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Port of Ishigaki

 

Surrounded by over 30 other islands of various sizes, Ishigaki Island is situated around 410km southwest of the main island of Okinawa. As the most southerly of Japan's important ports, Ishigaki has developed as a base of interaction not only with the Japanese and Okinawan mainland, but also, thanks to its geographical position, various neighboring countries such as Taiwan. In recent years, it has been equipped with modern facilities to allow up to 10,000 cargo and passenger ships to dock in the harbor. It serves as the base for the industrial activities of the Yaeyama region.

2012-2013 Cruise Schedule >

Port of Ishigaki

 

Sightseeing highlights of surrounding area

  • Ishigaki stalactites
    Ishigaki stalactites
    See countless stalactites magically lit up in the world's first illumination of a limestone cave.
     
  • Kabira Bay
    Kabira Bay
    Ride a glass bottomed boat to see Okinawa's most breathtaking scenery: coral reefs dotted with islands stretching out across the emerald green sea.
     
 
  • Sightseeing to surrounding islands (Taketomi Island)
    Sightseeing to surrounding islands (Taketomi Island)
    Take a stroll around the historical streets, go on a leisurely oxcart ride, and unwind on deserted beaches.
     
  • Yonehara Coast
    Yonehara Coast
    Experience the excitement of snorkelling on a coral reef, surrounded by colorful tropical fish.
     
 

Culture

  • Foods
    Yaeyama soba
    Yaeyama soba is eaten in the Yaeyama region in Ishigakijima, Okinawa. Okinawan peppers called Pipatsu (long pepper) are usually added according to the customer’s preference.
     
  • Local specialties
    Shima togarashi (Island hot pepper)
    Shima togarashi is sprinkled over Yaeyama Soba and ramen. Be careful not to sprinkle too much as it gets spicy quickly.
     
 
  • Event
    Ishigakijima Shika-aza Hounensai Festival (summer)
    This is a harvest festival conducted in the urban district of Ishigakijima. People give thanks for the year’s good harvest and pray for a good harvest in the coming year.
     
  • World Heritage Sites
    Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
    Nine historical ruins of the Kingdom of Ryukyu (1429 ? 1879), which existed on the Island of Okinawa, have been registered as World Cultural Heritage Sites. Five gusuku (castle) sites are included among the 9 properties. For gusuku, the Japanese word shiro (“castle”) is usually used in translation. However, the “gusuku” of Ryukyu are completely different from the typical Japanese castle, like Himeji Castle, although both are categorized as World Heritage Sites. Gusuku is a kind of fortress very unique to Ryukyu.
     
 

Excursion information

2 hour course Enjoy the picturesque scenery of Kabira bay and savor local cuisine at the public market
4 hour course A leisurely tour of Taketomi Island
6 hour course Marvel at the wonders of nature on an eco-tour of Iriomote Island

Passenger terminal information

Special service welcome ceremony on anchoring at the pier, specially installed tourist information center and souvenir facilities.

Facilities for the disabled

Movable bridge (service in accordance with cruise ship entrance/exit standards is possible): elevators.

Location

3-4 Hamasaki-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, 907-0013

Access

Airport Ishigaki Airport (approx 10 mins by bus or taxi)

Tourist information center

Ishigaki Airport Tourist Information Center
Ishigaki Airport, 497 Maesato, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, 907-0002
TEL : +81-980-83-8384

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