16 November 2026
After several wonderful days on Miyako Island, it was time to continue our journey through Okinawa’s southern islands. A short 35-minute ANA flight brought us to Ishigaki Island (石垣島), the largest island in the Yaeyama archipelago and the main transport hub connecting travellers to islands such as Taketomi, Iriomote, Kohama and Kuroshima.
Unlike Miyako, where the beaches are the main attraction, Ishigaki functions as the region’s commercial and transportation centre. Most visitors will pass through the city at least once, making it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding islands while still offering a pleasant introduction to Yaeyama culture.
An Early Start at Miyako Airport
We booked a taxi for 7:15am, arriving at Miyako Airport well over an hour before our flight.
As it turned out, arriving so early wasn’t really necessary. The airport is very small, and when we got there the terminal was still closed. Like everyone else, we simply waited outside until the airline counters opened at 7:30am.
Check-in and security were completed quickly, and before long we were boarding our 8:45am ANA flight to Ishigaki.
If you’re flying between Miyako and Ishigaki, there’s no need to arrive excessively early unless you’re travelling during peak holiday periods. The airport is compact, and the entire departure process is generally much faster than at Japan’s major airports.
Arriving at New Ishigaki Airport
Our flight landed at New Ishigaki Airport (Painushima Ishigaki Airport) at 9:20am.
Located around 15km east of Ishigaki City, the airport is the main gateway to the Yaeyama Islands. Unlike many Japanese cities, Ishigaki has no railway network, so visitors travel between the airport and town by airport bus, taxi or rental car.
Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JSrZd2nrh9vYxxXt8
After arriving in town, we left our luggage at Guesthouse Opuntia before heading out to explore the city.
Transport Tips
- Airport buses to Ishigaki Bus Terminal take approximately 30–40 minutes.
- Taxis reach the city centre in around 25–30 minutes.
- If you plan to visit the surrounding islands, the Remote Island Ferry Terminal is within walking distance of the town centre and Euglena Mall.
First Walk Around Ishigaki Town
Our first impression was just how peaceful the town felt.
Although Ishigaki is the largest city in the Yaeyama Islands, the centre itself is relatively compact. Even arriving around midday, it felt easy to explore most of the main shopping streets and attractions on foot.
Rather than towering shopping centres or busy entertainment districts, the town has a relaxed atmosphere with small cafés, local restaurants, souvenir shops and neighbourhood stores. It’s a comfortable place to spend a few hours before heading off to explore the rest of the island.
Euglena Mall – Japan’s Southernmost Shopping Arcade
Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2NQYDUqAyQcbw3gT8
The main shopping street in central Ishigaki is Euglena Mall (ユーグレナモール), a covered arcade stretching through the heart of the city.
The shopping arcade developed after the Second World War as Ishigaki rebuilt its commercial district, gradually becoming the island’s busiest retail area. Today, it remains one of the best places to browse for local souvenirs and experience everyday life on the island.
The arcade is named after Euglena Co., Ltd., a Japanese biotechnology company with research facilities on Ishigaki that specialises in microalgae research.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Okinawan snacks and confectionery
- Yaeyama textiles
- Local handicrafts
- Awamori and brown sugar products
- Tropical fruit gifts
- Small cafés and dessert shops
Because many shops are independently owned, the atmosphere feels noticeably more local than the large chain shopping centres found elsewhere in Japan.
Ishigaki City Public Market
Just a few minutes’ walk from Euglena Mall is the Ishigaki City Public Market, another worthwhile stop while exploring the town.
For generations, public markets have played an important role in Okinawan communities, providing a place for local farmers and fishermen to sell their produce. Although the market has become increasingly popular with visitors, it still showcases many products unique to the Yaeyama Islands.
You’ll find stalls selling:
- Fresh tropical fruits
- Brown sugar
- Okinawan sea salt
- Local snacks
- Ishigaki beef products
- Awamori
- Handmade souvenirs
The upper floor also contains small cultural displays introducing the history and traditions of the Yaeyama Islands, making it a useful stop for anyone wanting to learn a little more about the region.
A Pleasant First Day in Ishigaki
With our luggage dropped off and the town centre explored, it was a relaxing introduction to Ishigaki.
Although the city itself isn’t packed with major attractions, it’s compact, easy to walk around and provides everything visitors need before setting off to explore the rest of the island or catch ferries to the surrounding Yaeyama Islands. For anyone arriving on a morning flight, spending half a day exploring the town centre is an easy and enjoyable way to begin your stay.
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