Kabira Bay is one of the most famous and beautiful spots in Ishigaki (very touristic but still worth the visit). Known for its clear turquoise water and white sandy shores, the view here is truly picture-perfect. Swimming is not allowed because of pearl farming in the bay, but you can enjoy the scenery from the observation deck or take a ride on a glass-bottom boat to see the coral and tropical fish below. It’s a peaceful place to relax, take photos, and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
Located on the western tip of Ishigaki, Uganzaki Lighthouse offers one of the best sunset views on the island. The short walk to the lighthouse with it’s natural walking trails is surrounded by flowers, green hills and open skies, creating a calm and scenic atmosphere. From the cliffs near this active lighthouse, you can see the deep blue ocean stretch far into the horizon. It’s a great place for quiet reflection, photography, and enjoying nature’s beauty without large crowds.
Yonehara Beach is one of the best snorkeling spots on Ishigaki Island (if you wany to snorkel by yourself without a tour). Just steps from the shore, you’ll find colorful coral reefs and plenty of tropical fish. The water is calm and shallow, making it a good place for beginners and families. Even if you don’t snorkel, the beach is great for relaxing, walking, or enjoying a picnic. There’s some basic facilities nearby, including toilets and showers. The beach has a natural, unspoiled feel with soft sand and palm trees. Bring your own snorkel gear if you can, as rentals may not always be available on-site.
The Yaeyama Palm Forest in Yonehara is a special place to see the rare Yaeyama (or Satake) palm trees, which grow naturally only on Iriomote and Ishigaki Islands. You might recognize them from Hawaii or Florida, where they were introduced. A short walking path winds through tall, fan-shaped palms and lush greenery.
It’s a quiet, shady spot, perfect for a peaceful stroll away from the beach. Informative signs along the trail highlight local plants and wildlife, making it a fun, easy nature experience for all ages.
After your walk, check out the juice bar near the parking area. They serve refreshing drinks made from local fruits like mango, guava, pineapple, dragon fruit, passionfruit, and shikwasa (Okinawan lime), often blended with fresh sugarcane juice. Don’t miss the pure sugarcane juice—it’s rich and flavorful thanks to the single-press method used in southern Japan.
Just five minutes away on foot is the Satake Palm Memorial Museum. From its rooftop, you’ll get great views of the surrounding palm forest and the ocean reef near Yonehara.
The Ishigaki Limestone Cave is a fascinating natural spot that shows a different side of the island. Formed over hundreds of thousands of years, the cave is full of interesting rock formations like stalactites and stalagmites. The walking path is well-lit and easy to follow, making it a comfortable visit even for families. Inside, it stays cool year-round, which is a nice break from the tropical heat. It takes about 30 minutes to walk through, and you’ll see some amazing shapes created by nature. There’s also a small museum and gift shop at the entrance.
Yaima Village is a great place to experience traditional life in Okinawa. The open-air museum features old-style Ryukyu houses with red-tiled roofs and beautiful gardens. You can try local activities like playing traditional music, wearing Okinawan clothes, or making crafts. It’s a fun and educational spot for all ages, and a good way to learn about Ishigaki’s culture and history in a hands-on way.
Yaima village is home to the cute Squirl monkeys (from Bolivia) you can interact with. In addition you can find water Buffalo, Crested serpent Eagle, and an extremely unique Black Mangrove grove which is home to many species of crabs and fish.
Yoneko Yaki Kobo Shisa Farm / Shisa Park is a small but charming spot where you can see lots of colorful Shisa statues — Okinawan guardian lions-dogs that are believed to protect homes from evil spirits.
The Shisa in this park, are all an artistic expression of the artists and each statue has its own design and personality, making it fun to walk around and take pictures. The park also has a nice view of the jungle and is a peaceful place to relax. It’s not a major tourist spot, but it’s worth a short visit if you’re nearby and want to see something unique to Okinawan culture (or if you just like art).
Check out the workshop and witness the creation of the famous Shisa statues, the protective guardians of the islands. See the skilled artisans at work and learn about the history and meaning behind these beloved figures. It’s a unique and engaging experience that offers a deeper understanding of Okinawan culture and craftsmanship.
Banna Park is a large nature park located just a short drive from central Ishigaki. Spread out around Banna mountain and the surrounding forests, it’s a peaceful place filled with walking trails, viewpoints, playgrounds, and even a small insect museum. The park is divided into different zones, each offering a unique experience—perfect for families, nature lovers, or anyone looking for a quiet break from the beach. With plenty of open space and scenic views, it’s a great spot to spend a few relaxed hours surrounded by greenery.
