Local Guide
[2025 Edition] 6 Recommended Tourist Spots in Ishigaki Island in Winter

Ishigaki Island has a strong image of a summer vacation. In winter, the temperature drops significantly compared to summer, but the average temperature from December to February is about 19°C. The north wind is strong and the temperature feels a little lower, but compared to Honshu, it is warm and comfortable. In this article, we will introduce Experience and spots where you can enjoy a winter trip to Ishigaki Island, including the abundant nature, majestic scenery, cute animals, and Okinawa's unique culture. Why not start planning your trip to discover the charms of Ishigaki Island that you have not yet discovered?

A popular horse riding Experience close to the city

From Okinawa in the south to Hokkaido in the north, you will be greeted by horses of native Japanese breeds.
From Okinawa in the south to Hokkaido in the north, you will be greeted by horses of native Japanese breeds.

It takes about 15 minutes by car from the Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal (hereafter referred to as the Remote Island Terminal) to reach the ranch. The horses currently being raised are a mix of Japanese breeds, and are quite distinctive in appearance. They are shorter than thoroughbreds, with thicker bodies and legs, and are quite charming. They start training at about six months of age, and when they reach the age of two or three, they make their debut on lighter courses such as the "Kids Trail". Perhaps because they are raised in the natural surroundings of Ishigaki Island, all the horses are very gentle. Even complete beginners can enjoy horseback riding with peace of mind.

The view from the horseback is different from the usual stone walls

The joy of communicating one-on-one with a horse is exceptional.
The joy of communicating one-on-one with a horse is exceptional.

For those who want to spend some quality time with the horses, we recommend the "Sea View Hill & Gelato" course. This is a long 150-minute plan that is only available from autumn to spring when the heat subsides. After a lesson on how to communicate with and control the horses, you will depart the ranch. The freshness and sense of freedom you can see from a high horseback ride, overlooking the typical Ishigaki Island scenery of sugarcane fields and pastures, is truly extraordinary. Your destination is the top of a small hill. The view of the sea and sky as you savor delicious gelato is truly spectacular.

Comments Local Guide
Even though they are smaller than thoroughbreds, horses still feel huge when you get close to them. They are very intelligent, and I get a sense of accomplishment that I don't get from interacting with other animals.
Swinging Horse
  • URLhttps://www.naminma.com
  • 住所1353-1 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 15 minutes by car from the remote island terminal. *There is a course where the meeting point is not the ranch but the beach. Please check the website for details.
  • 営業時間Winter (October to March) 10:00 to 17:00
    Summer (April to September) 9:00 to 18:00
    *Dates and times vary depending on the course. Please check the website for details.
  • 定休日Irregular holidays (check website for details)
  • 入場料Sea view hill & gelato (150 mins) from 21,500 yen
    Kids Trail (30 mins) 6,500 yen
  • TEL0980-87-8393
  • 駐車場Free (For courses meeting at the beach, use the shared Parking)
  • 年齢制限Sea View Hill & Gelato Junior high school students and above
    Kids Trail: Ages 2 and up
  • メモAll courses require a reservation online. Reservations can be made from two months in advance until 16:00 the day before (until 12:00 if the day before is a holiday).

Japan's southernmost forest park where you can encounter dynamic nature

The Seishika Bridge is 100m long and 18m above the water. It is a viewing spot with a panoramic view of the forest and the dam lake.
The Seishika Bridge is 100m long and 18m above the water. It is a viewing spot with a panoramic view of the forest and the dam lake.

This vast forest park makes the most of the terrain of Mt. Banna (230m above sea level). There are many viewing spots within the park, including the "Emerald Ocean View Observatory." It is a place where you can come into contact with Okinawa's nature, but with an area of about 300 hectares, some people say they don't know how to get around. A new way to enjoy Banna Park is the Segway tour, where you can enjoy observing the nature within the park. A guide who knows the area inside and out will accompany you, so during the tour you can hear a variety of stories about the Yaeyama Islands, not just about nature, but also about sightseeing, gourmet food, culture, history, and more. This is the secret to its popularity.

