Painushima Ishigaki Airport is the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands, including Ishigaki Island, the southernmost point of Japan. ("Painushima" = 南ぬ島 means "Southern Islands" in the Ryukyuan dialect.)
Although Painushima Ishigaki Airport, also known as New Ishigaki Airport, is not large, it has a variety of souvenir stores and restaurants.
The only Starbucks in the Yaeyama Islands is located here, Mill Mill Honpo, a gelato shop, has flavors only available at the airport, and there is an observation deck on the rooftop, so there are many places to enjoy.
New Ishigaki Airport does not have a lounge, but there are spots where you can relax and pass the time until your flight arrives and departs.
In this article, I, a resident of Yaeyama Islands, will tell you about the charm of New Ishigaki Airport. I will also introduce convenient free Wi-Fi and charging spots, so please refer to it for your sightseeing.
- 1. Food court of Yaeyama gourmet
- 2. Souvenir stores and ATMs
- 3. Massage and rest area
- 4. Observation deck
- 5. Free Wi-Fi and free power outlets
- 6. Stores for shopping even after security check
- 7. Coin lockers, smoking area, vending machines and convenience stores
- 8. Photo-worthy spots
- New Ishigaki Airport can be enjoyed as a sightseeing spot!
1. Food court of Yaeyama gourmet
There are 5 restaurants in New Ishigaki Airport.
Ishigaki beef store "Ishinagiya", Yaeyama soba store "Yaimamura", seafood store "Gen", gelato store "Mill Mill Honpo", and the coffee store "Starbucks".
All of them are food court style, so you can choose different menus with your friends. It is recommended to finish your trip with a Yaeyama gourmet meal.
Mill Mill Honpo is a very popular gelato shop in Ishigaki Island.
Happily, there are several flavors available only at the airport, so those who visited the main store in Shinkawa, Ishigaki City or those who couldn't make it there can enjoy the gelato at the end of the trip.
The Starbucks at New Ishigaki Airport is the southernmost and westernmost store in Japan.
Since it is a small store in the airport, there is no special menu, but you can take a break with a cup of coffee.
Please look for the nice picture on the wall that says Ishigaki Airport Store.
2. Souvenir stores and ATMs
Painushima Ishigaki Airport has a wide variety of souvenir shops.
There are not only specialty products of Ishigaki Island, but also souvenirs from each remote island of Yaeyama Islands, so it is a good chance to buy souvenirs you forgot or couldn't visit.
Be careful not to overbuy as there are many local specialties such as sundries and folk crafts, but please shop without regret for the memories of your trip.
There is also an ATM in the airport.
There are also foreign currency exchange machines, so you don't have to worry if you run out of cash.
3. Massage and rest area
There is a relaxing space at New Ishigaki Airport.
The Ryukyu Massage is recommended for those who have time to spare before boarding the plane.
The Ryukyu Massage store is located on the second floor of the airport, and you can choose from a massage menu starting from as little as 20 minutes.
There are also foot pressure points and head massages, so it is nice to be able to choose the menu you prefer according to your physical condition that day.
There is also a spacious rest area next to the massage parlor. Since it is relatively uncrowded, this is a recommended place for those who want to spend some time relaxing before their flight.
4. Observation deck
There is a spacious observation deck on the rooftop of New Ishigaki Airport.
You can see the beautiful blue sky of Ishigaki Island and the arrival and departure of airplanes, and since there are relatively few people here, it is recommended for those who want to relax.
5. Free Wi-Fi and free power outlets
New Ishigaki Airport has a Wi-Fi service that anyone can use for free.
In addition to "Be.Okinawa Free Wi-Fi" and "Ishigaki Free Wi-Fi," there is also "Starbucks free Wi-Fi," which can be used near Starbucks stores.
In addition, there is a Free Power Socket Corner where you can charge your smartphone, tablet, or PC, although the number is limited.
The Free Power Socket Corners are located in the food court on the 1st floor and in the boarding area on the 2nd floor, so if you are worried about your battery running out, it is a good idea to use it. 5.
6. Stores for shopping even after security check
There are also two stores in the boarding area after going through security check.
Although small in size, you can buy souvenirs, the famous Okinawan ice cream Blue Seal, Mariya Shake made by Mariya Dairy Industry of Ishigaki Island, and Okinawan Tropical Juice.
Enjoy what the southern island has for offer, until your final seconds of stay!
7. Coin lockers, smoking area, vending machines and convenience stores
There are coin lockers, vending machines, smoking area, convenience store, etc. at New Ishigaki Airport.
There is also a General Information Center right outside the main entrance and arrival lobby, so please inquire if you have any questions.
8. Photo-worthy spots
Lastly, I would like to introduce some photo-worthy spots at Painushima Ishigaki Airport.
On the second floor window of the west side of New Ishigaki Airport, there is a stained glass window with Okinawan style Bingata. The strong sunlight of Ishigaki Island softly shines through, and it is colorful and beautiful, so please take a picture to commemorate your visit.
There is a small aquarium in the space just outside the arrival lobby of New Ishigaki Airport. It's like seeing the inside of the ocean around Ishigaki Island, so if you miss the ocean of Ishigaki, please go there to admire it.
The back wall of the Starbucks Coffee Ishigaki Airport store is decorated with Minsaa fabrics (fabric patterns created by the Ryukyu people).
The collaboration of the Starbucks logo and the Minsaa textile is a sight that can only be seen here. You can feel more Okinawa's tradition, so please go and see it.
New Ishigaki Airport can be enjoyed as a sightseeing spot!
As you can see, New Ishigaki Airport, also known as Painushima Ishigaki Airport, is a small airport, but it is filled with many attractions of the Yaeyama Islands.
You can take a short stroll in the airport after arrival and go sightseeing, or you can arrive at the airport a little earlier on your way back and enjoy Ishigaki Airport as the last sightseeing spot.
Please spend a wonderful island time at New Ishigaki Airport, the gateway to Ishigaki Island!
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