14 Tourist Spots in Ishigaki Island to Enjoy Even on Rainy Days!

You planned a sightseeing trip to Ishigaki Island, hoping for sunny skies, but it started raining... Don’t feel down! Even if it rains during your Okinawa trip, especially on Ishigaki Island, there are plenty of things to enjoy. Ishigaki Island offers a variety of rainy-day activities, including craft workshops for traditional Ishigaki crafts, Shisa (guardian lions), and Ryukyu glass, as well as shopping options and a museum for former world champion Yoko Gushiken. Here are 14 recommended tourist spots on Ishigaki Island where you can still have a great time, even on rainy days.

1. Ryukyu Glass "Glass Island"

The Ryukyu glass workshop "Glass Island" on Ishigaki Island produces high-quality Ryukyu glass without using recycled bottles. Known for its remarkable clarity, this popular workshop receives orders from across the country.

The recommended activity here is the "Glassblowing Experience." Although it can be challenging to blow glass to the desired shape, the instructor will guide you through the process, so there's no need to worry. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes an enjoyable activity.

Both adults and children can participate, making it ideal for creating summer vacation memories or kids' craft projects. The finished product is ready by the next day, so you can take it home, or if you're short on time, it can be shipped to you. Glass Island’s glassblowing experience is one of the Ishigaki Island tourist spots that can be enjoyed on a rainy day. The original glass you make will be a lifelong keepsake.

2. Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave

The "Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave" is the largest limestone cave on Ishigaki Island, formed over 200,000 years ago. Created from coral reefs, this impressive cave is a must-see. Regardless of weather or season, the limestone cave is a top recommendation for a rainy day on Ishigaki Island. Inside, the illumination adds a magical ambiance. One of the highlights, "Forest of the Gods," is a grand hall approximately 20 meters wide, 6 meters high, and 40 meters long, with awe-inspiring stalagmites over 10 meters in circumference. There's even a "Totoro stalactite" that is popular with kids.

Additionally, Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave offers various experiences, such as Shisa coloring, beach art classes, and dreamcatcher strap-making. Each takes about 30 minutes to an hour, making it possible to create memorable souvenirs even on rainy days. If you're hungry, the restaurant serves dishes like Yaeyama soba and Goya set meals, and there's shopping available for souvenirs as well.

3. Euglena Mall

"Euglena Mall" is the busiest shopping area on Ishigaki Island. With two arcaded streets, you can shop and explore without getting wet on rainy days. Known as Japan’s southernmost mall, Euglena Mall is a popular spot for tourists even on sunny days.

The food market offers Ishigaki Island specialties, such as Ishigaki beef, pork, vegetables, and fruits. Walking through the shopping street alone is enjoyable, as you’ll encounter unique ingredients rarely seen on the mainland. Pork is especially noteworthy, with all parts available, "from head to toe." Euglena Mall is a must-visit spot on rainy days.

4. Ishigaki Pottery Workshop

Visit the Ishigaki Pottery Workshop, which combines glass and ceramics to represent the beauty of the Ishigaki sea. The vibrant blue color characteristic of Ishigaki pottery is stunning, and each piece has a unique hue. From plates and glasses to couple’s tea bowls, each piece is a lifelong treasure. Options include Kame-yohen tenmoku bowls, Aokai Mokuba tenmoku bowls, and the recommended oil-drop Ishigaki pottery (yuteki tenmoku). Ishigaki pottery has gained recognition as art, with modern works inspired by deep blue tones.

The Ishigaki Pottery Workshop allows visitors to observe the pottery-making process, and both children and adults can try pottery-making themselves. There are two experience courses: the Ishigaki pottery course inspired by the colors of the sea, and the Shisa-making course, where you can create a Shisa, Okinawa’s protective deity. The pottery course lasts about 60 minutes, during which you can create a cup or plate with the vivid colors of the sea. The Shisa course takes around 90 minutes, allowing you to create your own unique Shisa! At the Ishigaki Pottery Workshop, you can create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

5. Ibarama Sabichi Cave

"Ibarama Sabichi Cave" is Japan's only limestone cave that opens to the sea. With a history stretching back approximately 370 million years, it is believed to have formed when the seabed rose. Upon exiting the cave, two paths split, both leading to the sea! The Sabichi Beach route is notable for its stone steps leading along the coast.

Ibarama Sabichi Cave is also known for its archaeological significance, with fossils of animals like deer having been found here. Near the entrance, there is a pond where giant eels are said to live, and spotting one is considered lucky. The rest house offers fresh-squeezed fruit juice, and various souvenirs and local items unique to Ishigaki Island are also available, making it worth a visit.

6. Studio ISA-na

At "Studio ISA-na," you can create beautiful earrings, straps, and other accessories designed by yourself using Ryukyu glass. Once completed, you can take them home immediately, and all activities are done indoors, making it a popular sightseeing spot on Ishigaki Island even on rainy days.

