One of Ishigaki’s most iconic sights, Kabira Bay has earned its place among the Top 100 Landscapes of Japan. The bay is breathtakingly beautiful, framed by white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters that shift in color throughout the day, from vivid turquoise to deep emerald green.

What makes Kabira Bay extra special is what lies beneath the surface. The waters here are famous for their black pearl cultivation, a rarity even in Japan. While swimming is prohibited due to strong currents, visitors can still take part in a memorable glass-bottom boat ride. These boats glide over coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, giving you a peek at Ishigaki’s vibrant underwater world without having to get wet.

The subtropical waters around Okinawa are Japan’s ultimate diving playground, drawing enthusiasts from across the globe. Warm, clear, and bursting with life, these seas offer incredible opportunities for both beginners and seasoned divers.

It’s estimated that around 200 of the world’s 800 coral species thrive here, creating a kaleidoscope of reefs that shelter tropical fish, sea turtles, and even gentle giant manta rays. From the surface, snorkeling gives you a vibrant peek at this underwater wonderland, while scuba diving lets you descend deeper into coral gardens, caves, and drop-offs teeming with marine life.

Perched on the eastern coast of Ishigaki, the Tamatorizaki Observatory is one of the island’s most scenic vantage points. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views over Ibaruma Bay’s turquoise waters and the lush green stretch of the Hirakubo Peninsula as it juts out into the Pacific. On clear days, the contrast of emerald sea, coral reefs, and sugarcane fields creates a picture-perfect landscape.

The site is beautifully landscaped with walking paths lined with hibiscus flowers and subtropical plants, making it not just a lookout, but also a pleasant place for a short stroll. Photographers often say this is one of the best spots on Ishigaki for panoramic shots, especially in the morning when the light reflects off the bay.

Tip: If you’re visiting around New Year’s, Tamatorizaki is a celebrated spot for hatsuhinode (the first sunrise of the year). Watching the sun rise above the Pacific horizon is a truly memorable experience, often shared by locals who come here for good luck in the year ahead.

Step back in time at Ishigaki Yaima Village (Yaima Mura), an open-air museum where carefully restored 100-year-old Yaeyama houses showcase the traditional way of life on the islands. Designated as a tangible cultural heritage of Japan, these charming red-tiled homes, complete with stone walls and shisa guardian statues, offer a glimpse into a world where island customs and community life flourished.

Beyond admiring the architecture, the village is alive with experiences. You can listen to the sounds of the sanshin, Okinawa’s three-stringed banjo, during folk music performances, or try traditional dances that islanders have passed down for generations. Families especially love the squirrel monkey enclosure, where dozens of playful monkeys roam freely and may climb onto your shoulder if you’re holding a snack.

Nature is part of the visit too: the grounds connect to a lush mangrove forest, with boardwalks that make it easy to explore without getting muddy. For a hands-on touch, you can paint your own colorful shisa lion-dog figurine to take home as a keepsake, or dress up in elegant Ryukyu-style kimono for memorable photos against the backdrop of the old village houses.

When hunger strikes, stop by the Amparu cafeteria, which overlooks the sparkling waters of Nagura Bay. The menu features local specialties like Ishigaki soba noodles, goya champuru stir-fry, and refreshing desserts made with Okinawan brown sugar.

Tucked away on the remote northwest coast of Ishigaki, Sunset Beach is the perfect spot for travelers looking to combine relaxation with adventure. The name says it all: this is one of the island’s best places to watch the sun dip into the horizon, painting the sky in fiery shades of orange and pink.

But the beach is much more than just a pretty view. The wide stretch of soft white sand and calm, shallow waters make it a safe and enjoyable spot for families, while adventure-seekers can dive into a range of watersports. Get your adrenaline pumping on banana boats, wakeboards, and jet skis, or opt for something more serene with a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) excursion that leads to hidden snorkeling spots brimming with colorful fish and coral.

With nearly a kilometer of powdery white sand and shallow, gentle waters, Sukuji Bathing Beach is one of Ishigaki’s most family-friendly spots. The calm waves make it a safe choice for children, while the wide sandy shore leaves plenty of space for beach games, picnics, or simply stretching out under a parasol.

The scenery here is just as impressive as the beach itself. From the shore, you can gaze across the turquoise sea toward the dark green slopes of Cape Kabiraishi, a striking natural contrast that makes for stunning photos, especially in the golden light of morning or late afternoon.

Located within Fusaki Resort Village, Fusaki Beach is a welcoming public beach that combines the convenience of resort facilities with the relaxed charm of Ishigaki’s west coast. Open from late March through October, it’s one of the island’s most popular places to swim, play, and watch the sun set.

The beach is well-prepared for visitors: lifeguards are on duty, and anti-jellyfish nets are installed during swimming season, ensuring a safe and worry-free experience for families. Calm, clear waters make it ideal for first-time snorkelers, while more adventurous guests can join guided tours to explore nearby reefs. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and other rental equipment are also available, adding to the fun.

Unique to Ishigaki and Iriomote, the Yaeyama palm tree (Satakentia liukiuensis) is an endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Recognized as a nationally protected plant, these towering palms are a living symbol of the islands’ subtropical environment and biodiversity.

