How to get to Ishigaki Island! From the standard travel course to the hole in the road and points of interest!

Hello everyone!
Ishigaki Island is a highly recommended island with numerous activities and sightseeing opportunities.
In a warm and comfortable environment, you can visit famous classic spots as well as deep holes in the ground that only locals know about.
In this article, we will introduce information that you should check before going on a trip to Ishigaki Island.

 

 

 

Ishigaki Island Climate, Annual Clothing, and Reasons to Visit

 

 

The climate of Ishigaki Island is subtropical, so it is extremely mild, with temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius in winter. It is also the path of typhoons in early fall, so you have to be careful about the weather when you travel. Many people think of marine activities when they think of fun in Ishigaki Island. Indeed, Ishigaki Island is blessed with beautiful ocean and white sand beaches. You can enjoy the feeling of tropical paradise. But that is not all.

 

It is filled with mangrove forests, limestone caves, trekking, and many other activities. There are many historical sites and places to learn. There are many outdoor games, but you can also experience the culture of Ishigaki Island indoors such as mincer. Ishigaki Island has such a wide variety of games and you can experience many new things that you have never tried before.

 

Clothing depends on the activity, but for waterfront activities, wet clothes or swimsuits are fine, and for indoor activities, T-shirts and shorts are fine. However, one thing to keep in mind is ultraviolet rays. If you do not take UV protection as you would in the mainland, you may end up with a sunburn and not be able to enjoy your activities.

 

 

Access to Ishigaki Island

 

 

If you are heading to Ishigaki Island, there are direct flights to Ishigaki Island if you live near Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Centrair Airport, Kansai International Airport, or Fukuoka Airport.

Haneda→Ishigaki Island (direct flight, approx. 3 hr. 40 min.)

Kansai→Ishigaki Island (direct flight, approx. 3 hours)

Nagoya→Ishigaki Island (direct flight, approx. 3 hours)

Fukuoka → Ishigaki Island (2 hours by direct flight)

 

Ishigaki Island Recommended Anaerobic Sightseeing Spots

 

(1) Sabichi Cave

 

 

Sabichi Cave is a limestone cave that was created by crustal movement around 370 million years ago. The cave is known as a "limestone cave that opens to the sea," which is rare in Japan, and the sea can be seen from inside the cave.

 

 

(2) Tomizaki Kannondo

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Mt. (3) Kala

 

 

A small mountain located near Shin-Ishigaki Airport. From the top of the mountain, you can overlook the frequent takeoffs and landings of airplanes. It is a grassy mountain with few trees, and the road to the top is easy to access, about 15 minutes one way. It is also a famous photo spot, and photos of the sea and airplanes are very beautiful and look great on social media.

 

 

Yaeyama 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.

 

 

 

(5) Kawadaira Kannondo

 

 

Kannon-do Temple stands in Kabira Park adjacent to the beautiful emerald green waters of Kabira Bay. The temple was built around the 17th century and has been worshipped by islanders to this day. It is a good place to visit when you come to Kabira Bay.

 

 

 

(vi) Island of Phantom

 

 

Hamashima Island, called "Phantom Island", is one of the most famous ocean spots in Ishigaki Island, and is an island made of sandy beach floating in the ocean on the west side of Ishigaki Island. It is called a phantom island because it disappears and appears depending on the tide level.
The sea around Phantom Island is called "Ishinishi lagoon" and is the largest coral reef in Japan designated as Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Therefore, you can see a lot of fishes and corals in the surrounding sea.
Surrounded by 360 degrees of emerald blue ocean, this white sand island is truly a paradise.

 

 

(7) Inoda Fishing Port

 

 

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.

 

 

(8) Telegraph shop 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.

 

 

(9) Hulst Field 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.