Handmade accessories are great to make for yourself or as gifts for loved ones. Although the main focus here is making accessories from Ryukyu glass, you can also make silver accessories. While these experiences may seem suited for adults, children also get immersed in creating their own pieces. If you want to make your own original glass accessory, try it at Studio ISA-na and surprise yourself with a beautiful creation.

7. Minami Island Folk Museum

Have you ever heard of the term "Miyara Dunchi"? Miyara Dunchi refers to a traditional residence from the Ryukyu Kingdom era located on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture. The "Minami Island Folk Museum" is a museum housed in this historic red-tiled residence, built over 180 years ago. It is popular not only among locals but also among tourists visiting Ishigaki Island.

The exterior reflects the history of Ishigaki Island, and inside, over 5,000 precious artifacts from Ishigaki and Yaeyama are on display. Most of the collection was gathered by private collectors, and visiting this museum offers insights into the life and history of the island's residents. With numerous unique exhibits, the Minami Island Folk Museum is an ideal sightseeing spot on rainy days.

8. Takamine Distillery

"Takamine Distillery" is a sake brewery that has been producing Awamori for over 50 years. It is situated in an area rich in natural beauty and brews its sake using a traditional direct-fired method.

At Takamine Distillery, you can view the Awamori brewing process through a glass window, followed by a tasting session! Enjoy the locally made Awamori, crafted with a direct-fired cauldron, and you can also purchase your favorite Awamori to take home as a souvenir.

9. Ishigaki Salt

The sea salt of Ishigaki Island, "Ishigaki Salt," is made from the mineral-rich seawater of Nagura Bay and the lush surrounding forests. It is additive-free and produced as a healthy salt. Even on rainy days, you can tour the process of making salt from seawater inside the workshop. With a reservation three days in advance, you can also try the "Salt-Making Experience," so be sure to check it out.

10. Minsah Craft Center

The "Yaeyama Minsah" is a traditional textile with a kasuri pattern. The "Minsah Craft Center" allows visitors not only to observe weaving but also to understand Minsah through various displays.

You can also try hand-weaving, and making a coaster takes around 30 minutes. Even kids can complete a piece in about an hour, making it an ideal activity for families to experience Minsah weaving together. Free samples of sanpin tea and black sugar are also available. Experience making Okinawan traditional textiles with family, friends, or a loved one at the Minsah Craft Center. When visiting Ishigaki Island, include this as a rainy day option.

11. Ishigaki City Traditional Craft Center

The "Ishigaki City Traditional Craft Center" is a facility where you can learn about the unique textiles of the Ryukyu culture, such as Minsah weaving and Yaeyama jofu. The craftsmanship of Japan is showcased through exhibitions and videos, and visitors can try weaving on a handloom, creating a memorable experience of Ishigaki Island.
Products under the "MINSAH brand," including clothing, bags, ties, and accessories, are also available for purchase. Experience the warmth of Ryukyuan folk crafts and the handmade charm that these items carry.

12. Kabira Pottery Rin-ka

When thinking of Okinawa, Shisa statues are iconic, and many people buy Shisa figurines as souvenirs. At "Kabira Pottery Rin-ka," you can create your own Shisa using Okinawan clay, or you can make cups, plates, and other items you desire.

It takes about a month for the finished product to be completed, but they will ship it to your home, so you don’t have to worry. If you visit Ishigaki Island early in the summer, making a Shisa could be a great summer project for kids. Why not experience making Shisa at Kabira Pottery Rin-ka, where both kids and adults alike can enjoy crafting?

13. Yoko Gushiken Memorial Hall

The "Yoko Gushiken Memorial Hall" lets you experience the greatness of Yoko Gushiken, a former world boxing champion and honorary citizen of Ishigaki City. Many younger people may recognize him from variety shows on TV, but here’s a bit about the incredibly strong Gushiken.

Despite his friendly demeanor on television, Gushiken was truly powerful! The vast collection of his gloves, championship belts, and trophies from his career is impressive. You can also watch videos of his world championship fights from his active days. Seeing the younger Gushiken will surely change your impression of him. When visiting Ishigaki Island, this is a facility worth seeing, rain or shine.

14. Yaesen Distillery

"Yaesen Distillery" is an Awamori distillery with a 60-year history, located on a scenic hillside. Visitors can enjoy watching the brewing process on video, tasting samples, and shopping. The tasting area is popular as it offers exclusive drinks you can only try here. They also have pineapple wine and Habu sake, so even those who can’t drink Awamori can still enjoy a tasting.

The distillery is conveniently accessible by car, about 15-20 minutes from both the airport and the island terminal. When touring Ishigaki Island on a rainy day, make sure to stop by.

◎Summary

Many people might worry that there’s not much to do on Ishigaki Island on a rainy day, but there are actually plenty of indoor sightseeing spots to enjoy. Ishigaki Island has activities to keep you entertained regardless of the weather. When you travel to Ishigaki Island, make memories not only at the beach but also at indoor attractions, even on rainy days.