Visit the picturesque Ishigaki Yaima Village, an open-air museum that highlights traditional Okinawan architecture and pre-modern homes. This charming museum provides an insightful glimpse into daily life in Okinawa before modern construction techniques were introduced. Additionally, there’s a delightful monkey park on-site, making it an ideal destination for those interested in history as well as nature enthusiasts.
Step into the historic Ishigaki Yaima Village, where the essence of ancient Ryukyu culture is beautifully preserved. This cultural treasure gathers historic residences from various parts of the island, offering a vivid portrayal of traditional lifestyles. As you stroll through the village, admire the classic red-tiled roofs, mythical shisa lion statues that guard against evil spirits, and the stunning coral walls. The museum features an impressive collection of ancient tools used by local farmers and fishermen. A must-see is the traditional sugar cane press, where you can witness the original processing methods still in use today, as sugar cane remains a significant industry on the island. The fisherman’s house showcases an extensive array of fishing gear, offering a glimpse into the maritime heritage of this captivating island.
Exploring the village offers a distinctive sense of how Okinawa and Ishigaki were before the introduction of modern buildings and tools. You might even be fortunate enough to witness traditional dances and music performances.
Adjacent to the open-air museum is a monkey park featuring squirrel monkeys, where you can interact closely with these adorable creatures. Be sure to visit the small mangrove area as well, where you can experience the natural beauty of Ishigaki’s mangroves and observe mudskippers in their habitat!
Getting There
By Car: Ishigaki Yaima Village is located about 15 minutes by car from Ishigaki City. From downtown Ishigaki, take Route 79 north for approximately 9km (5.6 mi).
By Bus: From the Ishigaki City Bus Terminal (at the port), you can catch bus routes 2, 7, 8, or 9 to Ishigaki Yaimamura. Bus 2 is the recommended option, with a journey time of just over 20 minutes.
Suggested Hotels in Ishigaki
| VIVOVIVA Ishigakijima |
| ☆☆☆☆ |
| Book with Agoda |
| Book with Booking.com |
| ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort |
| ☆☆☆☆ |
| Book with Agoda |
| Book with Booking.com |
| The BREAKFAST HOTEL MARCHE Ishigakijima |
| ☆☆☆ |
| Book with Agoda |
| Book with Booking.com |
