Travel Practice! The only option for touring Ishigaki Island is a rental bike! [Second Half] / Touring spots you’ll want to ride a bike

[Part 1] Basic knowledge for traveling around Ishigaki Island, an Okinawan island closer to foreign countries than the mainland / Touring spots you’ll want to ride on a motorcycle

Can you drive your car around Ishigaki Island?

The passenger ship route was discontinued in 2008. Currently, the only way to reach the island from the mainland or Okinawa Island is by plane.

Painushima Ishigaki Airport (New Ishigaki Airport) is the gateway to Ishigaki Island. “Painu” means “south” in the Yaeyama Islands language.

Ferries (passenger ships) used to operate from Okinawa’s main island to Ishigaki Island. However, they were all discontinued in 2008, and now the only way to get to Ishigaki Island from the mainland or Okinawa’s main island is by plane (Note 1) . The standard way to tour Ishigaki Island is by rental bike.

*Note 1: In 1995, the author traveled on a passenger ship with his beloved Yamaha SR400 from Harumi in Tokyo to Okinawa’s main island, Ishigaki Island, and Yonaguni Island, touring each island. However, as of 2025, all passenger ship routes have been discontinued.

Let’s start with the air routes. As of 2025, there are eight domestic routes to Painushima Ishigaki Airport (New Ishigaki Airport): Haneda Airport (Tokyo), Narita Airport (Chiba Prefecture), Chubu Centrair Airport (Aichi Prefecture), Kansai Airport (Osaka Prefecture), Itami Airport (Hyogo Prefecture), Fukuoka Airport (Fukuoka Prefecture), Naha Airport (Okinawa Prefecture), and Miyako Airport (Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture). Airlines such as Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and low-cost airlines such as Peach Blossom Airport fly into this airport.

Peach Aviation is a well-known low-cost airline that offers reasonable prices by cutting costs with minimal service.

The low-cost airline I used for this interview, Peach Aviation, has direct flights from Narita Airport. For me, who lives in Chiba Prefecture and can access Narita Airport in about 30 minutes on the Keisei Main Line, this is a very convenient and economical route (Note 2) . *All information is current as of May 2025

*Note 2: This time, the author visited Ishigaki Island on a 2-night, 3-day budget tour that included a round-trip flight (Peach Airlines) from Narita Airport to New Ishigaki Airport and two nights in a hotel (resort hotel/breakfast included). The price was 20,800 yen per person, including a luxurious buffet breakfast for both nights. In the author’s experience, this price is a bargain only available during the off-season. The tour was discovered and booked about 4 months before departure. If you regularly check the websites of various travel agencies and low-cost airlines, you should have a good chance of finding great deals on budget tours and flights.

On the day I visited, it was pouring rain in the morning, and the weather was still bad just before landing (photo). However, once we left the airport, luckily the blue sky began to appear. As you can see, the weather on Ishigaki Island is prone to change. If it’s sunny, you’re lucky. If it’s cloudy, it’s not so bad. If it’s raining, you just have to say “Oh well, it can’t be helped” and pray for a clearer weather. With a “Nankurunaisa” attitude (which has a profound meaning of “it’ll all work out somehow” in Okinawa dialect), you can have fun!

How do I get from the airport to the city center?

This is the bus stop for Painushima Ishigaki Airport (New Ishigaki Airport). Ishigaki Island has no trains, so local residents rely on buses for transportation. Buses connect to all the tourist attractions, are frequent, and are very convenient and reasonably priced.

After arriving at Painushima Ishigaki Airport (New Ishigaki Airport) by plane, you can travel to the city center by rental car, taxi, or local bus. Since this writer’s main purpose was touring, I used the inexpensive local bus (about 30 minutes one way). The fare to the city center or remote island terminal was 540 yen per person, which was very reasonable.

In the city, there are several shops that rent out motorbikes (including 50cc class mopeds, two-seater 125cc class mopeds, and some stores that sell larger bikes) and bicycles (mamachari bikes without gears, sports bikes with gears, and electrically assisted bicycles), which are easy to use (search for Ishigaki Island and rental bikes).

Rental bike rental fees

→Motorcycle (50cc): 2,500 to 3,500 yen per day

→Motorcycle: 4,500 yen per day and up (varies depending on engine displacement)

If your main purpose is touring, we recommend bringing your own familiar helmet, gloves, riding jacket, rainwear, etc. If you only want to use a rental bike, be sure to inquire in advance about whether helmets and gloves are available for rental.

