Hello everyone! This is the final article in the summer Okinawa remote island series by a blogger based in Okinawa, who runs a travel and lifestyle blog featuring photos and videos from travels both domestically and internationally.
On the way to Ishigaki Port, it rained, so I couldn’t take many photogenic pictures, but on the way back, the weather was perfectly clear.
From the hotel where I stayed, I walked to Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal and from there headed to Ishigaki Airport. Since I arrived early, I’ll also share some tips on how to spend time at the airport.
・From the Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal, I took a direct bus to the airport.
I used a taxi to get to the remote island terminal on the way there, but since I have plenty of time, I plan to take the bus back to Ishigaki Airport.
A recommended option for bus transportation is the direct bus operated by “Karii Kankou” that runs between Ishigaki Airport and Ishigaki Remote Island Terminal.
The fare is 500 yen one way, and the trip takes about 30 minutes. It’s a convenient option since it’s a direct route.
The buses run approximately every 30 minutes, but it’s a good idea to check the schedule in advance.
There are no ticket machines, so you pay directly on the bus. You can also bring larger suitcases onboard. No reservation is required, but if you want a seat, it’s best to line up early.
For access to the remote islands, I highly recommend using this bus service.
Other local buses are also available, but if you plan to do some sightseeing around Ishigaki Island, renting a car in advance is a good option.
Ishigaki Airport has both domestic and international terminals, but it’s easy to navigate, so you likely won’t get lost.
For reference, there used to be international flights to Hong Kong and Taipei, but these routes have not yet resumed.
・Ishigaki Airport
The airport was quite busy, likely due to the high season, but in true tropical fashion, there’s a small aquarium inside the domestic terminal. There’s also an observation deck and a garden.
Before your flight, you can visit the food court, which features a seafood island cuisine restaurant and a shop specializing in Ishigaki beef. It’s a great way to enjoy one last taste of Ishigaki Island before you leave.
On the second floor of the domestic terminal, there’s a rest area and a Ryukyu massage shop. Here, you can enjoy massage techniques that incorporate Ryukyu Karate and traditional Okinawan dance. It’s a great way to relieve your travel fatigue before or after your flight.
Once you pass through the security checkpoint, the shopping options are limited, so it’s best to buy souvenirs and other items in advance if possible.
・I’ll be back, Yaeyama Islands.
I’m flying with JAL to Naha Airport. The flight is just an hour, so it goes by in no time, but the view from above is exhilarating. The sea is incredibly beautiful, and I found myself savoring the memories of this trip as I gazed out the window.
My first visit to Iriomote Island, along with revisiting Taketomi and Ishigaki, made for a truly satisfying trip, with the nature of Iriomote especially soothing my soul.
With the constant barrage of unwanted information on social media and the overwhelming notifications on our phones, it’s easy to feel drained. For those who feel a bit tired from the busyness of everyday life, or who want to take a step back from work and social interactions, I highly recommend this experience.
While smartphones are incredibly useful and essential, this trip reminded me of the joy of being stress-free by immersing myself in nature without overthinking. It allowed me to reset, and I’ve decided to create more opportunities for solo travel like this in the future.