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Ishigaki Island 4-Day Travel Itinerary: Weather, Sights & Car Rentals

Ishigaki Island 4-Day Travel Itinerary: Weather, Sights & Car Rentals

Date published: 21 August 2025

In the past, many travelers looked to Southeast Asia for emerald-blue seas, but Okinawa has become a must-visit destination with equally stunning waters and breathtaking scenery, all much closer to home. A two-night stay feels too short—at least three nights are recommended.

Okinawa is generally divided into three areas: the main island, Ishigaki, and Miyako. No matter which you choose, renting a car is essential. I’ve visited Okinawa’s main island twice and Ishigaki once, always relying on rental cars. Next year, I’m planning a trip to Miyako as well.

With the freedom of a rental car, let’s explore every corner of Ishigaki Island.
Now, let’s go!

Main image taken by author
This article contains promotions.

Table of Contents
  1. Where Should You Go on Your First Trip to Okinawa?
  2. How to Get to Ishigaki Island
  3. Quick Look at Ishigaki Island
  4. Ishigaki Island Weather & Events by Season
  5. Ishigaki Island Rainy Season & Typhoons
  6. Wait—Can You Really Swim Year-Round in Ishigaki?
  7. Rent a Car For Your Trip Around Ishigaki Island
  8. Ishigaki Island Travel Itinerary
  9. Highlights of Key Spots in the Itinerary
  10. Recommended Activities in Ishigaki Island
  11. Snorkeling and Diving in Okinawa
  12. Where to Stay in Ishigaki: Hotels and Resorts

Where Should You Go on Your First Trip to Okinawa?

If you’re visiting Okinawa for the first time, you might be wondering whether to go to the main island, Ishigaki, or Miyako.

The main island is the closest, Ishigaki is the farthest, and Miyako lies right in between.

  • Okinawa Main Island: Best for families with young children, offering plenty of attractions such as Jungleia and the Churaumi Aquarium. A stay of at least 4 nights is recommended. See fun things to do in Okinawa here.
  • Ishigaki Island: Features a well-developed shopping street and is ideal for combining sightseeing with nearby islands. Plan for at least 3 nights.
  • Miyako Island: Perfect if what you want most is pristine, crystal-clear waters. At least 3 nights are recommended. See fun things to do in Miyako here.

How to Get to Ishigaki Island

From Tokyo
Multiple domestic airlines, including JAL, ANA, and low-cost carriers, fly to Ishigaki. Choose the schedule that works best for you.
・Tokyo (Haneda) → Ishigaki (about 3 hours)
・Tokyo (Narita) → Ishigaki (about 3 hours 25 minutes)

Quick Look at Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island is a tropical paradise where emerald seas meet lush subtropical nature. Home to Kabira Bay, Japan’s southernmost lagoon, and vibrant coral reefs, it’s known as a top spot for diving and snorkeling. Blending traditional Ryukyu culture with modern attractions, Ishigaki offers both relaxation and adventure, making it one of Okinawa’s most celebrated destinations.

One of its greatest appeals is the ability to explore the island itself and then take a ferry to nearby islands for a completely new experience.

Sights
Kabira Bay, Yaeyama Peace Memorial, Tamatorizaki Observatory, Hirakubo Lighthouse, Miyara River mangroves, Uganzaki Lighthouse

Food
Ishigaki beef, Yaeyama soba, umibudo (sea grapes), raw cane sugar, Orion Beer, awamori, tropical fruits like mango and pineapple

Things to Do
Snorkeling, diving, glass-bottom boat tours, stargazing, beach relaxation, Ryukyu cultural experiences, mangrove kayaking|a=https://livejapan.com/en/activity-outdoor_activities/ac0123817/?sc_lid=lj_article_a0005702@>

Ishigaki Island Weather & Events by Season

Ishigaki enjoys a subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Summers are hot and humid with a higher chance of typhoons, while winters are mild and comfortable. Spring and autumn bring pleasant weather, making them ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Japan Meteorological Agency: Average Temperatures in Ishigaki (2024)
  • Spring (Mar–May)
    ・March: 21.1°C (70°F), April: 26.3°C (79°F), May: 26.4°C (80°F)

    Spring Events
    ・Beach opening (mid–late March)
    ・Southern Cross Stargazing (May): A special celestial event unique to Ishigaki
    ・Hari Boat Races (lunar May 4): Traditional races using dragon boats
  • Summer (Jun–Aug)
    ・June: 29.3°C (85°F), July: 30.7°C (87°F), August: 30.0°C (86°F)

    Summer Events
    ・Orion Beer Festival (early–mid July): Hosted by Orion Beer
    ・Ishigaki Port Festival (3rd Monday of July): Includes yacht rides and onboard concerts
    ・Southern Islands Star Festival (around lunar July 7; August 23–31, 2025): Music, performances, and stargazing
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov)
    ・September: 29.7°C (85°F), October: 27.8°C (82°F), November: 24.5°C (76°F)

    Autumn Events
    ・Ishigaki Hula Festival (around October)
    ・Ishigaki Island Festival (first Sat & Sun in November): The island’s largest and most historic festival
  • Winter (Dec–Feb)
    ・December: 20.1°C (68°F), January: 19.2°C (67°F), February: 20.9°C (70°F)

    Winter Events
    ・Ishigaki Pottery Festival (held over 2 days each December; 2025 schedule TBD): Exhibition and sale of works by local artisans

Ishigaki Island Rainy Season & Typhoons

For any trip centered around the sea, keeping an eye on the weather is essential. When traveling to an island, it’s especially important to check the timing of the rainy season and potential typhoon activity.

