A complete guide to Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal, the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands!

If you want to fully enjoy the remote islands of Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, and want to maximize your time exploring them, then this article will provide a detailed introduction to the Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal, which serves as the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands, including Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, and Kohama Island.

Actually, there is no official website for the "Remote Island Terminal." That's why we've packed this guide with all the information you need to know, things you might be curious about, and things you should know before heading to the Remote Island Terminal! If you're wondering, "What's the quickest way to get from New Ishigaki Airport to Taketomi Island?" or "How do I get to Nishihama Beach?", then this is for you.

<Contents>
What is Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal?
Location and directions to Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal
Introduction to the facilities inside Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal
Remote islands accessible from Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal
About facilities near Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal
Final thoughts

What is Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal?

Opened in 2007, the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal serves as a hub connecting the various islands of the Yaeyama Islands. It is used by a great many people, not only tourists, but also local residents for their daily lives and business needs.

The surrounding islands of Ishigaki Island include Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, Kohama Island, Kuroshima Island, Hatoma Island, and Hateruma Island. However, as of 2015, only Hateruma Island (*Note) has an airport under construction. All other islands are only accessible by ferry.
(Note: Flights between Ishigaki and Hateruma were scheduled to resume in October 2015 by Daiichi Aviation, but this is expected to be postponed due to the accident involving Daiichi Aviation on August 28.)

Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal is located in the heart of the city, making it relatively easy to access. The terminal itself is very spacious, and in addition to the desks of each ferry company, there is a well-stocked souvenir shop, where you can find locally grown mangoes and other fruits at reasonable prices depending on the season. Counter-style restaurants and homemade bento boxes are also popular with tourists.

Location and directions to Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal

About the location

The Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal is located near the center of Ishigaki city, close to the 730 intersection and Misaki-cho. There are 3-4 convenience stores within a 5-minute walk, making it convenient to pick up anything you need before departing for the outlying islands. In addition to rental cars and taxis, the local bus is recommended as it is inexpensive to use.

In the spring of 2015, the "Kari Kanko Bus" began operating, providing direct service from New Ishigaki Airport to the remote island terminal. In addition, there are regular bus services departing from various resort hotels, so the schedule is relatively comprehensive.

How to get there from the airport (rental car, bus, taxi)

- In the case of a rental car

From New Ishigaki Airport, head south along National Route 390 for approximately 15km. You will arrive at the remote island terminal in about 25 minutes. When setting your navigation system, since the remote island terminal does not have a main phone number, it is recommended to register the ferry company "An'ei Kanko (0980-82-2691)" as the destination.

The roads leading to the city center tend to be congested, so we recommend checking your navigation system and taking detours if necessary. The following settings are also recommended. (However, please note that this does not guarantee the shortest route.)
*Recommended navigation settings: Airport → Ishigaki City Central Athletic Park (0980-83-5412) → Yuratik Market (0980-88-5300) → Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal (Yasuei Kanko 0980-82-2691)

- By bus

Two bus companies operate services from New Ishigaki Airport to the remote island terminal. Higashi Transport's "Port-bound" bus will stop at the ANA InterContinental and Nikko Yaeyama Hotel before arriving. The journey takes approximately 38 minutes.
The Curry sightseeing bus, which began operating in 2015, runs non-stop to the outlying island terminal, arriving in approximately 30 minutes.
Click here for the Higashi Transport timetable (please see the Airport Line).
Here is the timetable for the Curry Sightseeing Bus.

・In the case of a taxi

It's about 15km from New Ishigaki Airport, but since the driver knows the back roads well, we can get there in the shortest time. The journey takes about 18 minutes (if there's no traffic), and a bonus is that you can hear all sorts of stories and information from the driver. It 's a good idea to ask them to take the "shortest route to the remote island terminal . "

Directions from major hotels (travel time by bus and car)

・For guests staying at ANA InterContinental Hotel

If traveling by bus... From the InterContinental Hotel in Maesato, take the airport bus. At the "ANA InterContinental" stop, board the bus bound for the "Bus Terminal," which will pass through the Nikko Yaeyama Hotel and arrive in about 18 minutes. From the bus terminal, it's a 1-minute walk to the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal.

