Ishigaki island is one of beautiful islands in Okinawa, Japan. Here are my recommendations for itinerary to enjoy views, beaches, foods, and a lot more in Ishigaki island to the fullest for 4 days!
Day1: Arriving at Ishigaki island
Renting a Car is a Must to Enjoy Ishigaki
We booked a rental car nearby Ishigaki airport before going there, and went to pick it up as soon as we landed.
You need to be careful to drive after sunset since it gets very dark, and there are not many light on the road, you could encounter some wild animals too.
Check-in at Hotel
Then we went to the hotel to check-in, and took a walk inside hotel. The area of hotel might be important for you, I’ve stayed at both Arakawa area (south-east) and Ishigaki (south, downtown) area. I’d say that some areas besides south part of Ishigaki (downtown) if you want quietness, south part would be good if you want convenience.
Fusaki Resort Village
We stayed at Fusaki Resort Village in Arakawa area, and i loved it! very quiet and relaxing.
Ishigaki : Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas – Review! in Okinawa
Dinner at Local Restaurant : Mori no Kenja
I love going to local restaurants and trying local foods when I trabvel. Mori no Kenjya is Izakaya in south part of Ishigaki island. Izakaya is Japanese style pub & restaurant. We enjoyed Okinawan Food with local ingredients.
Noted: You can NOT drive a car after drinking alcohol at all in Japan.
Day2: Driving Around Ishigaki island
On our 2nd day, we woke up early and went on explore this beautiful island by car. It is a quiet small island that takes a couple of hours to drive around, and we stopped by some spots for views, foods, etc. I picked out some of them to introduce here, but i also wrote an article about the drive route (find it below).
Tamatorizaki Observatory
Tamatorizaki Observatory is one of view spots in Ishigaki island. You can go through the path with beautiful hibiscus flowers on sides to get the observatory.
It’s one of popular spots, but there weren’t too many people when I went there (before noon). It was very relaxing!
- Parking
- Vending machine
- Bathroom
I had a lunch at restaurant close by, named “Sea Forest”
Hirakubosaki Lighthouse : Northernmost Spot in Ishigaki
Hirakubosaki Lighthouse is located in the Northernmost in Ishigaki island. You drive through the rangeland where Kuroge (black hair) Wagyus are living.
The view when you walk to the lighthouse from the parking is already beautiful, but the view from the small hill is just amazing.. Be careful to go on the hill, since it’s slippery and windy. It’s a bit far from the center of Ishigaki, but worth going for the endless clear blue ocean view..!
- Free Parking lot (for 8 cars)
- Bathroom
Yonehara Beach
It’s a very popular beach by its clearness! The beautiful beach is just so perfect to chill on for a vacation! You might encounter wildlife (fishes, turtles, etc) too! Do not forget to check where/when you can go into the water or not, and be careful for the rip current.
- Parking (free&paid)
- Bathroom
- Shower (paid)
Kabira Bay – Must Visit
Kabira Bay is one of iconic spots in Ishigaki Island. You can’t swim here, however, you can enjoy getting on glass boat.
- Parking (both free and paid)
- Bathroom
- Place to wash your feet
Ishigaki Beef Yakiniku (BBQ) for Dinner
One of foods that I wanted to eat in Ishigaki is Ishigaki beef! And Yakiniku (Japanese style BBQ) is the best way to enjoy its taste and tenderness.
Sunset at Uganzaki
If you love seeing a sunset, Uganzaki is where you should go! It’s a great way to end a day.
Driving Route
Here is my drive route!
Ishigaki Island Drive Route Guide – Beach, Food, Sunset, etc.
Day3: Day Trip to Kohama and Taketomi island
I would recommend you to go to other islands around Ishigaki as day trip, each island has own atmosphere and you can enjoy it. I went to 2 islands close by as day trip, and I think it was enough time for us to enjoy both islands.
Taketomi island
View this post on Instagram
Taketomi island is known for star-shaped sand (above : pic of me there!) and buffalo cars. I personally wanted to go to the beach with star-shaped sand, and it had been on my list for long time, maybe since i was 7 years old. Finally i could go there and it was amazing!
If you are interested in that, I highly recommend you to go to Taketomi island.
Taketomi Island Guide : Things to Do & Food to Eat – Beaches, Star sand, etc
Kohama island
Kohama island is perfect for relaxing. Honestly, There is not many things to do there.. just be on the beach, looking around to see the local’s life, chill..! I spent a couple of hours in Kohama island.
Day4: Shopping
The last day came, sadly, so we enjoyed staying at hotel in the morning, go shopping for souvenirs, and prepared to leave.
Euglena Mall for Souvenir
Euglena Mall is a place to go for shopping! It is a tourist place though, you can find a lot of local foods there. Chinsukou, Passion Fruits Juice, Awamori (Okinawan Sake), etc.
* You need to be 20 + years old to buy something alcohol in Japan. They might ask you I.D.
Ishigaki Airport
If you don’t have time to go find souvenir, it’s ok because you can buy souvenirs at airport, too. Also, don’t forget to eat gelato at Miru Miru Hompo at airport 😉 That’s local shop and amazing!
Hope you enjoy your trip to Ishigaki Island the fullest 😉
