One Week in Ishigaki: A Tropical Paradise for Food Lovers and Outdoor Explorers

• Explore the beaches by rental car: Renting a car gives you the freedom to move beyond the main beaches and discover quieter stretches of coastline where the water turns vivid shades of turquoise. It’s the easiest way to reach nearly private beaches and other scenic spots and experience Ishigaki at your own pace, guided by curiosity rather than schedules.

• Ferry to surrounding islands: Ferries make it easy to sojourn to nearby islands, where the pace slows even further and the water becomes even more inviting. Iriomote, part of a protected national park, stands out for its wild, untouched landscapes—lush, remote, and ideal for travelers drawn to nature, swimming, and quiet adventure.

• Visit Ishigaki Yaima Village’s squirrel monkeys: Yaima Village combines cultural heritage with a unique “squirrel monkey forest” where small squirrel monkeys roam freely and interact with visitors in a relaxed setting. It’s a delightful stop for travelers who enjoy wildlife moments that feel natural and approachable amid traditional thatched houses and mangrove paths. I enjoyed this so much I stood in line twice to feed the monkeys!

• Ride a Mama Chari bicycle: Hop on a Mama Chari ("Moms Bike"), a sturdy, basket-equipped Japanese bike designed for easy, everyday riding, and explore at a relaxed pace. It’s perfect for short rides between neighborhoods or beaches, stopping for snacks or sights, and seeing daily life up close while enjoying gentle exercise.

• Visit Kabira Bay: Kabira Bay is famous for its striking turquoise waters and lush surrounding scenery, a must-see for anyone drawn to Ishigaki's natural beauty. Visitors can take a traditional glass-bottom boat to view the marine life up close—or opt for the observation deck for panoramic views without leaving dry land.

• Take a nighttime jungle tour: We used the tour company Viator for a "Night Starry Sky and Jungle Tour". The stars didn't cooperate but we enjoyed the trek through the jungle to the ocean, the path lit by the moon and our flashlights and saw various interesting things!

• Kayak/SUP: We also used Viator to book a kayaking tour through the mangroves on nearby Iriomote, but it was cancelled due to high wind.

• Hike Mount Omoto: Hiking enthusiasts can venture up Mount Omoto, Okinawa Prefecture’s tallest peak at 1722 ft, for panoramic views of the island and a quiet forested trek that balances seaside time with a touch of elevation and greenery.

• Visit the Hirakubo Lighthouse and Tamatorizaki Observation Deck: On the way up to the northernmost point of Ishigaki, stop at Tamatorizaki Observation Deck for breathtaking, panoramic views of the island’s coastline and ocean before you continue on to the lighthouse. From there, the Hirakubozaki Lighthouse offers a peaceful place to take in sweeping sea vistas and the island’s rugged beauty at the tip of the Hirakubo Peninsula.

• Shop at Don Quijote: Don Quijote is a lively, multi-level discount store where you can find everything from snacks and souvenirs to beach gear and local treats. It’s a fun and uniquely Japanese stop for browsing, picking up unique gifts, or grabbing last-minute essentials while exploring the island.

From casual Izakayas to refined local restaurants, Ishigaki offers a rich mix of dining experiences—from fresh seafood and Ishigaki beef to tropical fruit desserts and perfectly grilled yakitori. Don’t miss local favorites like Yaeyama soba shops, beachfront izakayas, and lively yakitori spots where the flavors feel distinctly island-born.

• Hatoshi: Hatoshi is a cozy, family-run seafood restaurant celebrated for its fresh sashimi, grilled fish, and authentic Okinawan specialties. Reservations are a must, as its warm, intimate atmosphere and consistently excellent food make it a favorite among both locals and visitors.

• Ishigakiya: Ishigakiya is a top‑rated charcoal‑grilled yakiniku restaurant specializing in premium local beef—especially Wagyu and Ishigaki beef grilled over real coals. The warm, wood‑shaded interior and selection of rare cuts make it an excellent choice for a special dinner; reservations are highly recommended to secure a table.

• Umi no Hana: Recommended by our tour guide as his favorite local place for sushi, it did not disappoint!

• URA73BAL: We stopped at this small, lively Izakaya restaurant after a long day of swimming and riding bikes. The Okinawa soba noodle soup and various appetizers we tried were all outstanding and restorative.

• Omoto Teppanyaki: This standout teppanyaki restaurant at the ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort showcases the island’s celebrated Ishigaki beef and seasonal local seafood, expertly grilled tableside over a hot iron griddle. It’s a refined, sensory experience with an extensive wine list—perfect for a special dinner where reservations are strongly recommended.

• Gelato at 寿五八 (Jugo‑ya Gelato): The owners lived in Italy for two years learning all things gelato and it shows, this was some of the best gelato I’ve ever had! With a lineup of over 300 flavors that rotates daily, some of them quite local and unique; we came every. single. day.