The best place to see them is the Yonehara Palm Grove, located near Maibara village on Ishigaki’s northern coast. Here, a short and easy walking path winds through dense jungle, guiding you to a cluster of palms that stretch as high as 25 meters above the ground. Walking beneath their lofty canopies gives a sense of stepping into a prehistoric world.

Hidden beneath Ishigaki’s surface lies a fascinating natural wonder: the Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave, formed more than 200,000 years ago on top of an ancient coral reef. Over the millennia, water slowly carved the limestone into dramatic chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and shimmering grottoes, creating one of Okinawa’s most impressive underground sights.

Visitors can follow a 660-meter illuminated pathway that winds through the cave’s otherworldly formations. Highlights include the playful “Squeaky Coral Path”, the cool and atmospheric “Sake Cellar” where locals once stored awamori, and the mysterious “Lake of Longevity”, whose still waters reflect the cave ceiling like a mirror. One of the most popular photo stops is the “Totoro Stalactite,” a naturally shaped formation that resembles the beloved Studio Ghibli character.

One of the joys of visiting Okinawa’s outer islands is discovering their unique regional cuisine, and on Ishigaki, nothing is more iconic than a steaming bowl of Yaeyama soba. Unlike the buckwheat-based soba found in mainland Japan, these noodles are made from wheat flour and are round and slightly chewy, setting them apart from the flatter Okinawa soba noodles found on the main island.

The broth is a delicious blend of pork bone, dried bonito (katsuobushi), and konbu seaweed, resulting in a light yet savory soup that perfectly complements the toppings. A typical bowl is garnished with slices of simmered pork, pink-and-white fish cakes, and fresh green onions. Locals often enhance the flavor with a splash of shima-kōrēgusu, a fiery chili pepper sauce infused with awamori liquor, giving the dish a satisfying island kick.

Among Ishigaki’s many artistic treasures, Ishigaki-yaki pottery stands out for its rare and innovative beauty. This internationally acclaimed craft uses a unique technique in which glass is fused with ceramic clay during firing. As the minerals from the natural ore react, the surface transforms into shimmering shades of blue and green that resemble the island’s ocean. Each piece seems to capture a fragment of Ishigaki’s sea and sky.

The Ishigaki-yaki Pottery Studio not only displays these works of art in its gallery but also invites visitors to take part in the creative process. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, you can shape and glaze your own pottery before it is kiln-fired. The results—often a bowl, cup, or small dish—make for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, rich with both artistic and personal value.

Every autumn, the city comes alive with the Ishigaki Island Festival, a vibrant two-day celebration usually held in early November. As the island’s largest annual event, it brings together locals and visitors in a joyful mix of music, dance, and food.

The highlight is the citizens’ parade, where community groups, schools, and performers take to the streets with colorful costumes, traditional drumming, and spirited dancing. The atmosphere is festive and welcoming, giving visitors a chance to experience Okinawan island culture up close. Throughout the festival grounds, rows of food stalls tempt festivalgoers with local favorites—try skewered yakitori, Okinawan soba, sata andagi (sweet fried doughnuts), and refreshing shaved ice.

As evening falls, the festival culminates in a dazzling fireworks display that lights up the subtropical night sky. The bursts of color reflected over the ocean create a spectacular finale and one of the most memorable sights of the Ishigaki calendar.

At the far northern tip of Ishigaki lies Cape Hirakubozaki, one of the island’s most stunning and unspoiled landscapes. This windswept promontory offers a rare mix of rugged beauty and peaceful solitude, far removed from the busier southern coast.

The highlight is the Hirakubo Lighthouse, a striking white structure that stands watch over the surrounding seas. From here, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views: endless turquoise waters, rolling grasslands where cattle graze freely, and the green ridgelines of Ishigaki’s northern mountains. On clear days, the visibility is so good that you can spot the outline of nearby islands on the horizon.

Looking down from the cape, the waters are astonishingly clear—you can make out patches of coral reef as they suddenly give way to a dramatic deep-blue drop-off. It’s a favorite viewpoint for photographers, with breathtaking contrasts of color at any time of day.

When it comes to gourmet dining on Ishigaki, few things are as prized as Ishigaki beef. This premium wagyu is raised from Japanese Black cattle in the Yaeyama region, where animals graze on lush, subtropical pastures year-round. Fattened for at least 20 months, the cattle enjoy the island’s warm climate and abundant greenery, which contribute to the meat’s outstanding quality.

With around 35,000 head of cattle raised on Ishigaki, the island has earned nationwide recognition for its beef. Known for its fine marbling and tenderness, Ishigaki beef strikes a perfect balance: rich and flavorful, yet delicate enough to melt in your mouth. Locals and visitors alike prize it as a must-try culinary highlight of the Yaeyama islands.

Stretching along Ishigaki’s northern coast, Yonehara Beach is one of the island’s most beloved stretches of sand. With its white shoreline, views of Mt. Omoto—Okinawa’s highest peak—and a nearby grove of endemic Yaeyama palms, this is a spot that blends natural beauty with easy access to adventure.

