JP · Okinawa Prefecture · 24.44°N 124.22°E

ishigaki

Turquoise Kabira Bay, manta ray dives and Yaeyama island-hopping.

Best time
Warm all year. Beach weather is best from late June to September, but typhoons are most likely from July to October. The rainy season runs roughly May to June, and winter is mild but often windy and cloudy.
How long
3–4 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Tokyo, Osaka or Naha (Okinawa), usually with a connection, then take a domestic flight to New Ishigaki Airport; from Naha it's about an hour.
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JP · Okinawa Prefectureishigaki24.44°N 124.22°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Turquoise Kabira Bay, manta ray dives and Yaeyama island-hopping.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingIshigakiJP, Okinawa Prefecture
KLishigaki
≈ 3,383 km from KL, as the crow flies
Ishigaki Port on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa.

Photo: 399scout · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

The main hub of the Yaeyama Islands, in Japan's far south-west and closer to Taiwan than to Okinawa's main island. It's subtropical, with coral reefs, the bright turquoise Kabira Bay and quick ferries to smaller islands like Taketomi and Iriomote.

Makan

  1. Ishigaki beefThe island's own wagyu, grilled as yakiniku or in burgers.Map ↗
  2. Yaeyama sobaRound noodles in a light pork broth, topped with thin strips of pork.Map ↗
  3. Goya champuruOkinawa's classic stir-fry of bitter gourd, tofu and egg.Map ↗
  4. Tropical fruitMangoes and pineapples in season, sold at markets and roadside stands.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Kabira BayThe island's famous turquoise bay. Glass-bottom boats show you the coral without getting wet.Map ↗
  2. Manta ray divesDive or snorkel tours head to spots where manta rays gather to be cleaned by small fish.Map ↗
  3. Taketomi IslandA short ferry ride to a tiny village of red-tiled houses, sandy lanes and water buffalo carts.Map ↗
  4. Iriomote IslandMostly jungle, with mangrove kayaking and river trips, about 40–50 minutes by ferry.Map ↗
  5. Yonehara BeachReef snorkelling straight off the beach on the north coast.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Swimming is banned in Kabira Bay because of strong currents and boat traffic. Swim at beaches with lifeguards or nets.
  • Box jellyfish appear in summer, so stick to netted beaches and wear a rash guard.
  • Don't touch or stand on the coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.