Ishigaki Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kabira Bay Beach which includes a sandy beach and boating
Ishigaki showing food
Ishigaki showing island images and general coastal views
Ishigaki which includes food
Ishigaki which includes food

Enjoy exceptional cuisine, dive with colourful 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 BeachOpens in a new window 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 BeachOpens in a new window, 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 ParkOpens in a new window, 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 CaveOpens in a new window 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

Default Image

Ishigaki

While Ishigaki isn't home to many top sights, Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal and Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ishigaki
Default Image

Arakawa

If you're spending some time in Arakawa, Fusaki Beach and Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Arakawa
Default Image

Kabira

If you're spending some time in Kabira, Kabira Park and Kabira Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Kabira
Default Image

Maezato

If you're spending some time in Maezato, Maezato Beach and Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Maezato
Default Image

Misakicho

While there might not be top attractions in Misakicho, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal and Euglena Mall.

Misakicho
Default Image

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 Yaeyama Museum.

Tonogusuku
ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort by IHG
ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort by IHG
4.5 out of 5
354-1 Maesato, Ishigaki, Okinawa-ken
The price is £229 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£229
13 Jul - 14 Jul
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Ishigaki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 outdoor pools and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"The hotel is beautiful and well located on the beachfront. We had a stunning view. The room was spacious, clean and beautiful. The only thing we were very disappointed in was the poor level of English in the reception area. It was painful and at times impossible to inquire about anything. They have ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort by IHG
EXES ISHIGAKI
EXES ISHIGAKI
4 out of 5
923-1 Miyara, Ishigaki, Okinawa-ken
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Ishigaki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (172 reviews)
"Ok"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2023

EXES ISHIGAKI
seven x seven ishigaki
seven x seven ishigaki
4 out of 5
254-19, Ishigaki, okinawa
The price is £254 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
£254
2 Aug - 3 Aug
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Ishigaki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal and Fusaki Beach ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"We loved the layout of the Superior Bunk room for a family with teenagers. Pool and sauna areas were a highlight and a beautiful place to relax. The restaurant was a little pricey for Japan, but the food was excellent. If you have a car, I highly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on 7 May 2025

seven x seven ishigaki
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.
VIVOVIVA ISHIGAKIJIMA
VIVOVIVA ISHIGAKIJIMA
3.5 out of 5
Shinkawafunagura 2485-3, Ishigaki, Okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Ishigaki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site spa services and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Fusaki Beach and Ishigaki Island ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (12 reviews)
"My husband and I had an absolutu fantastic stay here for 3 nights - it's the perfect base to explore the island while being located close to Ishigaki centre for great food options and amenities. The swimming pool was a fantastic length to do laps in, and the buffet breakfast was delicious with lots ..."

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

VIVOVIVA ISHIGAKIJIMA
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 Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal and Fusaki Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (87 reviews)
"部屋は割合と大きく、ベットも気持ち良く寝れました。離島フェリーターミナルから歩いて約10分と、便利な場所だと思います。食事は付いていませんが、飲食店も10分以内の所にあるので不便は感じませんでした。"

Reviewed on 28 May 2025

Mr.KINJO GRAND CATS
HOTEL Ishigakijima 2020
HOTEL Ishigakijima 2020
3 out of 5
Maezato 412-1, Ishigaki, Okinawa
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Ishigaki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal and Fusaki ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (217 reviews)
"Great place to stay that was clean and functional with cooking and washing facilities!"

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

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

Things to do

Reviews of Ishigaki

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful place beautiful people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wonderful diving, wonderful town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Kariba Bay was beautiful but full of tourists. Beach as resort was equally beautiful and barely anyone there 

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Would loved to have time to explore more. Expect this island will get built up now it’s on the international radar which might be a pity. But great place to spend a break from hustle and bustle of Tokyo.