How to Get to Ishigaki. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Major Airport: New Ishigaki Airport (新石垣空港, Painushima Ishigaki Airport; IATA: ISG). This modern airport handles all commercial flights to and from Ishigaki.

Domestic Airlines: Major Japanese airlines like Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) serve Ishigaki. Low-cost carriers such as Peach Aviation and Jetstar Japan also operate flights. Ryukyu Air Commuter (RAC) connects Ishigaki with smaller Yaeyama islands.

Typical Routes & Connectivity

From Mainland Japan: Direct flights connect Ishigaki to major cities like Tokyo (Haneda, Narita), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
From Okinawa: Naha Airport (OKA) on Okinawa Main Island serves as the main hub for connecting flights to Ishigaki.
No direct flights exist from major global hubs (e.g., North America, Europe) to Ishigaki. All international travelers connect through a major Japanese airport. Find flight deals with Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Flight Availability & Airport Services

Seasonal Availability: Flight frequency rises during peak seasons, including Golden Week and summer holidays. Prices reach their highest during peak season and Japanese public holidays. Booking well in advance (3-6 months) is suggested for best fares.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

New Ishigaki Airport features retail shops, restaurants, cafes, and a tourist information center.
Bus: Azuma Transport connects the airport to Ishigaki City center (30-45 mins, ¥540).
Taxi: A ride to Ishigaki City center approximately ¥3,000-¥3,500.
Rental Car: Desks for Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nissan, OTS, and others are available. Pre-booking a rental car is highly suggested.

Land Transportation

Ishigaki is an island, so land transportation options for arrival are limited to within the island itself.

Self-Driving on Ishigaki

Japan drives on the left. Speed limits are 40-60 km/h. Roads are well-maintained. An International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention is needed. Parking is available.

Sea Arrivals

Ishigaki Port serves as the hub for inter-island ferries and cruise ship arrivals. Connections to land transport are easy.

Driving & Ferry Details

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving Side: Japan drives on the left.
Speed Limits: Typically 40-60 km/h in urban areas. No expressways on Ishigaki.
Requirements: An International Driving Permit (IDP) and national driver's license are needed.
Parking: Paid parking in city areas and at popular attractions. Some free parking. Consider DiscoverCars.com for rentals.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads are well-maintained. Stay aware of scooter and bicycle traffic.
Occasional wild animals, like wild boars, may appear in rural areas, especially at night. Drive carefully.
Very low crime rate; roads are safe for driving.
Border Crossing, Train Connections, Long-Distance Buses are not applicable for Ishigaki.

Ferry Services to Nearby Islands

Taketomi Island

Approximately 10-15 minutes by high-speed ferry. Ferries operate frequently.

Iriomote Island

Approximately 35-45 minutes by high-speed ferry to Ohara Port or Uehara Port.

Kohama Island

Approximately 25-30 minutes by high-speed ferry. Other islands are also served.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Exit Fees: As of January 2019, Japan implemented a "Sayonara Tax" (International Tourist Tax) of ¥1,000 per person. This tax is included in the price of flight or ship tickets for departures from Japan. No additional exit fees at the airport or port.

Departure Timing

Domestic Flights: Arrive at New Ishigaki Airport 60-90 minutes before scheduled departure.
International Flights: If active, arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
Ferry Departures: Arrive at Ishigaki Port 15-30 minutes before departure, especially during peak times.

Airport/Port Facilities

New Ishigaki Airport: Provides souvenir shops and duty-free options for international departures (if available). Restaurants and lounges are present.

Port Amenities

Ishigaki Port offers waiting areas.
Small shops and food stalls are available.
Easy connections to land transportation from the port.

Important Travel Notes

Always check: Current flight schedules, ferry timetables, and immigration regulations.

Reminders

Book flights and accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Ensure your passport and any visa documents meet all validity requirements for your entire trip.
Monitor weather forecasts for any potential typhoons or other natural hazards.

Departure Checklist

Before leaving your accommodation: Double-check for all personal belongings. Ensure all electronics are charged.

Final Checks

Confirm your transport arrangements to the airport/port.
Have your tickets, passport, and any necessary departure documents ready.
Allocate sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.

Important Reminders

Flight delays or cancellations can occur, especially during typhoon season.
The Sayonara Tax is included in your ticket price; no direct payment at departure.
Pack liquids according to airline regulations for carry-on luggage.

International flights from Ishigaki are limited; confirm connections.
Double-check your destination and local address if taking a taxi to the airport/port.
Ensure all personal items are collected from your accommodation.

Smooth Departure

Allocate ample time for departure procedures. Staying organized aids a stress-free exit.

How to Get to Ishigaki