 

 

Ishigaki Island Overnight Tourist Spot Standard Course

 

Day 1

 

 

 

↓arrow (mark or symbol)　Travel time: 30 minutes from Shin-Ishigakijima Airport to downtown

 

 

After check-in, 30 minutes to prepare for the activity

 

 

↓Transfer time: 20 minutes from Miyara River to hotel

 

 

↓Travel time: 10 minutes on foot

 

↓Travel time: 10 minutes on foot

 

 

2nd day

 

 

 

↓Movement time: 10 minutes

 

 

 

↓Transfer time: 10 minutes by ferry from Taketomi Island to Ishigaki Island

 

10 recommended activities on Ishigaki Island

 

(1) Snorkeling

 

 

Ishigaki Island is a beautiful shallow sea. Colorful tropical fishes swim gracefully and branch and table corals are shining under them. Snorkeling is the best activity to enjoy such ocean. Compared to diving, snorkeling equipment is inexpensive and easy to prepare, and many stores offer rental equipment.

 

 

 

(2) Canoe/Kayak

 

 

Many of you may have experienced canoeing or kayaking in your childhood at a youth home. They can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Canoeing and kayaking are popular among people who want to enjoy activities safely because they are stable and can be enjoyed by families with children and couples. This activity is recommended for those who want to have fun with a large group of people.

 

 

(3) SUP

 

 

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) is a rapidly growing activity in Ishigaki Island. There are many spots for SUP in Ishigaki Island, and you can do it in the ocean, mangrove river, etc. More than 80% of the people who try SUP for the first time in Ishigaki Island can get used to it and enjoy the activity. Especially, SUP in Kabira Bay and Miyara mangrove river is very popular because even children can do it!

 

 

Diving

 

 

Ishigaki Island is visited by many divers throughout the year. It is more challenging than snorkeling, but you can enjoy the sea of Ishigaki Island for that reason. The transparency of the ocean, blue and purple coral reefs, and rich marine ecosystem such as manta rays, sea turtles, and clownfish are highly favored by veteran divers, and the island continues to hold the record as the number one diving area in Japan in the "Best Diving Area" category by a diving magazine.

 

 

5) Starry sky night tour

 

 

Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, which stretches across the northern area of Ishigaki Island and Taketomi Town, was recognized by the U.S.-based IDA (International Dark Sky Association) as a Stargazing Reserve in April 2018. Ishigaki Island, where the stars are clearly visible due to clean air, is a great place for stargazing, with 21 first-class stars such as Sirius and Betelgeuse and 84 of the 88 constellations that can be observed.

 

 

(6) Trekking

 

 

Trekking sounds like a lot of work. You may have such an image, but there are several easy and popular spots in Ishigaki Island. Most of the spots are low altitude and even children can play while trekking. Nosoko Marpei where love is said to be fulfilled and Ishigaki Island's version of "Troll's Tongue" are very popular.

 

 

7) Marine sports

 

 

Marine sports is a general term for activities enjoyed in the sea, and there are many types.
They range from exhilarating motorized activities such as flyboarding, baby carriages, banana boats, and jet skis to more leisurely activities such as surfing and windsurfing. You can experience many kinds of marine sports in Ishigaki Island. Especially at the private beaches of hotels, they are available for rent, so if you are interested, please try them.

 

 

8) Landing Tour to Phantom Island

 

 

Phantom Island, one of Ishigaki Island's most famous ocean spots, is an island made of sandy beach floating in the ocean on the west side of Ishigaki Island. It is called "Phantom Island" because it disappears and appears depending on the tide level.
The sea around Phantom Island is called "Ishinishi lagoon" and is the largest coral reef in Japan designated as Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Therefore, you can see a lot of fishes and corals in the surrounding sea.
Surrounded by 360 degrees of emerald blue ocean, this white sand island is truly a paradise. You can enjoy snorkeling in the beautiful ocean to your heart's content.

 

 

 

10 Recommended Anaerobic Beaches in Ishigaki Island

 

1) Idona Beach

 

 

Idona Beach is one of the best beaches in Ishigaki Island. The sand of Idona Beach has a reddish color and is slightly different from other white beaches in Ishigaki Island. Because there is a village nearby, marine jets and other noisy engines are kept away to avoid noise, making it a perfect beach for those who want to relax.