Rainy Season in Ishigaki
Typically from mid-May to late June. In 2025, the rainy season is expected to run from May 22 to June 8.

Typhoon Approaches to Ishigaki
According to Japan Meteorological Agency data over the past 10 years, typhoons generally approach between July and October, with little to no activity from November through April.
・2024: 1 in July, 1 in August
・2023: 1 in June, 1 each in August–October
・2022: 2 in September

Wait—Can You Really Swim Year-Round in Ishigaki?

In Ishigaki, you can technically swim year-round if the weather is clear. The official beach season usually runs from March to late October, with the best conditions from late May to mid-October. From November onward, the water gets cooler, so wearing a wetsuit is recommended.

Rent a Car For Your Trip Around Ishigaki Island

Renting a car in Japan is straightforward, but it helps to know the basics. You’ll need to reserve in advance, present your international driver’s permit along with your passport, and pick up the vehicle at the rental office or airport counter.

Cars are usually returned with a full tank, so be sure to refuel before drop-off. Most rental companies provide detailed instructions, and gas stations are easy to find. Following these steps ensures a smooth and stress-free rental experience.

How to Book a Rental Car in Okinawa

Photo: LIVE JAPAN Article (a1000050)
Photo: LIVE JAPAN Article (a1000050)

Japan has many rental car companies, but Nippon Rent-A-Car stands out for offering a 10% discount.

Large rental companies generally provide similar vehicle types, options, and insurance, with little difference in price. That’s why finding even a small discount can make a big difference—especially for longer trips. Nippon Rent-A-Car’s 10% savings can add up quickly, making it an attractive choice.

How to get 10% off: 1. Click the link below, 2. Select “Use 10% Discount Coupon” on the screen, 3. Complete your booking on the website and the discount will be applied automatically.

Why We Recommend Nippon Rent-A-Car
  • Multilingual Website: Reservations can be made easily through an English-language site.
  • Multilingual Communication: At rental offices nationwide, a 3-way interpretation service is available in over 10 languages, including Korean, English, Chinese, Thai, Malay, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
  • Accident & Emergency Support: A rental guide is provided in English (as well as Korean, Chinese, and Thai). In case of an accident, the Nippon Rent-A-Car Accident Reception Center can be contacted with 3-way interpretation support.
  • Safety & Convenience: All vehicles come equipped with ETC (electronic toll collection) and a dashcam.
  • Plenty of 24-Hour Locations: Compared to other companies, Nippon Rent-A-Car has more offices operating 24 hours, making pick-up and return much more convenient.

Picking Up Your Reserved Rental Car

When renting a car in Japan, pick-up is usually arranged at the airport or a major train station in the area. Finding your rental car office is simple, with clear signs and easy-to-follow directions provided at both locations.

  • When Picking Up Your Rental Car

    ① Reservation Check
    Provide your reservation number or the name under which the booking was made.

    ② Instructions & License Copy
    Staff will explain driving precautions, ask for your signature on documents, and make a copy of your driver’s license.

    ③ Vehicle Inspection
    Together with staff, check the car’s condition (scratches, dents, etc.) before departure.
  • When Returning Your Rental Car

    ① Refuel Before Returning
    Fill up the tank at a nearby gas station before drop-off and bring the receipt. Gas station details are often provided in your rental paperwork, or you can simply search on Google Maps.

    ② Vehicle Inspection with Staff
    Let the staff know you are returning the car. They will join you to check the vehicle’s condition.

See the following article for details on renting cars in Japan.

Ishigaki Island Travel Itinerary

Photo by author
Photo by author

Looking back at my past trips, I visited places such as Kabira Bay, a half-day snorkeling tour, Ishigaki Shopping Street (Euglena Mall), a two-hour glass-making workshop at YUKU, Hamajima, Sukuji Beach, Fusaki Beach, and a full-day trip to Taketomi Island. Along the way, I also stopped at local restaurants and souvenir shops. We skipped observatories, caves, and lighthouses since my family wasn’t particularly interested.

On my first trip to Okinawa, I stayed for three nights, which felt too short. Since then, I’ve gradually added an extra night each time. My previous itineraries, as shown below, were planned at a relaxed pace.

Sample 5-Day Itinerary for Ishigaki Island
Day 1
Arrive at the airport → Pick up rental car → Hotel check-in → Explore Ishigaki Shopping Street (Euglena Mall)
Day 2
Snorkeling tour (sea turtles) → Hamajima “Phantom Island” tour
Day 3
Glass-making workshop → Visit several beaches → Kabira Bay
Day 4
Day trip to Taketomi Island
Day 5
Return home

Highlights of Key Spots in the Itinerary

Photo by author
Photo by author

Kabira Bay

Photo by author
Photo by author

This emerald-blue lagoon is famed for its white sandy shores and ever-changing sea colors with the tides. Swimming is prohibited, but you can enjoy coral reefs and tropical fish on a glass-bottom boat, or take in stunning panoramic views from the observatory above.

