Local Guide
4 cafes with great view in Ishigaki Island you must visit on your next trip

Ishigaki Island is long from north to south, from the bustling city center to the nature-rich northern area. The cafes scattered throughout the island are all very unique. In this article, we will introduce 4 cafes with a great view of the sea, sky, greenery, and various other sceneries from hole-in-the-wall to popular cafes.

The cafe on the top floor of the hotel is a hole-in-the-wall spot with a great view overlooking the town and the sea.

Since there are few high-rise buildings on the island, the unobstructed view is simply breathtaking!
Since there are few high-rise buildings on the island, the unobstructed view is simply breathtaking!

The 13-story "Art Hotel Ishigakijima" stands in the city center within walking distance from the remote island terminal. Sky Bar Capricorn" occupies the top floor of the hotel and is a café with a spectacular view for those in the know. Through the screen-like large windows, you can see Ishigaki city, the sky, the sea, and even the islands if the weather is fine.
Of course, you can use it even if you are not a guest, and it is equipped with wi-fi, so it is recommended for work vacation while having delicious sweets and lunch. The view of the island in a relaxing atmosphere creates an elegant time.

Tantalize your taste buds with exquisite sweets made by our patissier.

From left:
From left: "Chocolat Banane" 480 yen, "Roll Cake Soufflé" 270 yen (1 cut), "Red Potato Mont Blanc" 400 yen

Along with the view, you can enjoy the lunch menu prepared by the hotel chef and the sweets specially made by the pastry chef. There are always about 10 kinds of cakes, 7 kinds of baked sweets, and 4 kinds of lunch menu including the very popular "Ishigaki Beef Burger". The most popular sweet is the Mont Blanc made from red potatoes, a specialty of the island. The sweetness is relatively moderate, and the flavor of the red sweet potato that fills your mouth goes well with coffee or tea. If you are having trouble choosing, we recommend the set that includes three cakes and a drink.

Local Guide Comment
It is shocking, in a good way, to be able to enjoy a cake made by a hotel patissier for such a good price, and with such a great view in the city. This is one of my favorite hole-in-the-wall cafes that I don't really want to tell people about.
Sky Bar Capricorn
  • address (e.g. of house) 559 Okawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa "Art Hotel Ishigakijima" 13F MAP
  • Direction Approximately 16 minutes on foot or 8 minutes by car from the terminal
  • Business Hours Cafe time 10:00-18:00 (17:30 L.O.), Bar time 18:00-24:00 (Food 23:00 L.O. / Drink 23:30 L.O.)
  • Closed No holidays
  • TEL 0980-83-3311
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Bar operation is currently suspended as of December 2020. Reopening date undecided.

Open ocean view where you can feel the wind.

Counter seating on the balcony overlooking the shallow ocean on the south side of the island. You can also go down to the garden to take pictures.
Counter seating on the balcony overlooking the shallow ocean on the south side of the island. You can also go down to the garden to take pictures.

This luxurious café is located along the ocean, about a 5-minute drive from the remote island terminal, and all seats have an ocean view. The counter seats on the balcony are popular, perfect for taking photogenic photos. The spacious lawn garden in front of the terrace and the emerald green ocean beyond make for a pleasant dining experience with a pleasant sea breeze and sunshine.
As the name "PUFFPUFF," which means "relaxing in a lazy mood," suggests, this cafe has a wonderful atmosphere that makes you want to linger. Enjoy the view that changes with time to your heart's content.

A variety of fashionable and delicious menus!

The perfect match of hot and cold
The perfect match of hot and cold "honey toastrich" 1,150 yen

If you visit at lunch time, try the special set menu that includes your choice of main dish, a half buffet, and a drink bar. The main course is the "Misaki Beef Roast Beef," limited to 10 servings per day. Please enjoy the luxurious taste of meat with chef's special onion sauce. Photo-journalistic sweets such as "Tropical Parfait," which is inspired by the sun and sea of Ishigaki, and "Honey Taste Rich," which is a hot Danish topped with cold vanilla ice cream, are also popular.
Apart from the café, there are also plans such as "Sunset BBQ" on the rooftop for private use, so you can enjoy your trip more.

