru shipwreck that left 35 people dead or missing in 1952 watches over the safety of the sea.

 

 

 

 

Ishigaki Island Drive (4) "Kabira Bay

Kabira Bay is a representative scenic spot of Ishigaki Island,Japan's only black pearl cultivation areaIt is.

 

Kabira Bay is alsoMichelin Green Guide Japonindicates certainty, emphasis, etc.Chinese "Three Stars" constellation (one of the 28 mansions)also acquired.Kabila Blue."Enjoy the beautiful sea, which is also called the

 

 

Swimming is prohibited, but you can observe coral and tropical fish in a glass boat experience with a transparent bottom.

 

Paid coin-operated parking is available near the glass boat pier.

 

 

There is also a small parking area called "Kabira Bay View Parking" on Prefectural Route 89 on the southeast side of Kabira Bay.

 

 

This area is like an observation deck with a good view, and you can look down on Kabira Bay from different angles. (Note that this is different from the area where the observation deck and glass boat pier are located!)

 

 

The villages around Kabira Bay are well stocked with set meal shops, souvenir shops, juice shops, etc., so you may want to take a leisurely stroll around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ishigaki Island Drive 5: "Sukuji

Sukuji Beach is located in a village called Sukuji in the northwestern part of Ishigaki Island.

 

The contrast between white sand and emerald green is very beautiful.

 

 

The waves are calm and the shallow waters are suitable for swimming!

 

 

The sand on the beach contains many pieces of coral, which reflects sunlight beautifully and shines white.

 

 

There is also a vast sunflower field near the beach. It is a hidden tourist spot.

 

 

 

 

Northeastern part of Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island Driving ⑥ "Nosodake

Nosodake, a mountain located in the eastern part of Ishigaki, holds a legend of a tragic love and has a unique sharply pointed shape. Climbing to the top of the mountain

 

It is the most popular installation spot.

 

 

 

 

Ishigaki Island Driving (7) Yonehara Yaeyama Palm Colony

The Yaeyama palm colony, a subtropical plant, is the largest in Japan. The boardwalk in the community is covered with subtropical plants.

You will experience as if you are in the Amazon. It is more than 30 meters long. The Yaeyama palm is

 

It is called a single pinnate compound leaf because it grows straight up toward the sky. Some palms have more than 100 leaves.

 

 

Ishigaki Island Driving (8) A panoramic view from Tamatorizaki Observatory! Ishigaki Blue

Tamatorizaki Observation Deck" is one of the well-known scenic spots in Ishigaki Island for a long time. It takes about 35 minutes from the city center by car. It is located about 20 minutes from Nannu New Ishigaki Airport.

 

 

From this observatory, you can see Ibaruma Bay, Mt. Banna, and the coral reef group.

 

The large parking lot allows for a safe and comfortable stopover.

 

Ishigaki Island Driving (9) Ibaruma

 

 

A police car marks the village of Ibaruma. In the old days, people used to carry boats across to Ibaruma, which is why it is called Funakuya.

 

The Ibaruma Sabichi Cave is located nearby in Ibaruma. These limestone caves were created by crustal movement about 400 million years ago.

 

It opened in 1994. Visitors walk through a short tunnel of about 500 meters. Stone pillars and stalactites.

 

You can check it out. Please note that a large eel, about 2 meters long, lives in front of the entrance.

 

 

It is a recommended driving spot because a scenic ocean awaits at the end of the walk.

 

The more you go at low tide, the more satisfied you will be, so it is recommended that you check the time of low tide before going!

 

The limestone caves are very slippery, and it is very dangerous to go there in flip-flops, so wear shoes before going.

 

The interior is illuminated, so no lights are needed. The place is highly recommended for couples and children.

 

 

 

Driving in Ishigaki Island10 Maesato Beach

 

 

Maesato Beach is an artificial beach located on the grounds of ANA Intercontinental Ishigaki Resort.
It is located just a 20-minute drive from the city center and has a free parking lot that can accommodate 300 cars. This makes it very suitable for driving.