 

 

(2) Shani Shani Beach

 

 

Shani Shani Beach is a private beach in front of the Ishigakijima Beach Hotel Sunshine resort hotel. It is a beach that can be visited even by non-guests.
It is a private beach and you can experience motorized activities such as marine jets. If you want to experience exhilarating motorized marine activities, visit here.

 

 

Nata Beach

 

 

It is a natural long beach from the bottom of Tamatorizaki Observatory to Ibaruma village in the east of the northern part of Ishigaki Island, and is suitable for beachcombing and walking with a view of white sand and blue sea. It is a recommended beach for beachcombers because drifted objects tend to wash ashore due to the tidal currents.

 

 

Hirano Beach

 

 

Hirano Beach is a beautiful beach located in the eastern part of Hirakubozaki, the northernmost point of Ishigaki Island.
Since it is located at the northernmost tip of Ishigaki Island, you can see a rich natural scene with no man-made structures. Therefore, the night view is very beautiful. Also, since it is far from the airport and the city center, there are few people and you can enjoy a private atmosphere. However, there are few facilities or amenities in the surrounding area, so please come prepared with drinks and UV protection.

 

 

(5) Tada 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.

 

 

⑥Hira Detached Island 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.

 

 

(7) Saki branch 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.

 

 

(8) Nannu Hamacho Beach

 

 

Located on reclaimed land across the Southern Gate Bridge, a popular sunset spot, Nannuhamacho Beach is next to Nannuhamacho Green Park, which has a multipurpose plaza, playground facilities, pavilions, restrooms, and other amenities. Facilities are available in the park and can be used for playing on the beach, making it a very convenient place to play.

 

 

Akashi Coast

 

 

Akashi Beach is the largest beach in Ishigaki Island, and the sunrise from the horizon is very beautiful. There is a famous restaurant "Akashi Shokudo" in Akashi area where Akashi Beach is located, so it is recommended to check it out.

 

 

(10) Kawahira Tabaggar

 

 

Nishihama Beach on Hateruma Island is often cited as the most beautiful beach in the Yaeyama Islands. Ishigaki Island also has a beach as beautiful as Nishihama Beach. That is "Kabira Taba-ga".
It is a popular spot known by connoisseurs because there is almost no current, it is shallow, and it is rich in biota. It is a secluded spot known only to those in the know, and since it is rarely visited, visitors can enjoy a quiet and serene time there.

 

 

Remote islands around Ishigaki Island

 

(1) Taketomi Island

 

 

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.
In particular, 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 South Offshore Reef in the southern part are popular spots.

 

 

 

(2) Kohama Island

 

 

Kohama Island is a small island with an area of less than 8 km2, a circumference of 16.5 km, and a population of 568, famous for being the filming location for the morning drama Churasan.
There are also many traditional events, and the Yugansai, held in August of the lunar calendar, is one of the biggest events on Kohama Island. Many performing arts are dedicated to the gods, and Kohama Island's performing arts, including the Yugansai, are designated as national important intangible cultural assets. The island is relatively close to Ishigaki Island by a 30-minute boat ride.

 

 

 

Yubu Island

 

 

Yubu Island is adjacent to Iriomote Island and is a small island made only of sand deposited by ocean currents, and the entire island is a botanical garden called "Subtropical Botanical Paradise.
It is not far from Ishigaki Island and can be visited via Iriomote Island.

 

 

 

Iriomote Island

 

 

Iriomote Island is the second largest island in the prefecture after the main island of Okinawa, and most of the entire island is covered with virgin tropical and subtropical forest. It is famous as a habitat of precious creatures.
The vast jungle is home to rare creatures such as the crested serpent eagle (a special natural treasure), the Iriomote wildcat, the Semaru box turtle (a natural treasure), the Xenopus lizard, and the Sakishima habu, as well as large mangrove colonies where all seven species of Japanese mangrove plants are found, and magnificent scenery such as waterfalls, It is also known as the Galapagos of the East.
There is also a regular boat service from Ishigaki Island, so you can enjoy a day trip.

