Japan’s Tropical Gem Bursting with Color ☀️
Discover the tropical charm of Ishigaki Island – from pristine beaches and vibrant marine life to breathtaking views, rich local culture, and mouthwatering Okinawan cuisine. A true island escape you won’t forget!
Introduction
I recently came back from my trip to Ishigaki, Okinawa, and it absolutely exceeded my expectations. Even though my friend mentioned that it’s not really worth it, my tickets and accommodations were already booked, so I had no other choice but to look forward to it — regardless of what people said. After all, every experience is totally different. Funny enough, that same friend, after looking at my photos from the trip, enthusiastically replied that he’d love to go explore and work there again! So, below I’d like to share my personal experience and hopefully inspire you to visit this beautiful island one day too!
Things to Do in Ishigaki: Snorkeling, Swimming, Island Hopping, and More
Snorkeling in Ishigaki
Ishigaki is a perfect destination for snorkeling. Get more information on recommended beaches down below. ↓
Beaches and marine life
The island is an ideal place to see and swim with sea turtles. 𓆉
Local cuisine
The local cuisine alone is a reason many people travel to Okinawa.
Events and activities
From fireworks to DJ shows on the beach — and beyond.
Best snorkeling spots 🪸
- Yonehara Beach – one of the best spots for snorkeling on the island.
The coral reefs start right from the shallow water, so even little kids and people who aren’t strong swimmers can enjoy observing the vibrant marine life.
The beach has public parking available for a fee of ¥500 per day. Toilets, lockers, and shower rooms are also available.
So make sure to bring your swimsuit (a rash guard is strongly recommended to protect yourself from sunburn), swimming goggles, and water shoes to avoid hurting yourself while swimming near the corals. - Osaki Beach – a bit on the wilder side, but so worth visiting if you’re a confident swimmer.
When I arrived at the beach, I saw many small boats anchored in a straight line a little further out in the water, as well as organized tour groups arriving every 15 minutes, all dressed in professional swimsuits and snorkeling gear. I quickly realized there must be something interesting to see — and oh gosh, I was so right!
Getting to the coral reefs requires quite a bit of physical endurance and stamina, but the water basically keeps you afloat because of its high salt concentration. So even if you’re swimming and can’t touch the bottom, it’s not a big deal — you can rest anytime by just floating on the water. When you finally reach the coral reefs, you enter a wonderland.
The reefs vary in size and height, but from above they look like a little underwater city with tunnels and rivers. Swimming through these natural “rivers” and caves while observing the abundant marine life is absolutely superb.
Swimming with Sea Turtles in Their Natural Habitat vs. Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
Glass Boat Tour in Kabira Bay: A View from Above
Swimming with the Sea Turtles with No One Around
The first thing I did was hop on that boat, hoping to see sea turtles.
And I did — I saw three big turtles chilling near the coral reef, and even one coming up for air. At that moment, I was very excited and happy to see them through the glass surface. But the experience that came the next day? That was truly top-notch.
So, the hidden gem and the most spectacular part of the trip was when we decided to check out a beach farther away that apparently many people don’t even know about — Hirakubo Beach. Just imagine: me, my dad, and two big sea turtles in crystal clear water, with white sand stretching under the water. They were totally chill about us sticking around, so we ended up swimming together for 30 minutes straight. It was one of those experiences I’ll never forget.
To conclude, Kabira Bay has some amazing walking trails and observation decks overlooking beaches with azure water and beautiful green-covered mountains in the background. So it’s definitely worth a visit — but if you’re looking for a more authentic experience to observe sea turtles, I’d definitely recommend making your way to Hirakubo Beach instead.
Local cuisine 🥭
The island has a lot of beautiful cafés and restaurants with nice views overlooking the sea and the mountains. Some of them even have private access to the beach, so you can definitely take advantage of that too. 🍹🍉
Some of my recommended spots would be:
- ALOALO Cafe – Amazing taco rice, beautiful open-air terrace overlooking the sea, plus access to the beach.
- V8 Cafe Bayside – Delicious Hawaiian-style poke bowls, with a terrace as well.
- Palm Tree Lanai Ishigakijima – Stunning 360° views and an open-air terrace.
- Yarabo, Taketomi Island – Okinawan-style soba and a charming, village-like interior. (For more information about Taketomi Island, scroll down.)
- 165 Bakery – Soft, freshly baked bread, pastries, and a beautiful garden with hammocks.
Events and activities on the island ✨
One of the great things about Japan and its resorts is that in most cases, you can enjoy the facilities even as a guest from outside. Many resorts offer free access to their beaches and amenities, so you can easily join in on events like discos, bubble shows, DJ sets, local beach concerts, and fireworks.
I especially enjoyed the bubbles and live DJ music along with a bonfire at Fusaki Beach (also known as Sunset Beach — the name says it all, as it’s one of the best sunset spots on the island).
Another favorite was the fireworks and local concerts at the ANA InterContinental Resort. There’s also public access to Maesato Beach, so make sure to check that out as well!
One-Day Trip Idea: Taketomi Island ˖°🌊⋆🐚
Besides the main island, there are many smaller islands around Ishigaki that are well worth a visit. I didn’t have enough time to explore them all, so I only made it to Taketomi Island — but keep in mind that there are other nearby islands you might want to check out, such as Iriomote, Kohama, and Kuroshima.
The island I visited, Taketomi, is a beautifully preserved traditional Ryukyu-style village, home to around 300 local residents. It’s famous for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, its charming, traditional atmosphere, and the thousands of butterflies that inhabit the island, adding even more color and life to the scenery.🦋
Once you arrive on the island (which is just a 15-minute ferry ride from Ishigaki), I highly recommend renting a bike to explore — it’s the most efficient way to see everything before the last ferry back to Ishigaki departs.
Here are some must-visit spots on Taketomi Island:
- Kondoi Beach – Shallow, crystal-clear water ideal for kids. It’s also the only beach on the island equipped with showers and toilets, so it’s the most convenient if you plan to stay a while.
- Aiyaru Beach – A lesser-known, quiet spot with almost no people. Swimming is not allowed due to strong currents and deep waters, but it’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful view.
- The Traditional Village – Wander through the village streets, try Okinawan soba, and unwind at one of the cozy local cafés.
Observation Decks and Coastal Viewpoints
When it comes to panoramic views, Ishigaki has no shortage of them. Each spot offers breathtaking scenery, from lush nature and ocean views to encounters with local wildlife — so everyone is sure to find something that suits their taste.
Here are a few must-visit viewpoints:
- Hirakubozaki – A lighthouse surrounded by dramatic cliffs and endless ocean views.
- Tamatorizaki Observation Platform – A stunning lookout point with views of both the sea and the mountains.
- Nosokodake Observation Deck – Located higher in the mountains, offering cooler temperatures and wide, scenic views.
- Oganzaki Lighthouse – A beautiful coastal area with open nature, grazing horses and cows, and colorful flower fields in the background.
Final thoughts
I could keep talking about the islands and all the discoveries I made for hours, but I feel like it’s time to wrap up. There are still so many places I didn’t have enough time to visit, so I’m more than sure I’ll be back one day — maybe even more than once.
And I encourage you all to do the same! Countless adventures and unforgettable experiences are waiting for you on Ishigaki, so please make sure to add it to your travel plans.
Planning a trip to Ishigaki? Or already been there? Drop your questions, tips, or stories in the comments—I’d love to connect with you! And if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with a fellow traveler.
Happy travels! ☀️
Leave a Reply