Local Guide Comment
Even though I live in Yaeyama, somehow I feel like a traveler when I come here. On a fine day, you can have a delicious lunch and enjoy the scenery while the sea breeze blows.
Natural Garden Cafe PUFFPUFF
  • address (e.g. of house) 193-1 Maesato, Ishigaki City, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction 5 min. drive from Terminal
  • Business Hours 10:00-20:00 (L.O.19:30)
  • Closed December 31 and January 1
  • TEL 0980-88-7083
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Reservations required 2 days in advance for BBQ plans. Check the website for details.

Auberge Cafe in the northernmost part of Ishigaki Island

Rooftop
Rooftop "Observation Deck for Sea, Sunset, and Starry Sky". Food is not available, but café users are free to go up and enjoy the impressive panorama.

The luxury resort hotel "Seven Colors Ishigakijima" is located in Hirakubo area, the northernmost tip of Ishigaki Island. The white building is located right in front of the beach, and the Restaurant is open to the public as "Umi Cafe" only during lunch time. The café is often fully booked, as there are few places to eat and the view of the ocean is clearer than in the southern area. If you have to wait for a table, try going up to the rooftop observation deck. The panoramic view of the mountains, sky, and ocean is waiting for you.

Enjoy chef's lunch in front of the secluded beach

Misaki Beef Hamburger Steak Loco Moco
Misaki Beef Hamburger Steak Loco Moco" using Misaki beef grown in Ishigaki, 1,580 yen (excluding tax)

The former sous-chef of a famous hotel is the mastermind behind the café's cuisine. The menu using specialties of the island such as "Misaki Beef & Seasonal Vegetable Taco Rice," "Sautéed Nannu Pork with Pineapple Sauce," "Ishigaki Beef Curry," etc. are eye-catching. Sweets such as "Tropical Fruit Parfait" using pineapple as a bowl are also photogenic and cannot help but be photographed with the ocean in the background. After a delicious meal, many people seem to spend time relaxing around the area, riding on the beach swings or taking a nap in a hammock.

Local Guide Comment
The view from the observation deck is so beautiful that no matter how many times you visit, you will be impressed every time. You can take photogenic photos, so be sure to go up there before or after your meal.
Seven Colors Ishigaki Island
  • address (e.g. of house) 226-523 Hirakubo, Ishigaki City, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction Approx. 50 min. by car from the Terminal
  • Business Hours 11:00-14:00 (L.O. 14:00)
  • Regular holiday Open daily *Subject to temporary closure due to typhoons, maintenance, etc.
  • TEL 0980-84-5107
  • Parking Free of charge

A place where you will be reminded of the diverse beauty of Ishigaki

A garden full of tropical mood. On the right is Mt. Omotodake (elevation 525m) and on the left is Mt.
A garden full of tropical mood. On the right is Mt. Omotodake (elevation 525m) and on the left is Mt.

Ishigaki Island has a strong impression of the sea. But in fact, it is also a mountainous island with Okinawa's highest peak "Omotodake (Mt. Omotodake)". It takes about 15 minutes by car from the town to the north on Prefectural Road 87. When a remote road with no houses in sight suddenly opens up, you will find "Hikarakuen" in the bosom of the mountain. Behind the restaurant is a garden with a spectacular view where you can eat your purchases at tables. Sitting in the shade of a palm tree that stretches straight up to the sky, the fresh juice you enjoy while gazing at the original Yaeyama landscape of mountains, meadows, and fields is exceptional. You will notice the charm of the island which is different from the sea.

100% fresh juice that you can drink as you eat

Shrimp and avocado sandwich
Shrimp and avocado sandwich" 1,300 yen and today's tropical mixed juice (pineapple, guava, mango) 750 yen *Depends on the season.

In addition to the spectacular view, another secret of Hikari Rakuen's popularity is its freshly squeezed fruit drinks, which are made to order. There are so many kinds of home-grown guava and other tropical fruit juices, milk splits, smoothies, and more that you will get lost in the variety. You can also enjoy fresh fruits in various other forms, such as shaved ice and cut fruits. The famous "guava pie" is also a new taste sensation, combining the sweet and sour taste of guava with the crunchy pie crust. For those who want to fill up on something more substantial, try the satisfying baguette sandwich (with pickles and basil fries). All are available for takeout.

