Ishigaki is the center of the Yaeyama Islands and the only one with direct flights from the mainland. Ferries to Taketomi, Iriomote, Kohama, Kuroshima and Hateruma all depart from Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal in the downtown area. A Yaeyama trip therefore follows one pattern: fly into Ishigaki, hop between the islands by ferry, and fly home from Ishigaki.
Key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | 222.63 km² |
| Population | 48,328 (22,966 households) |
| Municipality | Ishigaki City |
| Airport | Ishigaki Airport (ISG). Direct domestic flights from Tokyo Haneda and Narita, Osaka Kansai, Nagoya Chubu, Fukuoka and Naha. International routes listed by the airport: Hong Kong (HK Express), Taipei and Kaohsiung (Tigerair Taiwan), Seoul Incheon (Jin Air) |
| Ferry hub | Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal, downtown. About 35 minutes from the airport by bus (¥550) or 25 minutes by taxi (about ¥3,500) |
Every departure time for both ferry companies is on the Ishigaki ferry timetable page.
Getting to Ishigaki
Direct flights come from six Japanese airports: Tokyo Haneda (4 a day, about 3 h 20–30 min), Tokyo Narita (1 a day), Osaka Kansai (3 a day), Nagoya Chubu (1 a day), Fukuoka (1 a day) and Naha (14 a day, 60–70 min). From any other Japanese city you connect in Naha. The November 2026 timetable also lists Seoul (daily), Taipei (Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) and Kaohsiung (Wed, Sun). Details are in How to get to Ishigaki.
From the airport to downtown, the Karry Kanko direct bus runs to the ferry terminal about twice an hour (¥550, about 30 min), and Azuma Bus route 4 runs every 30 minutes (¥550, about 35 min). A taxi to the ferry terminal takes about 25 minutes and costs around ¥3,500.
Getting around
If you stay downtown and spend your days island hopping, you do not need a car. For Kabira Bay, Yonehara and the northern capes (Tamatorizaki, Hirakubozaki), a rental car makes the day much easier. Buses to Kabira run from the downtown bus terminal (route 9), but only a few times a day. The sightseeing bus (daily 9:15–14:00, ¥6,500 with lunch, reserve by 17:00 the day before) covers the cave, Kabira Bay and Tamatorizaki without driving.
How many nights
Taketomi is 10–20 minutes by ferry, Kohama and Kuroshima 25–30 minutes, Iriomote 40–55 minutes and Hateruma 60–90 minutes. Counting back from each island's last boat, two nights on Ishigaki give you Taketomi plus one more island, and three nights let you fit Iriomote. See How many nights do you need and Where to stay on Ishigaki.
Questions
Which cities have direct flights to Ishigaki?
Tokyo Haneda and Narita, Osaka Kansai, Nagoya Chubu, Fukuoka and Naha. Internationally, Hong Kong, Taipei, Kaohsiung and Seoul are listed, but not every route flies every day.
How do I get from the airport to downtown?
The Karry Kanko direct bus to the ferry terminal (¥550, about 30 min) runs roughly twice an hour, and Azuma Bus route 4 (¥550, about 35 min) runs every 30 minutes. A taxi is about 25 minutes and ¥3,500.
Do I need a rental car?
Not if you stay downtown and focus on the islands. Rent one for Kabira Bay, the northern capes and the beaches on the west coast.
Figures and schedules change. This page was last checked in October 2026.
