10 Stunning Scenic Spots Showcasing Ishigaki Island’s Diverse Landscapes

Ishigaki Island, located closer to Taiwan than to mainland Okinawa, is the third-largest island in Okinawa Prefecture after Okinawa’s main island and Iriomote Island. It serves as the central hub of the Yaeyama Islands, acting as a gateway to surrounding islands such as Taketomi Island and Iriomote Island. Despite being a relatively urbanized part of the Yaeyama Islands, Ishigaki features a diverse and captivating landscape, including an observatory atop its mountains, mystical limestone caves, and panoramic coastal viewpoints. The island is surrounded by a beautiful coral sea and still retains untouched natural areas like mangrove forests. Why not plan your next vacation to Ishigaki Island, a popular destination that attracts visitors from all over the world, to experience its breathtaking scenery? Here, we introduce ten must-visit scenic spots that will leave you in awe.

1. The breathtaking northernmost point of Ishigaki Island: Hirakubo Cape

The first must-visit scenic spot on Ishigaki Island is Hirakubo Cape. Located at the northeastern tip of the island, this cape offers a sweeping panoramic view of the vibrant coral sea. The striking contrast of lush green hills against the cobalt-blue ocean is truly breathtaking. On a clear day, this location is highly recommended, even if it requires renting a car.

The journey to Hirakubo Cape involves driving north along Route 390 from Ishigaki Airport, followed by a further drive on Route 260. Once you reach the northernmost point of the island, follow the signs for Hirakubo Lighthouse.

While you can already enjoy beautiful views from the parking area, walking along the trail toward the lighthouse will provide even more spectacular scenery. The area around the lighthouse offers breathtaking views from every angle. The parking lot is equipped with restrooms and vending machines, allowing visitors to relax and take their time capturing photos and videos. Hirakubo Cape is undeniably one of the best scenic spots on Ishigaki Island, making it a highly recommended destination.

2. The observation decks of Banna Park

Banna Park is a vast park surrounding Mount Banna, which stands approximately 230 meters above sea level in the central-western part of Ishigaki Island. The park is home to a variety of attractions, including gardens filled with tropical flowers and fruit trees, bird-watching trails, firefly observation paths, mountain biking areas, an athletic playground for children, and multiple observation decks.

The park serves as a relaxing getaway for locals while also being a popular sightseeing destination for visitors who want to enjoy a scenic drive. The Banna Skyline runs through the center of the park from north to south, with four observation decks along the way. Here are two recommended viewpoints:

◆ Emerald Sea Observation Deck

A short drive along Banna Skyline from the southern entrance of the park will bring you to the Emerald Sea Observation Deck, located near the summit of Mount Banna. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the island’s southern coastline, as well as nearby islands such as Kohama, Kuroshima, and Hateruma.

This deck is not only great for daytime views but is also an ideal spot for stargazing at night. Since the parking area is located on the opposite side of the road, visitors can even enjoy the nightscape from their cars, as the view of Ishigaki City at night has been recognized as part of Japan’s Night View Heritage.

◆ Crested Serpent Eagle Observation Deck

Located in the northwestern part of the park, the Crested Serpent Eagle Observation Deck offers a completely different view from the Emerald Sea Observation Deck. From here, visitors can overlook Ishigaki Dam, Seishika Bridge, and Mount Omoto, the highest peak in Okinawa.

The roof of the deck is designed to resemble the wings of the crested serpent eagle, a bird native to the region. Additionally, the railings and stairs feature stained glass panels depicting Okinawan flora and fauna.

3. The largest and most mystical cave in Ishigaki Island: Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave

The Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave was formed over 200,000 years and is the largest cave system on the island. Fossilized giant clams have been discovered inside the cave, suggesting that it was once part of the ocean floor before rising due to tectonic activity.

Visitors can explore approximately 660 meters of the cave’s 3,200-meter total length. Inside, the cave is illuminated, highlighting countless mystical stalactites. A unique rock formation, nicknamed the Totoro Stalactite due to its resemblance to the character from My Neighbor Totoro, is a fun feature to look out for.

4. A stunning sunset view at Southern Gate Bridge

Southern Gate Bridge connects downtown Ishigaki City to an artificial island south of Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal. It is a conveniently located sightseeing spot, perfect for a quick visit. From the bridge, visitors can admire a beautiful panoramic view of the ocean and the remote islands.

It is particularly famous as a sunset viewpoint. The adjacent Southern Gate Plaza is a recreational space ideal for jogging and walking, and nearby Painuhama Beach offers changing rooms, showers, and a relaxing environment. The area is also known for its population of friendly stray cats, making it a must-visit for cat lovers.

