Ishigaki Island, located in Okinawa Prefecture, south of Japan, is a popular tourist spot with unique nature and culture.
Every year, many tourists from Japan and abroad visit the island.
There are many repeat visitors, and many people have moved to Ishigaki Island because they love it so much.
In this article, we will introduce what Ishigaki Island is famous for, famous tourist spots you must visit if you come to Ishigaki Island, and stores where you can enjoy delicious sweets.
- 1. Kabira Bay
- 2. Hirakubozaki
- 3. Ishigaki Yaima Village
- 4. Mirumiru Honpo
- These are only some of the highlights in Ishigaki
1. Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay is the most famous tourist spot in Ishigaki Island.
It was awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide, which grabbed a lot of attention.
Kabira Bay's beach is characterized by its beautiful emerald green color.
The unique color is sometimes referred to as "Kabira Blue".
It is nice to go to Kabira Bay and feel the ocean of Ishigaki from the beach, or walk along the promenade and see the whole bay from the observation deck.
The famous view of Kabira Bay often seen in guidebooks can be seen from the observatory.
If you take your own original pictures by changing the angle a little, they will look great in photos.
It will be a good memory of your trip, so don't miss this place if you're at Ishigaki.
*Swimming is prohibited in Kabira Bay because the current is very fast and dangerous. Please do not go into the waters.
You can walk on the beach, so please enjoy the clear waters of Kabira Bay up close.
▼ Kabira Bay
Address: Kabira, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Parking: Available (paid and free)
Bus stop: Kabira Koen-mae
2. Hirakubozaki
Hirakubozaki is located at the northernmost tip of Ishigaki Island.
From the tip of the cape, a beautiful blue gradient of the ocean can be seen with a pure white lighthouse in the background.
You can see the Pacific Ocean on the right and the East China Sea on the left, which makes for a luxurious ocean view.
Hirakubozaki Lighthouse is a sacred place for lovers, certified as a "lighthouse to fall in love" by the Japan Romantic Association, and in recent years has also become a power spot for romance.
You can visit with your sweetheart to wish for happiness on both, or visit alone and hope to meet the right person.
If you visit during the daytime, you can see the beautiful blue sea, and if you visit in the evening, you can see the stunning red sunset, so choose the time of day to visit according to your preferences.
You can also take the local bus to Hirakubozaki, but since the number of buses is limited, it is recommended that you take a car.
Please spend a luxurious time admiring the beautiful scenery.
▼ Heihirakubozaki
Address: 234-50 Hirakubo, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Parking: Available (free of charge)
Bus stop: Hirakubo
3. Ishigaki Yaima Village
Yaima Village is the southwesternmost theme park in Japan where you can experience the unique culture of Yaeyama.
Visitors can tour an old Okinawan house that is over 100 years old and is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
Visitors can also meet crested serpent eagles, water buffalo, and squirrel monkeys. Also, visitors can engage in shisa (traditional Ryukyuan artifacts) coloring activities..
There are many facilities where visitors can enjoy a wide range of Okinawan cultural tours, experiences, and meals, making this a place where visitors can fully enjoy themselves throughout the day.
At the souvenir market, visitors can buy island specialties, sundries, and goods exclusive to Yaima Village. There is also a selection of works from island artists, and a wide selection of goods. Enough for everybody to find something charming.
▼ Ishigaki Yaima Village
Address: 967-1, Nagura, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Parking: Available (free of charge)
Bus stop: Motonagura or Yaimamura Iriguchi
4. Mirumiru Honpo
The most famous gelato shop in Ishigaki Island is Mirumiru Honpo.
They sell naturally sweet gelato made from pasteurized milk and Ishigaki Island fruits and vegetables. The milk comes from Ishigaki Island dairy cows, and most of the ingredients for the flavors are sourced within the island.
One cup costs 495 yen and is topped with a generous portion of two types of gelato.
In addition to the regular menu, there are seasonal flavors, so you can enjoy different tastes depending on the season. There are so many flavors to choose from, it is hard to decide which one to try.
Mirumiru Honpo is located atop a nice hill.
Enjoy a luxurious moment eating delicious gelato while looking at the view of the beautiful ocean of Ishigaki Island.
There is also a souvenir shop next to the store, so we recommend you to buy additive-free jam or souvenirs of Ishigaki Island on your way home.
▼Mirumiru Honpo
Address: 1583-74 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Parking: Available (free of charge)
Bus stop: None
These are only some of the highlights in Ishigaki
The beautiful scenery, unique culture, and proud sweets of Ishigaki Island introduced in this article are all famous and perfect for sightseeing that you will not regret visiting.
Ishigaki Island is rural compared to Tokyo or Naha in the same Okinawa prefecture, but there are many attractions that can only be experienced in Ishigaki Island, so if you are interested, please visit the island.
It is especially recommended for those who want to spend a relaxing time with nature.
Enjoy your visit to the southern island to the fullest and create wonderful memories!
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