I visited Jokoji Temple, known for its beautiful fall foliage, and also took a walk through the lush greenery of Jokoji Park. Unfortunately, I came in summer and missed the stunning fall colors, but the lush summer greenery offered a different kind of freshness and tranquility.
There were very few tourists on this weekday, making the whole park feel especially peaceful. It's a great place to slow down, stroll among the greenery, and enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave
Carved into the southern part of Ishigaki Island in the Yaeyama Islands, the Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave is the southernmost tourist-accessible limestone cave in Japan. Formed over 200,000 years, this natural masterpiece spans 3.2 km, making it the largest cave on Ishigaki Island.
Walking into Ishigaki Island's largest limestone cave feels like instantly entering a fantasy world created by nature. Admission is about JPY 1,200, and it takes around 20–30 minutes to walk through the cave. Some sections are fairly narrow, and the cave is dim with damp ground in places, so keep a close eye on children. It's also not very suitable for strollers.
Along the way, you can admire natural formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. The farther you go, the more spectacular it feels, and you can't help but marvel at nature's craftsmanship.
Although the visit isn't very long, it's well worth fitting into your itinerary. Walk into the underground world yourself and experience a different side of Ishigaki Island's natural beauty!
Ishigaki City Public Market
Located in the heart of Ishigaki Island’s bustling Euglena Mall, the Ishigaki City Public Market is a three-story hub that serves both locals and visitors as the island’s go-to spot for fresh goods and souvenirs. For locals, it’s a daily marketplace akin to their kitchen; for tourists, it’s the perfect place to find authentic local products.
When visiting Ishigaki Island, of course you should explore this historic "island kitchen." The market has all kinds of Ishigaki Island specialties, souvenirs, and local ingredients. It's a good place to walk around if you want to experience the atmosphere of local life.
I came on a weekday morning, and the entire market was fairly quiet. Most shops didn't start opening until around 11, with only a few preparing to open. The market is especially peaceful in the morning, so you can browse at your own pace without the crowds.
If you want to buy some Ishigaki Island specialties or experience the atmosphere of a local market, it's worth stopping by. However, I recommend coming closer to noon, when more shops will be open!
Ishigaki Yaima Village
Ishigaki Yaima Village is a theme park located on a hill overlooking the famous Nagura Bay, where visitors can immerse themselves in the nature and culture of Ishigaki Island. Historic houses, over 100 years old, have been relocated to this lush setting, faithfully recreating the charm of Yaeyama life from days gone by.
If you're visiting Ishigaki Island and want to experience Okinawan traditional culture and natural scenery all in one place, consider stopping by Ishigaki Yaima Village. The grounds aren't very large and can be explored in about an hour. There are several preserved traditional buildings, Ryukyu traditional clothing you can try on for a fee, and traditional performances at scheduled times, giving the place a strong Yaeyama atmosphere.
Overall, the grounds are relaxing and easy to explore. If you want to experience the local culture, wear Ryukyu clothing, or watch traditional performances, it's worth adding as a stop along the way. You can also compare ticket prices on Trip.com or KLOOK beforehand, since buying online is sometimes cheaper than purchasing tickets on-site!
