Ultimate Guide to Ishigaki Island

It takes about 20 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport. Head for the observation point with the superb sight of the blue waters surrounding the island. Following a short walk while admiring the flora and the southern island environment, take in the marine panorama from the observation deck.

This is a group of precious yaeyama-yashi trees that grow only on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands. This area is a special zone in Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park with the trees being nationally recognized as Natural Monuments. The zone isn’t all that wide and can be traversed within 20 minutes. The yaeyama-yashi forest which grows more than 20m is spectacular.

Ishigaki’s popular No. 1 tourist spot. The scenery of small islands floating on the blue ocean is a place of beauty that has been included in Japan’s Top 100 Landscapes. You will want to leisurely spend your time here through activities such as an ocean trek watching coral reefs and tropical fish through glass-bottom boats and a stroll along the shore. Many restaurants are available in Kabira Park and nearby. Have a taste of the famous Ishigaki dish of Yaeyama soba.

This is an Okinawan theme park on a hill overlooking Nagura Bay. Here you can experience distinctive Ryukyuan culture through Okinawan houses that have been recognized nationally as Tangible Cultural Properties and music. Within the park, squirrel monkeys are raised in a natural environment but are accustomed to approaching visitors so that you can also enjoy feeding them.

Popular for its panoramic 360°view of the whole of Ishigaki. From the Emerald Sea Observation Point inside the park, the city, ocean and even the Yaeyama Islands in the distance can be seen.

A shopping arcade located in the center of Ishigaki City. Come here to buy souvenirs. On the two main streets of Chuo and Ginza, there are souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants so that you can enjoy shopping for those special Okinawan products and handicrafts along with sampling local dishes.