Ishigaki Island

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Ishigaki Island

A natural culture city located on the southernmost island of Japan.

3.38 7

Last update :
Supervised by :  Ishigaki City

Ishigaki Island is a main island of Yaeyama islands in located approximately 400 km southwest of Okinawa main island in the East China Sea. It takes about a 50-minute flight from Okinawa main island. The 3rd largest island of Okinawa Prefecture followed by Okinawa main island and Iriomote Island, and the mild climate and crystal-clear water characteristic of tropical countries are attractive. It is famous for attracting many divers from all over the world who are fascinated by its beauty.

The suburbs, with its abundant nature and traditional landscape, also offer many other attractions, such as beautiful tropical flowers, traditional red-tiled roof houses that are many seen in Okinawa, and sugarcane fields.

The ocean of Ishigaki Island is one of the most popular places in Japan to see manta rays and sea turtles. Kabira Bay, a scenic spot designated as a National scenic beauty spot, offers a beautiful panorama of white sandy beaches and Kabira-blue ocean. This island is also famous for starry sky, where 84 constellations including the Southern Cross can be seen, and you can enjoy island’s beauty of nature at night. Local dishes such as the Ishigaki beef and seafood including sashimi and masu-salt stew, and the, tuna caught in the surrounding waters is especially exquisite.

A new airport, Painushima-Ishigaki Airport opened in 2013, and with the expansion of routes and launch of LCC flights, it has become easier to travel to the island.

Highlights

  • Mild climate characteristic of a southern island and clear sea water.
  • The coast along Ishigaki Island is tremendously popular as a diving spot.
  • Traditional Okinawa's scenery is spreaded in the suburbs of the island.
  • Full starry sky spreading in the night sky.

Photos

  • The beautiful sea is known as a great spot for diving. ©OCVB

    The beautiful sea is known as a great spot for diving. ©OCVB

  • Tropical beautiful flowers can be seen. ©OCVB

    Tropical beautiful flowers can be seen. ©OCVB

  • Okinawa’s traditional red-tiled roof houses. ©OCVB

    Okinawa’s traditional red-tiled roof houses. ©OCVB

Reviews

7

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • See More

    Ishigaki Island has a deep blue sky, white clouds, and fine, soft sandy beaches, making it a great place for a vacation. The seawater around the island is crystal clear, and the sunlight sparkling on the surface creates a captivating view. In addition to the beautiful ocean scenery, Ishigaki Island also has abundant natural ecosystems and a laid-back island atmosphere. You can watch the sunset, go snorkeling, or enjoy the local cuisine.

  • See More

    What I liked most about Ishigaki Island was its relaxed and comfortable pace. The deep blue sea, lush natural scenery, and distinctive Okinawan island culture create a strong tropical atmosphere everywhere you go.

    Ishigaki Island isn't just a place to enjoy ocean views and unwind on vacation. You can also try authentic local specialties such as Ishigaki beef and seafood, strolling around at your own pace and experiencing the rhythm of island life. There isn't much hustle and bustle, just sunshine, sea breezes, and beautiful scenery.

  • See More

    Ever since Nannujima Ishigaki Airport (New Ishigaki Airport) opened, the whole space has felt like a huge upgrade.

    Compared with the old airport, which felt crowded and retro, the new airport’s high ceilings, bright interior, and open modern design instantly put you in a relaxed vacation mood as soon as you land.

  • See More

    The tropical vacation paradise you'll fall in love with instantly: Ishigaki Island!

    As the heart of Okinawa's Yaeyama Islands, it has a gradient-blue sea that rivals the Maldives. Michelin three-star Kabira Bay is definitely the highlight. Take a glass-bottom boat for an up-close look at colorful coral reefs and tropical fish—it feels like stepping into a postcard. Besides water activities and visiting the Blue Cave, you can also feast on premium Ishigaki beef yakiniku, richly marbled and melt-in-your-mouth tender. At night, look up to see a sky full of stars. With its laid-back, relaxing vacation pace, this is definitely a five-star summer escape and vacation destination that island lovers must visit at least once in their lives!

  • See More

    Super chill! The ocean is so blue and the beaches are really clean. The whole island just has this super relaxing vacation vibe.

    Diving, snorkeling, or just watching the sunset—everything is gorgeous here. The locals are really friendly, too.

    It's quieter than Okinawa's main island, so it's perfect if you want to get away from the city and just recharge!

Details

Name in Japanese
石垣島
Address
672 Azamaezato, Ishigaki City, Okinawa
Telephone
0980-82-9911
Directions
In addition to Haneda and Kansai International Airports, direct flights are available from airports in cities such as Nagoya and Fukuoka.
There are also about 20 flights a day from Okinawa main island to Ishigaki Island.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa