Ishigaki石垣

The questions people ask first about Ishigaki, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Cities are increasingly cashless; temples, small restaurants and some lodging taxes still want cash.Japan-wide
• SIM or eSIMData-only eSIMs are the easy route: buy before you fly; voice SIMs need a residence card.Japan-wide
• Tap waterSafe from the tap everywhere; stations and parks have fountains.Japan-wide
• TippingRestaurants and bars: No tip; staff will chase you to return money left on the table.Japan-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 100 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Japan-wide
• SafetyVery safe for tourists; the real risks are the sea (rip currents, jellyfish), typhoons in Aug–Sep and sunburn.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Street or quick mealNoodle soup (Yaeyama soba or ramen)¥700–1,200 (≈ US$5–9)
• Beerdraught in an izakaya / can at a konbini¥500–700 (≈ US$4–5)¥250–350 (≈ US$2–3)
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi flag fall, then about 2 km (1.2 mi)Taxi flag fall, then about 1.2 mi (2 km)¥390 (≈ US$3)
• Museum or sight ticketIshigaki Stalactite Cave entry¥1,200 (≈ US$9)
• Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person¥3,000 (≈ US$25)
• Mid-range bedDouble room, business hotel or minshuku, a night, per room¥15,000 (≈ US$110)
• High-end bedDouble room, business hotel or minshuku, a night, per room¥35,000 (≈ US$250)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget ¥8,000 (≈ US$55) · Mid ¥14,000 (≈ US$95) · High ¥26,000 (≈ US$180)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

ISG New Ishigaki Airport (15 km (9.3 mi) east of town; Azuma Bus #4 or #10 to the bus terminal, about 45 min, ¥520; taxi about 30 min, ¥2,500 (check))ISG New Ishigaki Airport (9.3 mi (15 km) east of town; Azuma Bus #4 or #10 to the bus terminal, about 45 min, ¥520; taxi about 30 min, ¥2,500 (check))

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

¥8,000–12,000 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed

Mid

¥12,000–20,000 (≈ US$85–140) excl. bed

High

¥20,000 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed

• Typhoons: Aug–Sep can close the airport and ferries for a day or more. Keep the last night before your flight in Naha or add a buffer day.
• Rip currents and jellyfish at unpatrolled beaches; read the signs at the beach entrance and do not snorkel alone.
• Outside Ishigaki there are almost no ATMs that take foreign cards. Carry cash for ferry tickets and island spending.
• The Kabira Resort Line has no midday departures and the last bus leaves town around 18:00; do not stay outside the city without a car.The Kabira Resort Line has no midday departures and the last bus leaves town around 6:00 PM; do not stay outside the city without a car.
• Manta sightings peak in autumn but are never guaranteed; ask operators what they have seen that week.