Ishigaki

Travel Guide
Ishigaki showing food
Enjoy exceptional cuisine, dive with colorful exotic fish and coral features and delve into luminous caves filled with gleaming stalactites.

Ishigaki is among the largest islands in the Yaeyama Island archipelago of Japan, with powdery white beaches and undulating mossy hills. Try kitesurfing, surfing and diving off the island’s many beaches backed by magnificent scenery. Learn about its fascinating cultural history and sample traditional crafts.

Explore the mesmerizing coral reef near Shiraho Beach on the island’s southeastern corner. The beach has a relaxing, uncrowded atmosphere with limited amenities. Rent snorkel or scuba gear from tour operators in the quaint village of Shiraho.

On the northern side of the island is the stunning Kabira Bay Beach, which is famed for its clear blue-green water. Spot the shadows of boats on the seafloor and relax on the white, powdery sand. Swimming is prohibited here, but glass-bottomed boats take passengers on trips to see the exotic fish.

Make your way up to Kabira Park, which contains several intriguing shrines between its tall palm trees. Its observation deck offers panoramic views of the beach. Spot the giant Mount Omoto in the distance. Sunbathe on the lawn to thoroughly enjoy the hot summers, which run from June to September. August and September are the wettest months. Winters remain warm.

Visit the various cultural attractions in Ishigaki City on the southern flank of the island. Dine at one of the many restaurants serving some of the island’s unique cuisine. Sample local specialties, such as Tonsuku pigs’ feet and SPAM® meat dishes. Explore the intricate subterranean system in the Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave just north of the city.

The island is west of Okinawa Island in the Yaeyama archipelago, which is east of Taiwan and southwest of Japan. Fly to the New Ishigaki Airport, the largest in the island group, or take a ferry to Ishigaki Port. Travel between cities by bus and get around the villages on foot.

Visit Ishigaki to experience a fascinating culture with a distinctive cuisine and a scenic coastline along an extensive coral network.

Where to stay in Ishigaki

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Tonogusuku

While there might not be top attractions in Tonogusuku, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal and Nobumoto Ohama Memorial Hall.

Tonogusuku
ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort, an IHG Hotel
ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
354-1 Maesato, Ishigaki, Okinawa-ken
The price is ₩181,596 per night from May 27 to May 28
₩181,596
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Ishigaki. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal and Fusaki ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Not enough bars during the day near the pool. Food and drinks at restaurant extremely pricey. We ended up eating out. Not enough restaurants"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort, an IHG Hotel
Grandvrio Resort Ishigakijima
Grandvrio Resort Ishigakijima
3.5 out of 5
2481-1, Arakawa-Funakura, Ishigaki, Okinawa-ken
The price is ₩196,947 per night from May 12 to May 13
₩196,947
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3.5-star spa resort in Ishigaki. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (539 reviews)
Overall Great !
"Overall it was good, weather was little off but better than Tokyo. Hotel Staff was GREAT !!!"

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2023

Grandvrio Resort Ishigakijima
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas
4 out of 5
1625 Arakawa, Ishigaki, Okinawa-ken
The price is ₩236,622 per night from May 20 to May 21
₩236,622
per night
May 20 - May 21
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Ishigaki. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (759 reviews)
"My wife and I stayed at the property four nights. Arriving to the property was very easy via the hotel shuttle. It’s a quick ride to the hotel, about 25 minutes. The hotel staff were very warm and welcoming when we arrived, a short time before checkin. Anyone who did not speak English, found someone ..."

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mr.KINJO GRAND CATS
Mr.KINJO GRAND CATS
2 out of 5
2-chome-3-39 Hamasakicho, Ishigaki, Okinawa
Stay at this aparthotel in Ishigaki. Enjoy free WiFi and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal and Fusaki Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (19 reviews)
"very reasonable price. the room was clean and minimum required"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Mr.KINJO GRAND CATS
Daily & Weekly Condominium Blue Ocean Ishigaki
Daily & Weekly Condominium Blue Ocean Ishigaki
3 out of 5
Maesato 186-13, Ishigaki, Okinawa
Stay at this condo in Ishigaki. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and slippers. Popular attractions Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal and Fusaki Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (79 reviews)
"I ha e been staying at Blue Ocean for nearly 9 months while in Ishigaki for businesss. Blue Ocean is the perfect apartment-like stay with kitchen facility, plenty of space and a greay view of the ocean. The people working there are fantastic and willing to help me with anything I need, even though ..."

Reviewed on Dec 13, 2023

Daily & Weekly Condominium Blue Ocean Ishigaki
VIVOVIVA ISHIGAKIJIMA
VIVOVIVA ISHIGAKIJIMA
2 out of 5
2485-3, Ishigaki, Okinawa
Stay at this condo in Ishigaki. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite spa services, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Fusaki Beach and Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal ...
Bien
"Très bel hôtel neuf. Les appartements sont grands et très bien équipés. Difficultés à communiquer en anglais avec le staff. Pas très flexible sur un late check out alors que l’hôtel etait loin d’être plein et que notre avion n’était que le soir. Ils auraient pu nous laisser la chambre jusqu’au moins ..."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2024

VIVOVIVA ISHIGAKIJIMA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Ishigaki

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
23
" "5 - Excellent 60.526315789473685%
4 - Good
12
" "4 - Good 31.57894736842105%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 7.894736842105263%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

AA
Mar 17, 2020

Two night is enough.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 4, 2020

Very pleasant small island experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 17, 2019

I recommend

4/5 - Good

TravelLover
Aug 12, 2019

A very nice place for holiday :)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 11, 2019

Amazing!! So much to do with little kids and people were so nice!!

5/5 - Excellent

Chris
Aug 5, 2019

Breathtaking view.

Cities near Ishigaki