Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island is the gateway to the Yaeyama archipelago, Japan's southernmost island chain located closer to Taiwan than to mainland Okinawa. The island boasts some of Japan's most beautiful beaches, including Kabira Bay with its emerald waters and Yonehara Beach renowned for snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs. Ishigaki also serves as the departure point for ferries to the pristine islands of Taketomi, Iriomote, and Kohama. The island's interior features lush subtropical forests, pineapple fields, and Ishigaki beef, one of Japan's most prized wagyu varieties.