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10 things you should know before your summer vacation in Ishigaki Island! Ishigaki Island resident staff explains thoroughly!
Hello everyone!
Have you all decided where you're going for summer vacation?
When you think of that, you think of the ocean. If you want to experience the ocean and summer to the fullest, you should definitely visit Ishigaki Island!
Ishigaki Island, Japan’s largest resort destination, becomes even more charming in the summer. Blue skies, white-sand beaches, and emerald-green seas.
Everything is beautiful, and the island is packed with fun activities. Why not pay a visit to Ishigaki Island?
In this article, we’ll share what you need to know before your summer vacation on Ishigaki Island.
Table of Contents
What Makes Summer Vacation on Ishigaki Island Special and Why It's Worth Visiting
Ishigaki Island is Japan’s largest resort destination. Although it has more natural beauty than the main island of Okinawa, it also has plenty of bustling districts and tourist attractions, making it a comfortable place to stay.
Given its abundant natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and wide variety of recreational facilities, isn’t Ishigaki Island the perfect place to experience that resort atmosphere?
There are also plenty of activities to enjoy. At popular beaches, rental equipment for water sports is available, and if you join a tour, you can even participate without bringing anything.
With its wide variety of attractions, relaxing spots, and delicious food, Ishigaki Island is the perfect place to make the most of your summer.
10 Things That Make Summer Vacation on Ishigaki Island Special
(1) Summer Vacation Weather on Ishigaki Island
During summer vacation—that is, in July and August—Ishigaki Island experiences its hottest weather of the year.
High temperatures will exceed 30 degrees, and even the lows will be 27 degrees, resulting in a string of tropical nights. With heavy rainfall, conditions will be hot and humid, typical of a subtropical climate. Due to the high humidity, be sure to monitor your body temperature frequently.
This season is when typhoons occur most frequently. It’s best to expect one or two typhoons per month. If you travel during typhoon season, it’s not uncommon for all tours to be canceled.
Be sure to check the weather forecast in advance!
② What to Wear During Summer Vacation on Ishigaki Island
Temperature-wise, it's warm enough to wear short sleeves and shorts. However, when going outside, try to cover as much skin as possible.
UV levels at this time of year are several times higher than on the mainland. People with sensitive skin may get sunburned to the point of inflammation. If you look at the locals, you’ll see that many of them wear long sleeves. They clearly understand that UV rays are strong during the summer and can be harmful to the skin.
Long sleeves are recommended during the day, and short sleeves at night. Also, stores are often heavily air-conditioned during the day—so much so that you might actually feel cold. Therefore, be sure to bring a jacket.
③ Information on Hotels on Ishigaki Island During Summer Vacation
The summer vacation season sees the highest number of tourists. As a result, accommodations tend to sell out quickly. Be sure to make your reservations well in advance.
art hotel
Art Hotel is a resort hotel that also functions as a city hotel located in the downtown area.
It's in a great location, so after a night out drinking and having fun in the downtown area, you can walk home.
Although it’s located in the city center, it’s a resort hotel, so guests can enjoy the large public bath, spa, and massage treatments. The highlight is the Sky Bar on the 13th floor.
A drink while taking in the panoramic view of the city is absolutely exquisite!
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas is a resort hotel located right across from Fusaki Beach.
This hotel features a spacious pool and, with its Okinawan-style red-tiled roofs and abundant greenery, offers a very relaxing atmosphere, while its modern design gives it a very stylish feel.
The lobby and restaurant are very clean, and with its wide range of amenities and services, it’s a truly appealing hotel. Not only can you enjoy water sports at Fusaki Beach, but the sunsets there are absolutely stunning—it’s worth visiting just to watch the sunset.
Ishigaki Seaside Hotel
The Ishigaki Seaside Hotel offers a view of the sparkling emerald-green Sokochi Beach right in front of the hotel.
This resort hotel features a large public bath overlooking the ocean and a garden pool. Enjoy the ultimate relaxation in the jacuzzi while gazing out at the beautiful ocean stretching out before you.
Sokoji Beach, located right in front of you, has shallow waters, so even families with small children can visit with peace of mind. As a natural beach boasting some of the best water quality in the country, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of marine activities and experience a truly fulfilling resort lifestyle.
④ Information on Car Rentals on Ishigaki Island During Summer Vacation
Ishigaki Island is the most developed of the Yaeyama Islands and is a resort destination where visitors can enjoy a comfortable stay without any inconvenience; however, from a nature conservation perspective, there is very little public transportation. In addition, there are few tourist buses and other such services.
