Ishigaki Island is the main island of the Yaeyama Islands, located approximately 400 kilometers southwest of Okinawa's main island in Japan's southernmost prefecture. As the administrative and economic center of the Yaeyama archipelago, the island serves as the gateway to the region's remote tropical islands and has been an important maritime crossroads for centuries, with historical ties to the Ryukyu Kingdom and trade routes connecting Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
The island is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty, particularly its pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. Kabira Bay, located on the northwestern coast, is the island's most famous landmark, recognized for its emerald-green waters and white sand beaches. The bay is a protected area where swimming is prohibited, but visitors can explore it via glass-bottom boat tours that showcase the underwater coral gardens and cultured black pearl farms for which the area is known. The island's interior features Mount Omoto, Okinawa Prefecture's highest peak at 525 meters, offering hiking trails through subtropical jungle terrain.
Ishigaki is the only place in Japan where visitors can observe the Southern Cross constellation from late December through June. The island has minimal light pollution, making it an internationally recognized stargazing destination. The surrounding waters are part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, home to diverse marine life including manta rays, sea turtles, and over 400 species of coral. Popular activities include snorkeling and diving at sites such as Manta Scramble and Yonehara Beach, sea kayaking in mangrove forests, and stand-up paddleboarding in sheltered bays.
New Ishigaki Airport, opened in 2013, receives direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and other major Japanese cities, with flight times of approximately three hours from Tokyo. The airport is located about 20 minutes by bus or taxi from the city center. Ferry services connect Ishigaki Port to neighboring islands including Taketomi, Iriomote, and Kohama. Rental cars are the most practical way to explore the island, though buses serve major tourist sites. Most beaches and natural attractions have free admission, while glass-bottom boat tours in Kabira Bay typically cost between 1,000-1,500 yen per person.
