Ishigaki when it rains might not be what you had in mind, and it wasn’t what we imagined either. We had pictured those five days in Ishigaki as a sort of mini holiday within our trip. We dreamed of turquoise water beaches, tropical islands, sunsets with a beer in hand… But the weather had other plans. The closer the date got, the worse the forecast became. We still managed to get one clear day to visit Taketomi — which is absolutely worth it — but after that came the rain, the wind, and we had to cancel our trip to Hateruma.
At first, we were disappointed. Expectations were high, the plans were all set… But hey, when life gives you lemons in Ishigaki, you make a plan B and take the chance to discover a less touristy side of the island. And you know what? It surprised us — in the best way possible.
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Exploring Ishigaki in the rain is not the end of the world
It’s normal to associate Ishigaki with beaches and nearby islands — and rightly so. But the weather doesn’t always cooperate, and for us, it meant adapting: cancelling boats, rethinking the itinerary, and looking for alternatives.
If the same happens to you, don’t worry. Ishigaki has much more to offer than it seems. Just swap your swimsuit for an umbrella, keep an open mind, and explore another side of the island. There are museums, covered markets, craft workshops, caves, and even planetariums. You just need to know where to look.
Things to do in Ishigaki when it rains
Ishigaki Caves – if you’re into this kind of adventure
We have to confess: we’re not huge fans of visiting caves. We prefer being outdoors, hiking trails, or chilling at the beach. But in everything we read about what to do in Ishigaki on rainy days, the caves were always at the top of the list.
The most famous is the Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave — over 200,000 years old, filled with illuminated stalactites, including one called the “Totoro Stalactite.” There’s a shop, a restaurant, and even workshops on-site. It can be a great way to spend a dry and curious afternoon.
Further north, there’s the Ibaruma Sabichi Cave, less touristy and with a trail leading to a hidden beach. With good weather, it must be amazing, but on rainy days, the more central option might be a better bet.
Euglena Mall – our safe haven on rainy days
If there was one place that saved us on those rainy days, it was Euglena Mall. It’s a covered shopping street, perfect for strolling without getting wet. It was really close to our accommodation, so we ended up going there several times for lunch, to browse shops, or just to walk around.
Right next to it is the Ishigaki Public Market, where you can find everything: food, crafts, souvenirs. We had some of the best meals of the trip there — Japanese pancakes and a ramen that would make anyone jealous. A simple place, full of flavor, and perfect for sheltering from the rain without losing the local vibe.
Yurateiku Market – more local, more authentic
The Yurateiku Market is smaller and less touristy, but it’s where you really feel the island’s rhythm. Everything sold here is local: tropical fruits, sweets, sauces, purple sweet potato snacks, and seaweed. It’s not a typical market — more like a supermarket for local products. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the city center and perfect if you love genuine markets. We had a sweet red bean paste bun that was delicious.
Don Quijote – a Japanese classic full of surprises
If you’ve been to Japan, you probably know Don Quijote (or Donki, as it’s often called). It’s that store where you find everything: food, electronics, toys, souvenirs, cosmetics. In Ishigaki, it’s about a 15-minute bus ride from the center, and it’s worth a visit even just to see the variety or pick up some snacks.
We also took the chance to grab a few things we needed — including an electric toothbrush!
Craft workshops – a fun suggestion
We didn’t have time to try it, but there are lots of cool options if you like hands-on activities. From Ryukyu glassblowing, where you can make your own cup or jar, to painting Shisa figures, traditional pottery, or Minsa weaving, typical of the Yaeyama islands.
Places like Glass Island or the Ishigaki City Traditional Craft Center offer these experiences, often without the need for a reservation.
Museums and cultural spaces – history with local flavor
Another great surprise: the museums. Small, simple, but full of soul. The Yoko Gushiken Memorial Hall is dedicated to the island’s famous boxer, but it also tells a lot about local history and the importance of sports in the community.
If you enjoy learning about culture in a calm, unhurried way, these are great options for a gray day.
Hoshinoumi Planetarium – a sea of stars waiting to be discovered
This one stayed on our list… but we didn’t make it there. Still, we’re leaving the tip because it seems worth it. Small but well-done, it shows Okinawa’s sky, constellations, and local legends. If you’re traveling with kids or have a curious mind about the universe, it can be a perfect plan for a rainy day.
Relaxation also matters – spas, onsens, and wellness
Bad weather can be the perfect time to slow down. There are wellness centers in Ishigaki offering massages, treatments with sea salt (a regional specialty), and even indoor onsens.
Next time we visit, we definitely want to try it — because taking care of ourselves is also part of traveling.
Local distilleries – discovering awamori
One of Okinawa’s traditions is awamori, a Thai rice liquor with a strong but surprisingly smooth flavor. There are several distilleries in Ishigaki, like Takamine or Yaesen, where you can learn about the process and do some tastings. Even if you’re not a big fan of strong drinks, the atmosphere and the stories make the visit worth it — a great plan for a rainy day in Ishigaki.
Cozy cafés to warm you up inside
On rainy days, there’s nothing better than a hot coffee and a local cake. In Ishigaki, we found hidden cafés serving yaeyama soba, Japanese curry, wagyu burgers, and traditional sweets.
Each with its own personality, perfect for relaxing, reading, or simply watching the rain fall. Try the purple sweet potato cake — it’s delicious.
Practical tips for rainy days in Ishigaki
We learned a few useful lessons:
- Always carry an umbrella or a raincoat.
- Check a weather app — it sounds odd, but it was very accurate with the timing.
- Use local buses: cheap, punctual, and they reach almost everywhere.
- Always have a plan B, even on sunny days. Ishigaki has a tropical climate, so you never know when the weather will change.
Was it worth it? Our conclusion
If you had asked us before the trip what we expected from Ishigaki, we would have said dreamy beaches and perfect sunsets. But the truth is that the grey days taught us to see the island with different eyes.
We didn’t go to Hateruma, we didn’t see manta rays, and we didn’t have picture-perfect sunsets. But we experienced real moments. We felt the island in a different, more authentic way.
So yes: Ishigaki in the rain was totally worth it. And if we could go back… we would do it all the same, not letting the rain ruin how much you can enjoy Ishigaki.
FAQs
Is it worth visiting Ishigaki in the rain?
Yes! Ishigaki has so much more to offer beyond the beaches: caves, museums, local markets, workshops, and even planetariums. With flexibility, grey days can become amazing cultural experiences.
What should I pack if rain is forecasted?
An umbrella, a raincoat, lightweight shoes that dry quickly, practical clothes, and a powerbank. You’ll use your phone a lot for transport and weather apps.
Do buses work well in bad weather?
They do. They’re reliable, punctual, and cover the island well. Use apps like BusNavi Okinawa for real-time schedules.
Can I visit other islands on rainy days?
It depends. If it’s just light rain, ferries usually operate. But with strong winds or rough seas, cancellations are common. Always check on the day.
Where to eat well on a rainy day in Ishigaki?
Covered markets like Euglena Mall and Yurateiku have great options. There are also cozy cafés serving local dishes and warm sweets that will comfort your body and soul.
