Welcome to Tropical Japan- Ishigaki!
Alongside Mount Omoto, Kabira Bay has been designated a Place of Scenic Beauty.
Ishigaki is one of Japan’s most southern islands, located 1950km from Tokyo. It is actually closer to Taiwan (270km) than anywhere else in Japan!
The new dock was finished in 2019. Port Authority provides a shuttle to the ferry terminal which is near the city.To get to any of the nearby islands in the Yaeyama archipelago (except Yonaguni) you need to travel by ferry.
SIGHTSEEING AND SHOPPING
Once Japan’s best-kept secret, Ishigaki is a favorite getaway for vacationers from Tokyo. History buffs will find plenty of Okinawan culture and tradition in downtown Ishigaki and beyond, whether you’re studying ancient human remains dating back 24,000 years at the Yaeyama Museum, or picking up a few Okinawan dance moves at the Yaema Village.
Ishigaki city is an excellent place for souvenir shopping, trying out the local cuisine and getting a dose of Ishigaki history and culture. One of it’s strong points is the wide variety of restaurants and bars.
There are many souvenir shops in and around Ishigaki’s city center. Most of them can be found in and around Euglena mall and on the way to the ferry terminal. The Euglena mall is located right behind the Post Office and has two main streets, the one closer to the 730 crossing being the busier of them. You can find all kinds of souvenirs here, such as Shisa figures, woven Minsa textiles, Island spices, and original jewelry.
SHOPPING
EUGLENA MALL
The city is so full of life that many people may be surprised about it. Euglena Mall is a shopping center lined with various cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops around Ishigaki public market. It is a Four-minute walk from the ferry terminal where passengers are dropped off by the free shuttle. Locals and tourists can enjoy shopping even on rainy days, as it is fully enclosed shopping arcade.
40 min. walk from cruise port(3km) 4 min. walk from ferry terminal.
More than 100 restaurants, stores and souvenir shops link the eaves around the public market in the central shopping street of Ishigaki City.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
FREE SHUTTLE
There is a free shuttle from the dock to the Ishigaki ferry terminal.
There are two types of buses: buses that stop only at the airport and the ferry terminal in the city center (30 minutes, 500 yen one way, every 30 minutes) and buses that serve several stops between the airport and the bus terminal in the city center (35-45 minutes, 540 yen one way, every 15 minutes).
Bus connections to other places on the island are much less frequent.
If you are a group of people, sharing a taxi will save you a lot of time and will not cost you much more than the bus (single tickets). Most drivers do not speak English so it is recommended to have a map or a piece of paper with your destination handy to avoid misunderstandings.
WALK
Ishigaki is a small city and you can easily walk around central town which is just a few blocks. The new man-made beach on Painuhamacho island is also accessible by a 20-30 min walk from the city but you will need to go by car/taxi/bus to get to most sightseeing points of the island.
SIGHTSEEING
KABIRA BAY
Kabira Bay, which is one of the best scenic spots in Ishigaki Island, has been designated as one of eight scenic landscapes in Japan. It also received three stars in the Michelin Guide. Kabira Bay’s emerald waters and sugar sand beach make it a must-see during your Ishigaki cruise. Lounge on the sand, or head out on a glass-bottom boat tour along the bay’s translucent waters. Note that swimming is prohibited in Kabira Bay To protect the undisturbed coral and tropical fish.
This is one of the most beautiful sightseeing spots in Ishigaki. On a clear day the view is breathtaking!
TAMATORISAKI OBSERVATION DECK
Tamatorisaki Observatory is a 40-minute drive from downtown Ishigaki City. The observatory is located at the top of a hill, and has a red-tiled roof. You will be able to see the Hirakubo Peninsula in the distance. The view will be packed with deep red Hibiscus flowers, an ocean with coral reefs, and a strong breeze - features that make Ishigaki Island fascinating. The narrow stretch of land is called "funakuya," and it is said that fishermen crossed it while carrying their boats. The star-filled night sky is a must-see as well. As you take in the magnificent views of Ishigaki and the Pacific Ocean below at Tamatorizaki Observation Deck, you’ll have a new appreciation for Japan’s coastal beauty. Enjoy the view at your own pace, then pop into a nearby cafe for tea and coffee.
Tamatorizaki Observation Deck provides a panoramic view of the island's landscape.
TAKE A TRIP TO TAKETOMI ISLAND
Hop on board a quick ferry ride to Taketomi Island, which is just south of Ishigaki. Home to less than 400 people, you’ll get a glimpse of traditional Okinawan life during your visit. Take a coastal drive on the way to Hoshizu, a beach that’s world-renowned for sand shaped like stars, or enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime ride on a traditional water buffalo cart.
YAIMA VILLAGE
Head to Ishigaki’s only open-air museum, Yaima Village, to explore the history of Ishigaki and what life was like during the rule of the Ryukyuan Kingdom. Stroll the grounds of the village, taking in the traditional architecture, preserved homes, and the squirrel monkey garden. Learn about Okinawan culture, music, dancing, and more.
The ferry terminal is a central location for buying boat tickets and island tours.
FERRIES TO YAEYAMA ISLANDS
The Ishigaki cruise port is located on the southwest side of the island. Within the terminal/port, there is a station for quick snacks, a waiting room, and restrooms. While you’re here, snap a photo of the bronze statue of Ken Gushiken, a famous boxer from the Okinawa Prefecture.
A bronze statue of Yoko Gushiken Monument is a striking tribute to one of Japan's celebrated boxing champions, former world boxing champion from Ishigaki.
The ferry Terminal is a relatively large facility with plenty of passenger amenities including an indoor waiting hall; a pay-phone; vending machines selling food and drink; and a busy, on-site taxi-rank.