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
Grandvrio Resort Ishigakijima
Grandvrio Resort Ishigakijima
3.5 out of 5
2481-1, Arakawa-Funakura, Ishigaki, Okinawa-ken
The price is NT$4,779 per night from Apr 23 to Apr 24
NT$4,779
per night
Apr 23 - Apr 24
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! (504 reviews)
Overall Great !
"Overall it was good, weather was little off but better than Tokyo. Hotel Staff was GREAT !!!"

Reviewed on 2023/12/20

Grandvrio Resort Ishigakijima
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 NT$5,472 per night from Apr 24 to Apr 25
NT$5,472
per night
Apr 24 - Apr 25
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 Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice location..Nice sea view..Nice staff..nice breakfast..nice surrounding!"

Reviewed on 2023/12/10

ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort, an IHG Hotel
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas
4 out of 5
1625 Arakawa, Ishigaki, Okinawa-ken
The price is NT$7,129 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
NT$7,129
per night
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Ishigaki. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (750 reviews)
"Amazing pool area and beach, as well as dining options. However, I was SHOCKED when I couldn’t find any deodorant at either one of the hotel stores. They had NAIL CLIPPERS and ALOE SUNBURN GEL but NO DEODORANT!!?"

Reviewed on 2024/3/22

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, onsite parking, and a refrigerator. Popular attractions Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal and Torin-ji Temple ...
7.8/10 Good! (18 reviews)
清潔で機能的
"非常に清潔感があり機能的で満足した。一方で朝食がない、フロントが午前中対応していないなど不便さを感じた。"

Reviewed on 2024/3/11

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 3-star condo in Ishigaki. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an LCD TV. Popular attractions Southern Gate Bridge and Nobumoto Ohama Memorial Hall ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (72 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 2023/12/13

Daily & Weekly Condominium Blue Ocean Ishigaki
Cozystay Group Hotel Ishigakijima 2020
Cozystay Group Hotel Ishigakijima 2020
3 out of 5
Maezato 412-1, Ishigaki, Okinawa
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Ishigaki. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Maezato Beach and Miyara Dunchi are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (115 reviews)
Great value for money
"I was surprised how new the building was. The room was nicely set up. Location is very convenient in town with all groceries and eateries. Very comfortable stay. The only minor request would be if the hot water is hot but not boiling hot and you cannot adjust it. Great value for money. I will stay ..."

Reviewed on 2024/2/20

Cozystay Group Hotel Ishigakijima 2020
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