2024 Ishigaki Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Okinawa: Ishigaki Island Rental Car Station

I rented a car from OTS Rent-a-Car. From the airport, there is a free shuttle bus to the 'Ishigaki Island Rental Car Station' (about 2 minutes). The station has gas stations and various rental car companies, making it convenient and close to the airport. When you arrive at Ishigaki Airport, exit the main entrance, cross the crosswalk, and head to the left. The shuttle bus departs from stop number 13 every 10-15 minutes. Please refer to this information if you plan to use this service. ✱----------------------------------------------- Name: Rent-a-Car New Ishigaki Airport Branch Location: 222-35 Moriyama, Ishigaki City Access: About 2 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport -----------------------------------------------✱

【Ishigaki Island and Taketomi Island】Rent a bike and relax on the islands.

Okinawa • Ishigaki Island • Taketomi Island Two-Day Tour! 😎 Day 1 Arrive at Ishigaki Island around 10:30 AM by plane. After landing, take a bus to the port and catch the 11:30 AM boat to Taketomi Island. On the island, you can rent a bicycle. Entertainment options include riding a water buffalo cart. I walked to most of the main attractions on foot. Take the last boat back to Ishigaki Island at 5:50 PM. There are two ferry companies. One allows you to ride anytime throughout the day with a ticket, while the other has fixed departure times. The schedules are not exactly the same, so make sure to check! ❗️ The whole island is quite clean, with quaint but tidy streets. The sea is very clear. When I visited, there was a lot of seaweed on the shore, which made it look less clean, but the sea was beautiful, and you could see small transparent fish swimming. There is an entrance fee to the island, which is not mandatory, but if you pay it, you get a custom sticker as a gift. I had a proper meal (taco rice) and an afternoon tea (pineapple smoothie) on the island. The prices are not cheap, but the environment is nice, and the food tastes good. ❤️ Day 2 I had to catch a flight in the evening, so I only visited Kabira Bay. It is said to be a Michelin three-star attraction, and it truly lives up to its reputation. It is really beautiful. 🥰🥰 I took a glass-bottom boat and saw small sea turtles. The water wasn't very clear that day, but the captain tried hard to find the turtles. He also explained the corals and shells below. The whole trip took about thirty minutes. The rest of the time, I just relaxed on the beach at Kabira Bay, slept, and went to a seaside café for some food. Kabira Bay is a well-developed tourist spot with complete facilities, a good environment, and many dining options nearby. This weekend trip to the islands was very relaxing. Overall, Ishigaki Island is not too crowded with tourists, and there are many beautiful beaches. If you have enough time, you could easily spend five days here island hopping. 🥰

Exploring Ishigaki/Taketomi Island 🏝

Ishigaki: A small island within the Ryukyu islands! It’s an hour away from Okinawa and it is the main port to access the smaller islands of the Yaeyama islands. Ishigaki is very beautiful and it lives up to the name of emerald beaches with white sand. We went in November and it is still bright and sunny highly recommend that if you want to visit, get a rental car so it is easy to visit the attractions. Taketomi: A tiny island within the Yaeyama islands. It feels like a blast in the past and it is interesting to see the Okinawan culture. It’s a 10 min ferry ride from Ishigaki and the island is so small you can sightsee by just renting a bike!

Amazing beach destination

Located on Ishigaki island, Okinawa, this hidden gem is just 3 hours direct flight from Tokyo, Osaka. The beautiful clear waters is the perfect diving destination with many sighting manta rays and wonderful sea life. #staycation #beachlife