*All prices listed above are current as of May 2025.

Road conditions on Ishigaki Island

The main road is lined with palm trees, giving it a tropical feel.

The main roads on Ishigaki Island are generally narrow, with one lane in each direction. They are no different from the well-maintained general roads on the mainland, and are in good condition, making them very easy to drive on.

Outside of the city, there is little traffic and few people walking around (you may occasionally see tourists walking around tourist spots, although this increases during the season).

There are no signs of locals speeding, and most of the people here are tourists with rental cars with “wa” license plates, driving safely around the spots. The traffic is not fast and the roads are narrow, so we recommend renting a 50cc moped in the city and enjoying a leisurely tour of the island.

Ishigaki Island is mountainous and has many elevation changes, and even the main roads have many hills. However, most of the slopes are gentle, so it might be a bit tough for a 50cc four-stroke moped or a non-turbo minicar.

Although I’m an older man with declining mental and physical strength, I didn’t feel any stress when touring the island on a 50cc four-stroke moped or a non-turbo minicar. Some people boasting their physical strength rent bicycles (electrically assisted bicycles are also available) or even get around by walking.

There are settlements scattered throughout Ishigaki Island, but the roads within the area are quite narrow, so you need to be careful. The roads leading to beaches and other tourist spots are also generally narrow, so be careful of cars and people suddenly appearing. Always drive safely.

Ishigaki Island receives more rain throughout the year than the mainland. The weather is also changeable, and sudden downpours are commonplace. Therefore, it is essential to carry a raincoat when touring or on leisure trips.

It is best to use the weather forecast as a reference only, and when touring, check the weather changes in real time, such as by using rain cloud information on a smartphone app.

9 points that the author felt about touring Ishigaki Island!

Ishigaki Island is a place where the sea and mountains are inseparable, with an emerald green sea and a rich natural environment, including mangroves. Miyara River is the longest river on Ishigaki Island, with a total length of 12km. About 1.5km from the mouth of the river, the upstream area is like a jungle, with mangrove trees growing in abundance. Canoe tours are also available.

1: The distance around Ishigaki Island is around 140km. If you drive at 40km/h, it will take about 3 to 4 hours to go around the island. There are only regular roads, no expressways.

2: If you want to see all the famous tourist spots, a stay of 3 days or more is ideal. If you use your schedule wisely, you should be able to enjoy a total package, including touring, visiting remote islands, and leisure activities in the sea and mountains. Carrying out the above in 2 days and 1 night is likely to be quite a tight schedule.

3. Main roads are basically one lane in each direction. They are no different from well-maintained roads on the mainland, and the pavement is in good condition, making them very easy to drive on.

4. Ishigaki Island is dotted with settlements, and the roads within the area are quite narrow. The roads leading to beaches and other tourist spots are also generally narrow. There are no road signs or stop lines, but it’s important to be on the lookout for cars and people suddenly appearing, and to stop and check for safety before proceeding (this has helped me avoid two collisions).

5. Ishigaki Island is characterized by its many mountains and elevation changes, and even the main roads have many slopes. However, most of the slopes are gentle, so even an old man like me who is not very strong or physically fit didn’t feel much stress when touring the island on a 50cc scooter.

6. In urban areas where there are many hotels and lodgings, there are many places to shop. However, there are no convenience stores in the suburbs, so be sure to buy anything you need before you go on a tour.

7: Most tourist spots have free parking lots. Be sure to park your motorcycle or car in the designated area. In urban areas, it’s common to park your rental car in the hotel’s parking lot (if there is a fee, it’s usually around 1,000 yen per day) and then walk around the downtown area or to the remote island ferry terminal.

8. It would be a waste to only enjoy touring on Ishigaki Island. Regardless of the season, you can also enjoy outdoor activities in the sea and rivers, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and mangrove canoeing. If you sign up for a tour on a travel site on your smartphone, you can receive on-site safety training and even rent the necessary gear, such as wetsuits. Why not try these activities as well, depending on your time and budget?

9. On Ishigaki Island and the outlying islands, there are only a limited number of stores and facilities that accept credit cards and electronic money. Be sure to carry cash with you.

Above is a report on the touring situation on Ishigaki Island and the charms of the island that I have researched, experienced, seen and heard.

