Experience the magic of live music! Enjoy a night out in Ishigaki Island at the popular izakaya "Usagiya"

Usagiya Ishigakijima is one of the most popular izakayas (Japanese pubs), so much so that reservations are practically required to get in. Its main attractions are its food and island songs. The restaurant is conveniently located just a 0-minute walk from Ishigaki City Hall and a 1-minute walk from the bustling Misaki-cho area.
This time, we'll be introducing "Usagiya"!

Completely satisfied! Exceptional Yaeyama cuisine and "live island songs"

Usagiya Ishigaki Island, a restaurant converted from a traditional house on Ishigaki Island, offers Yaeyama cuisine using plenty of local ingredients. Popular dishes include "Ishigaki beef sashimi" and "tempura of island tofu, sea grapes, and pandanus." Usagiya also stocks all of Yaeyama's awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor), so it's a popular pastime to try different food and drink pairings. And of course, the "Usagiya Live Show" is a major draw.

When you hear about Yaeyama folk songs in an izakaya (Japanese pub), you probably imagine a lively and boisterous atmosphere. However, Yaeyama folk songs are originally all gentle and heartfelt songs, and it is the modern arrangements of these songs that have become established as what is known as "Okinawan pop music." "Usagiya Ishigakijima" is a place that reminds us that the foundation of these songs is indeed folk music.

Adapting to the audience! Live show performance

It's also not widely known that the performers change the order and style of songs to suit the atmosphere and mood of the audience. When I spoke to one of the performers, he said that they sometimes even change the songs depending on what the audience is drinking and eating. For example, for those drinking awamori, they mainly play representative Yaeyama folk songs. For those drinking cocktails, sours, or highballs, they seem to select songs that are slightly rearranged versions of BEGIN songs or recent Okinawan pop songs.

The live performance begins with familiar folk songs, then moves on to mellow ballads, and gradually builds in tempo and rhythm, making even the seated audience members want to dance along on stage. Enjoy the best Yaeyama cuisine and awamori while beating the drums of your heart and liven up the Yaeyama night!

Usagiya Live Details

Usagiya's folk song live show is held in two parts every day. Part 1 is from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Part 2 is from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM, so if you're planning to have a meal there as well, we recommend making a reservation from 6:00 PM. What's more, you can even request songs during the live show! Feel free to ask for any song you want to hear, even if it's just a song you vaguely remember. (Live show charge and appetizer fee: 500 yen per person)

At their live performances, they don't just play music; they also carefully and clearly explain the thoughts, feelings, and meanings behind the songs. Their repertoire includes a diverse range of songs, from those you might have heard while sightseeing in Ishigaki Island or the Yaeyama Islands to tunes you've heard on TV.

Now, here's a look at the live show by Masami Gushiken, the main performer of "Usagiya Ishigakijima"! (Please note that there will be sound.)

Access to Usagiya

The restaurant is located in the first parking lot of Ishigaki City Hall. If you take the road to the left of "Shima Soba Ichibanchi," you'll see many Orion Beer lanterns decorating the street. Use those as your landmark.
A 5-minute walk from the remote island terminal, a 3-minute walk from the 730 intersection, less than a 1-minute walk from the City Hall intersection, and a 30-minute drive from New Ishigaki Airport.

Usagiya Ishigaki Main Store
Location:1-1 Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture, Nakamura Heights 1F
No regular holiday
Business hours: 17: 00 to 24: 00 (LO23: 30)
Telephone number: 0980-88-5014
http://usagiya-ishigaki.com