Approach the flora and fauna of Yaeyama on a Segway

The maximum speed of a Segway is about 20km per hour. The speed will be adjusted to the participant's pace, so you can feel at ease.
The maximum speed of a Segway is about 20km per hour. The speed will be adjusted to the participant's pace, so you can feel at ease.

The tour meets at the north entrance of Banna Park. After about 30 minutes of practicing how to ride, it's time to set off on your stroll. Along the way, you'll hear explanations about rare plants, and if you're lucky, you might even encounter precious natural treasures such as the Crested Serpent Eagle and the Yellow-margined Box Turtle. As you speed up, you'll be enveloped in the wind carrying the scent of the forest, and you'll feel as if you're part of nature. The most cheering (and screaming for some) part of the tour is when you cross the thrilling long suspension bridge, where you can see through to the bottom. From the bridge, you can see the dam lake filled with abundant water and the lush forest.

Comments Local Guide
I participated alone, but by the end of the tour I had become very close with the other participants. It's nice to meet people like this on a trip.
Banna Park ("Segway Tour in Ishigaki Island Banna Forest")
  • URLhttps://book.hirata-group.co.jp/top/products/b0a36550-3017-5370-9ea9-f827102a3a9e?lng=ja-JP
  • 住所2241-1 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City (North entrance of Banna Park) MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 15 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
  • 営業時間Morning session 10:00, Afternoon session October to March 15:00
  • 定休日Closed during bad weather and other irregular holidays
  • 入場料8,800円
  • TEL0980-82-6711（平田観光株式会社）
  • 駐車場Free (Banna Park North Parking)
  • 年齢制限16-70 years old, weight 45kg to 117kg
  • メモReservations required on the website (Reservations for afternoon tours on the day must be made by phone by 9:00am)
    Pregnant women and those under the influence of alcohol are not allowed.

Enjoy an Experience theme park built from a historic old house

You can also purchase photos of yourself in Ryukyu clothing taken by a photographer (there is an entrance fee for taking photos in the old houses).
You can also purchase photos of yourself in Ryukyu clothing taken by a photographer (there is an entrance fee for taking photos in the old houses).

This theme park is located at the southernmost point of Japan, adjacent to Nagura Amparu, an important mangrove wetland that is registered under an international treaty. Old houses where islanders once lived have been relocated to recreate the good old Yaeyama scenery. In October 2020, an attached Property called Nagura Drive-In was completed just before the village entrance. You can now stop by for a break before or after entering the village or during a drive, and enjoy a variety of Experience as well as a meal. A diverse menu is available, including coloring a shisa and a Ryukyu costume Experience that will make you want to post it on social media.

Scenery reminiscent of traditional Yaeyama and opportunities to interact with nature and animals

Don't miss the precious old houses that tell the history of Yaeyama, including the Morita Residence, a former samurai residence built in 1900 (Meiji 32).
Don't miss the precious old houses that tell the history of Yaeyama, including the Morita Residence, a former samurai residence built in 1900 (Meiji 32).

At Yaima Village, you can freely tour the interiors of old houses that are registered as tangible cultural properties by the country. The view from the Ampar Tower, which is modeled after an ancient observation platform, is also worth a look. The village also has a pond where water buffaloes relax, and an area where you can interact with cute squirrel monkeys, so it is recommended for animal lovers. Nature lovers should take the nature trail that leads from the village and explore Nagura Ampar. A boardwalk weaves through the mangrove forest, providing a chance to experience the precious scenery up close.

