Holiday in Ishigaki
Island in Japan — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇯🇵
Country
Japan
Type
Island
Best time to travel
June to October (warm, best snorkeling conditions, manta season)
Budget/day
80-140€: Hotel, snorkeling tour, rental car, island hopping
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Tokyo (approx. 11h), domestic flight to Ishigaki (3h) or via Naha/Okinawa (1h).
Deals for Ishigaki:
What makes Ishigaki special as a destination?
Ishigaki is Japan's tropical paradise — a subtropical island of the Yaeyama group, closer to Taiwan than to Tokyo. With the third-largest coral reef in the world, turquoise waters, and mangrove forests, Ishigaki offers a Caribbean atmosphere that one would not expect in Japan. The island is a starting point for the neighboring islands of Taketomi (traditional Ryukyu villages) and Iriomote (subtropical jungle).
What are the top highlights in Ishigaki?
The top highlights in Ishigaki include Kabira Bay, Shiraho Reef, Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Kabira Bay
The bay with crystal-clear, turquoise water and white sand is one of the most beautiful places in Japan — glass-bottom boat rides showcase the corals.
Shiraho Reef
The largest blue coral reef in the world offers fantastic snorkeling with manta rays and sea turtles.
Taketomi Island
The neighboring island (10 min. ferry) has a perfectly preserved Ryukyu village with water buffalo carts and stone walls.
Iriomote Island
The subtropical jungle with mangrove kayaking, waterfalls, and the Iriomote wildcat.
Hotels in Ishigaki
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Reise-SIM für Ishigaki
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Ishigaki?
The best time to visit Ishigaki is June to October (warm, best snorkeling conditions, manta season). Tropical warm, 28-33°C, water 28-30°C, occasional typhoons Aug-Sep In winter: Mild, 18-23°C, cooler wind, less snorkeling weather
Recommended travel time
June to October (warm, best snorkeling conditions, manta season)
Summer
Tropical warm, 28-33°C, water 28-30°C, occasional typhoons Aug-Sep
Winter
Mild, 18-23°C, cooler wind, less snorkeling weather
How much does a holiday in Ishigaki cost?
Budget travellers: 50-70€: Guesthouse, local Shokudo restaurants, beach free/day, mid-range: 80-140€: Hotel, snorkeling tour, rental car, island hopping/day, luxury: 250€+: Resort, private dives, star restaurant/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
50-70€: Guesthouse, local Shokudo restaurants, beach free
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
80-140€: Hotel, snorkeling tour, rental car, island hopping
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
250€+: Resort, private dives, star restaurant
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Ishigaki?
Flight to Tokyo (approx. 11h), domestic flight to Ishigaki (3h) or via Naha/Okinawa (1h).
Book a package holiday to Ishigaki
Compare thousands of package holidays to Ishigaki and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Ishigaki?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
The manta season is June to November — dives at the Manta Scramble Point are legendary
Taketomi and Iriomote can be visited on a day trip — ferries regularly depart from Ishigaki Port
Kabira Bay is prohibited for swimming due to currents — take a glass-bottom boat!
In August/September, there is a risk of typhoons — check the weather forecast and remain flexible
What should you eat in Ishigaki?
Typical specialities in Ishigaki: Ishigaki Beef — Wagyu beef from the island, one of the best in Japan and surprisingly affordable, Yaeyama Soba — Local noodles in clear broth with pork, the island specialty, Gurukun — Tropical fish, fried or as sashimi, Okinawa's national fish, Awamori — Okinawan rice liquor, older than sake, often served with Shikuwasa lime.
These specialties you must try!
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