Overview
  • Ishigaki’s No.1 scenic spot
  • At high tide, enjoy the clear, vivid blue sea; at low tide, coral formations are revealed for a completely different view
  • From the glass-bottom boat, spot colorful coral, tropical fish, giant clams, and even sea turtles
  • Kabira Bay
    川平湾
    • Address Kabayama, Ishigaki City, Okinawa
    • Parking available

Euglena Mall

Photo by author. Okinawa soba
Photo by author. Okinawa soba

Euglena Mall is the largest shopping complex in downtown Ishigaki, offering everything from clothing, accessories, and electronics to Okinawan specialties. It’s a popular stop for visitors, with food courts and restaurants serving local dishes as well as favorites from across Japan. The mall is fully air-conditioned, making it a refreshing place to shop on hot days.

While exploring, you’ll likely come across Okinawa soba and soki soba on menus. The difference lies in the topping: Okinawa soba is typically served with simmered pork belly, while soki soba comes with pork spare ribs. The noodles and broth, however, are essentially the same.

Overview
  • The largest shopping complex in Ishigaki
  • Over 100 shops offering one-stop shopping
  • A great spot to visit on rainy days since you can enjoy sightseeing indoors
  • Euglena Mall
    ユーグレナモール
    • Address 203 Ōkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa

Taketomi Island

Photo by author. After renting a bike to tour the island, I came across tourists enjoying a water buffalo cart ride.
Photo by author. After renting a bike to tour the island, I came across tourists enjoying a water buffalo cart ride.

Taketomi Island is a small island about 20 minutes by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki. It preserves the look and feel of a traditional Okinawan village, with red-tiled roofs, coral stone walls, and sandy white lanes. You can take a leisurely ride in a water buffalo cart (for a fee), or, like I did, rent a bicycle to circle the island.

Highlights include Kondoi Beach with its crystal-clear waters and the famous star-shaped sand, as well as the observation tower offering sweeping views of the island and surrounding seas.

For ferry schedules and details, check the official Yaeyama Kankō Ferry website:
Yaeyama Kankō Ferry Official Site (https://yaeyama.co.jp/global/en.html)

Note: The Yaeyama Islands refer to Ishigaki, Taketomi, and other nearby islands as a group.

Overview
  • Easily accessible—just 20 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki
  • Rent a bicycle to explore the entire island at your own pace
  • Famous for its stunning sunsets, but you’ll need to stay overnight to see them
  • Taketomi Island
    竹富島
    • Address Taketomi, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa

Recommended Activities in Ishigaki Island

Since Ishigaki is famous for its stunning sea, set aside at least half a day for snorkeling. Whether you’re traveling with kids, as a couple, or with friends, it’s an experience you’ll remember for years. Here are three of the most popular tours on Klook.

Snorkeling and Diving in Okinawa

Okinawa’s clear waters are filled with colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. Many local companies run tours that allow you to see them up close. Some tours focus on sea turtles, and while it may seem unlikely to spot them in the open sea, the chances are actually very high.

Operators know the patterns of local marine life, such as where turtles rest and travel, so most turtle tours give participants a good chance to see them, though sightings are not guaranteed. Certified instructors put safety first while ensuring you have a memorable experience.

You can either take advantage of the pick-up service or drive yourself by rental car. Usually, you wear a swimsuit under a wetsuit provided by the tour company, and all other equipment is supplied.

Notes
・If using pick-up, confirm in advance which vehicle will arrive. Check the plate number, color, or logo so you can find it easily in the parking lot. Also, ask about language support in advance.
・Some companies provide a “nozokimegane,” an underwater viewing scope, for children who are not comfortable putting their face in the water. This lets them see the sea clearly through a window.
・Depending on the weather and sea conditions, the planned snorkeling or diving spot may need to be changed.

Where to Stay in Ishigaki: Hotels and Resorts

Choosing the right place to stay can be a challenge, and it often depends on who you are traveling with. Since Ishigaki is a destination known for relaxation, there are many beautiful resorts to choose from. Here are three recommended options to consider.

Looking back, the most memorable parts of my Ishigaki trip were the snorkeling tour with sea turtles on day two, the visit to Hamajima, and the day spent on Taketomi Island. While I enjoyed the food and sightseeing, it was the hands-on experiences that left the strongest impression.

Ishigaki Island is a destination I highly recommend visiting at least once, so consider adding it to your travel plans.

(This article was written in August 2025. Please check official websites for the latest information on tours and facilities.)

Written by:
LIVE JAPAN Editor
LIVE JAPAN Editor

The LIVE JAPAN editorial team is a multinational group made up of native editors who have lived in Japan for over five years and Japanese editors who love to travel. Together, we share the best of Japan, offering cultural insights, historical context, event updates, and travel-friendly deals, to support your journey every step of the way.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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