[Okinawa ]9 fascinating sightseeing spots on Ishigaki Island. From magnificent nature to globally rare creatures.

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Yuki Maruo(@maru.0102)がシェアした投稿

Ishigakijima limestone cave is the largest limestone cave in Ishigaki Island, which was created over 200,000 years. The huge underground space surrounded by countless stalactites is as magnificent as a palace.

There are various points of interest in the cave, and we have compiled a list of some of the most representative places.

Forest of Sculptures of the Gods

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マリリン 石垣島🥥(@marilyn.ishigaki)がシェアした投稿

The plaza is a large hall 40 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 6 meters high, lined with countless stalagmites, including a large stone pillar 10 meters in circumference.

Its grandeur is as powerful as a sculpture of the gods.

Totoro stalactite

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Ayana(@kunkun1726)がシェアした投稿

The stalactites have recently been given a name because of their resemblance to Totoro, the Japanese word for totoro. It is also a popular photo spot, so be sure to stop by for a commemorative photo.

Some areas of the caves are illuminated. Illuminations shining in the dark caves create a more fantastic atmosphere in the limestone caves.

"More Information "
Name: Ishigakijima Shonnyudo (Ishigaki Island Cave)
Address: 1666 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Telephone number: 0980-83-1550
Business hours: 9:00~18:00
Budget: Adults 1,200 yen, Children 600 yen
Space and facilities: Nature, illuminated. Fantastic atmosphere.
URL： https://www.ishigaki-cave.com/

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Atsushi |沖縄 石垣島| Okinawa(@atsushi_okiphoto)がシェアした投稿

Kabira Bay is a famous scenic spot on Ishigaki Island because of its beautiful scenery and valuable culture and history.

Emerald green is a word that couldn't be more fitting, and it is breathtakingly beautiful.
It is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists who come to take a glimpse of such a beautiful sea.

It is good to view it from a little distance, such as from an observatory, or to experience its beauty firsthand while enjoying marine sports such as kayaking and snorkeling.

Awarded 3 Michelin stars

A travel guide to the attractions of each location "Michelin Green Guide ". Kabira Bay has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide.

Other places of great value include "Kabira Park ", which is designated as a national park.

Kabira Bay also offers a wide variety of facilities such as observation decks, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing tour with a view of beautiful Kabira Bay.

"More Information "
Name: Kabirawan (Kabira Bay)
Address: Kabira, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture Inside Kabira Park
Space and facilities: beautiful sea, observation deck, restaurants, souvenir shops available

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旅するうちち(@tabisuruuchichi)がシェアした投稿

Ibaruma Sabichi Cave is a limestone cave that is said to have emerged from the sea floor about 270 million years ago.

The main cave is about 237 meters long. Stalagmites and cave corals, as well as fossils such as the jacopithecus, have been discovered in the cave, making it a valuable place for research.

The cave has four openings, and is unusual in that it also has a section facing the coast. At low tide, the cave is popular "as a limestone cave that leads to the sea ".

You may not be able to go out to sea at high tide, so it is best to check the tide level before going.


The pond in front of the entrance to the cave is inhabited by giant eels. You may not always be able to see them, but you may be able to encounter them.

"More Information "
Name: Ibaruma Sabichi-do Cave
Address: 185-44 Ibaruma, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Phone number: 0980-89-2121
Business hours: 9:30~17:00
Budget: Adults 1,200 yen, Children 600 yen
Space & Facilities: Nature. Fantastic atmosphere.
URL： https://www.ishigaki-ibaruma.com/

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マリンショップCENSU@石垣島(@censu.ishigaki0709)がシェアした投稿

Hirakubozaki is a cape located at the tip of Hirakubo Peninsula in the northeast of Ishigaki Island. It is a popular tourist spot that can be reached by car from the city center in about an hour.

The ocean stretches out in front of you, with the Pacific Ocean on the east side and the East China Sea on the west side, offering a luxurious view of the two oceans at the same time.

The lighthouse is also built low on the cape, so from a slightly higher vantage point one can look down on the lighthouse.
The lighthouse standing against the beautiful coral reef is also extremely beautiful, so be sure to take a look.

Hidden sunset spot

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mirai🌺(@mirai_akn_)がシェアした投稿

Compared to Mikinzaki Lighthouse, which is a popular sunset spot, Hirakubozaki is a little further away from the city center, so it is less crowded at dusk.
However, if you are blessed with good weather, you can see a very beautiful sunset, so this is a recommended spot to relax and watch the sunset.

"More Information "
Name: Hirakubozaki
Address: Hirakubo, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Space and facilities: view of the ocean, coral reefs, and sunset. Mood place. Lighthouse available.

Shiraho Beach is located in the southeastern part of Ishigaki Island.

It is a natural beach stretching about 10 kilometers from north to south, and is a popular spot for its easy accessibility (only 5 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigakijima Airport) and beautiful coral reefs.

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ブルーコーラル石垣島(@bluecoral73)がシェアした投稿

Blue corals are rare because their population is extremely small. There are few places in the world where blue corals can be observed in groups.

