What this area is like
Ishigaki has Kabira Bay’s bright water and is the ferry hub for Taketomi, with its red-tiled village, and Iriomote, with mangrove jungle.
Flights reach Ishigaki from Naha and Tokyo; ferries can stop in rough seas, so keep spare time.
Choose your next step
Places to see in this area
Kabira Bay
A bay of white sand and clear water whose colours change with the weather and time of day.
- Access
- About 25 minutes by car from central Ishigaki.
- Hours
- Outdoors, open at all times. Glass-bottom boats run during the day.
- Fee
- Free. Glass-bottom boats charge separately.
- Address
- Kabira, Ishigaki, Okinawa
Swimming is not allowed in the bay. See the coral and fish from a glass-bottom boat instead.
Taketomi Island
A small island of red-tiled houses, coral stone walls and white sand lanes, about 10 minutes by fast boat from Ishigaki.
- Access
- Fast boat from Ishigaki Port remote island terminal, about 10 minutes.
- Hours
- Boats run through the day; check the last return.
- Fee
- Ferry fare charged. Visitors are asked to pay a small island entry fee to help preserve the village.
- Address
- Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama District, Okinawa
Rent a bicycle or take a water-buffalo cart through the village, then watch the sunset from the West Pier if you stay late.
How to plan your time here
- Fly to New Ishigaki Airport (about 1 hour from Naha, or direct from Tokyo and Osaka). Base yourself near the port to make island hopping easy.
- Give one day to Ishigaki itself by car and one day to Taketomi or Iriomote by boat.
Information checked 26 October 2026. Plans are JapaLens editorial suggestions, not on-site reviews. Hours and fees can change; check the official page before you go.