Comments Local Guide
The Ryukyu costume Experience is easy as you Experience wear it over your clothes. There are many things to see in the village, so it is a recommended spot for those who want to spend time relaxing in one place rather than visiting famous places.
Ishigaki Yaima Village
  • URLhttps://www.yaimamura.com/
  • 住所967-1 Nagura, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 20 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
  • 営業時間9:00-17:30 (last admission 17:00)
  • 定休日Open daily
  • 入場料Admission fee: Adults 1,200 yen, Children (3 years old and above, elementary school students and under) 600 yen
    Ryukyu costume Experience 1,000 yen
    Shisa coloring Experience (60-90 minutes) 1,800 yen for one, 3,300 yen for a pair
  • TEL0980-82-8798
  • 駐車場free

Enter the gigantic underground palace that has been built over time

The sightseeing distance is the longest on the island. The tour takes about 30 minutes by walking at a leisurely pace while taking photos.
The sightseeing distance is the longest on the island. The tour takes about 30 minutes by walking at a leisurely pace while taking photos.

Located just a 10-minute drive from the city center, this is the southernmost cave in Japan and the largest on the island. Of its 3.2km length, about 660m is open to the public. The temperature inside the cave is around 23°C throughout the year, making it perfect for sightseeing on chilly days. Passing through the Ryugu-jo-style gate and descending the narrow stairs, you will find an underground palace that is unimaginable from above ground, stretching deeper and deeper. Ishigaki Island's stalactites grow at about 1mm every three years. It took about 200,000 years for it to take on its current form. The giant clam fossils on the cave walls tell us that this was once the bottom of the sea.

Experience a dramatic space that will make you feel like an adventurer

Dramatic illuminations reminiscent of a scene from an adventure movie
Dramatic illuminations reminiscent of a scene from an adventure movie

As you make your way along the well-maintained route, you'll come across a succession of sights with evocative names, such as "Otohime Palace" and "Forest of Sculptures of the Gods." There are plenty of must-see sights, including the Suikinkutsu cave, where you can hear the sound of water dripping from the stalactites, the fantastical illuminations, the underground lake praised for its crystal clear water, and the "Totoro stalactite," named after a rumor that it resembles a rock. Go up and down the undulating terrain of the cave, looking up and down, and enjoy the breath of nature to your heart's content, feeling like an adventurer.

Comments Local Guide
There are two other tourist caves on Ishigaki Island, but this one is the longest and has many ups and downs, making it the most spectacular. The garden above ground is also well maintained, and you can see Okinawan flowers.
Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave
  • URLhttps://www.ishigaki-cave.com/
  • 住所1666 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 10 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
  • 営業時間Cave tour: 9:00-18:30 (last admission 18:00)
  • 定休日Open year-round without holidays
  • 入場料Admission fee: Adults 1,200 yen, Children 600 yen
  • TEL0980-83-1550
  • 駐車場free
  • メモThere is another cave nearby, so when you visit, make sure Property is called "Ishigakijima Cave."
    For the latest Property information, please refer to the website or contact Property

A workshop where Experience making Ryukyu glass that reflects the colors and atmosphere of the island

A sophisticated workshop overlooking the beautiful sea of Ishigaki Island. There are also activities that even children can enjoy, such as "gel candle making."
A sophisticated workshop overlooking the beautiful sea of Ishigaki Island. There are also activities that even children can enjoy, such as "gel candle making."

If you want to Experience making Ryukyu glass in a place with an ocean view, this is the workshop for you. The shop is located in a quiet area a little away from the city. Inside the shop, there are many original pieces with good taste, which will stimulate your creative desire. The most authentic of the four Experience courses is the "Ryukyu Glass Blown Experience." You can choose one of three items: a glass, a small bowl, or a vase. Of course, you can decide the color scheme, pattern, and even whether or not you want bubbles, so you can create a unique, one-of-a-kind glass piece.

Create a one-of-a-kind Ryukyu glass piece

The molten glass hardens very quickly, so it's important to work quickly.
The molten glass hardens very quickly, so it's important to work quickly.

