Ishigaki

Ishigaki (石垣) is second-largest but most populated of the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa, Japan.

Ishigaki Halal Travel Guide

Map-ishigaki - Map of Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki has 45,000 of Yaeyama's 50,000 people and is thus the political, economic and transport hub of the islands. Most of these live in central Ishigaki, known for lack of a better name in Japanese as shigaichi (市街地 "city streets"), chūshin (中心 "center") or just machi (町 "town"). The town's focal point is the rather sad 730 Monument (730交差点), where primary streets Sanbashi-dōri (桟橋通り), running eastwards from the ferry terminal, and Shiyakusho-dōri (市役所通り), running north-south, meet.

Other population centers on Ishigaki are Kabira (川平), by the bay of the same name on the northwest coast, and Shiraho (白保), at the southeast corner. Much of the island, particularly the central mountains and the scenic northeastern peninsula, is quite sparsely settled.

Travel to Ishigaki

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Ishigaki

New Ishigaki Airport (IATA Flight Code: ISG, 新石垣空港 Shin-Ishigaki Kūkō) is the largest airport in the Yaeyama Islands. Opened in March 2013 and the new airport is in Shiraho on the eastern side of the island, 15 kilometers from the downtown. There are frequent connections to Naha and Miyako (Okinawa) | Miyako, some direct services to major Japanese cities like Tokyo, and daily Flights to Yonaguni. The low-cost airline Peach offers Flights from Osaka. From outside Japan, Hong Kong Express offers direct connecting Flights from Hong Kong. There are also seasonal "scheduled charter" services to Taipei on Mandarin Airlines, plus unconfirmed rumors about future services to Seoul.

Azuma Bus lines #4 and #10 serve the airport every 20 minutes or so. The lines take different routes, but both take around 45 minutes, end up at the bus terminal and cost ¥520. You can also use the Free Passes for this (see Get around). A taxi to central Ishigaki will cost around ¥2,500 and take 30 minutes.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Ishigaki

Ishigaki ritoh terminal - Ritō-sanbashi terminal An'ei 5an'ei - Anei Kanko boat

Ishigaki Port (石垣港) is located at the center of the city near the bus terminal. There are two parts: the central Ritō-sanbashi (離島さんばし), for services to nearby islands, and a second unnamed pier at the southeast corner of the port for long-distance services to Yonaguni and slow boats to Hateruma. The port information office is next to Ritō-sanbashi pier 1.

There are no scheduled services to Taiwan, Province of China, mainland Japan or islands outside the Yaeyama group. Star Cruises operates cruises from Keelung (near Taipei) between late April to the end of October, but this is not a ferry service.

There are extensive services (daytime only) to the other islands in the Yaeyama group:

Taketomi (¥690, 15 min), departures every 30 minutes or so
Iriomote Ōhara Port (¥1540, 35 min) and Uehara Port (¥2000, 40 min; summer months only), departures roughly hourly
Kohama (¥1030, 25 min), departures roughly hourly
Kuro (¥1130, 25 min), 5 departures daily
Hateruma (¥3000, 70 min), 7 departures daily

Prices and times above are one-ways on fast ferries and may vary slightly from company to company. Return fares are usually 10% cheaper. Slower service with regular ships is somewhat cheaper but connections are less frequent:

Hateruma (¥3000, abt. 2 hours), 1 departure per day (weekdays only)
Yonaguni (¥3400, 4-5 hours), 2 departures weekly

The major operators are HTTPS://WWWW.Wneikankou.co.jp/languages/e_index Anei Kankō], Hirata Group and Yaeyama Kankō Ferry. There are free courtesy buses from the larger resorts to some ferries, enquire locally.

Get Around

GPS 24.41526|124.18052

Travel on a Bus in Ishigaki

Azuma Bus operates services throughout the island radiating from the bus terminal on Sanbashi-dōri, just across the street from the port. The most useful services connect to the airport (¥520) and Kabira (¥700).

The best deal for transport on the island is the Michikusa Free Pass (みちくさフリーパス); no, it's not quite free, but ¥2000 gets you unlimited trips around the island for 5 days. This isn't great if you're only getting a bus between the airport and the port (and are planning on spending your time visiting Taketome/Iriomote or on the beach), but given that a single trip from the airport to Kabira and back would cost you ¥2440, if you're exploring Ishigaki (or are staying outside the city) this pays off pretty much instantly. There is also a "One-Day Free Pass" (1日フリーパス), which is just that, for ¥1000.

