A must-see spot in Ishigaki Island! Enjoy Ishigaki Yaima Village!

If you're visiting Ishigaki Island, this is a must-see tourist spot! It's Ishigaki Yaima Village, Japan's southernmost theme park, which recreates the old townscape by relocating traditional Yaeyama houses with red tile roofs.

In addition to the old houses, there are also attractions such as a squirrel monkey park, a small zoo with water buffaloes, Ryukyu costume and Shisa painting experiences, sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument) shows, and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine, allowing you to experience Yaeyama culture all in one place.

What is Ishigaki Yaima Village?

Ishigaki Yaima Village, located in Nagura, Ishigaki City, is a local open-air museum that recreates the folk culture and traditional lifestyles of Ishigaki Island and the Yaeyama Islands. You can experience the charm of Ishigaki Island to the fullest by observing the work and lives of fishermen and farmers, taking photos in costumes adorned with traditional Minsa weaving, and listening to live performances of folk songs and Okinawan pop music played on the sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument)!

Within the park, you can also enjoy traditional Okinawan games called "ya-shibi," try your hand at making Okinawan homemade sweets such as "sata andagi" (sugar tempura) and "maasu omamori" (salt charms), and leisurely observe animals that have been deeply rooted in Okinawan life for generations, such as water buffalo, goats, and crested serpent eagles (in a protected enclosure).

And then there's the most popular attraction at Yaeyama Village, our friends from Central and South America, the "Squirrel Monkey Forest"! It's a rare facility in Okinawa where you can play with adorable squirrel monkeys, making it a fun and memorable place for children! In addition, there's the "Anparu Shokudo" restaurant and a souvenir shop for Ishigaki Island, so it's also recommended to stop by for a short break! It's like a "roadside station" on Ishigaki Island.

Highlights of the park

The park features a recreation of a traditional Japanese house with red tile roofs, registered as a national tangible cultural property. As you stroll along the designated path, the sound of the sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument) can be heard emanating from the stone-walled house surrounded by Yaeyama flowers and plants. The area also offers popular attractions such as opportunities to try on Ryukyuan costumes and experience local folk culture.

Home play

Every day at 10:00, 13:00, and 15:30, we hold a live folk song show with sanshin and taiko drums at the Ohama residence. Enjoy the fun show accompanied by the lively calls of the famous grandmother and the rhythm of the sanba! It's a unique folk song show that will stay in your head forever.

Mangrove walking experience

This course takes you from Yaeyama Village to Nagura Anpal, a Ramsar Convention-designated area, by canoe and explore the mangrove forest with a guide. You can see plants that can only be found in Okinawa, and from the wooden deck installed along the course, you can also spot rare small animals such as Tontonmi. The price is 3,300 yen per guide (1-5 people). The course is held twice daily at 12:1 and 15:2, and lasts about 40 minutes, making it an easy course to enjoy.

Squirrel Monkey Forest

Tiny, adorable Bolivian squirrel monkeys, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, have come all the way from Central and South America and are waiting to welcome you. They are very curious, so some of them might try to steal things from your bag. Please be sure to close your bag securely at the entrance.

Ryukyu costume experience

Bingata, once the formal attire of royal women, is a vibrant Okinawan textile. Why not become an Okinawan beauty yourself by wearing a Bingata garment? We also have costumes for men and children, making it a great souvenir for families and couples. The experience fee is 500 yen per person per session. The garments are easy to put on, and it only takes about 5 minutes.

Sata Andagi Making Experience

Sata andagi (sugar tempura) is a snack that has been popular in Okinawa for a long time.

Made with plenty of sugar and deep-fried slowly until cooked through, these treats have a long shelf life and make a great souvenir! While many commercially available options exist, homemade versions are sure to be exceptional.

You can experience making sata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts) at Ishigaki Yaima Village. The fee is 1,100 yen per person. Reservations are required.

Making amulets from salt

You can create your own unique shell keychain (or strap) by writing your favorite picture or message on a shell containing protective salt. It costs 700 yen and takes about 30 minutes to make. It's easy enough for children to make, so it's perfect for families, friends, or couples. A handmade salt charm strap will be a precious memory of your time in Ishigaki!

Ishigaki Yaima Village Restaurant "Anparu Shokudo"

Ishigaki Yaima Village has a restaurant called "Anparu Shokudo." You can enjoy Yaeyama local cuisine, including Yaeyama soba and Ishigaki-style zenzai, which can only be found in Ishigaki, as well as soba and curry with soki (pork ribs)! The restaurant is open from 11:00 to 16:00, and since there aren't many restaurants around Ishigaki Yaima Village, it's a great place to stop for a meal if you're hungry. It's such a charming tourist spot that you might find yourself spending several hours there instead of just taking a short break.

Recommended menu at Anparu Shokudo

Anparu Shokudo offers a variety of dishes, including their special "Yaeyama Soba," tender soft bone pork rib soba, and "Soft Bone Pork Rib Curry," which can only be found here on Ishigaki Island. They also serve "Champuru Set Meal," a local dish made with plenty of Ishigaki Island ingredients, and "Taco Rice Set," a favorite among children, where crisp lettuce and Ishigaki Island beef are a perfect match.

For dessert, try the "Ishigaki-style Zenzai," which is more than just shaved ice. It uses plenty of mild and sweet red beans and condensed milk, and is a traditional Ishigaki Island flavor that has been enjoyed at home for generations. And the "Sunset BBQ," which you can enjoy while watching the sunset over Ishigaki Island, is also superb! Make unforgettable memories of your trip to Ishigaki Island with a barbecue featuring Ishigaki Island beef and plenty of seasonal vegetables.

Yaeyama traditional wedding ceremony "Aina Yoi"

"Aina Yoi," a wedding ceremony held throughout the Yaeyama Islands, including Ishigaki Island, for over 100 years, has gained attention as a unique Yaeyama wedding tradition. Ishigaki Yaima Village offers original resort weddings while respecting tradition and culture! "Aina" means bride in the Yaeyama language, and "Yoi" means celebration.

The Yaeyama traditional wedding ceremony "Aina Yoi"

1. The groom's ceremony at the Ohama residence

2. Bride-welcoming ceremony at the Morita Residence (National Registered Cultural Property)

3. Bride's family ceremony

4. Einar Procession

5. Zaanunigai (Prayer to the main deity)

6. Safuuki (San-san-kudo)

The highlight of Aina Yoi is when the old houses in Yaeyama Village are transformed into the homes of the bride and groom, and the procession, welcoming the bride, marches through Yaeyama Village toward the groom's house. Tourists are captivated by the sight of the procession, dressed in magnificent Ryukyuan costumes.

Afterword

What do you think? You can enjoy the original Okinawan scenery with its rows of red-tiled houses, while also enjoying meals, souvenirs, experiences, and even interacting with squirrel monkeys. There are so many fun things to do at Ishigaki Yaima Village! When you come to Ishigaki Island, be sure to visit Ishigaki Yaima Village and have a great time.

Spot Details

Name: Ishigaki Yaima Village
Location: 〒907-0021 967-1 Nagura, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Closed: Open all year round
Business hours: 9:00 AM - 17:30 PM (Last reception at 17:00 PM)
Telephone number: 0980-82-8798
Admission fee: Adults 1,000 yen, Children 500 yen (ages 3 to elementary school age)
Official site:http://www.yaimamura.com/