Okinawa

#summervacation

#summervacation #beachvacation

The cruise on the tip of the tongue, the unparalleled Hawaiian west of the East China Sea, east of the Pacific Ocean, is the third largest island in Okinawa after Okinawa and Iriomote. It is said that in order to avoid the typhoon attack, the houses on the island are surrounded by stone walls, and the name "Shijie" is named. This island is not a popular island in Japan. The day and night are very quiet. There are fewer people and fewer cars. There will be an illusion of being in Kamakura. In the summer of nearly nine months, time seems to be pulled. Its very long. If you can stay here for a day and rent a motorbike, you can take a look around the island. The southernmost part of the island can also see the lighthouse. The consumption on the island is not too high. Car rental The international driver's license is the most convenient, rent a car directly, around the island for about an hour and a half, except for the city center, there is basically no car, no one... Of course, at night There is no light. It takes about 8 hours for the round-the-island bicycle. Please be cautious... necessary TIPS sunglasses, hats, light-colored jackets, these basic measures are of course necessary, physical sunscreen is always effective and essential . Don't forget to wash your face with hot water after sun exposure, which will cause the capillaries to dilate, inflamed and swollen. These cheap things in the Japanese drug store, the most exciting, the other time the plan is to rush into the drug store, crazy sweeping, Japan The drug store is like a magical hypermarket, where you can always find something very stunned. I have never been alone with the sea for a long time. I have been too eager to go too far. Maybe we owe ourselves a slow boat ride to see how blue it is. How wide the sea is, how small the so-called troubles are, how lucky it was once. There are too many unexpected encounters on the road. You can never see tomorrow that the evening is dull or splendid. People always put too many happy bets on the final result, so it is important. It is not where I am going, but how happy I am willing to enjoy every process of progress.

A hotel near Ishigaki Port where you can stay like living.

I stayed at THE BREAKFAST HOTEL PORTO Ishigaki Island near Ishigaki Port! ✔︎ Features ・7-minute walk from the ferry terminal to remote islands such as Taketomi Island and Iriomote Island ・Start your day with an extravagant breakfast! ・There is a lounge with all-you-can-drink awamori, wine, and soft drinks (if staying in the condo building) (The shockingly luxurious breakfast will be in the next post 🙇♂️) We booked this hotel because it is a 7-minute walk to the remote island terminal, as we were heading to Iriomote Island the next day! This hotel consists of two buildings: the main hotel building and the adjacent condo building. If you book the condo building, you can enjoy all-you-can-drink beverages, including alcohol, in the lounge from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM 🍷 *Guests in the hotel building can use the lounge for an additional ¥1,000. The condo building is highly recommended as it is equipped with a mini kitchen, cooking utensils, and even a washing machine ✨ ✔︎ Access 🚗 About 20 minutes from Ishigaki Airport (Parking available ¥1,500/night, first 40 cars) 🚌 About 30 minutes by East Bus from Ishigaki Airport to Hakubutsukan-mae, then a 3-minute walk --------------------

【Ishigaki Island】Gourmet Rodeo Boy Ishigaki Branch.

This steakhouse is located near Ishigaki Port! You can enjoy a delicious and large steak for under 2000 yen! Plus, you can have unlimited refills of salad, rice, soup, and curry, so you can eat to your heart's content! The restaurant is famous for its great taste and cost performance, with many celebrity autographs on display. Be sure to check it out! 📍 7-24 Misaki-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture 🕰️ 11:30〜14:30 💰 Budget: 1500 yen

