Day Trip in Ishigaki-jima

There’s no better way to begin your day in Ishigaki than by sampling some of the area’s fresh local produce available from local stands dotted along the roadside. Thanks to the island’s tropical temperatures, Ishigaki is home to some of the most unique and delicious fruits in Japan. From typical Japanese fruits like mikan (like a Japanese orange) and tropical produce like mini bananas and pineapples to the more acquired tastes of goya also known as bitter melon, Ishigaki has something for everyone. One fruit you cannot bypass when starting your morning right is a local Ishigaki mango. The local mango trees were introduced to the island from Taiwan in the 1930s. Unlike Taiwan, Ishigaki receives heavy rainfall during the fruit’s flowering season, which meant local mango farmers had to be creative when it came to preserving the trees during this soggy weather. After a few trials and tribulations, which included covering the trees with plastic sheets, the island developed greenhouses, which is where the majority of the trees are now cultivated.

Fresh fruit roadside

After you have stocked up on all the fresh fruit you can carry, it’s time to make your way to Nosokodake also known as Mt. Nosoko, or 'Nosoko Maapee' to get a proper perspective of the natural beauty of Ishigaki island. Don’t let its ‘mountain’ tag scare you; the trek is a relatively easy one with the peaks of the mountain just hitting 282-meter mark. There are two options for scaling Nosokodake, the easy way and the more adventurous way.

If the easy way sounds like the best option take the well-marked shortcut route and you will be at the top within 15 minutes. If you’re feeling like a more intrepid explorer, the more challenging climb is 45 minutes long and will take you on a tour through the surrounding foliage. Be wary if you do make the climb during wetter seasons some of the steeper inclines can get muddy and slippery so be sure to wear appropriate footwear and nothing you’re too scared to get dirty, because you make take a tumble or two. Make sure your camera is charged and easy to access, because once you get to the top you’ll want to capture the panoramic beauty of the island.

View from Nosokodake

Mt.Nosoko

Okinawa Ishigaki-shi

0980821307

View All

Go here

After all that dirty mountain climbing no doubt you’ve worked up an appetite, and there’s nothing that will satisfy better than a well-deserved plate of tonkatsu. Head to Tonkatsu Riki the small locally owned husband and wife run tonkatsu hub situated near the beach. Located at 642-1 Fukai, Ishigaki, Tonkatsu Riki is the perfect spot to fuel up on the nationally loved pork dish. With prices starting at around 660 yen it’s easy to fill up without emptying your wallet. The worst thing about visiting Tonkatsu Riki is simply deciding what to order, but given that generally prices sit around the 770 yen mark it’s definitely worth sampling a little of everything. After you’re done you can take a three-minute walk to Yonehara beach for quick dip or simply to laze around and digest.

Tonkatsu Lunch

とんかつ力

沖縄県石垣市桴海642-1

0980-88-2747

View All

It’s never a properly done holiday if you don’t buy some local souvenirs, and the best place to go is Minsa Kogei Kan, the heart of traditional weaving in Ishigaki. Steeped in local tradition and history, weaving is an integral part of Ishigaki culture. At Minsa Kogei Kan, the weavers specialize in ‘Yaeyama Minsa’ a fabric made on the Yaeyama Islands, the archipelago of which Ishigaki is a part of. For previous centuries, the women of Yaeyama wove minsa textiles for their loved ones and prospective husbands as an engagement gift. Today the same technique is still being used to produce bags, neckties, and other more modern gifts, which can be found for sale and on display at Minsa Kogei Kan. If you’re feeling creative you can also try your hand at traditional weaving techniques with weaving courses ranging from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen, depending on what you want to make.

Try traditional weaving

Azamiya Minsah Craft Center

4.0

90 Reviews

Okinawa Pref. Ishigakishi Tonoshiro 909

0980823473

9:00-18:00

View All

Go here

[Okinawa/Ishigaki Island] Traditional “Yaeyama Minsaori” coaster making experience Experience time 20-30 minutes ★★ Recommended for families, couples, women, and rainy days ★

¥1,500

Update date：2024/04/26

End your long day by winding down in the laidback heart of Ishigaki’s nightlife, Misakicho. Though it’s never too busy, Misakicho is home to some of the best dining and drinking establishments on the island. Given that the area is dotted with a variety of different bars and restaurants it’s best not to plan too much, simply wander the streets and see where you end up. Misakicho is also the regular hangout for many friendly locals so if you need some advice on where to go there are experts on hand ready to help you out with recommendations.

Stroll around Misakicho