Here on the Shiraho Coast, however, you can see such rare blue coral colonies, which are the largest in the northern hemisphere.

Shiraho Beach is a natural beach that has not been touched by human hands. Therefore, there are no artificial facilities, and it maintains a vast and extremely beautiful landscape.

Many people from Japan and abroad visit the island for snorkeling and diving to enjoy such beautiful scenery and coral reefs.

"More Information "
Name: Shiraho Coast (Shiraho Kaigan)
Residence: 2107-2 Shiraho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa
Space and facilities: Magnificent scenery, coral reefs.

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石垣島ミルミル本舗(@mirumiruhonpo_official)がシェアした投稿

Mill Mill Honpo is an ice cream store popular for its rich gelato. Located on a hill facing the emerald green Nagura Bay, it commands a panoramic view of the seven Yaeyama islands.

There are no buildings around, and nature as far as the eye can see is the attraction of this place.

Outdoor seating allows visitors to savor gelato while gazing at the expansive ocean and sky.

Especially at dusk, many visitors come to view the horizon and the sunset over Iriomote Island.

A few days a year, a phenomenon called "green flash "is also seen, in which the sun glows green as it sets over the horizon, making it a popular power spot.

Lunchtime is recommended for a relaxing view of the ocean, and dusk is the best time to see the sunset and green flash.

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石垣島ミルミル本舗(@mirumiruhonpo_official)がシェアした投稿

Gelato is made with milk freshly picked every morning. From the standard milk and chocolate flavors to Okinawan specialties such as red sweet potato and salted brown sugar.

Seasonal flavors are also available, so be sure to try them.

"More Information "
Name: Mill Mill Honpo Honten (Mill Mill Honpo Honten)
Address: 1583-74 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Phone number: (0980) 87-0885
Business hours: 10:00 to sunset
Closed: No holidays
Calculation: ¥400~
Space and facilities: magnificent views, sunset spot. Parking available.
URL：https://mirumiru1583.com/

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Aya(@heart.rock_aya)がシェアした投稿

The Yaeyama Islands "are a group of 12 islands located to the southwest of Japan, including Ishigaki Island ". The oldest Buddhist temple among them is "Momorinji ".

The architecture is full of Okinawan sentiment and is attractive and mysterious, different from the magnificent natural surroundings.

The Taorin Temple was built about 400 years ago, during the reign of the 7th king of the Ryukyu Dynasty "King Shaonei ".
Perhaps because of its history, this temple is visited by many worshippers on a regular basis, and is especially popular as a place for Hatsumode (New Year's visit).

Two statues are housed on either side of the temple gate: "Kongorikishi Statue "and "Minjakurikishi Statue ".
It is very old, dating back to the 1700s, and is now recognized as a Tangible Cultural Property of Okinawa Prefecture.

The very huge "banyan tree "is another highlight of the Momorinji Temple.

In Okinawa, there is a legend that the old banyan tree is "the home of a fairy called Kijimuna ".

Its huge size, combined with the legend of Kijimuna, makes it a very vital place.

"More Information "
Name: Toulin Temple
Address: 285 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Phone number: 0980-82-2142
Space and facilities: Mystical atmosphere. Parking lot, important cultural assets available.

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ともまる 🌺All Okinawa Gallery(@okinawa_tomo_maru)がシェアした投稿

Mikamizaki is a cape located at the tip of the Yarabe Peninsula on the west coast of Ishigaki Island. It is characterized by steep cliffs and a white lighthouse.

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shiori morikawa(@shio_co_40)がシェアした投稿

Coral reefs extend offshore, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
If the weather is fine, the surrounding islands can be seen, and canoeing is also recommended.

It is also a popular sunset spot, and is more crowded at dusk than during the day.
The sun setting slowly over the endless horizon is truly a spectacular sight.

Divers and snorkelers can enjoy diving and snorkeling during the day and relax and watch the sunset in the evening, making this a spot where one can spend all day.

"More Information "
Name: Oganzaki
Address: Sakieda, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Space & Facilities：Vast ocean, sunset spot. Recommended for marine sports.

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Kenichiro Kishi(@kishidan0203)がシェアした投稿

Yonehara Beach is a popular natural beach loved by locals and tourists alike.
The white, expansive sandy beaches and bright reefs are characteristic of the area, giving it a truly tropical atmosphere.

Changing rooms, shower rooms, and restrooms are also available for your convenience.

It is a good place for snorkeling because the water is very clear and coral, anemones, and even sea turtles can sometimes be seen.
However, the points where sea turtles and other animals can be seen are more dangerous, so it is recommended that you join a tour.

Yonehara Beach is also a spawning ground for sea turtles. This is because the high transparency of the beach and the clean sand are suitable for spawning.

Recently, however, littering has become conspicuous, and there is no longer any evidence of spawning.
To protect the rich natural environment, enjoy sightseeing while taking care of the environment when you visit.

"More Information "
Name: Yonehara Beach (Yonehara Beach)
Address: 644 Beikkai, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Space & Facilities: White beach, rich vegetation, living organisms