How to get here:
The small Insect Museum in Banna Park is a fun and educational stop, especially for kids. Inside, you’ll find displays of local insects, including colorful butterflies, beetles, and even some live insects. There are also simple explanations (mostly in Japanese) about the different species found in Ishigaki and how they live in the forest environment. While it’s not a large museum, it’s a great way to learn about the rich biodiversity of the island. It’s air-conditioned too, so it’s also a nice break from the outdoor heat. Perfect for curious children or anyone interested in the island’s tiny wildlife.
Across the street you can find the butterfly gardens where you can try your luck spotting butterflies flying around between lots of colorful flowers.
Looking for some kid-friendly fun in Ishigaki? The Children’s Plaza in Banna Park is a wide, open area designed for kids to play and enjoy the outdoors. It has fun play equipment like slides, climbing frames, and swings, all surrounded by trees and grassy space. There are also picnic tables and shaded spots where parents can relax while kids have fun. The area is safe, clean, and well-maintained—perfect for families looking to spend a quiet afternoon outside. Even if you’re just visiting Ishigaki for a short time, it’s a great place to let children run around and enjoy some free play in a beautiful, natural setting.
Firefly Road is a special walking path in Banna Park that becomes magical during the right season. In spring (around April to May), this quiet forest trail lights up with fireflies during sunset. It’s a peaceful, slightly mysterious experience as the glowing lights float gently through the trees. Even during the day, it’s a beautiful and shaded walk through the forest. If you plan to visit in the evening, bring insect repellent and a flashlight (but avoid using it too much to not disturb the fireflies). It’s one of those simple, unforgettable moments that make Ishigaki feel truly special.
The Emerald Sea Viewpoint is one of the highlights of Banna Park. From this spot, you get a wide, sweeping view of Ishigaki’s coastline, with the bright blue ocean and nearby islands stretching out before you. On a clear day, the colors are vivid and the view is breathtaking. It’s an easy walk from the parking area, and there are benches and shaded spots where you can sit and enjoy the scenery. It’s a perfect place for photos, a quiet rest, or just taking in the beauty of the island. Sunset is especially stunning from this viewpoint.
One of the best things about Ishigaki is its many hidden and uncrowded beaches. Beyond the popular spots, there are countless small, beautiful beaches tucked between cliffs, forests, and coral reefs. Some are easy to reach by car or bike, while others require a bit of exploring. Many of these beaches are unnamed and don’t appear on regular maps, which makes finding them part of the fun.
A great tip for beach lovers is to open Google Maps in satellite mode and look for sandy stretches along the coast that aren’t marked as tourist spots. Once you find one that looks good, check if there’s a road, path, or trail nearby that might lead you there. Just make sure not to cross any private property and always stay safe.
These quiet beaches are perfect for relaxing, swimming, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature without crowds. Since they’re not maintained, it’s very important to take any trash with you and leave the area cleaner than you found it. Also, avoid flying drones, wild eagles live here and have been known to attack drones, thinking they’re a threat.
Exploring these hidden shores takes a little effort, but the reward is often a peaceful, private piece of paradise.
How to get here:
Sightseeing in Ishigaki is all about taking your time and enjoying the island’s natural beauty, unique culture, and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you visit famous spots like Kabira Bay or find your own quiet beach, there’s something special waiting around every corner. Some places are easy to reach, while others take a bit more effort—but that’s part of the adventure.
Don’t be afraid to explore, try local experiences, and make your own discoveries. Just remember to respect nature, keep the island clean, and enjoy everything at a relaxed island pace. Whether you’re here for a short visit or staying longer, Ishigaki has something that will stay with you long after you leave.
Disclaimer
All the information on this page is written by Discover Ishigaki staff with the help of an AI – Please take all information with a grain of salt and always fact check / use common sense before making any investment. Discover Ishigaki isn’t responsible for anything that you may do/ did/ doing/ didn’t do after reading the information on our website. If you found any mistake, offence, misinformation or just have questions about the information on this page please shove all the details into… this mail > , and we will get back to you shortly.
About Us
Discover Ishigaki tours offers English speaking guided Hiking, Snorkeling and Island Tours for individuals, groups and families on Ishigaki Island (Ishigakijima), Okinawa, Japan.
Quick links
Thank you for visiting Discover Ishigaki tours website!We can't wait to see you soon!
All Rights Reserved. Discover Ishigaki Copyright 2025 ©