Note, however, that while service between the downtown and the airport are quite frequent and the same is not true for the Kabira Resort Line. There are a few buses in the morning, none at midday and a couple more in the late afternoon, with the last departing Ishigaki at about 6pm. This means that you should only stay outside Ishigaki city if these time constraints work for you, or better yet if you have a car.

Best way to travel in Ishigaki by a Taxi

Taxis are the only other form of transport and it's common to see them slowly cruising the streets waiting for passengers. Flag fall is ¥390 and the meter ticks at alarming speed after 2 kilometers.

By car

There are many automobile rental services in the island and many hotels offer vehicle rental at a discounted price from ¥2000 to ¥4000 per day. Inquire at your lodging. A drive between Ishigaki and the furthermost point of the island is about an hour and a half.

Travel by bicycle in Ishigaki

Yaeyama Visitors Bureau publishes a free small guide about Yaeyama Islands cycling routes, including Ishigaki, with distances and gradients. If you start from downtown (southwest of the island), Visiting the different parts of the island will represent significant distances, especially if you return to your lodging every evening.

The route from downtown Ishigaki to Kabira is the flattest on the island (only +50m in the end) and offers beautiful seaside landscapes. Allow 1.5 hour and 21km. Starting from downtown, if you make a slight detour along the seaside instead of following Highway 79 as proposed by the guide, you will see the Tōjin Grave, a small temple and a lighthouse. Unless you're cycling athletically, it's better to ride on the sidewalk, which is widely used for this purpose (as is often the case in Japan).
The portion from the southern part of Kabira Bay and following the north coast is more hilly. Going from the intersection south of Kabira Bay to Yohenara Beach requires a positive difference in altitude of 85m and 6.5km both ways.
If you plan to travel to the northwestern part and the route will also be hilly and the distances quite long. Allow 30km and 2 hours to go from downtown to the beginning of the northwestern peninsula and then one more hour to reach the tip of the peninsula.

Many hotels offer bicycle rental at about ¥500 per day. Bicycles can be taken in most ferries to the islands at an additional price (may not be feasible during peak periods).

Ishigaki Eight - Yashima-chō 1-3-7 Maison Yashima 1-A 24.33484, 124.15954 from the ferry terminal, take the East exit and follow the port by turning twice on your right ; turn left just before a small park then right, it will be on the left in a building ☎ +81 980-88-7332 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 7PM degressive rates, ex for a hybrid bike ¥700 one hour, ¥2500 a day, ¥7000 3 days ; +¥700 for an electric bike The only or one of the few bike rentals on the island. Offers hybrid bicycles and electric bikes. Reservation feasible but site in (Japanese).

Walk in Ishigaki

Central Ishigaki can be comfortably covered on foot, but you'll need another means of transport for the rest of the island.

What to see in Ishigaki

Ishigaki is a little low on must-see attractions and somewhat tamer in terms of scenery than Iriomote. Most visitors hit the beaches of the northern coast and stay there.

Beaches

Fusaki-Beach Ishigaki Okinawa Japan - Fusaki Beach

Ishigaki's beaches are among the most spectacular in Japan.

Kabira Bay - 川平湾　Kabira-wan | 24.4499059, 124.1430239 At the northwest corner of the island is this stunning emerald blue bay with a perfect yellow-white beach, dotted by craggy islands — but no swimming allowed, so the closest you can get is a glass-bottom boat tour (¥1000, 30 min). You can walk along the coast from bay to bay, but beware of the fast-moving tides that may trap you if you dally too much in the evening.

The best free landside views are from Kabira Park (川平公園 Kabira-kōen), a promenade complete with viewing pavilion that stretches along the coast above the beach itself.

Sukuji Beach - 底地ビーチ | 24.4664427, 124.124168 2 kilometers west of Kabira One kilometer of white sand beach, equipped with changing rooms, showers, toilets and other crucials. The view from the beach is stunning and on a clear day Uganzaki lighthouse is visible in the distance. The sea is the shallowest to be found on any of Ishigaki's beaches, which is great if you fancy a relaxing paddle in the ocean, but swimmers should look elsewhere. Trees at the rear of the beach provide partial shade from the sun throughout much of the day.

