| Sightseeing Spots |
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Kabira Bay
Approx. 40 minutes from the Airport by car.
Known as the most beautiful spot on Ishigaki Island, Kabira Bay was awarded three stars, as a sightseeing destination in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Swimming in the bay is forbidden due to the fast moving tides, but you can see the amazing coral reef by going on a glass bottom boat tour.
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Tamatorizaki Observation Viewpoint?
Approx. 30 minutes from the Airport by car.
This observation viewpoint is located in the northern part of Ishigaki. It is renowned for watching the sunrise on New Year?s Day, and you can also see Ibaruma Bay and Hirakubozaki from there! It is the observation viewpoint that overlooks both the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. It is also a good place to see the Hibiscuses flowers, which bloom there all year around.
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Toujin Tomb?
Approx. 20 minutes from airport by car.
In 1852, a ship filled with Chinese laborers bound for United States wrecked off the Shore of Ishigaki Island. Many of these labors eventually died from illness. In 1971, a Toujin (Chinese) Tomb was erected by the locals in the memory of the victims. Recently it was newly renovated and revived with new dragon and knight decorations.
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Miyara River?
Approx. 15 minutes from Airport by car.
The Mangrove forest around Miyara River is a natural, and designated as a national monument. It is the largest Mangrove colony on Ishigaki Island. By canoeing there, you can explore and enjoy these magnificent Mangrove trees up close.
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Uganzaki Lighthouse?
Approx. 25 minutes from Airport by car.
A popular spot for watching the sunset in Ishigaki is the Uganzaki Lighthouse. It is located just north of Uganzaki peninsula on the west side of Ishigaki Island.
It is a white lighthouse which stands at the shore of Uganzaki Bay. There is a beautiful view of the ocean and white Easter lilies bloom there in early spring. Although going inside of it is off limits to visitors, you can enjoy the amazing scenery surrounding the lighthouse.
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Yaeyama Palm Tree Grove
Approx. 30 minutes from Airport by car.
The Yaeyama Palm Tree is a single-genus, single-species plant that is only found on Ishigaki and Iriomote Island. The biggest tree has a 30-centimeter thick trunk and it stands 25 meters high. The trunk grows straight with leaves spreading out on all sides. It is a very beautiful and unique palm tree.
Palm tree groves are now found over the northeastern skirts of Mt. Fukaiomoto just behind Yonehara village. This village was founded after the World War II and contains the largest spontaneous palm tree grove on Ishigaki Island. It has been designated as a national monument.
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Hirakubo Lighthouse
Approx. 40 minutes from Airport by car.
Hirakubozaki is located at the northernmost point of Hirakubo peninsula on Ishigaki Island. It is one of the finest sightseeing destinations on Ishigaki. You can see the spectacular coral reefs in the cobalt blue colored seas from the lighthouse platform. It is a spot of untouched nature. From there you could also watch the famous Ishigaki cows pasture on vast grassland next to the lighthouse.
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Ibaruma Pasture
Approx. 40 minutes from the Airport by car.
Ibaruma pasture is on the way to Hirakubozaki on the Ibaruma peninsula. Although visitors tend to pass through this area, without even noticing it; once you get there you will be captivated by the beautiful grasslands and the great distant horizon! You can trek through this pasture and go down to the beach.
At Ibaruma pasture you could also find a large coral rock named ?Bali Ishi (Big Stone).? It was washed up by the giant Meiwa tsunami in 1771. (The stone is 9 meters wide, 3.6 meters high, and weighs 220 tons).
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