Day Trip to Ishigaki Island • 5 Best Things to Do and Attractions

Ishigaki Serves as an economic and transportation center Yaeyama Islands in Okinawathe archipelago located in the southernmost part of Japan. Interestingly, it is closer to Taiwan than mainland Japan, giving this tropical island a distinct mix of cultures and a laid-back charm.

the New Ishigaki Airport Airlines host direct flights from the main island of Okinawa, major Japanese cities, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Meanwhile, Ishigaki Port It connects it to neighboring islands and welcomes visiting cruise ships.

Known for its pristine beaches, vibrant underwater landscapes and panoramic sites, Ishigaki Island has become one of the favorite ports of call among Asian cruises, offering a relaxing day cruise experience. If you’re pulling a DIY, take note Public transportation is limitedSo it is better to book a tourist taxi in advance. More on this later.

Here are some of them Best things to do and itinerary To help you make the most of your quick stop on this wonderful tropical island.

Things to do in Ishigaki

1. Ishigaki limestone cave

Formed over hundreds of thousands of years Ishigaki limestone cave It offers a fascinating glimpse into an ancient underwater cave. It is one of the largest limestone caves on the island, extending for more than three kilometres, although only about 600 meters are available to the public.

Inside you’ll find a treasure trove of natural formations – stalactites and stalagmites shaped by time, and crystal-clear pools and springs. A specific area features colorful lighting. The air remains cool all year round, making it an ideal stop in the summer. Here is a map of the cave with its points of interest:

When you exit the cave, you will come across a branch of the famous local ice cream brand, Blue seal. You can enjoy a scoop or two (JPY 450-800), or you can head straight to the restaurant for a local meal. Since it is still early for us, we chose A Chikawasa flavored shaved ice with milk (JPY 500), which – apart from the refreshing – was surprisingly good! The establishment also operates as a souvenir shop.

address: Ishigaki Limestone Cave, 1666 Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
working hours: Cave – daily from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM; Restaurant – Daily, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Store – Daily, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Entry fees: 1,200 Japanese yen; Children: 600 JPY
How to get to Ishigaki Limestone Cave: Either book a beach excursion package or hire a tourist taxi. Travel time from the port takes about 15 minutes.

2. Big Bay

Located on the northwestern coast of Ishigaki Island, Kabira Bay Among the most picturesque and most photographed spots on the island. A. was appointed A place of stunning beauty In 1997, it captivated visitors with its white-sand beaches, glass-like blue waters, and coastal surroundings.

To preserve the area and due to the strong current, swimming is prohibited in most areas of the beach. But there are still plenty of ways to have fun here, including… Wandering along the beachEnjoy the vibrant marine life through a Glass bottom boat tourOr enjoy the stunning views of the bay from a Observation deck on top of the hill. You’ll also find a small temple dating back to the 17th century near the lookout point.

Before moving on to your next stop, you can check out the shops and food stalls near the parking area to buy souvenirs and local snacks.

address: Kabira Bay, Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
Glass bottom boat tour rate: Adults 1,300 JPY; Children: 650 JPY
How to get to Kabira Bay: Either book a beach excursion package or hire a tourist taxi. Travel time from the port takes about 35 minutes.

3. Ishigaki Yaima Mura

It is located on a small hill overlooking Nagora Bay on the southwest coast of the island. Ishigaki Yaima Mura (Ishigaki Yaima Village) transports you to the old days of the Ryukyu Kingdom. This theme park and open-air museum houses several well-preserved traditional Okinawan houses, which feature red tiled roofs, wooden architecture, and coral stone walls that serve as ramparts.

Other noteworthy attractions in the park include: Makishi Residence, Tumiday, Mangrove Walking Experience, Nagura Ambal, Achebe Folk Show, Squirrel Monkey Forestand Nagura Drive InnWhere you can stop for a snack and pick up some souvenirs.

address: Ishigaki Yaima Mura, 967-1 Nagura, Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0021, Japan
working hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Last entry, 5:00 PM
Entry fees: Adults, ¥1,200; Children: 600 JPY
How to get to Ishigakiyaima-mura: Either book a beach excursion package or hire a tourist taxi. Travel time from the port is about 20 minutes.

4. Euglena Mall

Located near the port area Euglena MallAyapani Mall, formerly called Ayapani Mall, is a convenient stop on your island shopping and food excursion. This complex is known as the southernmost shopping center in Japan, and consists of two parallel streets — Chu Street and Ginza StreetIshigaki Public Market is located right in the center.

