Update-date: Jun 05 2024
Ishigaki Island, known for its beautiful mountains and ocean, is one of Okinawa Prefecture's most popular destinations with easy access from the main island. It is also a great place to enjoy the sweet flavors of high quality Japanese Black cattle wagyu beef, called Ishigaki Beef. Read on for travel highlights of Ishigaki and its surrounding islands and to learn more about Ishigaki Beef.
Ishigaki Island, Famed for its Emerald Green Sea
Ishigaki, which is about an hour by plane from Naha Airport on the main island of Okinawa, is the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands. Its popularity was boosted further with the opening of New Ishigaki Airport in 2013.
The main attraction of Ishigaki is its rich nature.
Divers from around the world visit Ishigaki for its clear, emerald green ocean known as a great spot to see manta rays. The swimming season is long—usually from late March to late October—although the official season varies from beach to beach.
With majestic mountains, such as the 526-meter-high Omotodake, outside the city center, Ishigaki is a wonderful place to enjoy both the ocean and the mountains.
The weather is mild throughout the year with average temperatures of 24°C and the rainy season usually lasting from early May to mid-June.
It is comfortable to wear shorts and sandals once the rainy season is over, but protection against the strong UV rays is a must.
The main attraction of Ishigaki is its rich nature.
Divers from around the world visit Ishigaki for its clear, emerald green ocean known as a great spot to see manta rays. The swimming season is long—usually from late March to late October—although the official season varies from beach to beach.
With majestic mountains, such as the 526-meter-high Omotodake, outside the city center, Ishigaki is a wonderful place to enjoy both the ocean and the mountains.
The weather is mild throughout the year with average temperatures of 24°C and the rainy season usually lasting from early May to mid-June.
It is comfortable to wear shorts and sandals once the rainy season is over, but protection against the strong UV rays is a must.
Not to be missed on Ishigaki Island are the magnificent views of Kapira Bay.
Swimming is not allowed in the bay due to strong tides, but there are glass-bottomed boats that will take you to spots with beautiful coral reef filled with colorful fish—a great way to look into the ocean without having to change your clothes or swim.
Torinji, a temple within the city of Ishigaki, is well worth visiting for its uniquely Okinawan architecture.
Built about 400 years ago, it is the southernmost Zen temple in Japan.
Unlike temples on the main islands of Japan, it was built in an Okinawan style with red tile roofs and stone walls made of Ryukyu limestone.
Swimming is not allowed in the bay due to strong tides, but there are glass-bottomed boats that will take you to spots with beautiful coral reef filled with colorful fish—a great way to look into the ocean without having to change your clothes or swim.
Torinji, a temple within the city of Ishigaki, is well worth visiting for its uniquely Okinawan architecture.
Built about 400 years ago, it is the southernmost Zen temple in Japan.
Unlike temples on the main islands of Japan, it was built in an Okinawan style with red tile roofs and stone walls made of Ryukyu limestone.
The Perfect Base for Island Hopping
The Yaeyama Archipelago, which includes Ishigaki, consists of numerous islands, each with their unique appeal.
Among them, Ishigaki has the best selection of accommodations and great transportation to the surrounding islands, making it the perfect base from which to go island hopping!
Taketomi Island and Iriomote Island, introduced below, are two of the most popular destinations among the islands and are both just a short ferry trip from Ishigaki Ferry Terminal.
Among them, Ishigaki has the best selection of accommodations and great transportation to the surrounding islands, making it the perfect base from which to go island hopping!
Taketomi Island and Iriomote Island, introduced below, are two of the most popular destinations among the islands and are both just a short ferry trip from Ishigaki Ferry Terminal.
Taketomi Island
Taketomi Island has easy access from Ishigaki, with numerous scheduled ferries that take just 10 to 15 minutes. The island is known for its marvelous scenery, with white sand roads crisscrossing through buildings with beautiful red tile roofs. Take a ride around the island on carts pulled by water buffalo to relax into the gentle passing of time.
Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island, which was registered as a Natural World Heritage Site in 2021, is almost completely covered by mangroves and sub-tropical plants. It's a great place for marine sports, but highly recommended are the kayaking tours on rivers passing numerous waterfalls!
Iriomote Island is about a 1-hour ferry ride from Ishigaki Island, with some ferries going to Ohara Port and others to Uehara Port, so choose the port closest to your destination.
Taketomi Island has easy access from Ishigaki, with numerous scheduled ferries that take just 10 to 15 minutes. The island is known for its marvelous scenery, with white sand roads crisscrossing through buildings with beautiful red tile roofs. Take a ride around the island on carts pulled by water buffalo to relax into the gentle passing of time.
Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island, which was registered as a Natural World Heritage Site in 2021, is almost completely covered by mangroves and sub-tropical plants. It's a great place for marine sports, but highly recommended are the kayaking tours on rivers passing numerous waterfalls!
Iriomote Island is about a 1-hour ferry ride from Ishigaki Island, with some ferries going to Ohara Port and others to Uehara Port, so choose the port closest to your destination.
Ishigaki Island's Mouthwatering Wagyu Beef: Ishigaki Beef
Ishigaki Beef is an outstanding beef that is not to be missed when in Ishigaki. It is from Japanese Black steers or cows raised in the Yaeyama District for a designated amount of time.
With temperate weather, rich grasslands, abundant water, and vast tracts of land, Ishigaki Island has the perfect conditions for breeding and raising wagyu cattle.
With temperate weather, rich grasslands, abundant water, and vast tracts of land, Ishigaki Island has the perfect conditions for breeding and raising wagyu cattle.