Explore Japan | Ultimate Guide to a One-Day Chartered Tour in Okinawa

✨ Public transportation in Okinawa is not very developed, and the attractions are quite scattered, so chartering a car is a very convenient option. You can arrange your itinerary freely and avoid the embarrassment of not finding a ride. 💪 Recommended Attractions Manzamo 🌊 Known as the 'grassland where ten thousand people can sit together,' this place offers stunning sea views with waves crashing against the shore, creating a spectacular scene. It's a great spot to take beautiful photos as a keepsake. Naminoue Shrine 🌊 Located on a cliff near Naha Port, the bridge opposite is a great photo spot where you can capture the full view of the shrine and the majestic scene of the sea and beach connecting. Additionally, the hand-washing ritual before worship and buying omamori (protective charms) are moments worth recording. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium 🐬 You can see whale sharks and various rare marine creatures. The performances are fantastic, especially the dolphin show and sea turtle feeding. Don't miss them! Remember to have lunch at the café or the ocean-view restaurant, enjoying the beautiful underwater world while dining. Ishigaki Island 🌊 Featuring emerald green waters and beautiful nature. You can also try ringing the Bell of Happiness at dusk to capture romantic moments. Kouri Bridge 🌉 Connecting Okinawa Island and Kouri Island, the bridge is grand and magnificent, with crystal clear waters below. Standing on the bridge, you can overlook the entire Kouri Island's scenery. Additionally, the water and seaweed under the bridge are also worth photographing. Food Highlights: Okinawa Ramen 🍜: Made with wheat flour, the ramen has a chewier texture. Ishigaki Beef 🥩: Similar in quality to Kobe beef, incredibly delicious. Taco Rice 🌮: A fusion of Mexican flavors and Japanese style, super tasty! Sea Grapes 🌱: The texture is like 'green caviar,' and it also has beauty benefits!

The Mangrove Forest of Fukido River on Ishigaki Island

Located in the northern part of Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, the Fukido River Mangrove Forest is a beautiful subtropical mangrove area that can only be seen in the southern regions of Japan! There are several tours available, and we joined a tour by Ishigaki Island Activity Club, which offers an exclusive experience for one group at a time, allowing us to enjoy both the sea and the mangroves, along with high-quality drone footage! We had a wonderful time on a private tour amidst the lush green mangroves and the clear blue sea! If you visit Ishigaki Island, we highly recommend checking it out at least once!

【AZZURRA Italian restaurant: Ishigaki Island】Chic and delicious Italian cuisine.

I found this place when I was getting tired of Okinawan food♪ I had the seafood pescatore (fresh pasta with squid ink) for lunch✨ The fresh tomato sauce had a bit of a kick and was very delicious!! The interior was very stylish and it seemed to attract a lot of female customers👍️ 【Name】AZZURRA Italian restaurant -We have vegetarian & vegan menu- 【Location】〒907-0022 Okinawa Prefecture, Ishigaki City, Okawa 209-6

Let's Try Delicious Goat Soba at Gushuan (Goshouan): Ishigaki Island

This is a popular place for goat soup and goat soba! Goat meat is hard to find on the mainland! I tried the goat soba. It has a stronger gamey smell than mutton, but it was surprisingly not too strong and very delicious 👍️ The mugwort (yomogi) was quite bitter, which I didn't really like 💦 The place was getting more and more customers, so I thought it must be loved by the locals too ♪ 【Name】Gushuan (Goshouan) 【Location】759-12 Shiraho, Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0242

Ishigaki Island Day Tour Recommendations

Ishigaki Island Day Tour Recommendations Highly recommended island tour - Ishigaki Island. Here is a guide to the attractions: 1. Kabira Bay: One of the most iconic attractions on Ishigaki Island, with emerald green waters that change color in the sunlight. It is also a famous black pearl farming area. You can take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the coral and fish, and if you're lucky, you might even see a sea turtle. If you like water activities, this is a great place for snorkeling and swimming. 2. Tamatorizaki Observatory: Located on the northeast coast of Ishigaki Island, this is a great place to enjoy panoramic views of Ishigaki Island and the surrounding sea. You can see the Hirakubo Peninsula and the boundary between the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Visit on a clear day for the best views. 3. Uganzaki: Located on the western tip of Ishigaki Island, this is a great place to watch the sunset. Climb the steps to the white lighthouse for breathtaking views of the sea, cliffs, and coral reefs. 4. Hirakubozaki Lighthouse: Located on the northernmost tip of Ishigaki Island, this lighthouse is rarely visited and offers a sense of solitude and tranquility. The surrounding scenery is similar to the place where Shu Qi jumped into the sea in the movie "If You Are the One." Enjoy the coastal scenery and unique plants and seabirds on the way to the lighthouse. Allow enough time for the trip. 5. Ice Cream Ranch: The highlight of Ishigaki Ice Cream Ranch is, of course, the delicious ice cream. There are a variety of flavors, including classic milk and chocolate, as well as unique fruit flavors. Some ice cream ranches also have animals such as cows and sheep. You can interact with them in designated areas, feed them, and take photos. 6. Folk Village: Visit century-old houses relocated from all over Ishigaki Island. These traditional buildings with red tile roofs and open layouts are full of charm. Some houses have performers in traditional costumes playing music and dancing. After the ancient buildings, you'll find the animal area, where squirrel monkeys are the stars. You can enter the area and interact with the monkeys. 7. Public Market: Ishigaki Public Market is a great place to buy local specialties and experience the local atmosphere. It offers a variety of Ishigaki Island's specialty foods and handicrafts. 8. Stalactite Cave: Ishigaki Stalactite Cave is a unique natural attraction on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is about 3.2 km long, with about 660 meters open to visitors. The stalactites in the cave come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the lighting creates a dreamlike effect. Friendly reminder: Cruise passengers should book a car rental as early as possible.