Since getting around by taxi would cost a fortune, a rental car is a must. However, during the busy summer vacation season, it can be quite difficult to rent one. Therefore, just like with hotels, it’s important to make a reservation in advance.
With rental cars, you can make online reservations about three months in advance, so be sure to book well in advance!
Honda Rent-A-Car
The first car rental company I’d like to introduce is Honda Rent-A-Car.
Honda Rent-A-Car has two locations on Ishigaki Island and offers a free shuttle service to the New Ishigaki Airport branch and the Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal.
There are plenty of options for child seats and booster seats, and the key point is that if you rent them for two or more nights, you can return them to a different location without incurring any additional charges.
Given the large number of promotions, such as limited-time offers and multi-night stay deals, this is certainly one of the advantages of staying with a major chain.
Pacific Rent-A-Car
Next, we’d like to introduce Pacific Rent-A-Car.
The best things about our main branch are, without a doubt, the free pickup and free drop-off.
With most car rental companies, you have to go to their office to complete the pick-up procedures, but with Pacific Rent-A-Car, the car is delivered to a designated location, and the procedures are handled there. This means you don’t have to make any unnecessary trips back and forth.
Also, once you no longer need the rental car, you can return it to a drop-off location without an employee being present. This shop is highly recommended for anyone interested in visiting the outlying islands.
Travel Car Rental
The last car rental company I’d like to introduce is Travel Rent-A-Car.
The key feature of Travel Rent-a-Car is that you can check in online. It streamlines the tedious process: just check in online, show your confirmation at the rental car counter inside the airport, and you’ll be able to pick up your car right away after a quick check-in at the counter.
It is said that Gyokaihatsu introduced this system. Since you’ve gone to the trouble of traveling to Ishigaki Island, let’s avoid any hassles as much as possible and make it an enjoyable trip.
⑤ Information on Summer Vacation Attractions on Ishigaki Island
Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay is Ishigaki Island’s premier scenic spot and a world-class tourist destination that has earned three stars in the Michelin Green Guide—a distinction awarded to only 17 locations in Japan.
The waters of Kabira Bay are said to shimmer in seven colors, changing hue depending on the angle of the sunlight and the tides.
It is home to coral reefs and tropical fish, and due to its excellent water quality, it is also used for black pearl farming.
Marine activities such as SUP, kayaking, and snorkeling are also very popular here, so be sure to try them out at Ishigaki Island’s No. 1 tourist spot.
phantom island
If you visit Ishigaki Island, the "Phantom Island" is a must-see attraction. It is an uninhabited island that doesn't appear on any maps, located about a 30-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island.
Its official name is ”Hamajima,” andphantom islandThe reason it is called that is because it has the characteristic of appearing when the tide is out and then vanishing into the sea like a mirage when the tide comes in.
There is no vegetation on the island, so you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view with nothing to obstruct your sight. In addition, the white-sand beach and the crystal-clear blue sea are stunning, and the island has been featured in numerous TV shows and commercials.
Off the coast lies the ”Ishii Reef Lagoon,” the largest coral reef in the country, andsnorkelingIt is world-renowned as a diving spot. Many divers, both domestic and international, visit the area.
Why not visit this uninhabited island, which boasts world-class beauty?
Miyara River
While Ishigaki Island is best known for its ocean scenery, its mountains and rivers are also incredibly beautiful and are used for various outdoor activities.
The Miyara River is the largest river on Ishigaki Island and is a mangrove river featuring dense stands of mangrove forests designated as a National Natural Monument.
Surrounded by mangrove forests, cruising on a stand-up paddleboard or in a canoe is a truly delightful experience.
In addition to mangroves, the Miyara River is also characterized by its tidal flats and abundant flora and fauna. It might be a nice experience to relax and let nature soothe you while observing the wildlife.
⑥ Information on Summer Vacation Dining on Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island is rich in natural beauty, so it offers a wide variety of delicious ingredients and local dishes made with them. Summers on Ishigaki Island are very hot, so be sure to savor the island’s delicious cuisine to help you beat the heat.
Ishigaki beef
First up is Ishigaki beef.
Ishigaki Beef is a brand of beef produced on Ishigaki Island; not only is it delicious, but it is also considered a very rare breed due to its small population.