Yonehara - 米原 | 24.455641, 124.1874163 Offers nice sand and better coral reefs within easy snorkeling distance. Indeed and the reef begins within meters of the beach and hosts enough life to interest experienced snorkelers and beginners alike. Caution should be taken however as Yonehara's rip currents are notoriously strong. Signs in the parking area describe which areas should be avoided. There is a campsite located behind the beach with the facility to rent gear.

Other

Tōjinbaka (唐人墓), Tōjin no haka stop on the Kabira Resort Line. This ornately decorated Chinese-style "Tang People's Grave" commemorates the sorry fate of some 400 Hokkien Chinese coolies, who mutinied and ran aground on Ishigaki on their way to California. Pursued by the English navy, those captured were killed, so many headed into the mountains where they starved or committed suicide, and only a lucky few were taken under the wing of friendly local residents and protected.
Nearby is also a newer (2001) bilingual monument of angular concrete, dedicated to three Americans shot down over Ishigaki in April 1945, during the closing days of World War II.After being captured and tortured, two were beheaded and one was used for bayonet training, and monument duly notes that such things are not fair play according to the Geneva Convention.
Kannonzaki Lighthouse (観音崎灯台 Kannonzaki-tōdai). A little lighthouse on a little cape, not open to the public but there's a little park and viewing pavilion next to it. Not worth much of a detour but conveniently located across the road from Tōjinbaka.
Kannon-dō Temple (観音堂). Rounding out the trio of low-key attractions around Tōjinbaka is this quiet Okinawan-style wooden temple, with a grand lantern-lined staircase but little to see when you get there. The toilets, however, are kept in excellent shape.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Ishigaki

Manta Above - Manta ray at Manta Scramble

The transparent waters around the island are full of coral reefs, making scuba diving the number one activity on Ishigaki. In particular, Manta Scramble (マンタスクランブル), just off the island's north coast, is a legendary spot for manta ray spotting where groups of manta rays are almost guaranteed during Autumn. There are a large number of dive operators and rates are more or less standardized at around ¥12000 for two boat dives (not including gear rental).

Umicoza - 海講座 - Kabira ☎ +81 980-88-2434 Friendly dive shop that also caters to English-speaking divers. Two dives ¥12600, full gear rental ¥5250. Free transfers from anywhere on the island, Visa/MC/Amex accepted.

Tom Sawyer - ☎ +81 980-83-4677 - This diving shop has a branch at the ferry terminal and offers diving courses, diving, snorkelling and underwater sightseeing cruises. A double dive is ¥13,000 and full diving rental is ¥4,000.

Hanalee Adventure Tours - ☎ +81 9031986472 - Offering jungle zip line tours around the base of Omoto mountain on Ishigaki. Snorkeling trips on board a 43 foot sailboat or via kayak from the beach. Sunset or nite sailing cruises. All tours conducted in Japanese and English by a local English speaker. Hotel pickup and dropoff in the Ishigaki city area included.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Ishigaki

Souvenir shops abound, particularly around the port. The closest thing to a dedicated shopping area are the two streets of the covered Ayapani Mall (あやぱにモール) arcade just west of the post office.

Ishigaki-shi Tokusanpin Hanbai Center - 石垣市特産品販売センター - Ayapani Mall 2F, Okawa 208 - This urban center-sponsored retail center sells only authentic Ishigaki-made products, ranging from handicrafts to food items.

Tezukurikan Kōbō Uminchu - 手作り館工房海人 - Misakichō 4 Sanbashi-dōri just south of port - Home of the ubiquitous Uminchu T-shirts worn by roughly half the local population. A vast variety of designs from ¥2625.

Yashiya - ヤシ屋 | Next to Tōjinbaka - This little factory-shop cooks up tasty cane sugar Candies, sold on premises for ¥500 per cake. You can also view the making process, which basically consists of mashing up sugarcane and then boiling the juice until it turns into brown sugar Candies.

Koubou Tumeya - 工房夢屋 - @.com ☎ +81 980-83-8201 - Shīsā (シーサー) is a traditional Okinawan decoration, often found in pairs, resembling a cross between a lion and a dog. This workshop makes Shīsā using traditional materials from the island. A visitor (of any age) can also make a Shīsā with a step-by-step guidance from the staff.