If traveling by car...the journey takes approximately 10 minutes. Head west from the hotel, merge onto National Highway 390, turn left at the "730 Memorial" traffic light, and you will arrive at the remote island terminal in about 500 meters.

For guests staying at Fusaki Resort Village or Beach Hotel Sunshine

If traveling by bus... From Fusaki Resort and Sunshine Hotel in Tomizaki, take the Kabira Resort Line (outbound) bus. After boarding the "Bus Terminal (outbound)" bus at the "Fusaki Resort Village" or "Beach Hotel Sunshine" stops, you will arrive at the bus terminal in approximately 20 minutes. From the bus terminal, it is a 1-minute walk to Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal.

If traveling by car...the journey takes approximately 15 minutes. From the hotel, head south along the road, pass the Ishigaki City Hall, turn right at the "730 Memorial" traffic light, and you will arrive at the remote island terminal in about 500 meters.

For guests staying at Ishigaki Seaside Hotel

If traveling by bus... From Ishigaki Island Seaside Hotel in Kabira, take the Kabira Resort Line (outbound) bus. At the "Seaside Hotel" stop, board the bus bound for the "Bus Terminal (outbound)" and arrive at the bus terminal in approximately 50 minutes. From the bus terminal, it's a 1-minute walk to Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal.

If traveling by car...the journey takes approximately 35 minutes. From the hotel, head south on National Highway 79, turn right at the "Bunkan-mae" traffic light, and you will arrive at the remote island terminal in about 1 km.

For those using Okinawa EXES Ishigakijima

If traveling by bus... From Okinawa Exes Ishigaki Island (formerly Kariyushi Club Hotel Ishigaki Island) located in Miyara, take the airport bus. After boarding at the "Okinawa Exes Ishigaki Island" stop, you will arrive at the bus terminal in approximately 30 minutes. From the bus terminal, it is a 1-minute walk to Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal.

If traveling by car...the journey takes approximately 25 minutes. From the hotel, take National Highway 390, head west towards the city center, turn left at the "730 Memorial" traffic light, and you will arrive at the outlying island terminal in about 500 meters.

About Parking

There are two parking lots operated by the remote island terminal (for a fee): Parking Lot 1 (136 spaces) in front of the terminal and Parking Lot 2 (over 200 spaces) to the west. In addition, there are municipal parking lots within a 5-minute walk, such as City Hall Parking Lot 2 (73 spaces) and Shin'ei Park East Parking Lot (59 spaces), so if you have plenty of time, you can easily find a parking space.

Remote Island Terminal Parking Lot 1

[Number of parking spaces] 136
[Inquiries] 0980-82-4046
[Parking Fees] 100 yen for the first hour, with an additional 50 yen for every 30 minutes thereafter.
*50 yen per hour during nighttime hours (8:00 PM to 8:00 AM).

Remote Island Terminal Second Parking Lot

[Parking Capacity] Over 200 cars
[Inquiries] 0980-82-4046
[Parking Fees] 100 yen for the first hour, with an additional 50 yen for every 30 minutes thereafter.
*50 yen per hour during nighttime hours (8:00 PM to 8:00 AM).

City Hall Parking Lot 2

[Number of parking spaces] 73
[Inquiries] 0980-82-4046
[Parking Fees] 100 yen for the first hour, with an additional 50 yen for every 30 minutes thereafter.
*50 yen per hour during nighttime hours (8:00 PM to 8:00 AM).

Shin'ei Park East Parking Lot

[Number of parking spaces] 59
[Inquiries] 0980-83-4207
[Parking Fees] 200 yen for the first hour, with an additional 50 yen for every 30 minutes thereafter.
*50 yen per hour during nighttime hours (8:00 PM to 8:00 AM).

The main parking lot in front of the terminal fills up quickly, so if it's full, we recommend entering the terminal and parking in the second parking lot on the west side, just before you exit the roundabout. Alternatively, if the terminal parking lot is full, you can park in the cheaper "City Hall Parking Lot No. 2".

Incidentally, although unofficial, it is said that the second parking lot at the remote island terminal is very large and can accommodate nearly 300 cars. According to locals who use the remote island terminal, it was almost never the case that they couldn't find a parking spot in the second parking lot, even during peak hours.

Introduction to the facilities inside Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal

About the high-speed ferry company counter

Yaeyama Sightseeing Ferry

An'ei Kanko

Ishigaki Island Dream Tourism

Hirata Tourism

The high-speed ferries connecting the various islands are operated by three companies: Yaeyama Kanko Ferry, An'ei Kanko, and Ishigaki Island Dream Kanko. In addition, Hirata Kanko also sells tickets for all of these companies. Incidentally, tickets for all ferry services can be purchased at any of the desks, so you can go to whichever one is less crowded.

In particular, the Ishigaki Island to Taketomi Island route uses a universal ticket valid across all companies, meaning you can purchase your ticket at any ticket sales desk and board any ferry. Of course, the fare and travel time are all the same. In other words, even if you buy a ticket from one ferry company, you can still board a ferry from another company with a more convenient departure and arrival schedule.

Some people arriving at the remote island terminal for the first time may wonder, "Which desk should I go to?" However, as you can see, it's okay to go to any desk, so please don't worry. Also, as of 2015, the electronic display board in the center of the terminal that shows the departure and arrival schedules for each airline is out of order. Therefore, please check the departure and arrival schedules at each desk or via the website link below. (Due to various circumstances, there are no plans for repair.)

Latest timetables from each shipping company

・Yaeyama Sightseeing Ferry
・An'ei Kanko
・Ishigaki Island Dream Tourism
・Hirata Tourism(We sell boarding passes for each shipping company and tours to Yaeyama.)
・Iriomote Island Tourist Center(Selling tours to Iriomote Island)

About the shop and meals

Inside the remote island terminal, in addition to the ferry company desks, there are plenty of shops and restaurants (8-10 in total). The six small shops, though small in scale, are packed with goods and you might find unique souvenirs you won't find anywhere else. Depending on the season, you can find fresh mangoes and pineapples directly from the islands at bargain prices.

In addition, there are four restaurants, many of which are counter-style, offering affordable and quick meals, mainly "Yaeyama soba" and "set meals," making them very convenient if you're short on time before departure. They open early in the morning, so some tourists even choose to have breakfast here instead of at their hotel. Besides these, they also sell juicy kamaboko (fish cake), which is popular with taxi drivers, as well as bento boxes (from 190 yen), children's marine goods, and clothing.

Regarding other facilities

The terminal has banks, Japan Post Bank ATMs, public telephones, and a tourist information corner. Furthermore, free Wi-Fi operated by Ishigaki City is available throughout the terminal, making it very convenient.
If you head towards the ferry terminal, you'll find a bronze statue commemorating Yoko Gushiken, a native of Ishigaki Island who is now a star on variety shows and has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Why not take a commemorative photo there?

・About lockers

The remote island terminal has 20 coin lockers for storing luggage and souvenirs from your accommodation, but we recommend using the luggage storage service provided by each ferry company. This service is very convenient for those with a lot of luggage, such as suitcases or duffel bags that won't fit in the lockers.
Additionally, Hirata Kanko offers a delivery service from New Ishigaki Airport to the remote island terminal, so we recommend using that service as well.

・About the toilets

There are two restrooms in the terminal. They are located at opposite ends of the terminal and each has separate facilities for men, women, and those requiring assistance or children. There are plenty of stalls inside, so you can use them smoothly even during busy times.