One of the restaurants that serves Ishigaki beef is the Misaki Branch of Ishigaki Island Kitauchi Ranch.
The main store operates its own ranch, from which it sources whole, top-grade cattle and serves Ishigaki beef—including rare cuts—without wasting a single part!
Because we’re a farm-direct operation, you can enjoy brand-name beef that’s both fresh and reasonably priced. Be sure to eat some Ishigaki beef on those hot summer days to boost your energy!
Gelato
Cold ice cream is a summer staple, isn't it?
The Ishigaki Island Miru Miru Honpo Main Store is a popular gelato shop perched on a hill about a 30-minute drive from Ishigaki Island Airport.
Just like the Ishigaki beef mentioned earlier, this gelato is made using fresh milk sourced directly from the company’s own farms. It’s characterized by its refreshing sweetness.
What’s surprising is the wide variety of flavors. You can choose two out of 12 different options to try. Many of them feature ingredients unique to Ishigaki Island, so take your time deciding which ones to try. It’s also a great idea to share them with your companions.
⑦ Information on Nearby Islands for Summer Vacation on Ishigaki Island
There are various small islands scattered around Ishigaki Island. Here, we’ll introduce some of the most popular ones.
Iriomote Island
I imagine many of you have heard of Iriomote Island.
Iriomote Island is the second-largest island after Okinawa Island, and 90% of the island is covered in jungle, making it home to a very rich variety of wildlife.
That is why it is even referred to as the “Galápagos of the East.”
Many of the animals here are designated as natural monuments; perhaps you’ve heard of the Iriomote cat, for example.
Since it’s only a 30- to 40-minute ferry ride from Ishigaki Island, it’s one of the places you’ll definitely want to visit while you’re there.
Taketomi Island
Taketomi Island is the closest offshore island to Ishigaki Island, located about a 10-minute boat ride away.
This island preserves Okinawa’s traditional landscape, featuring red-tiled roofs topped with Okinawa’s distinctive shisa statues, stone walls, and flowers in vibrant primary colors.
It’s a very laid-back island where you can enjoy beach activities and explore the island by rental bike or water buffalo cart.
This small, distinctive island is a microcosm of all that Okinawa has to offer—come and experience its unique Okinawan atmosphere.
Panali Island
There are no regular ferry services to Panali Island, so it can only be visited as part of a tour,
This island consists of two islands, Ueji Island and Shimoji Island, and was named ”Panari”—which means “separate”—because of its distinctive features.
Both the harbor and the beach retain their pristine, unspoiled natural beauty, and numerous coral reefs stretch out from the shore. Their beauty is said to be unmatched in the Yaeyama Islands.
⑧ Information on Summer Vacation Events on Ishigaki Island
There are many events held on Ishigaki Island during the summer. Here are some of our recommendations from among the many highlights.
Southern Island Star Festival
During the Southern Island Star Festival, the town’s lights are dimmed, and stargazing events and live performances by artists from the island take place.
Ishigaki Island is known as “Star Island” because it offers views of 86 of the 88 constellations and allows visitors to see a variety of celestial objects—such as the Southern Cross, the Milky Way, and shooting stars—in vivid detail.
There’s no doubt that the starry sky and the live performance viewed from Star Island will make for an unforgettable experience!
The Four-Character Bountiful Harvest Festival
The Shikaji Harvest Festival is Ishigaki Island’s largest traditional event.
"The Four Aza" refers to the four settlements (aza) within Ishigaki City—Aza Ishigaki, Aza Okawa, Aza Shinkawa, and Aza Tonojo—and this festival is held by the entire community of this area to pray for a bountiful harvest.
The Harvest Festival takes place over two days. On the first day, prayers are offered at the four Mitake shrines, and ritual dances are performed at three of the sites, excluding Shinkawa.
On the second day, the four districts gather, and after Shinto rituals and traditional performances are held, the large ropes are tied together for a massive tug-of-war in which the entire community participates. The tug-of-war is held with the hope of bringing about a bountiful harvest.
⑨ Information on Summer Vacation Wildlife on Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island is rich in nature, and its unique subtropical climate is home to many unusual creatures. Here, we’ll introduce some of the creatures you can see on Ishigaki Island during the summer.
lightning bug
You can see fireflies on Ishigaki Island. They’re calledRhizophora mucronata (species of midge)It is.
The Yaeyama Princess Firefly is a species of firefly found only on several islands in the Yaeyama Islands, and it can be observed on Ishigaki Island from March through June.
