ISHIGAKI AND IRIOMOTE INFORMATION



Ishigaki and Iriomote islands are the western most points of occupied land in the Japanese Archipeligo. Ishigaki Island, like the rest of Okinawa, takes cultural influences from both Japan and China due to its location between China and the main islands of Japan.It is only 150km off the Taiwanese East Coast

Arrival in Ishigaki
Ishigaki Airport is located on the southern part of the island, and is only a short distance from central Ishigaki city. There are direct flights into Ishigaki from Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka (Kansai), but the most frequent services are from Naha, from where there are 10-15 flights a day (55min). There are also short hops from Miyako Island and Yonakuni. The airport is only 15 minutes from the main bus terminal in central Ishigaki City.
At present there are no scheduled long haul ferry services from the main island or other parts of Japan.

Getting Around
There are frequent ferry sailings between Ishigaki Port and Iriomote, but check the schedule in off season and also keep an eye on the weathe forcast from Jun - Oct in case of Typhoons.
There is quite an extensive bus system on both Ishigaki and Iriomote. There are 1-3 day passes which allow for unlimited bus travel for the period.

Things to See
Ishigaki is known for it's prsitine beaches and emerald green waters. Marine sports are popular and avaialble all over the islands. Kabira Bay and Sukuji Beach in the north-west are the most popular beaches.