Spread out before you are the sea—with its beautiful, crystal-clear coral reefs—and the mountains, along with the laid-back island scenery. With Mount Omoto—the highest peak in Okinawa Prefecture—rising at its center, Ishigaki Island is surrounded by abundant natural beauty. With an average January temperature of around 18°C (64°F), the atmosphere here is quite different from the winter races where runners battle the cold.
This one-way course lets you enjoy the peaceful, quintessentially Okinawan scenery—including pineapple plantations, sugarcane fields, and pastures—and soak up that vacation vibe.
It’s so heartwarming to have the whole island cheering us on!
The cheering along the route has that lively, Okinawan vibe. With sanshin music, dancing, and Eisa chants, everyone from children to the elderly energetically cheers on the runners.
Enjoy the Event’s Signature Social Gathering♪
The fun continues even after you cross the finish line at this event. After washing away your sweat in the baths and showers provided by the Self-Defense Forces… it’s time for the “Social Gathering,” which is a huge hit every year!
There’s plenty to enjoy, including traditional Yaeyama folk performances, live music by local artists, and a raffle with fantastic prizes.
It’s an event where you can enjoy the stage performances while savoring delicious local cuisine—such as Ishigaki beef—and mingle with fellow runners and locals.
The “Ishigaki Island Marathon” is also highly praised for its impressive selection of food!
The aid stations feature a variety of energizing treats that Ishigaki is famous for, including brown sugar, locally grown pineapple, and salt.
Another highlight is the large number of volunteer-run aid stations. With delicious, energy-boosting Ishigaki food and warm smiles, they’ll cheer you on to the finish line!
Why Ishigaki Island?
1. The Southernmost Full Marathon in Japan
“The Ishigaki Island Marathon is officially known as the southernmost full marathon in Japan.
Held on a tropical island in Okinawa, it offers warm weather, ocean views, and a unique running experience you can’t find anywhere else in the country.”
2. Part of Japan’s first certified Dark Sky Park
Ishigaki Island is home to an area protected for its exceptionally dark night skies, where the Milky Way and even the Southern Cross can be seen with the naked eye. It is one of the best stargazing destinations in Asia.
Apparently, you can see 84 of the 88 constellations. Around January (when the marathon takes place), you can supposedly see the Southern Cross as well (though the time and location are limited—and so is the weather).
Easy Access from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka
Ishigaki Island is conveniently accessible from Tokyo via direct flights operated by major Japanese airlines. Travelers can depart from either Haneda Airport or Narita International Airport, with a flight time of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. All flights arrive at New Ishigaki Airport (ISG), the primary gateway to the Yaeyama Islands.
Upon arrival, visitors can reach central Ishigaki City within 25 to 30 minutes by airport bus or taxi.
The city’s ferry terminal provides onward connections to nearby islands such as Taketomi, Iriomote, Kohama, and Hateruma, making Ishigaki an ideal base for exploring the region.
Pre- of Post-race Excursion
Ishigaki Island Sightseeing Spots
1. Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory
“The Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory is one of Japan’s southernmost national observatories, located on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa.
It features a 1.05m (3.4ft) optical and infrared telescope called the Murikabushi Telescope, the largest in the Kyushu–Okinawa region.
Thanks to Ishigaki’s stable atmosphere and low latitude, visitors can observe stars that cannot be seen from mainland Japan, including the Southern Cross and Alpha/Beta Centauri.”
It is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance!
2. Kabira Bay
Selected as one of Japan’s top scenic spots, Kabira Bay offers stunning emerald waters dotted with small islands. Glass-bottom boat rides and stand-up paddleboarding are popular ways to enjoy the view.
3. Tamatorizaki Observatory
Tamatorizaki Observatory is one of the most scenic viewpoints on Ishigaki Island, located on a small hill on the island’s northeastern coast.
From the viewing deck, visitors can enjoy a rare panorama where two seas meet—the East China Sea on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other—creating striking bands of turquoise and deep blue.
The short path to the observatory is lined with hibiscus and tropical plants that bloom year-round, making it a beautiful stop in any season.
4. Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave
The largest limestone cave on Ishigaki Island, created by nature over 200,000 years.
In addition to the natural beauty of the stalactites, you can enjoy the fantastical glow of the cave illumination, the sound of dripping water in the suikinkutsu, and the mysterious world that spreads out underground. There are many highlights to see.
There are also restaurants and shops on the premises.
5. Hirakubozaki Lighthouse
Hirakubozaki Lighthouse stands at the northernmost tip of Ishigaki Island and offers one of the most breathtaking ocean panoramas in Okinawa.
From the hilltop, visitors can see two oceans at once—the Pacific Ocean on one side and the East China Sea on the other—creating dramatic layers of turquoise and deep blue.
Islands around/near Ishigaki Island
Here are some remote islands that can be reached by plane or ferry from Ishigaki Island. All of them are rich in nature and have a warm climate even in winter, so you can enjoy a relaxing trip.
1. Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island is the largest of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. About 90% of the island is covered in subtropical jungle, making it one of Japan’s last remaining wilderness areas. It’s often called “Japan’s Galápagos” for its rich biodiversity and untouched nature.
Accessible only by ferry from Ishigaki Island (approx. 45–60 minutes).
2. Taketomi Island
A small gem in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture, located just 6 km (3.75 miles) south of Ishigaki Island. It takes only about 10 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Port. The island preserves a traditional Okinawan village atmosphere that attracts visitors from across Japan and abroad.
The entire island is part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park and has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings since 1987. Its iconic red-tiled roofs, coral stone walls, and white sand paths offer a glimpse into Okinawa’s timeless charm.
3. Hateruma Island
Hateruma Island is the southernmost inhabited island of Japan, located in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture. It lies about 1 to 1.5 hours by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Island. The island’s name is believed to derive from “Hate-no-Uruma,” meaning “coral island at the edge”—a fitting description for this remote paradise.
Traditional Okinawan houses with red-tiled roofs and rows of fukugi trees still line the village streets. With minimal light pollution and crystal-clear air, Hateruma is one of the few places in Japan where you can observe the Southern Cross constellation.
4. Yonaguni Island
Yonaguni Island is Japan’s westernmost inhabited island, located in the Yaeyama archipelago of Okinawa Prefecture. Just 111km (about 70miles) from Taiwan, it’s so close that the mountains of Taiwan can sometimes be seen on clear days.
Often called “Japan’s border island,” Yonaguni offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and remote island charm.
Access:
✔ Air: from Ishigaki Island 30 minutes (3round trips per day)
✔ Ferry: From Ishigaki Island 4 hours (run twice a week)
Gourmet Information
1. Ishigaki Wagyu Beef
Ishigaki Wagyu is one of Japan’s premium beef varieties, known for its rich marbling, buttery texture, and deep umami flavor. Visitors can enjoy it as steak, yakiniku (Japanese BBQ), or shabu-shabu.
2. Yaeyama Soba
Yaeyama Soba is a local noodle dish unique to the Yaeyama Islands.
The noodles are thinner and round, served in a clear pork-and-bonito broth with simple toppings such as pork slices and fish cake.
3. Ishigaki Beef Curry & Burgers
Casual dishes like Ishigaki beef curry and gourmet burgers are popular among international travelers who prefer familiar flavors.
4. Tropical Fruits
Ishigaki’s tropical climate produces excellent pineapple, mango, passion fruit, and dragon fruit. Fresh juice and fruit parfaits are must-try items.
5. Ishigaki Gelato & Brown Sugar Sweets
Local gelato shops offer flavors made from island ingredients such as brown sugar, salt, pineapple, and purple yam.
6. Awamori
Awamori is Okinawa’s traditional distilled spirit, with over 600 years of history. It’s considered Japan’s oldest distilled liquor, originating in the Ryukyu Kingdom and influenced by Southeast Asian distillation techniques. Unlike sake or shochu, awamori is made with Indica rice and black koji mold, giving it a rich aroma and deep flavor.