Enjoy the Flavors of Ishigaki Island at Akashi Shokudo: Soki Soba and Juicy Rice

Akashi Shokudo, located in Ishigaki Island, is a popular Okinawan town diner among locals and tourists alike. The Soki Soba, in particular, is a must-try. The rich broth and tender soki (pork spare ribs) create a perfect harmony. The broth is infused with the umami of the soki, and adding the spice 'Hibachi' enhances the spiciness and aroma. Additionally, ordering the classic 'Juicy' (Okinawan-style mixed rice) as a set will double your satisfaction. Store Name: Akashi Shokudo Address: 360 Ibaruma, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture Business Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday Price: 1000 yen - 1500 yen

How to Make a Reservation at the Popular Ishigaki Beef Restaurant 'Yamamoto' in Okinawa?

Ishigaki beef from Ishigaki Island is sold at the JA on the island and there are various yakiniku restaurants on the island, but the Ishigaki beef at 'Yamamoto' is truly delicious. Their grilled shabu-shabu is particularly famous. You quickly sear the meat, wrap it with condiments, and dip it in ponzu sauce. The marbled fat of the meat melts sweetly, making it a perfect match with awamori. This restaurant is also famous for being hard to get a reservation at. Even if you call, they are always busy, so it's hard to get a reservation. I used Auto Reserve to make my reservation. I was worried if I would actually get in on the day, but my reservation was confirmed without any issues, so I can assure you it works. Store Name: Sumibi Yakiniku Yamamoto Address: 2-5-18 Hamasaki-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Business Hours: 17:00-20:30 Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays Price: 6000-8000 yen

Let's enjoy delicious Yaeyama soba at Shima Soba Ichiban: Ishigaki Island.

This is a popular restaurant for Yaeyama soba!! With a homely atmosphere, it's easy to enter even if you're alone, and the staff were kind and wonderful✨ Yaeyama soba is light and has a gentle flavor, It was very delicious👍️ I loved the unique texture of the noodles♪ Adding Koregusu brings the aroma and spiciness of Awamori, making it delicious until the last bite. I want to come back and eat here again when I visit Ishigaki Island♪ 【Name】Shima Soba Ichiban 【Location】1-1 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa 907-0023

A Swing on the Beach in Ishigaki Island

There is a hidden swing on the beach in Ishigaki Island. Introducing 'Kabira Tabaga' Just a bit further from the popular scenic spot Kabira Bay, there is a hidden beach. On this beach, there is a swing quietly hidden among the trees. When you ride this swing, it feels like you're being thrown into the sea of Ishigaki! You definitely want to experience this! 📍Kabira Tabaga Address: 907-0453 Okinawa Prefecture, Ishigaki City, Kabira Hours: Open 24 hours

Ishigaki Okinawa,Japan

#japantrip #Ishigakiokinawajapan

Discover the Charm of Kabira Bay in Ishigaki Island!