The exceptional surroundings manifest in the meat's excellence, resulting in Ishigaki Beef boasting a delightful balance of tenderness without excessive fat and a uniquely sweet flavor.
Ishigaki Beef was served as the main course of a banquet during the 2000 G8 Summit in Okinawa and was highly praised by the heads of states who enjoyed it.
Ishigaki Beef was served as the main course of a banquet during the 2000 G8 Summit in Okinawa and was highly praised by the heads of states who enjoyed it.
Where to Go for Sumptuous Ishigaki Beef
Once you've enjoyed the sites and activities on Ishigaki and its surrounding islands, be sure to try the wonderful Ishigaki Beef.
Here are two recommended restaurants to go to for Ishigaki Beef.
Here are two recommended restaurants to go to for Ishigaki Beef.
Ishigaki Beef Charcoal-Grilled Yakiniku - Yamato (Ishigaki City / Yakiniku)
Since its opening, Ishigaki Beef Charcoal-Grilled Yakiniku - Yamato near Ishigaki Port has been consistently serving happy customers who flock to enjoy its tasty yakiniku Japanese BBQ.
Captivated by the charm of Ishigaki Beef, the owner, Yutaka Yamamoto, is dedicated to serving high-quality Ishigaki Beef on its home turf at reasonable prices.
The popular menu item, [High-Grade Kalbi & High-Grade Ribeye] (1,800 JPY) is a great dish to savor the umami flavors and the sweet fat of Ishigaki Beef.
[Yaki-Shabu] (1,900 JPY) is recommended for those who want to enjoy the taste of high-grade ribeye further by lightly grilling it until the surface changes color, wrapping it with onion slices and dipping it in ponzu (citrus seasoned soy sauce).
Ishigaki Beef has wonderfully light flavors devoid of greasiness so you can keep enjoying it until you are full.
Captivated by the charm of Ishigaki Beef, the owner, Yutaka Yamamoto, is dedicated to serving high-quality Ishigaki Beef on its home turf at reasonable prices.
The popular menu item, [High-Grade Kalbi & High-Grade Ribeye] (1,800 JPY) is a great dish to savor the umami flavors and the sweet fat of Ishigaki Beef.
[Yaki-Shabu] (1,900 JPY) is recommended for those who want to enjoy the taste of high-grade ribeye further by lightly grilling it until the surface changes color, wrapping it with onion slices and dipping it in ponzu (citrus seasoned soy sauce).
Ishigaki Beef has wonderfully light flavors devoid of greasiness so you can keep enjoying it until you are full.
The restaurant has semi-private spaces with horigotatsu (low tables with recessed floors beneath to stretch out the legs in) that are convenient when traveling with families and friends.
There are also 12 seats at the roomy counter for single customers to enjoy their yakiniku comfortably.
The restaurant closes when the meat runs out, which can be as early as 8:00 pm some days, so be sure to go early or make reservations.
There are also 12 seats at the roomy counter for single customers to enjoy their yakiniku comfortably.
The restaurant closes when the meat runs out, which can be as early as 8:00 pm some days, so be sure to go early or make reservations.
Ishigaki Beef Charcoal-Grilled Yakiniku - Yamamoto
Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - (until meat supplies last)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 10 minutes walk from the bus terminal
Address: 2-5-18 Hamasaki-cho, Ishigaki, Okinawa Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 10 minutes walk from the bus terminal
Address: 2-5-18 Hamasaki-cho, Ishigaki, Okinawa Map
More Details Reservation
Wagyu Yakiniku Horumon Aigo (Ishigaki City / Yakiniku)
Wagyu Yakiniku Horumon Aigo is a great place to enjoy the two meat brands of Ishigaki Island: Ishigaki Beef and Misaki Beef.
The restaurant is popular among both tourists and locals for the quality meat carefully chosen by the owner, who trained at a butcher's shop.
Its signature [Aigo Bulk Red Meat (200g)] (3,580 JPY) is grilled as large blocks of meat to lock the umami flavors in. Once cooked to your likening, the chef will cut the meat into bite-size pieces for you.
The meat has strong umami and goes well with refreshing sauces such as ponzu with grated daikon radish or soy sauce with wasabi.
The restaurant is popular among both tourists and locals for the quality meat carefully chosen by the owner, who trained at a butcher's shop.
Its signature [Aigo Bulk Red Meat (200g)] (3,580 JPY) is grilled as large blocks of meat to lock the umami flavors in. Once cooked to your likening, the chef will cut the meat into bite-size pieces for you.
The meat has strong umami and goes well with refreshing sauces such as ponzu with grated daikon radish or soy sauce with wasabi.
The spacious restaurant has tables with sofas and benches as well as a counter.
All seats have smokeless grills so you can enjoy your meal without worrying about smelling of yakiniku.
All seats have smokeless grills so you can enjoy your meal without worrying about smelling of yakiniku.
Wagyu Yakiniku Horumon Aigo
Open: [Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm-10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Thursday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,999 JPY
Access: Within walking distance from Ishigaki Island's city center
Address: TAMA Bldg. II, 278, Okawa, Ishigaki-shi, Okinawa Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Thursday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,999 JPY
Access: Within walking distance from Ishigaki Island's city center
Address: TAMA Bldg. II, 278, Okawa, Ishigaki-shi, Okinawa Map
More Details Reservation
There is so much to see and do on Ishigaki and the surrounding islandsーit is well worth planning an extended stay to truly enjoy the rich nature, unique culture, and sumptuous food!
The islands also have a long season for marine sports, so consider including them in your next trip to Japan.
The islands also have a long season for marine sports, so consider including them in your next trip to Japan.
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
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