Ishigaki Island Shore Excursion, Trails and Scenic Spots

Yaima Village is a captivating historical park that brings the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Yaeyama Islands to life. Step inside and it feels as if you’ve time-traveled into Ishigaki’s past—wandering through beautifully preserved old-style houses with iconic red-tiled roofs and intricate Okinawan architecture. Along the way, you’ll encounter playful squirrel monkeys, majestic water buffalo, and even the rare crested serpent eagle. This is a place where history, nature, and everyday island life intertwine, offering not just sights to see but moments to feel deeply connected to Ishigaki’s heart.

Oganzaki is one of Ishigaki’s most breathtaking viewpoints, where brilliant blue seas, open skies, lush mountains, and a striking white lighthouse come together in perfect harmony. Steeped in local legend, this dramatic cape offers sweeping views that seem to dissolve the invisible boundaries of everyday life. Its rugged beauty captures the island’s essence—vivid colors, dramatic coastlines, and the meeting point of land, sea, and sky. Unlike many remote viewpoints, Oganzaki is comfortably accessible, making it easy to immerse yourself in this raw natural spectacle. Standing here, you may feel your senses sharpen, your worries fade, and your spirit reconnect with the sheer power and beauty of the Earth.

Kabira Bay is one of Ishigaki’s most celebrated sights, awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan for its pristine beauty. The bay’s calm turquoise waters, dotted with small emerald-green islands, create a serene and almost meditative atmosphere. Overlooking it is Kabira Kannon Temple, a quiet presence where nature and people exist in gentle harmony. The sea’s colors shift with the tides and sunlight, offering an ever-changing natural canvas. A ride on a glass-bottom boat reveals vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and—if you’re fortunate—you might encounter a graceful sea turtle gliding through the water. It’s a place that invites you to recognize the beauty in your own stillness, breathe deeply, and feel the quiet grace shared between you and Ishigaki.

Shisa Park is a vibrant celebration of creativity, dotted with giant shisa statues—Okinawa’s traditional guardian lions—each crafted with its own unique personality. Some are playful, some fierce, and others simply whimsical, inviting you to see the world with fresh eyes. The park’s bold designs and larger-than-life figures awaken a sense of individuality, freedom, and the inner strength to live with vitality. It’s a place that sparks joy, curiosity, and a renewed appreciation for expressing yourself without limits.

Yonehara Beach is a place where you can enjoy Ishigaki’s natural beauty in your own way. Stroll along the coral sand shore, feel the texture beneath your feet, dip your hands or toes into the clear shallows, or watch tiny hermit crabs on their slow journeys. You might spot small tropical fish near the coral patches or at the quiet water’s edge, or simply sit back and take in the breathtaking view where turquoise sea, white sand, lush green hills, and endless sky meet. Surrounded by the richness of nature, it’s the perfect place to recharge, and let the island’s beauty soak in.

The highlight of this tour is a refreshing walk in nature.
Banna Park offers a chance to explore Ishigaki’s lush subtropical jungle without the need for professional gear or intense preparation. Even outdoor beginners can enjoy an easy, refreshing walk along its paths, surrounded by tropical plants, fluttering butterflies, and the sweet fragrance of the forest. The songs of birds and the rustle of leaves fill the air, engaging all your senses and reminding you that humans are part of nature. Every step feels light, as if the forest itself is quietly giving you energy. It’s a moment that shows how living in harmony with the Earth can be as simple—and as uplifting—as walking through nature. In this sweet, southern island forest, you’re not just sightseeing—you’re breathing in the joy of forest bathing.