Ishigaki

A quiet island in the Okinawa prefecture, SO far southwest it’s practically on Taiwan’s doorstep.

I stayed in an Airbnb so I do not have any hotel recommendations. I went in mid-February and the temperatures were comfortably in the mid-upper 70s (F).

While the suggestions here are few, I have quite a number from the host that I didn’t get to try myself. Reach out via the Contact page if you’d like some!

The island is small enough one could hit most of the scenic spots listed in a day. While it’d be a pretty full day of driving, I did most of them at a leisurely pace and it was fine!

You do need an international driver’s license and remember to drive on the left side of the road!

 

Coffee

Green curry

Name
Sunny cafe + Stay

Recommended
Highly

Notes
Cozy little cafe with outdoor seating so that you can enjoy the breeze and view of the water. A nice, light lunch.

Restaurants

Ishigakiya

Recommended
Highly

Notes
Yakiniku restaurant and the beef was delicious!

Yaeyama soba is an Ishigaki specialty. The menu has a variety of sets to choose from. If you like noodles, give them a try!

If time allows

Scenic

Kabira Bay

Recommended
Highly

Notes
The observatory is up a windy road that you can drive to the top, or park lower and hike. Nice views of the island and there was a covered viewing area with vending machines.

A beautiful scenic spot (pictured above). Some small shops you can check out and wander down to the beach.

Highly

If time allows

Didn’t go in the museum itself but walked along a few winding trails of massive palm trees. Sounds like there’s a nice view from the rooftop! While relaxing and peaceful, I mostly hit it up as it was on the way to the next spot.

These caves were pretty cool. After walking for a bit, you come out on the other side and there’s the ocean! From there you can take a few paths and find some remote beach areas.

Highly

A lighthouse atop a cliff on the northern tip of Ishigaki, with beautiful view of the ocean. The last little bit of road is narrow and parking was really tight up there. Also a little breezy. Still, glad I went!

Highly