Measuring about 2 to 3 mm in length, this is Japan’s smallest firefly. It is known for gathering in groups of several thousand to several ten thousand to glow in unison, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle.
“Its beauty—often described as a ”carpet of light”—is so captivating that some people visit Ishigaki Island just to see it. Why not come and experience this natural light show for yourself?
coconut crab (Birgus latro)
One of the most representative nocturnal creatures on Ishigaki Island is the ”coconut crab.”
Coconut crabs live in mangrove swamps and around caves, and since they are nocturnal, they come out at night.
Although it resembles a crab in shape, it belongs to the land hermit crab family. Because its body has evolved to become much larger, it can no longer carry a seashell and has developed a carapace instead. However, since its carapace isn’t very strong, it will die if subjected to a strong impact.
It is said that the clamping force of a coconut crab’s claws can exceed 300 kg to 400 kg in larger species.
Even though they move slowly, they can be very dangerous if they corner you, so be sure to observe them from a distance!
sea turtle
You can also spot sea turtles during the summer vacation season on Ishigaki Island.
You can spot them about 70 percent of the time throughout the year, and the chances of encountering them are particularly high during this season.
There are five confirmed species of sea turtles in Japan, and it is said that three of them are native to Okinawa.
First, let me introduce the green sea turtle. It was named the green sea turtle because the fat in its body is green.
This species feeds mainly on seaweed and is a very cute sea turtle with a slender, elegant face that sets it apart from other turtles.
The next sea turtle we’ll introduce is the loggerhead sea turtle.
The loggerhead sea turtle got its name from the faint reddish tint on its shell. As for its diet, it’s the exact opposite of the green sea turtle—as the name suggests—and is carnivorous, feeding on shellfish and crustaceans.
Last but not least, I’d like to introduce—not a hawksbill turtle, but… a green sea turtle!
You might be tempted to go with blue, red, and yellow, but that’s not an option. The hawksbill sea turtle is a species that was once overhunted because its shell is often used to make tortoiseshell.
However, it is currently protected under the Washington Convention.
Be sure to try to spot each species when you go snorkeling or diving with sea turtles!
⑩ Information on Summer Vacation Activities on Ishigaki Island
When it comes to summer on Ishigaki Island, you can’t miss out on the activities. Here are some of our top recommendations from the wide variety of activities available! We hope you find this guide helpful.
Summer Vacation Activities on Ishigaki Island #1: SUP in Kabira Bay
The first activity we will introduce is "Kabira Bay SUP".
SUP is a new activity that has been gaining attention worldwide in recent years. You may have seen it on social media or in TV commercials.
This activity—which is quickly becoming a new staple on Ishigaki Island—lets you experience it at a scenic spot that has earned three stars in the Michelin Green Guide!
Enjoy the sights, get your body moving, and have fun—come experience this truly three-star activity for yourself!
Summer Vacation Activities on Ishigaki Island, Part 2: Snorkeling at the Blue Cave
The next activity we will introduce is "Blue Cave Snorkeling"!
Blue CaveIt is a popular tourist spot on par with Kabira Bay.
The Blue Cave is a truly enchanting cave where the interior glows blue. It is a truly miraculous spot made possible only when various conditions align—such as the angle of the sunlight, the seabed, the cave’s topography, and the clarity of the water.
There are many coral reefs and tropical fish around the cave, andsnorkelingIt's also famous as a tourist spot.
Why not check out one of these stylish spots that are perfect for Instagram?
Summer Vacation Activities on Ishigaki Island #3: Snorkeling at the "Phantom Island"
Last but not least, I’d like to introduce ”Phantom Island Snorkeling".
This is the “phantom island” we also featured in our list of recommended spots. With its 360-degree panoramic views, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters, it’s guaranteed to make for some great photos.
This "phantom island," where you can look stylish just by walking around, is popular among people of all ages.
You can also observe many fish and corals at one of Japan’s largest coral reefs. If you’re lucky, you might even spot manta rays or sea turtles.
Conclusion
We’ve shared some things you should know before your summer vacation on Ishigaki Island—what did you think?
There were a few key points to keep in mind, such as booking hotels and rental cars early and making sure to protect yourself from the sun.
There were also some recommendations for activities and places to eat. Be sure to use them as a reference for your summer vacation on Ishigaki Island.
Thank you for reading to the end.
This article was written by.
