Things to do in  Ishigaki

The top attractions on the large Yaeyama island of Ishigaki are mostly beach-based. Check out Kabira Bay, a photographers’ favorite, along with the black pearl shops surrounding the tropical beach. Other interesting sites to visit include the Ishigaki Limestone Cave, where stalactites abound, and the lookout point of Hirakubo Lighthouse.

Yonehara, Sunset, and Sukuji beaches on Ishigaki are all pleasant sandy bays popular for swimming and snorkeling. They usually have nets to protect against the habu jellyfish. Divers should head to Manta Scramble near Kabira Bay, where squadrons of rays are known to gather.

Low levels of light and air pollution mean that Ishigaki is a great place to stargaze, and there are night tours that can take you to local favorite spots. In the day, there’s swimming, snorkeling, and diving. You can also hike on Mt. Omoto, Okinawa’s highest mountain.

The tasty and filling Yaeyama soba (buckwheat noodles, pork, and broth) is a popular Ishigaki dish along with the tender, wagyu-style Ishigaki beef. As on other Okinawa islands, the bitter melon known as goya appears everywhere, on plates from breakfast through dinner. It’s an acquired taste, so stick with it.

For the sunniest weather, visit Ishigaki between June and early November. As a tropical island, there’s a good chance of rain in these months, but the outbursts tend to be short, if abundant. If possible, avoid peak Japanese holidays like Golden Week and the school summer vacation.

The Ishigaki Yaima Village recreates a traditional Okinawa hamlet, where you can see different styles of centuries-old houses and watch demonstrations of old island crafts. Other sites include the tiny Buddhist Torinji Temple and the Yaeyama Museum, which documents the Yaeyama Islands’ history.