〒907-0453 Ishigaki City, Kabira 934 Introducing the crystal-clear Kabira Bay in Ishigaki Island. Kabira Bay offers excellent access with parking available. The relaxed atmosphere typical of Ishigaki Island will soothe your soul. Nearby, you'll find food trucks and shops where you can enjoy shakes, Blue Seal ice cream, and Sata Andagi. Glass-bottom boats are also famous here, allowing you to see many fish in the clear sea. It's a wonderful spot that couples, families, and children can all enjoy!

Ishigaki iland🏝️

that's awesome so bright atmosphere and beautiful nature🌴🍃 recommend!! You can try several kind of sea activrty here, what will be great experience for you. some restaurant are very busy, so l recommend booking resavation ahead of time you going.

【Okinawa Gourmet】Delicious seafood restaurant.

Ishigaki Island🌺 ꕤIshigaki Island Fishery Direct Sales Officeꕤ Customers keep coming non-stop, and it's a very prosperous shop♪ There are various types of bowls, sashimi, and sushi, I was at a loss, but I bought vinegar rice and sashimi, made my own bowl to my liking, and enjoyed the arrangement😋 The fish🐟 is fresh✨ The sauce is soy sauce based on ponzu, it was light and delicious to eat♪ The freshly fried karaage also looked delicious😋

Idyllic Ishigaki: Japan’s Tropical Paradise

Ishigaki, part of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa, Japan, offers a stunning contrast to the country’s more famed urban landscapes. Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and lush tropical forests, Ishigaki is a haven for beach lovers, divers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Experiences and Recommendations Diving and snorkeling in Ishigaki are not to be missed, with the island's waters home to some of the richest marine life in the world, including manta rays and vibrant tropical fish. For a cultural experience, visit the traditional Ishigaki Yaima Village to learn about the island’s history and the indigenous Ryukyuan culture. Enjoy local cuisine, particularly Ishigaki beef, known for its tenderness and flavor, and explore the local markets for fresh tropical fruits and handcrafted goods. Tips and Tricks The best time to visit Ishigaki is between April and November when the weather is warm and conducive to water activities. Be prepared for the sun with high-SPF sunscreen, especially when out on the water. Renting a car is recommended for convenience in exploring the island at your own pace. While many locals speak English, learning a few phrases in Japanese can enhance your interaction and show respect for the local culture. For those looking to experience a different side of Japan, Ishigaki offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and laid-back island life that feels worlds away from the bustling cityscapes of Tokyo or Osaka. #IshigakiIsland #JapanTropical #UnderwaterParadise #OkinawaAdventures #CulturalDiscovery #TropicalJapan #mytravelhacks#localguides#familytrip

Ishigaki Island Japan

#songkran2024

Ishigaki Island, Okinawa. "Island Taiyaki Honpo" where they bake after you order.

At "Island Taiyaki Honpo", they start baking the taiyaki after you place your order. It takes a little time to bake, but you can enjoy freshly made, piping hot island taiyaki. The menu starts with "Black Azuki (170 yen)". There's smooth red bean "Beni-imo (250 yen)" "Matcha An (250 yen)" contains Euglena from Ishigaki Island. "Island Banana Custard Cream (300 yen)" "Special Island Curry (300 yen)" There were many menu items related to Ishigaki Island that you can enjoy. This time, I had one "Beni-imo". The baking time is about 10 minutes. The filling is rich and includes mochi. The surface is crispy with a dark bake. There's also a famous "Island Taiyaki Soft Cream" which is a taiyaki topped with soft serve ice cream, so it might be worth a try 😊 30m from the bus stop "Kanehide-mae" "Island Taiyaki Honpo" 〒907-0004 Okinawa Prefecture, Ishigaki City, Tonoshiro 628-9