The beach is also one of the best places on Ishigaki for snorkeling. Coral reefs extend close to shore, meaning you can wade out just a few meters and find yourself surrounded by schools of colorful tropical fish. Parrotfish, clownfish, and butterflyfish are commonly seen darting between the corals, making it a fantastic snorkeling destination even for beginners.

During the summer, the adjacent Yonehara campground comes alive with visitors pitching tents, enjoying barbecues, and celebrating under the starry night sky. It’s a lively yet relaxed atmosphere that captures the spirit of island summers.

Safety Note: While the reefs close to shore are calm, the waters further out can have strong currents, so swimmers should stay close to the beach and avoid venturing too far without a guide. Reef shoes are also recommended to protect your feet from sharp coral.

Spread out across the slopes of 230-meter-high Mt. Banna, Banna Park is one of Ishigaki’s largest green spaces, offering activities for all ages. The park is divided into several themed areas, making it easy to spend a few hours—or even a whole day—exploring.

Families will love the Adventure Playground, which has climbing structures and slides perfect for kids. Nature enthusiasts can wander along forested walking trails, where lookout points provide sweeping panoramic views of Ishigaki City, Kabira Bay, and the surrounding sea. Bird-watchers may also spot migratory species that use the island as a stopover.

The park has a few unique highlights.

Firefly Trail: From April to June, the path glows at night with countless fireflies, creating a magical evening experience.

Insect Museum: A small but fascinating collection showcasing Ishigaki’s native beetles, butterflies, and other creepy-crawlies.

Segway Tours: For a more playful way to see the park, guided Segway rides (reservation required) let you glide through the forest and open lawns.

Perched on Ishigaki’s rugged west coast, the Oganzaki Lighthouse is one of the island’s most scenic viewpoints—an ideal place to witness both sunrises and sunsets as the light shifts across the horizon. The location is less crowded than other coastal spots, giving it a quiet, romantic atmosphere perfect for photography or reflection.

A short walk along a paved footpath leads you up to the base of the lighthouse. From the surrounding cliffs, you’ll enjoy sweeping ocean views across the Oganzaki Peninsula, where jagged rocks meet turquoise waters. On clear days, the panorama stretches endlessly, making it a favorite stop for road trippers exploring the island.

Seasonal Highlight: In spring, the headland becomes especially beautiful when Easter lilies bloom in clusters around the cape, their white flowers standing in dramatic contrast against the deep blue sea.

The Minsah Kogei Museum celebrates one of Ishigaki’s most treasured traditions: minsah weaving, a handicraft that has been part of the Yaeyama islands’ culture since at least the 17th or 18th century. Characterized by its distinctive indigo-and-white patterns, minsah cloth was once woven by women and secretly gifted to loved ones as a token of lasting affection—the repeating “four and five” (yo-tsu-go-itsu) design symbolized “forever and always.”

By the mid-20th century, minsah weaving had nearly disappeared. However, a revival in the 1970s brought new life to the craft as artisans began adapting the technique to create items suited for modern lifestyles. In 1989, minsah was officially recognized as a traditional handicraft of Okinawa, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

At the museum, you can learn about the intricate process of hand-weaving on traditional looms, from dyeing the threads to setting patterns. For a more immersive experience, visitors can even try their hand at weaving a small piece of minsah cloth under the guidance of skilled artisans—a rewarding way to take home a meaningful keepsake.

The Toujin Tomb, built in 1971 in a traditional Chinese style, stands as a solemn memorial to the 120 Chinese laborers who lost their lives near Ishigaki in 1852. The incident is one of the island’s most tragic yet significant historical episodes, highlighting both hardship and compassion.

The story began when nearly 400 laborers were being transported from Amoy (Xiamen) to California aboard a foreign ship. The vessel ran aground on a reef off Ishigaki’s coast, and after enduring cruel treatment from the captain and crew, many laborers managed to escape to shore. Local Ishigaki islanders, moved by their plight, offered them food and shelter.

Sadly, their ordeal did not end there. American and British pursuers arrived, leading to violent clashes in which many of the laborers were killed or wounded. Others died of disease, or in desperation, took their own lives to avoid recapture. Today, the Toujin Tomb honors these lives lost and the compassion shown by the people of Ishigaki who tried to protect them.

In the heart of Ishigaki City, 730 COURT is a convenient shopping and dining complex that brings together a little bit of everything, perfect for travelers looking to pick up souvenirs, enjoy a meal, or simply take a break from sightseeing.

The name “730” commemorates July 30, 1978, the day Okinawa officially switched its traffic flow from driving on the right (as under U.S. rule) to the left, in line with the rest of Japan. The site of 730 COURT is at a major intersection where the switch was symbolically marked, making it not just a mall but also a quirky piece of local history.

Inside, you’ll find a mix of shops offering Okinawan crafts, island fashion, and outdoor gear, alongside stalls selling sweet souvenirs like beni-imo (purple yam) tarts and other local treats. Dining options are equally varied: whether you’re craving yakiniku and teppanyaki, fresh seafood, or casual cafés serving tropical fruit desserts. It’s also a good place to sample local awamori liquor or pick up bottles to take home.