Halal Food & Restaurants

There are plenty of eating options in central Ishigaki, although many of the fancier places are open only for dinner. The stretch of Sanbashi-dori between the piers and the bus terminal has a good selection of reasonably priced Okinawan places, most of which offer affordable set lunches.

Beach - ビーチ | Web: タコライス-カフェＢｅａｃｈ石垣島-281690178525763 Okawa 209 24.340179, 124.157827 Inside Euglena Mall Opening Hours: 11:30 AM to 10 PM daily This friendly stucco-walled beach café trapped in a mall offers the Okinawan speciality taco Rice in both "standard" (Mexican-ish) and "original" (Asian chicken) versions for ¥800 with tea/coffee or ¥1000 with a draught Orion soft drinks.

Māsan-dō - まーさん道 | 3 Misakicho, Shiyakusho-dōri 24.3387891, 124.1570178 ☎ +81-980-83-4050 - Specializes in Yaeyama soba, ¥500 for a basic bowl, ¥800 for the sōki version with a big hunk o' Beef on top. Add your namecard to the vast collection on the walls. Open daily from 11 AM to 9:30 PM.

Paikaji - 南風 | 24.339045, 124.158135 Near the main post office ☎ +81-980-82-6027 Opening Hours: 5 PM to 12 PM (Closed Sundays). A nice izakaya. Good space, good food.

Marusa - まるさ | Misakicho 3-2F 24.338177, 124.156337Above bus terminal ☎ +81-980-82-0864 Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10 AM to 9 PM Even local residents come here for Yaeyama soba (¥400+). Generously sized set lunches from ¥700.

Uechi Jersey Bokujō Soft Cream Hanbaiten - 上地ジャージー牧場ソフトクリーム販売店 | Okawa 281-2 on Yui Road ☎ +81 90-9571-6750 - This is the place to sample milk-flavored ice cream, made only from the milk of local Ishigaki cows. ¥300 per cone, open 11 AM to 7 PM daily.

Yarabu Shokudo - やらぶ食堂 | ☎ +81 90-9214-5283 - 11am-11pm. An old traditional house with red-tile roof was transformed into this cozy restaurant. Here you can relax and enjoy Yaeyama soba (soba means noodle), Sunday - chika-don (the local Beef, marinated in salt), and their original Yarabu-don. ("don" means a bowl of rice). Prices are very reasonable.

Kato-soba - 八重山嘉とそば | 76 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City 2-3min from Yaeyama Post Office - Our favorite menu is an Ebi-soba(local prawn noodle) ¥900, Yaeyama soba ¥550. It's a very nice and quite old traditional red brick house, please enjoy Yaeyama relaxedly. Open 11AM to 4PM(Close on Wednesday). Web:[https://]

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St, Elmo - St. Elmo Food{{eat

St. Elmo's Café & Kitchen | 新川1629-3 Ishigaki-shi, Okinawa 907-0024 24.364740, 124.113739 ☎ +81 980-87-6250 Opening Hours: 11:30AM - 4:00PM, 6:00PM - 9:00PM ¥¥ This is an nice place to see the sunset. The sun will set into the ocean right before you and you couldn't ask for a better place to be. The food presentation is nice and the service is very friendly. If you are looking for a relaxed, calm and easy going place to have a drink and see the sunset, this is a good choice within a reasonable distance of Ishigaki town (if you have transportation).

Trattoria Romana Ishigaki, Misaki-cho 8-15-2F, 090-7492-2019 is located in the center of the city. behind the bus terminal there is an Italian flag. Italian chef coming from Rome makes authentic Italian Cuisine. He is very friendly and can give you good tips about traveling around. All the ingredients are imported from Italy. If you are tired of eating Japanese foods and being surrounded by Japanese people, this is the place to relax in a lovely atmosphere. good veg menu

Ishigaki_BeefAndBeer - Ishigaki beef and soft-drinks at Kinjō

Ishigaki'sbeef (石垣牛 Ishigaki-gyū) is meltingly smooth and well worth the splurge for Meat lovers, although you'll generally be looking at around ¥5000 for something approximating a decent-sized steak. Sampling strips served as yakiniku or even raw sashimi is somewhat more affordable, but if the price seems too good, double-check that it's real Ishigaki beef, not a cheaper import.