Okinawa Ishigaki Island tour, tirelessly promoting this niche island

Okinawa Ishigaki Island tour, tirelessly promoting this niche island Ishigaki Island is one of the several islands in Okinawa, compared to Miyako Island, it is more niche because there are no direct flights from the mainland except Hong Kong, and because of this, there are relatively few tourists there, mainly Japanese domestic tourists and a few Asian tourists. I went to Ishigaki Island in July 2019, flew from Shanghai Pudong to Naha, stayed on Okinawa Island for 2 nights, then flew from Naha Airport to Ishigaki Island, there are many flights there, one every 1-2 hours, flight time is about 60 minutes. The weather on Okinawa Island is always cloudy and overcast, but once you get to Ishigaki Island, the blue sea and sky and the strong smell of rural cow dung make you feel relaxed and return to nature. Stayed at IHGInterContinental - ANA Okinawa All Nippon Airways Ishigaki Island Intercontinental Resort Hotel, the sea-facing view and thoughtful service are all five-star. But the location is a certain distance from Ishigaki Town, you need to take the hotel bus to go to the town, you can also take a taxi, but taxis in Japan are really expensive, just wait for the bus leisurely, after all, there is plenty of time there. Ishigaki Island is famous for its Wagyu beef, the restaurants in the town are rich, the ingredients are fresh, sashimi & barbecue are the delicious food that must not be missed. Because there are few tourists, the basic language is hand gestures plus translation software to make do. You must go to Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island, the color of the sea water is clear and emerald green, if you can't dive, you can watch the underwater creatures from the speedboat (the bottom of the boat is transparent glass), in summer you can see turtles, a large number of bat rays and various cute marine creatures gather, a magical, wonderful and unforgettable experience. In addition to Ishigaki Island itself, you can take a short ferry ride from the town to reach Taketomi Island, this island preserves traditional Ryukyu culture and architecture, experience red tile houses. There are three ferry companies operating between the islands, every 30 minutes. The high-speed ferry takes about 10 minutes one way, and the car ferry takes about 15 minutes one way. Memory points: Sunscreen, sunglasses and umbrellas are essential Every restaurant in the town can be tried, the best Wagyu beef and sea bream sashimi I have ever eaten There is a night star watching experience, but it is all in Japanese, and it depends on the celestial phenomena of the day, so decide carefully Asahi has a lot of beer flavors in Japan, the pineapple flavor is particularly good You can buy swimsuits, flip-flops and sunglasses at the outlet on Okinawa Island, there are many brands and professional choices, high fashion, and the price is right Japanese taxi uncles are really fun, they like to chat with tourists The hotel is near the sea with high water quality, has its own beach, and there is a small chapel where weddings can be held

Mangrove in Japan Southern Island Ishigaki

Kayaking in Mangrove Forest of Ishigaki with Adventure Pipi. Lucky for us we were the only ones who signed up and had the tour guide all to ourselves. Also blessed with good weather despite the end of winter. There are plenty to do in Ishigaki, check out the mangroves, hiking to a gorgeous waterfall, jump into the pool, and have lunch in the forest. Easy to get around the island too! #nature #ishigaki #okinawa #waterfall

Kabira Bay

#2024wish This is one of the most beautiful sightseeing spots in Ishigaki. On a clear day the view is breathtaking! The popular thing is to go on a glass bottom boat ride to see the coral reef. There’s also nice spot to take pics from above. The place is beautiful, sure it is. But there are other nice beaches around Ishigaki you can actually swim and enjoy it so not sure why Kabira Bay is such a big deal.

Kabira Scenic Park

#2024wish Kabira Park is within a few minute walk reach from Kabira Bay. The scenery seen from the observatory is superb, and it is nice to visit there at different times because the sea colors change with the change of the flow and ebb of tides. Don't miss this place when you're on a trip to Okinawa. Highly Recommend. The Kabira Park observation deck is located in the bay of the same name, and provides one of the most beautiful views of the park and the surrounding areas.

Limestone Cave in Ishigaki Island

#2024wish The natural beauty of the caves is incredible - and they are extremely extensive. I'd say there are about a kilometer of trails through the caves. Most of the areas are lit so you can see the natural beauty, but in true Japanese style one area is lit to provide the feeling of an illumination show. I was quite pleased with what I found given that I rode a bicycle up there in the heat and would have been disappointed if it had not been so fascinating. I want to travel alone in 2024.