First, you work out your design in the store, choose glass pieces of your favorite colors, and then mix them together before moving to the workshop next door. You'll be working in a kiln with an internal temperature of over 1,300 degrees, so it's best to do this in winter rather than in the hot summer. Once the glass is melted, you'll work at a rapid pace with Staff/staff member, adding patterns, inflating it with a blowpipe, creating the base, and widening the opening. It's all the more fun to watch the syrup-like glass take on the shape you imagined. Your creation needs to cool slowly, so you can wait a day before collecting it. Every time you pick it up, you'll be reminded of the memories of your fun trip.

Comments Local Guide
There are also other experiences such as "glass beads making Experience" and "glass shisa Experience" where you make glass by gluing glass parts together. Many reasonably priced glass works are also sold, so it is also recommended for those looking for souvenirs.
Ishigakijima Glass Studio Ponte
  • URLhttps://ponte-glass.com/ponte-ishigakimap/
  • 住所1625-35 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 12 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
  • 営業時間10:00-18:00 (last entry)
  • 定休日Wednesday
  • 入場料Ryukyu glassblowing Experience (from 45 minutes) 5,500 yen
    Gel candle making (15-30 minutes) 3,500 yen, additional parts from 500 yen
    *Shipping fee not included
  • TEL0980-82-4620
  • 駐車場free
  • メモReservations are given priority

A lush green workshop that continues to preserve the salt-making traditions of the Yaeyama Islands

A craftsman manually sorts salt crystals by size. On sunny days, you can see the process (9:30-14:00)
A craftsman manually sorts salt crystals by size. On sunny days, you can see the process (9:30-14:00)

Ishigaki Salt Workshop is located along Nagura Bay, which opens up in the southwest of the island. They make salt from the abundant water that flows into the bay from Mount Omotodake, the highest peak in Okinawa that stands tall in Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, and the mineral-rich seawater that is produced by the coral that grows on the nutrients from the water. This land is also where salt production first began in the Yaeyama Islands over 300 years ago, and is said to be the origin of the revival of salt production on the islands today. This workshop is a must-visit for those interested in making additive-free salt, the taste of which changes slightly depending on the season, as well as the natural ingredients of the island. Experience such as the Ishigaki Salt Making Experience (reservations required, sunny days recommended) are also available.

A pleasant Experience for dry winter skin

The mineral Experience is held in a quiet space where you can feel the breeze blowing across the sea.
The mineral Experience is held in a quiet space where you can feel the breeze blowing across the sea.

For a slightly different way to get familiar with salt, why not try the Ishigaki Salt Mineral Essence Experience? This is a hot bath in a "high mineral liquid" that is made by putting the mineral-rich liquid left over from salt production into a jar and concentrating it with the heat of the sun for over three years. The liquid clings to your skin and prevents your body from sinking, enveloping you in a mysterious floating sensation and feeling of security. What's more, the rich mineral content is said to have effects such as improving skin beauty, detoxifying the body, and improving swelling and poor circulation. Be sure to experience the blessings of the sea and salt with your whole body.
*As of December 2023, the "Ishigaki Salt Mineral Essence Experience" is not available.

Comments Local Guide
The standard souvenir "Ishigaki Salt" can be found in many souvenir shops, but here they also sell limited edition salts that are not available on the market. If you have any questions about the products, Staff/staff member will be happy to answer them.
Ishigaki Salt
  • URLhttps://www.ishigakinoshio.com/
  • 住所1145-57 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 18 minutes by car from the remote island terminal
  • 営業時間Workshop 9:00-18:00, Ishigaki salt making Experience
    Ishigaki Salt Mineral Essence Experience 9:30-15:00 (last reception)
  • 定休日Open daily
  • 入場料Ishigaki salt making Experience (60 minutes) 3,880 yen
    Ishigaki salt mineral essence Experience (150 minutes) 13,800 yen *Please bring your own swimsuit and bath towel. Rentals available
  • TEL0980-83-8711
  • 駐車場free
  • 年齢制限Ishigaki salt making Experience Ages 8 and up
  • メモReservations can be made on the website up to 3 days in advance. For last minute reservations, please call us.
    As of December 2023, the "Ishigaki Salt Mineral Essence Experience" is not available.

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