Kinjō - 金城 | Hotel Peaceland 1F, Misakichō 11-1 south end of Center-Dori - The lunch-only ¥2500 Steaks teishoku set with 150g of Ishigaki beef to grill by yourself is one of the better deals around, especially when washed down with some Ishigakijima soft drinks. Offers half-price dinner on the first day of the month, but you will have to stand in line for a good hour as that is a very popular night with local residents in the know. Open daily 11:30 AM to 3 PM for lunch, 5 PM to midnight for dinner. Kinjo also has other branches around town.

Hitoshi - ひとし | 24.33995, 124.15942 ☎ +81 980-88-5807 - An izakaya that specializes in tuna fish. Their tuna sushi and sashimi are something to dream for. There are two branches in town. This is a very popular eating place so it is best to book ahead.

MARU - 〒907-0004 沖縄県石垣市字登野城26 24.33689, 124.15998 5 minutes walk from the centre of town ☎ +81 980-82-0030 Opening Hours: 1700-2300 Yakiniku (grilling Meat yourself at the table) with different cuts of Ishigaki beef. Really tasty, and the staff are friendly; one even speaks pretty good English, though he probably has a day off once in a while. Menu is fully in Japanese, so ask for the 'three cuts of Ishigaki beef' (¥2600) or the 'top quality beef platter' (¥6280).

Yurateku - ゆらてぃく - Hotel Cucule 1F, Misakichō 8-1 south end of Center-Dori, next to the Coco convenience store Opening Hours: 1130-2230 Specializes in Yaeyama cuisine. The Ishigaki beef comes as a 130g Steaks for ¥2880 or as a 200g Burgers for ¥1680, or both for ¥4180. Menu partly in English.

Ishigaki has a surprisingly vibrant Halal dining, mostly centered around izakayas offering the ubiquitous local firewater awamori.Also be sure to sample the local Ishigakijima Beer (石垣島地ビール) microbrew, now available in "marine" (lager), "kuro" (dark) and three other versions.

Misakichō Center-Dōri (美崎町センター通り) and nearby streets, just north and west of the 730 Crossing, have a range of izakayas, karaoke lounges and late night restaurants of varying degrees of respectability. Outside the city, however and there is little to no nightlife of any kind and you'll be hard pressed to find even a restaurant open after 6.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Ishigaki

Ishigaki - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Ishigaki, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ishigaki. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Ishigaki and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Ishigaki. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Ishigaki. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inIshigaki: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Ishigaki.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Ishigaki: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Ishigaki, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Ishigaki.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Ishigaki, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Ishigaki, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Ishigaki and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Ishigaki, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Ishigaki, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Ishigaki without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ishigaki is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Ishigaki.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Ishigaki is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Ishigaki, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Ishigaki Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Ishigaki

eHalal Group Ishigaki is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Ishigaki. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Ishigaki.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Ishigaki ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Ishigaki. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Ishigaki, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Ishigaki has a wide range of lodging, ranging from expensive resorts for ¥10000+ to backpacker-oriented minshukus that can go as low as ¥3000 for your own room or ¥1000 for dormitory-type "guest house" lodging. Camping: The campsite on Yonehara beach charges roughly ￥600 per person per day (as of June 2009). The campsite owner does not provide tents, and although some of Ishigaki's official tourism websites tell you that a camping licence is required and the owner of the campsite has actually bought the licences himself and provides them when you pay to camp. Camping on Yonehara beach is a very cost effective option for staying on Ishigaki. Some camping equipment is available at the 100 Yen Shop (upstairs at Maxvalu on Sanbashi Dori) and the 5 day bus pass is definitely recommended if you're going to be camping for a long time, since there aren't many shops near to Yonehara beach and the best supermarkets are on the other side of the island.

Rakutenya - ☎ +81 980 83-8713 (楽天屋), Okawa 291. Two rambling old wooden houses run by an affable if eccentric English-speaking couple, ¥3000 per day gets you a superior Muslim friendly room with free laundry and Internet. The catches are that air-con costs ¥100/hour and only the newer wing (別館 bekkan) has mosquito nets.