5. Only in Japan! A limestone cave connected to the sea – "Ibaruma Sabichi Cave"

Ibaruma Sabichi Cave is a limestone cave formed by submarine uplift about 370 million years ago. Its distinctive feature is that it is the only limestone cave in Japan that connects to the sea. Inside the cave, green lighting illuminates the space, and the sound of dripping water creates an even more fantastical atmosphere.

At the entrance of the cave, there is the so-called "Great Eel Pond," where rumors say that giant eels over 2 meters in length inhabit the area. It remains a mystery whether they really exist, so why not take a peek and find out? Inside the cave, in addition to stalactites named "Niagara" and "Sphinx," several colorful urns are on display, adding a unique touch. At low tide, you can also observe various aquatic creatures living in the surrounding waters.

Once you pass through the cave, you emerge at the sea! Suddenly, an expanse of emerald-green sea unfolds before your eyes.

6. Experience a tropical atmosphere at "Tamatorizaki Observatory"

From Ishigaki Airport, drive north for about 20 minutes on Route 390, then take the road heading to the upper left from the main road. With a spacious parking lot available, park your car and make your way up to the observatory.

Located on an elevated area along the northeastern coast of Ishigaki Island, Tamatorizaki Observatory offers sweeping views of the beautifully blue sea. Along the road leading to the observatory, hibiscus flowers bloom, enhancing the feeling that you have truly arrived on a southern island.

7. A powerful sunset viewpoint from a high cliff – "Oganzaki"

Oganzaki is a cape located on the Oganzaki Peninsula in the northwestern part of Ishigaki Island. Known as a sunset viewing spot—with names such as "Uganzaki" or "Oganzaki"—this site is celebrated for its breathtaking sunset scenery.

After parking your car, climb the stairs leading to the lighthouse. The view from there is truly spectacular! On clear days, you can even see Iriomote Island. From this elevated spot, the beautiful sea, steep cliffs, and massive rocks combine to create an impressive landscape.

The sunset at Oganzaki is exceptionally stunning, as the sky and sea are painted in shades of orange—a view that leaves everyone in awe.

However, one drawback of Oganzaki is its small parking area, which often leads to on-street parking. Especially at dusk, the area can become so congested that parking on the street is nearly impossible, so it is advisable to arrive early.

8. A 360-degree panoramic view from the summit – "Nosoko-dake"

Nosoko-dake is a uniquely pointed mountain located in the northeastern part of Ishigaki Island, about a 30-minute drive from Ishigaki Airport. Although its elevation is approximately 282 meters—lower than Mount Omoto—it offers excellent views with little fog interference.

From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, with mountain ranges of the Hirakubo Peninsula to the north and the coastline to the west clearly visible. A local legend about a woman named "Mapē" is associated with Nosoko-dake, which is also known as "Nosoko Mapē." While a full hike from the base to the summit takes about 45 minutes, there is a shortcut that can get you to the top in approximately 15 minutes. Although the path is not extremely challenging, some areas can be slippery, so be sure to wear trekking shoes or sneakers.

9. A spectacular sunset – "Fusaki Beach"

Located in front of Fusaki Resort Village, Fusaki Beach is renowned as a sunset viewing spot. It is especially popular with couples on dates, earning it the nickname "Couple Sunset." In particular, the sunset viewed from the pier known as Fusaki Angel Pier—where the sun sets over Iriomote Island—is highly recommended.

Although it is not a private beach, Fusaki Beach is well managed by a hotel. With jellyfish prevention nets in place, it is safe and secure even for families with small children. While there is an admission fee, you can enjoy various amenities such as marine sports, a garden pool, and shower facilities, making it an attractive and comfortable beach destination.

10. A beautiful gradient of ocean colors – "Kabira Bay"

Located in the northwestern part of Ishigaki Island, Kabira Bay is one of Okinawa’s most iconic scenic spots, having received three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The sea, known for its high clarity, displays a stunning gradient that shifts from blue to emerald green. This captivating color change varies with the weather and the tide, so it’s worth visiting several times during your stay.

Although the strong tidal currents in Kabira Bay make swimming unsafe, you can easily explore the underwater world in casual attire with a glass-bottom boat tour. A short walk from the boardwalk leads to an observation deck offering panoramic views of Kabira Bay. After leisurely enjoying the breathtaking scenery, you might also want to take a stroll along the beach by the sea.

◎ Summary

We have introduced ten breathtaking scenic spots on Ishigaki Island. With its mountainous terrain, Ishigaki offers not only opportunities for swimming and marine sports but also incredible drives and hikes that reveal stunning views from above. The island boasts observatories, limestone caves, and even an astronomical observatory, all contributing to its diverse and captivating appeal. When visiting Ishigaki Island, use this guide to explore its beautiful scenery and immerse yourself in its abundant natural splendor.

Search

Customer Support

10 Stunning Scenic Spots Showcasing Ishigaki Island’s Diverse Landscapes