Ishigaki Island of the Yaeyama Islands

For our Ishigaki travel guide, please click here.

A picturesque grazing land for Ishigaki Gyu (Ishigaki Island Wagyu beef) and a hub for the neighboring Yaeyama Islands, Ishigaki Island (also called Ishigaki-jima) boasts pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, lush jungles, and winding mangrove rivers—making it an ideal getaway for adventurous souls who don’t want to forgo modern comforts.

About the Yaeyama Island Group:
The Yaeyama Islands have one of the largest coral reef systems in Asia. These islands are located near the Tropic of Cancer; more south than Taipei and closer to the northern islands of the Philippines than to Okinawa Main Island. If you like jungles as well as beaches, we highly recommend the Yaeyama Island group. The Yaeyama Islands are also perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are many off-the-beach spots, but a tour by boat with a local guide is the best, as they know the finest points of the day, depending on the weather and water clarity conditions, and your own preferences, ie. if you want to see sea turtles, manta rays or specific coral, or many different types of coral, etc.