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.

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)

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)