Brazil
Antarctica
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Bermuda
Canada
the United States
Greenland
Mexico
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Egypt
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Before you go
Your trip to Ishigaki.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Ishigaki – Okinawa Destination Yaeyama Islands about 410 km from Naha
How to get there
-
Aeroporto de Ishigaki (ISG) 15 km
-
Terminal do Porto de Ishigaki 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Ishigaki Airport (ISG), about 15 km from the center, receives flights from Naha and other Japanese cities; the bus takes about 30 to 40 minutes to the port. There is no road connection to Naha: the distance to the prefectural capital is about 410 km in a straight line across the sea.
How many days
One day for the north coast, including Kabira and Hirakubo, and another for the town and the beaches; add the days for the other islands.
When to go
From April to June and from September to November, when it’s less hot; May typically has rain. Summer is long and hot, with typhoons more frequent from August to October. Winter is mild and windy.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
For the north coast, a car helps: Cape Hirakubo is about 40 km from town. There are buses to Kabira and tours; in town you get around on foot.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Ishigaki
-
Morning
Kabira Bay
Drive or take the bus to Kabira Bay and take the glass-bottom-boat tour over the corals. Swimming in the bay is not allowed: choose the neighboring beach for a swim.
-
Afternoon
Cape Hirakubo
Drive up the north coast road to the Cape Hirakubo lighthouse, stopping at beaches and viewpoints along the way.
-
Evening
Market and music in town
Return to the center, walk through the covered public market arcade and dine on Ishigaki beef or local fish; many bars have live Yaeyama music.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to eat in Ishigaki?
Ishigaki beef raised on the island, served as barbecue or steak; Yaeyama soba, made with thin round noodles; reef fish and tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango in season.
Where to swim in Ishigaki?
At the lifeguarded beaches, such as Sukuji, next to Kabira, and the beaches on the north coast. Kabira Bay is off-limits for swimming because of boat traffic and currents.
Is Ishigaki a good base for the Yaeyama Islands?
Yes. All boats to Taketomi, Iriomote, Kohama and the smaller islands leave from Ishigaki Port terminal, in the town center.
Can you dive with manta rays in Ishigaki?
Operators take you to spots where manta rays usually appear, especially from spring to autumn. Sightings are not guaranteed and depend on sea conditions.
Beyond the guide