The covered shopping arcades are lined with restaurants, cafes, general stores, souvenir shops, rest areas and boutiques. This is the perfect place to pick up and bring home authentic Ishigaki products or local specialties such as AwamoriOkinawa’s signature rice drink.

address: Euglena Mall, 203 Okawa, Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0022, Japan
How to get to Euglena Mall: During the last cruise stop, shuttle bus services ran between the cruise port and Euglena Mall. If this is your only destination, you can simply take this bus. Don’t forget to take a photo of the return table. Buses depart every 30 minutes from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. The fare is 200 JPY, one way. Travel time from the port is about 10 minutes.

5. Ishigaki Food Tour

And while we’re on the subject of food, it’s worth exploring the local flavors in Ishigaki. One notable item is shiikwaasaa local citrus fruit similar to calamansi, although not the same. We tried a Shikuasa flavored shaved ice At Limestone Cave Restaurant. Meanwhile, many stores in Euglena Mall sell refreshments Chikwasa juice. You’ll also find plenty of other food products filled with this delicious fruit.

The island is also famous for its fresh seafood and Ishigaki beef, a special type of wagyu. We managed to kill two birds with one stone when we stopped in for lunch SabanisenIt is a cozy local restaurant located a few blocks from Euglena Mall. We asked Ishigakijima Kenkai SashimoriA Suhaimi dish featuring seven types of seafood, including tuna, squid and marlin. Each slice was exceptionally fresh with no fishy smell or taste. Some even had a hidden sweetness.

We had it too Ishigaki Beef Nigiri Sushi Platterwhich did not disappoint! The beef was tender, tender and beautifully marbled. To end our meal, we got… Brown sugar and warabimochia chewy dessert reminiscent of Japanese mochi and Turkish delight.

Sabanisen address: 3 Misakicho, Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
price: Ishigaki Beef Nigiri Sushi Platter, ¥2,420; and Ishigakijima Kinkai Sashimori, ¥2,387; Brown sugar warabimochi, ¥420

Sample Ishigaki day trip itinerary

If you’re visiting Ishigaki at the cruise port terminal, you can still see some of the top tourist attractions in just a few hours. Just note that public transportation is limited, so if you’re going the DIY route, the best option is to book a tourist taxi in advance.

We visited Ishigaki on two separate cruises and tried out two different companies that offer short sightseeing tours. Both offered packages lasting about three hours, priced between 13,200 yen and 13,500 yen per car. This usually covers three tourist areas. If the tour exceeds three hours, an additional fee of approximately 4,500 yen per hour will apply. Here are the two companies we booked:

• Mitsubushi Taxi (three star taxi)
  Official website: 3star-taxi.jp
  Contact number: 0980 82 3755
• Karayama Collection (Kawarayama/Ishigakijima Transfer)
  Official website: www.ishigakijima-kotsu.com
  Tourist taxi booking: 0980 88 1777
  Regular dispatch service: 0980 82 4649

It’s fine! Let’s say you rent a tourist taxi for three hours, here’s a Sample itinerary You can continue. Feel free to adjust timings or switch destinations. Your driver will allow you to choose the attractions you would like to visit.

09:30 AM – Ishigaki Port Cruise Terminal
10:00 AM – Disembark and take the tourist taxi
10:15 AM – Ishigaki limestone cave1200 yen
11:00 AM – Kabira Bayfree
12:00 noon – Euglena Mall + Sabanisen lunch
01:00 PM – Return to Ishigaki Port Cruise Terminal

DIY Tour vs Shorex

We visited Okinawa with three cruise lines – StarCruises, Royal Caribbean, and Costa Serena. Whichever cruise line you sail on, you’ll have two ways to explore at each port of call:

• ShureX Tour. These are group tours organized by cruise companies in partnership with local tour operators. Everything is taken care of – transportation, itinerary, and usually lunch. All you have to do is show up on time. It is cheaper to book a shore excursion in advance than one sold on board. Shorex’s office is located on floors 4 and 5.
• DIY. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, you can go on a DIY trip. This option gives you full control over your itinerary and is often more budget-friendly. Just be sure to manage your time carefully because the ship will leave on schedule, with or without you. It is always safe to return to port early to avoid being left behind.

No matter which option you choose, you will receive basic details before checkout, including return instructions, outlet name and outlet address. Don’t forget to bring a copy of the vital page of your passport as well.

Update history

2025 10 28 – Uploaded for the first time

Photos by: Asta Alvarez, Yosh Damen, and Vince Carlos