Remote islands accessible from Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal

Taketomi Island

©OCVB
Taketomi Island is only about a 10-minute journey from Ishigaki Island. This small island, with a circumference of approximately 9km, is the most popular of the Yaeyama Islands due to its easy accessibility. Furthermore, all the buildings on Taketomi Island are made with Okinawan-style red tiles, and the roads are almost entirely white sandy beaches. The island's greatest charm is leisurely sightseeing along these sandy roads on a water buffalo.
Taketomi Island is currently designated as a nationally important preservation district for traditional buildings, and the traditional Okinawan landscape remains largely intact, with asphalt paving only found in the harbor and minimal other areas. It is one of the few islands in Okinawa Prefecture where you can experience authentic Okinawan life.
First train: 7:25 AM, Last train: 18:00 PM

Kohama Island

©OCVB
Kohama Island is about a 25-minute journey from Ishigaki Island. It became famous after being featured in the NHK drama "Churasan." In the center of the island is a hill called Ufudaki, from which a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view can be seen. Kohama Island is also equipped with resort hotels and the only large golf course in the Yaeyama Islands, making it a very popular island within the Yaeyama archipelago.

For getting around the island, renting a motorbike or car is recommended. Kohama Island is large and surprisingly hilly, so getting around by rental bicycle might be a bit difficult for women and children. Also, the island sightseeing bus (Kohama Kotsu 0980-85-3830), which takes you around the island's tourist spots, has recently become popular.
First train: 7:10 AM, Last train: 18:00 PM

Iriomote Island

©OCVB
Iriomote Island is about a 45-minute journey from Ishigaki Island. It's the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture, but most of it is covered in jungle, earning it the nickname "Japan's Galapagos." The island boasts numerous mangrove forests and waterfalls, making it ideal for leisure and activity-based tourism. In particular, the Yubu Island, where visitors can cross to the island by water buffalo at low tide, is a popular tourist attraction.

For getting around the island, we recommend renting a car or motorbike, or taking the local bus (0980-85-5305) that circulates around the island's attractions. If a day trip isn't enough, there are plenty of accommodation options available. Please note that there are two ferry disembarkation points, Ohara Port and Uehara Port, and Yubu Island is located near Ohara Port.
First train: 7:00 AM, Last train: 17:30 PM

Kuroshima

©OCVB
Kuroshima Island is about a 25-minute journey from Ishigaki Island. It's an island with a strong passion and dedication to cattle farming, so much so that a cattle festival is held there every year. The population is about 200 people, but it is said that there are more than 2,000 cows raised all over the island. Nakamoto Beach is also famous as a snorkeling spot, boasting the clearest waters in the Yaeyama Islands. In addition to an observation deck overlooking the island, there are many spots where sea turtles lay their eggs, and there is also a facility called the Kuroshima Research Institute that breeds and exhibits sea turtles.

Renting a bicycle or motorbike is recommended for getting around the island. It takes more than 30 minutes to walk from the port, the only gateway to Kuroshima, to the village. Also, there are many unpaved gravel roads, so caution is needed when traveling.
First train: 8:00 AM, Last train: 17:20 PM

Hateruma Island

©OCVB
Hateruma Island is approximately 60 minutes from Ishigaki Island. It is Japan's southernmost island and the only place in Japan where you can observe the Southern Cross (December to June). It also has Nishihama Beach, considered the most beautiful beach in the Yaeyama Islands, and its unique blue glow is known as "Hateruma Blue." Incidentally, "Nishi" means "north" in the local dialect.

Getting around the island is best done by rental car or motorbike. Hateruma Island is surprisingly hilly, and the distances from the villages to tourist spots are long, so getting around by rental bicycle might be a bit challenging. The island has plenty of accommodation options, making it highly recommended for those who want to relax. As of 2015, Hateruma Airport is reportedly undergoing renovations for its reopening.
First train: 8:30 AM, Last train: 15:30 PM

Hatoma Island

©OCVB
Hatoma Island is about a 40-minute journey from Ishigaki Island. The most popular attraction is the blue coral reef in the northern part of the island. Other popular tourist spots include Yarahama Beach, which offers the most beautiful sunsets, Hatoma Island Lighthouse, and a lookout post called Hibanmori. Located north of Iriomote Island, it is the northernmost island among the Yaeyama Islands, excluding Ishigaki Island.

Getting around the island is best done on foot or by renting a bicycle. The island is small enough to explore on foot, as the port is close to the village. There are no rental cars, taxis, or public buses. For accommodation and meals, we recommend Pension Mytose (0980-85-6166).
First train: 9:30 AM, Last train: 15:30 PM

About facilities near Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal

Which hotels are close to the ferry terminal?