 

Because it is an artificial beach, various marine activities and rental equipment are available at the beach house managed by the hotel, as well as a lifeguard and jellyfish nets during the season.
We recommend visiting Maesato Beach for a safe and enjoyable activity.

 

 

Ishigakijima Drive (11) Ishigakijima Sunset Beach

 

 

The beach is located in Kuura village in the northern part of Ishigaki Island. It used to be called Kuura Beach. There is a beach warden stationed on the beach.

 

You can play safely. There is also a jellyfish prevention net, so even small children can have fun.

 

It is one of the clearest beach spots in Ishigaki Island, which was used as a location for the movie "Boys Over Flowers".

 

Because it is protected by a reef, it does not experience high waves, and the water is relatively deep even at low tide.

 

It is also an excellent place for snorkeling. Please note that the swimming period is limited.

 

The mushroom rocks eroded by the waves line the beach and make for beautiful sunset photos in the evening.

 

Highly recommended if you want to see a beautiful sunset.

 

 

 

 

 

Ishigaki Island Driving ⑫Hirakubozaki

Hirakubozaki isNorthernmost tip of Ishigaki IslandIt is a cape located at Its trademark white lighthouse contrasts beautifully with the cobalt blue sea.

 

 

The view from the cape is of an untouched sea. Depending on the depth of the sea, the shade of color of the sea changes, offering various shades of blue.

 

 

In 2016.Lighthouse in Love(a joint project of the Japan Romantic Association and the Nippon Foundation).

 

 

 

 

Central Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island Drive ⑬ "Banna Park

 

Banna Park is a prefectural forest park centering on Mt. You can observe various living creatures and plants depending on the season.

 

 

Especially during the season from March to May, Banna Park is crowded with people who come to see Yaeyama fireflies, the smallest land-dwelling fireflies in Japan.

 

There are several observation decks in the large park where you can view the city, mountains, and the ocean of Ishigaki Island.

 

 

The park is one of the easiest spots to visit, with many roads accessible by car and a parking lot.lightning bugThis is a spot where you can watch the

 

 

 

 

 

Ishigaki Island Driving⑭Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave

Ishigaki Island has a strong image of the sea, but in fact there are also magnificent limestone caves.

 

The Great Ishigaki IslandNature.200,000 yearsIt was created over a long period of time.Ishigaki Island's largestThis is a limestone cave in the

 

 

The limestone caves that have been created over many years offer a sense of natural beauty, while also being the first in the world to experiment with limestone cave illumination, making them a space full of attractions!

 

 

 

Ishigaki Island Drive (15) Ishigaki Yaima-mura

 

Ishigaki Yaima Village is a theme park that recreates the old townscape of the good old Okinawa and Yaeyama region near Nagura Bay in central Ishigaki Island.

 

Incidentally, "Yaima" is an accented word for "Yaeyama" (Yaeyama).

 

The park is full of cultural experiences, including an ethnographic museum, a restored house, and a Meizo pottery studio.

 

In addition to this, a popular attraction is the Monkey Park, where you can play with squirrel monkeys.You can play with squirrel monkeys more than you can imagine.

 

 

Ishigaki Island Drive⑯Ishigakijima Observatory

 

 

This is the facility of the National Observatory at the southernmost reflective edge of Japan. Murikabushi, Okinawa's largest optical/centennial reflector telescope with an aperture of 105 cm

 

The museum is also equipped with a Reservations are required, but facility tours, a theater room, and astronomical observation events such as the Southern Cross and Jupiter are also available.

 

The 4D2U Theater "Starry Sky Learning Room" is a 200-inch screen that shows the universe on a 200-inch screen.

 

It can be observed in three dimensions.

 

 

Held at 3:00 p.m. on days the library is open. Please check if the library is open onIt is recommended to go there.