 

 

 

(5) Shinshirojima

Shinshiro Island consists of two islands, Kamiji and Shimoji. Kamiji Island is an elongated island stretching from northeast to southwest, mostly covered with forest, while Shimoji Island is an abbreviated semicircular island.
The distance between the two islands is about 420 meters, but they are connected by a reef on the east side, and at low tide, part of the reef appears above the water, making it possible to walk across the island.
There are no scheduled flights from Ishigaki Island, but can be visited by charter flights.

 

 

6) Hatoma Island

Hatoma Island is a beautiful small island located 5 km north of Iriomote Island, and was the location of the drama "Ruri no Shima." In the early 1980s, when the only elementary school on the island was in danger of being closed due to the fact that there was only one student, the school was saved by relatives and foster children from all over Japan.
The island has a unique, slow pace of life that provides a moment of quiet, peaceful healing.
There is one regular daily flight from Ishigaki Island, so when you visit, it's a two-day and one-night trip.

 

 

 

(vii) Kuroshima

 

 

Kuroshima has become an island of grazing cattle, with pastures spreading all over the island, forming a peaceful pastoral landscape as an island of cattle. Many of the calves raised on Kuroshima for a year or so are fattened up in brand beef production areas throughout Japan and shipped out as Ishigaki beef and other brand cattle. The island is also known as "Heart Island" because of its heart-shaped island.
The sea of Kuroshima, where sea turtles come to lay their eggs, has one of the most beautiful coral reefs in Yaeyama, making it an excellent snorkeling spot.
There are three regular round-trip flights from Ishigaki Island. This island is recommended for those who want to enjoy snorkeling all day long.

 

 

 

8) Yonaguni Island

Yonaguni Island is located at the westernmost tip of Japan as an island, and is called a border island. The island is also famous as a location for the drama "Dr. Coto Clinic.
Taiwan is only 111 kilometers away, and at times you can even see the shadow of Taiwan's islands beyond the sea.
The island is rich in diving spots, and the Yonaguni Island undersea topography, known as "underwater ruins," which some believe to be man-made, and the hammerhead sharks that can be seen especially in winter are popular and attract many divers.
There are two ways to visit Yonaguni Island, by boat or by plane, and there are regular flights. You may visit Yonaguni Island because you have come all the way to Yaeyama.

 

Hateruma Island

 

 

Hateruma Island, whose name derives from the word for "the island of the end of the sea (coral reef)," is the southernmost inhabited island in Japan, as well as the southernmost place in Japan that civilians can visit on a daily basis.
Hateruma's unique blue ocean color is also called "Hateruma Blue," and Nishi Beach is famous as one of the most beautiful beaches in Yaeyama.
It is also one of the few islands where the Southern Cross can be observed under favorable conditions due to its low latitude. Because there are very few artificial lights in the surrounding area, stars that are difficult to see elsewhere can be observed with the naked eye. For this reason, a star observation tower stands on the south coast of the island near Takanazaki, making it a popular tourist spot.
It takes only 60 to 90 minutes from Ishigaki Island, and you can visit there when you want to enjoy a relaxing island time.

 

 

(10) Kayamashima Island

Kayima Island is located in the northern part of Kohama Island and is currently uninhabited. It can be visited by sightseeing tours such as snorkeling and scuba diving from Ishigaki Port or Kohama Island. It may be a little difficult to visit except for tours.

 

Conclusion

How was it?
Ishigaki Island is the gateway to the Yaeyama region and has many fascinating places to visit.
We would also be happy to hear about any spots or activities that you learned about for the first time. Which of these activities caught your interest? We hope you will try them. It will surely be a good memory of your trip.
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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