Things to do in Ishigaki

Top Things to Do in Ishigaki

Things to Do in Ishigaki


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ishigaki.

Top Attractions in Ishigaki

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.

What travellers are saying

  • ROCruiser
    Claremont, CA4,655 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our bus tour took us here for the glass-bottom boat ride. The beach is beautiful but we did not really get to play in the water since it was still very cold and windy. The boat ride was interesting with quite a lot to see underwater. They really need to do more in making sure people are safe while on the boats. These boats are quite old and raggedy and we were not given any safety protection on the ride.
    Written 26 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Malcolm W
    Washington DC, DC17 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Breath-taking views off the northern tip of Ishigaki. It’s in an isolated area of the island if you’re staying in the south but the drive can be fun if you’ve rented a car as there are many other places to see and stop for a bite along the way. If you go, don’t plan more than 15-20 minutes once you’ve parked. It’s a stunning view but just one spot.

    WARNING: there are literally like 3 parking spots at the top near the light house. If you go in the high season you might have to wait in line. Gave the attraction four stars because they need a larger parking area at the base of the climb and a shuttle to take people up. That said, this is totally free and at the top there is a bathroom and vending machines next to the parking. This attraction is also accessible by wheel-chair or with young children.

    A plug for the off season. We went in May and had the entire location to ourselves. One other couple was there when we arrived but left shortly after our arrival.
    Written 23 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Luna J
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My favourite part of the experience is all the beautiful colours and types of fish that vary. My family and I saw a sea cucumber and a sea snake(we were snorkeling) The beach was clean and the water was clear. There is parking 500 ¥ for a day and there is a public shower and bathroom. The beach is just around 30 seconds away from the parking and the water is so clean and crystal clear in the sun!
    Written 17 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Darren L
    Queenstown, MD817 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are amazing views in this well maintained observatory. There are a variety of viewing platforms and more paths than we had time to take.

    There are bathrooms and vending machines.
    Written 10 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hiroaki Kaneko
    Tokyo, Japan3,521 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    石垣から竹富・西表等の各島へ向かう際の重要な拠点である港です。人の往来だけでなく物資の運搬にもこの港が主に活用されるため、各離島に住む人にとっても重要な港となっています。
    各離島への行き来のための定期便や物資の運搬のための船だけでなく、チャーター便も停泊しております。ターミナル内には乗船チケットの購入カウンターだけでなく、離島観光のツアーガイドの旅行会社もいくつかあり、離島への旅行初心者にも安心して利用できるスポットとなっています。さらにターミナル内には、飲食店やお土産店は勿論、プラネタリウムもあります。尖閣諸島について、日本が正しく領有している、ということを伝える情報発信センターが2階にあるので、時間がある際は訪れてみるといいかもしれません。
    このように、多くの施設がある一方で、ターミナル内は広々としており、余計な柱や壁なども存在しないため、小さな子連れでも迷子になりにくいでしょう。大人数の団体旅行の待機場所にもピッタリだと思います。駐車場スペースも広く、新石垣空港からの直行便のバスもあるため、アクセスも充実しています。

    This port is an important base when heading from Ishigaki to Taketomi, Iriomote, and other islands. Since this port is mainly used not only for human traffic but also for transportation of goods, it's an important port for people living in each remote island.
    In addition to the regular ferry services to and from the outlying islands and ships transporting goods, charter flights also dock here. In the terminal, there are not only counters for purchasing boarding tickets, but also several travel agencies that provide tour guides for sightseeing in the remote islands, making it a safe spot for beginners to travel to the remote islands. Furthermore, there is a planetarium in the terminal, not to mention restaurants and souvenir stores. There is an information center on the second floor to inform visitors about the Senkaku Islands, which are rightfully claimed by Japan, so if you have time, you may want to visit this center.
    While there are many such facilities, the terminal is spacious, with no unnecessary pillars or walls, so even small children are unlikely to get lost. It would also be a perfect waiting area for large groups traveling together. There is a large parking space and a direct bus service from Shin-Ishigaki Airport for easy access.
    Written 7 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Melinda G
    Osaka, Japan474 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took a taxi from our hotel to visit. We had picked up a pamphlet at our hotel which gave us ¥100 discount off each entry ticket. The ticket is only ¥1000 but every bit helps.

    It would have been nice to have visited on a sunny day but the rain was fine and it was not as humid or crowded.

    There are 7 different types of Okinawan style of houses that have been relocated to the park. They were interesting but the highlight of the place is definitely the squirrel monkeys. You have to leave your bags at the entrance. They recommend that you hold your wallet and smartphone. There is one staff member just inside the gate but basically your belongings are unguarded.

    The monkeys were friendly and climbed all over us. One lifted up the bottom of my cardigan to see if I was hiding any food under it.

    We went back a second time to see the monkeys but this time they were searching for food in the woods and were not interested in the visitors.

    We did not see any performances but at one of the houses, a lady was entertaining the visitors by demonstrating different household objects.

    Inside the gift shop, there are some workshops such as painting a pair of lion dogs. You can also get a photo taken with traditional Okinawan clothing. There is also a restaurant if you get hungry.

    I recommend using the washrooms in the park before you enter the gift shop. Very nice and new. The ones inside the gift shop are old and shabby.

    Expect to spend 60-90 min here. Buses are infrequent so it’s good to use a taxi or a rental car.
    Written 4 April 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • cmschw@comcast.net
    Alexandria, VA4,516 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Banna Park on is a very nice park on Ishigaki Island. Unfortunately, I only have a few photos; we came here as part an excursion from our Viking Ocean ship.
    Walk up the steps and view the surrounding area from an observation deck. The adjacent gift shop is worth a visit. The thread factory was interesting to see. We watched the looms in action.
    Written 21 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AndraYo
    Tokyo, Japan1,425 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This Park overlooks Kabira Bay getting magnificent photos of the picturesque area. Deserves its Michelin star for the wonderful color of the Bay, it is Awesome! It was somewhat cloudy, so we came back 3 different times to get different lighting of the beautiful Waters.

    Parking for 100 cars. Also, lots of bus tours so choose your time to visit carefully.

    Forgot the name of the ice cream stand but it was right at the entrance to the Park (Kifaya, I think) Imaginative flavors, delicious!
    Written 14 August 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • willgracekentengland
    Kent england63 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After a fascinating drive through the lush vegetation of the northern part of the island, the climb and the view from the top here was well worth the effort.
    Written 16 November 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 63thommo
    Goyang, South Korea20 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are after some Ishigaki craft and souvenirs, this place will have it. Lots of quality products (but also lots of pre-packages stuff you can get anywhere). A few standout stores, and if you look hard there's a really cool surf shop with high quality, boutique goods, and a great vintage store on the 2nd level. Many stores had the shutters down by 5:30pm, but worth the wander through.
    Written 27 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David H
    Tokyo, Japan55 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Short slippery and steep in parts to see quite a magnificent view of a large part of the island.
    Use the trees and ropes but only 10 to 15 minutes to get to the top
    Written 17 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelNGFam
    Hong Kong, China121 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quiet beach with a netted area, small restaurant and restroom facilities. A small rustic playground was behind the beach to keep kids occupied as well.
    Written 12 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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