Mariudo - ☎ +81 980 83-0513 - Pension (ペンション). Rooms come with TV, Air conditioning (very, very important in summer) and affordable rates at 1800 yen per day. The owners are extremely friendly and so are most of the guests. Excellent place to make traveling friends. Located seconds from the port by foot, it serves as a great hub for day trips throughout the Yaeyama Archipelago. Breakfast is not included and if you ask for internet you will be directed to a nearby cafe.

Yashima Youth Hostel - ☎ +81 980 82-3157 - A short walk from the Small Boat Harbor in Ishigaki city, this hostel provides basic Japanese-style dormitory rooms for around 2500 yen per day. The male dormitory room is busier than the female one which can be a plus for women traveling alone. The staff are extremely hospitable. Breakfast and internet included. Be sure to join in on the nightly (free) awamori time to enjoy the traditional Ryukyu alcohol.

Churayado Cocochan - 美らやどココちゃん - Ishigaki 155-1, tel. 0980 88-6373. TEL. (0980)88-6373, ¥2500 per day gets you a superior Muslim friendly room with TV and free Internet. The catches are that air-con costs ¥200/three hours. There is a scuba diving shop in this affordable hotel.

Oohamaso - 大浜荘 - 844-2 Kabira Minshuku near Kabira bay. The building definitely feels old, but it's clean. ¥7000 gets you a private Japanese-style room, ¥6000 with breakfast, ¥7000 with breakfast and dinner, +¥700 for a Asian-style room. Free A/C and wifi.

A number of largely identical highrise hotels have sprouted up around Ishigaki's harbour. This is hardly the most scenic area to stay, but it is undeniably convenient, both for day trips to the islands and for eating and shopping in the downtown.

East China Sea - ¥8000 and up - Smack dab in the middle of the harbour, close to the 730 Crossing, this is probably the best of the bunch. Rooms are simple but clean, with tiled floors and balcony views over the sea, and there are some Japanese-style tatami rooms on the second floor as well. The breakfast buffet is remarkably good, with an excellent spread of Okinawan and Japanese dishes, and it's served on a pleasant outdoor terrace.

Club Med Kabira - One of Japan's two Club Meds, this swanky resort offers stunning vistas of Kabira Bay. Last stop on the Kabira Resort line.

Auberge Kabira (formerly B&B Kabira). Small and friendly hotel right on Kabira Bay, this place does good though expensive food in the evening. Rooms are a little small but they do offer free bike rental. Closing permanently on February 28.

Telecommunications in Ishigaki

There is free Wi-Fi access in Euglena Mall and the covered arcade a few blocks away from the bus terminal.

There's an internet cafe in Ayapani Mall, in the arcade that's farther from the port.

There is also free internet in the public library (though its only available from one terminal)

Vanilla Deli, directly across from City Hall also has free internet for patrons.

The FamilyMart convenience store on 730 Crossing has a cafe area with seats, free wifi, and electric plugs for your charging needs.

There is also free wifi at the bus station, leaflet with the password is on the wall next to the ticket window.

Cope in Ishigaki

The Ishigaki City Hall Tourism Division (市役所観光課) as well as the Ishigaki City Hall International Section (国際交流係) have good information in English for tourists. The International Section also employs a coordinator of international relations, fluent in both Japanese and English, who is available to assist non-Japanese tourists in local knowledge and hotel reservations. The hours for the city hall international section are (excepting holidays) 8:30am-4:30pm Monday thru Friday. Both the tourism division and the international section are located on the second floor. The Hirata tourist company located near the ferry terminal also has English information. Try to pick up copies of the free Ishigaki Town Guide or Yaeyama Navi pamphlets, both useful packs of information with lots of maps to show you around. Note that both are in Japanese only and any listings inside are crucially paid ads, so not everything is listed. City Hall and some Halal restaurants, shops and lodgings usually have one or both available.

The only foreigner-friendly ATMs on the island are in the Ishigaki and Kabira postal offices, open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM only and not open on national holidays, as well as in the Coco shop on the main street close to the 730 intersection. Latter one seems to accept the usual internationally issued cards, German issued Visa worked fine.

News & References Ishigaki

Travel Next

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Taketomi — just 10 minutes by boat, known for its impeccably maintained Ryukyu village
Yonaguni — 30 minutes by plane or 4 hours by boat and the westernmost point of Japan offers mysterious ruins and diving with hammerhead sharks