 

 

 

Ishigaki Island Drive⑰Ishigaki Clan Garden

It was built during the Ryukyu Dynasty. It is designated as a national place of scenic beauty. Ohama Pechin, ancestor of the Ishigaki family

 

Chang-en's composition of the highest position in Yaeyama, Gusukuma Pechin, the garden master of Shuri at that time, to the design director at that time.

 

It was founded by It offers a glimpse of the lifestyle of Ishigaki Island. It is a Ryukyu style building.

 

The building has been reconstructed, but the garden is carefully maintained and is very powerful.

 

Currently, descendants reside there. At first glance, it looks like a Japanese garden, but the subtropical plants and coral reefs unique to Ishigaki Island

 

There is a "Hinokishin" (a small, private house) in the area. Since many private homes are located near the city center, please visit with good manners.

 

Ishigaki Island Driving⑱ Momorinji Temple

It is the oldest Japanese temple in Yaeyama. It was built in 1611 at the advice of the Satsuma clan.

 

The Satsuma clan, which had extended its power to Yaeyama, had a Japanese-style temple built for the Ryukyu dynasty.

The temple is a member of the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism and the principal deity is Kannon Bosatsu. Gongendo is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

 

It is located in the center of Ishigaki Island and is relatively easy to get to. It features red-tile roofs that remind us of the history.

 

 

 

Driving in Ishigaki Island (19): The Public Market

 

 

The public market in the Euglena Mall is a great place to buy souvenirs, with hundreds of local products from the island.

 

It is the perfect place. The prices are inexpensive and you can shop with confidence. The fact that the island's aunts are store keepers.

 

There are many restaurants in Ishigaki Island, and you can enjoy the dialect and conversation of Ishigaki Island. The recommended dishes are island spicy cod and Ishigaki beef. Around the area

 

Handmade missanga and accessories are also available for women!

 

 

Ishigakijima drive⑳石垣市立八重山博物館

It is a place where many valuable antiques, historical materials, and even arts and crafts from the Yaeyama Islands' precious past are kept.

The museum introduces the history of the Ryukyu Dynasty period centering on Yaeyama. The admission fee is 200 yen, which is relatively inexpensive.

If you want to know the history of Ishigaki Island, please visit us!

 

 

Extra - Recommended Car Rentals in Ishigaki Island

As explained earlier, renting a car is super convenient for sightseeing in Ishigaki Island.

 

Each year, the number of car rental users and car rental agencies is increasing.

 

Among the many car rental agencies, it is always difficult to know which one to choose.

 

As an added bonus, here are some recommended car rental shops on Ishigaki Island.

 

Kumanami Renta

Kumanomi-Renta has a store in the city area.

 

In addition to automobile rentals, there is a full range of bicycle and motorcycle rental services.

 

This unique car rental shop also rents out ocean fun items such as four-piece snorkel sets, parasols, and cooler boxes.

 

Free shuttle service to Ishigaki Remote Island Terminal and downtown hotels is also available.

 

 

 

Parking Rent-a-Car

Parking Rent-a-Car is a car rental agency located near Shin-Ishigaki Airport.

 

There is a free shuttle service to and from the New Ishigaki Airport. Parking service for local residents is also available.

 

Not only do we rent regular cars, but we also offer the first luxury BMW series cars for rent on Ishigaki Island.

 

 

 

Go Share

Go Share is an electric bike rental service that runs on electricity generated by solar power.

 

You can charge and drop off your car at more than 4 locations on the island. Fully electric vehicles are very eco-friendly!

 

It is also nice to leisurely tour around the great nature of Ishigaki Island on a stylish pastel blue bike.

 

Mail order is recommended for souvenirs!

We have introduced some driving spots on Ishigaki Island!

 

Ishigaki Island is a place full of nature with both ocean and mountains, so there are many places to drive.

 

To enjoy Ishigaki Island to the fullest,Souvenirs are recommended to be purchased by mail order.

It won't take up valuable time or add to your carry-on luggage.

 

By mail order, you can buy it whenever you want, 24 hours a day, so please take a peek at the link below!

 

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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