The closest hotel is... Hotel Miyahira

Hotel Miyahira is located right in front of the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal and bus terminal (1-minute walk). It is a key station hotel with excellent access to remote islands such as Taketomi Island and Iriomote Island, as well as the city center for souvenir shopping and other activities. In the spring of 2015, the hotel underwent a complete renovation of its guest rooms and other facilities, and at the same time, all rooms became non-smoking, ensuring a consistently clean environment.

This large hotel has 158 guest rooms (71 in the West Wing and 87 in the East Wing), accommodating a total of 316 guests. The hotel features a restaurant, a souvenir shop, a swimming pool, and a large public bath, allowing guests to relax and unwind. A coin laundry and internet booths are also available for added convenience.

Hotel Miyahira, a beautiful flower of the South
Address: 4-9 Misaki-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0012
Phone: 0980-82-6111

• Overview of other hotels

There are several other hotels and accommodations near Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal.

Nariwa HotelThis business hotel is located just a 2-minute walk from the ferry terminal. It's situated in the heart of Misaki-cho's downtown area and is a little hard to spot, but it boasts clean rooms that were newly renovated and reopened in 2007. The five-story building has a total of 24 rooms (including non-smoking rooms), and features a coin laundry, ironing area, and plenty of convenience stores nearby.
Nariwa Hotel
Address: 10-20 Misaki-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0012
Phone: 0980-82-2591

Ishigaki Island Hotel KukuruThis business hotel is located just a 3-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Situated on a corner lot on the main street of Misaki-cho, it boasts excellent access to souvenir shops and local cuisine restaurants. It has received a top-class rating of 4.84 in the "Luxury Category" in Rakuten Travel's customer review rankings. All rooms are equipped with wired and wireless LAN. The 6-story building has a total of 45 rooms, and its diving equipment drying room and shower rooms are particularly highly rated by guests who enjoy diving and marine activities.
Ishigaki Island Hotel Kukuru
Address: 8-1 Misaki-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0012
Phone: 0980-82-3380

What are some recommended restaurants near the ferry terminal?

・Hirugi

This Yaeyama regional cuisine restaurant is located about 100m from the remote island ferry terminal. It's also close to the 730 intersection in the heart of Ishigaki Island. The most popular dish is Hirugi's special miso Yaeyama soba, as well as the famous "Hirugi Donburi (1,300 yen)" which is topped with plenty of Yaeyama beef steak. In addition to the meat, it also contains plenty of vegetables and a soft-boiled egg, making it a nutritionally balanced meal. This is a recommended regional cuisine restaurant when you want to easily enjoy the authentic taste of Yaeyama.
Address: 4-9 Misaki-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0012
Phone: 0980-82-0732
The official website isCLICK HERE

Ishigaki Island Kitauchi Ranch Hamburger Shop

This is a hamburger shop from Kitauchi Farm, a popular yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant specializing in Ishigaki beef. It's open for lunch as well. Located on the main street of Misaki-cho, the sign is very noticeable. It's a recommended spot for lunch. The juicy hamburgers are packed with the delicious flavor of the meat, and when you buy one, the staff will smile and say, "Please be careful of the meat juices!" The "Extreme Burger" (1,080 yen), which allows you to easily enjoy authentic Ishigaki beef, is truly exquisite.
Address: 3 Misaki-cho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture 907-0012
Phone: 0980-88-8490

Final thoughts

So, what do you think? When you think of Okinawa, you think of the sea, and when you think of beautiful seas, you think of Yaeyama, and the remote island terminal is a place you'll definitely pass through when going to those islands. We've brought you a wealth of information that you should know in advance to fully enjoy Yaeyama, and that will be helpful to know.

Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal currently does not have an official website, and there are no plans to create one in the future. Therefore, we recommend referring to this page, which contains the latest information gathered through on-site reporting. Do you want to fully enjoy the remote islands of Ishigaki Island, Okinawa? Do you want to fully enjoy the remote islands of Ishigaki Island, Okinawa? Do you want to maximize your time exploring the remote islands? We will support your trip.