Local Guide Comment
At first, everyone will think, "A restaurant in a place like this? but once you go around the garden, you will be convinced by the location and the name of the restaurant. The juices are very fresh and fruity. Syrups are also available for those who like sweet.
Hikari Rakuen
  • address (e.g. of house) 1535-16 Hirate, Ishigaki City, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction 15 min. by car from Rito Terminal
  • Business Hours 9:00-17:00 (L.O.16:30)
  • Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  • TEL 0980-88-8731
  • Parking Free of charge

The Yaeyama Islands, with Ishigaki Island, located 410 km southwest of Naha on Okinawa's main island, as the gateway to the islands, are rich in individuality. Hoshino Resorts operates properties on TaketomiIsland, Iriomotejima, and Kohamajima, each with its own unique charm.

Immerse yourself in island time amidst a townscape that retains the original landscape of Okinawa.

There are three types of Guest room houses. The traditional architecture of the island is faithfully reproduced, and the islanders who visit are amazed at how nostalgic they are.
There are three types of Guest room houses. The traditional architecture of the island is faithfully reproduced, and the islanders who visit are amazed at how nostalgic they are.

TaketomiIsland is a small island with a circumference of 9.2 km formed by rising coral reefs. Ryukyu red-tiled streets, paths of pure white coral sand surrounded by hand-piled stone walls, clear blue sea and sky. The sound of sanshin (three-stringed guitar) being played by someone else and the island time are flowing slowly.
Guest rooms at HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island are one-story wooden structures that follow the traditional architecture of TaketomiIsland, with a shisa watching over the roof. All the porches face south, allowing a pleasant southerly breeze to blow through. For meals, please enjoy "Ryukyu Nouvelle," a French-style meal with ingredients unique to Okinawa. Please enjoy the surprising taste.

HOSHINOYA TaketomiIsland
  • address (e.g. of house) Taketomi Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction 8 min. by free shuttle from Taketomi Port
  • TEL 0570-073-066（Reservation for accommodation 9:00-20:00 )
  • Parking None

A remote island beach resort with a private atmosphere

Guest rooms are all suites of villa type
Guest rooms are all suites of villa type

The resort hotel is located on Kohamajima, the Yaeyama Islands, the most southwestern tip of Japan, about 25 minutes from Ishigaki Island by regular high-speed boat. There are only 60 Guest rooms on a site of approximately 360,000 tsubo. The small size of the hotel gives it a private feel, and you can spend a relaxing time without crowding anywhere. You will feel as if you have the white sand beach and the emerald green ocean view on the property all to yourself. Please enjoy an elegant holiday that only a remote island can offer.

Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Kohamajima
  • address (e.g. of house) 2954 Kohama, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction About 10 minutes from Kohama Port by free shuttle bus
  • TEL 050-3134-8093（RISONARE Reservation Center/9:30-18:00)
  • Parking Available

Jungle resort on the island where the Iriomote wildcat lives

Many activities such as trekking, kayaking, snorkeling, etc. are available to fully enjoy the unexplored Iriomote Island.
Many activities such as trekking, kayaking, snorkeling, etc. are available to fully enjoy the unexplored Iriomote Island.

This resort hotel is located in Iriomote Ishigaki National Park, about 45 minutes from Ishigaki Island by regular high-speed boat, and opened in October 2019. Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel is located in one of the Yaeyama Islands at the most southwestern tip of Japan. Surrounded by a sea of coral reefs and 90% covered by jungle, this subtropical island is also known as "the last unexplored region in Japan" because of its rare flora and fauna, including the Iriomote wild cat, a special natural treasure. Please spend a healing moment becoming one with the workings of nature through outdoor activities that allow you to fully enjoy the great nature of Iriomote Island, rare ecosystems, and tours that bring you into contact with the island's culture.

Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel by Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel
  • address (e.g. of house) 2-2 Uehara, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes from Uehara Port by free shuttle bus
  • Parking Available
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.