The weather on this island is changeable, so if it’s sunny, you’re lucky! If it’s cloudy, it’s not too bad. If it’s raining, pray for good weather and enjoy your trip to Ishigaki Island to the fullest!

Enjoy the emerald green ocean! Scuba diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boating (a sightseeing boat with a partially transparent bottom) will give you the chance to see beautiful coral reefs and maybe even sea turtles! *Photos are for illustrative purposes only.

Must-visit spots for touring Ishigaki Island!

① Shiraho Beach

A beautiful beach located south of Ishigaki Airport (New Ishigaki Airport) on Painushima Island. Shiraho Beach is home to the largest colony of blue coral in the Northern Hemisphere. The white sand and coral rocks stretch for about 10 km. Parking is free, but can only accommodate about 6 cars. Expect it to be crowded during the peak season.

②Hirakubosaki Lighthouse

Hirakubosaki, located at the northernmost tip of Ishigaki Island, is a gently curving plateau used as a pasture for cattle. On clear days, you can see all the way to Tarama Island. Parking is free and can accommodate around 10 cars.

3. Kabira Bay

Kabira Bay and the surrounding area are a mix of emerald green sea and fresh greenery.

Nearby, there are mangroves (a general term for coastal forest areas) that are unique to Ishigaki Island’s subtropical climate.

Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island is a spectacular spot where you can enjoy the emerald green sea on a clear day. Depending on the weather and time of day, the sea changes color in seven different colors. Boarding a glass-bottom boat (fee required) from the sandy beach, you can see coral colonies, colorful fish, and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles through the glass bottom of the boat. There is ample free parking available.

④ Euglena Mall

Euglena Mall is an arcade-style shopping street in Ishigaki Island’s downtown area. Souvenir shops, fashion shops, restaurants and more are gathered around the public market. It is the southernmost arcade mall in Japan, built on two streets, Chuo-dori and Ginza-dori. The area around Euglena Mall is also notable for its many izakayas where you can enjoy Orion beer, awamori and other gourmet food unique to Ishigaki Island.

In urban areas where tourist hotels are concentrated, it is common to park your rental car in the hotel’s parking lot (if there is a fee, it will cost around 1,500 yen per day), then walk to the downtown area, such as Euglena Mall, to sightsee and shop, or to the ferry terminal to go to a remote island.

⑤Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum

A museum located in the city. It provides a detailed introduction to the history and culture of the Yaeyama Islands. It stores and displays ethnic materials and arts and crafts, such as tools used in daily life, farming, and fishing in the Yaeyama Islands in the past. It also has valuable items such as Panari ware, which is said to be a mythical pottery, Yaeyama fine cloth, and ancient dugout canoes.

[Address] 4-1 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture

[Admission] Adults: 200 yen, Junior high school to university students (100 yen), elementary school students and younger: Free / No parking

Must-try foods to try when touring Ishigaki Island! Gourmet/Shopping Edition

Yaeyama Soba: A refreshing soup with a hint of sweetness

“Yaeyama Soba” is different from udon and ramen, and in my opinion, it has a light, healthy flavor that you won’t get tired of even if you eat it every day. It’s perfect when you want a quick lunch. It’s also highly recommended the morning after drinking too much!

One of the must-try dishes on Ishigaki Island is Yaeyama soba. Clearly different from the soki soba of Okinawa’s main island, Yaeyama soba features a refreshing soup with a slight sweetness, rounded straight noodles, and simple toppings such as kamaboko (fish cake), meat, and green onions.

Izakaya menu unique to Ishigaki Island (mimiga, sea grapes)

On the left is pig’s ear (mimigar), and on the right is Okinawa’s unique seaweed, Kubirezuta, also known as “sea grapes.”

There are many izakayas in Ishigaki Island’s downtown area, creating a lively atmosphere at night. From various establishments, you can hear the sounds of the Okinawan shamisen “sanshin” and island songs, giving you a real Ishigaki Island feel. You can also enjoy dishes that can only be found on Ishigaki Island.

Many ferries to remote islands operate from Ishigaki Island

Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, Kuroshima Island, Kohama Island, Hateruma Island

The Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal, located about a 10-minute walk from downtown, has passenger ferries to Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, Kuroshima Island, Kohama Island, Hateruma Island, and Hatoma Island. It is close to Ishigaki Island’s downtown area, Misakicho, Euglena Mall, and the bus terminal, and is a popular access point connecting the Yaeyama Islands with Ishigaki Island as a hub, and is always used by many tourists and local residents alike.