Ishigaki Island: Local Food Guide for Car-Free Travelers

---

The article aims to introduce spot on Ishigaki Island that offer local food and can be accessed using only public transportation.

Sumibi Yakiniku Yamamoto

Sumibi Yakiniku Yamamoto is renowned as one of the best yakiniku restaurants not just in Okinawa, but possibly in all of Japan.

This immensely popular spot is known for its high-quality Ishigaki beef and has earned a reputation for being exceptionally difficult to book. 

All the beef served here is 100% Ishigaki beef, known for its rich flavor and tender texture. 

If you’re lucky enough to secure a reservation, you’re in for an unforgettable culinary experience.

How to get to Sumibi Yakiniku Yamamoto without a car:

Located conveniently in central Ishigaki, Sumibi Yakiniku Yamamoto is easily accessible by public transport.

The restaurant is also within walking distance of several hotels, providing easy access for visitors.

Starting with a toast of beer.

The left one is a wheat beer crafted in Ishigaki island and the right one is an Okinawa’s craft beer Orion Beer. 

The must-try signature dish is “Yaki Shabu (焼きシャブ)” that means grilled shabu-shabu. 

This dish features six slices of premium sirloin arranged around sliced onions, price at 2400 yen plus tax.

Lightly grill the beef, wrap it around the onion, and dip it in ponzu sauce. 

The beef melts in your mouth, leaving you in a state of bliss.

Almost every guest orders “Yaki Shabu (焼きシャブ)” , and it’s easy to see why. 

The short rib (カルビ) is another highlight, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor. It’s both chewy and tender, providing a delightful bite every time.

Sumibi Yakiniku Yamamoto also excels in non-beef dishes.

The Totori cold noodles(ととり冷麺), made with acorn flour, offer a chewy texture and are a refreshing end to your meal.

The Aka-musubi(赤むすび), a rice ball mixed with spicy miso, is another standout. 

After a satisfying meal, the restaurant staff can arrange a taxi for you.

This service allows you to enjoy your meal and alcohol without worrying about transportation back to your hotel.

Reservations at Sumibi Yakiniku Yamamoto can be challenging because it can only be made by phone.

Due to its popularity, it’s advisable to book at least three months in advance.

However, during the off-peak season like in December, I managed to get a reservation with a call three weeks prior.

It’s always worth trying, even on short notice.

Call number: +81-980-83-5641

Funakura no Sato

Funakura no Sato serves Okinawan cuisine.

You can immerse yourself in the culture of the Yaeyama Islands.

Set in a traditional Okinawan houses, you can enjoy the live Okinawan folk songs while having dinner at night.

How to get to Funakura no Sato without a car:

Funakura no Sato is accessible by public bus “9 Kabira Resort Line”. 

It is located just a short walk from the bus stop whose name is “Funagura no Sato” just the same as the restaurant’s name.

When making a reservation for dinner, you’ll need to select a kaiseki menu in advance.

On my visit, I opted for the Akayoura course, the most affordable option at 4,620 yen.

This set menu includes a variety of dishes that showcase the best of Ishigaki’s local ingredients and culinary traditions.

The Akyoura course features a variety of intriguing dishes:

• Tofu You: Okinawan fermented tofu, aged in awamori and red yeast rice for more than 3 months. It’s potent and best enjoyed in small bites.

• Sunuru: A traditional seaweed dish.

• Mimiga: Thinly sliced pig’s ear salad.

• Local Fish Sashimi: Fresh and delicate slices of local raw fish.

• Gurukun Karaage: Whole deep-fried fish, double-lined fusilier.

• Jimami Tofu: Creamy and rich Peanut Tofu.

• Rafute: Tender braised pork belly with island vegetables.

• Koh-jushi: Flavored rice cooked with local ingredients.

• Soup: Japanese style clear soup.

• Chikimun: Pickled vegetables.

This is tender Rahute, which is Okinawan braised pork belly.

The jimami tofu is a creamy and delightful dish that stood out during the meal.

Its rich texture and unique flavor make it a must-try.

The Gurukun karaage is served whole fish and is incredibly crispy.

You can eat it from head to tail without worrying about the bones.

Dining at Funakura no Sato is not just about the food. In the evenings, you can enjoy live performances of traditional Okinawan music played on the sanshin, a three-stringed instrument. This cultural touch adds to the sensory delight of the meal, making it a truly immersive experience.

Expect an evening of great food and captivating performances. 

Chinen Shokai

Chinen Shokai is a beloved local supermarket on Ishigaki Island, known for its unique and budget-friendly food offering: Onisasa. 

Onisasa consists of a rice ball topped with a deep-fried chicken fillet, invented by local students.

Chinen Shokai is located about a 15-minute walk from the center of Ishigaki Island, so you can easily visit on foot or by a short bus ride.

Creating your own Onisasa at Chinen Shokai is part of the fun.

Choose your favorite type of onigiri from a variety of flavors, then pick a freshly fried chicken fillet. 

One of the most popular combinations among locals is the shiso (perilla leaf) flavor though,

I opted for the basic nori-tama (seaweed and egg) onigiri.

Along with Onisasa, consider trying a local drink “Genki Cool” (ゲンキクール), a popular lactic acid beverage on Ishigaki Island.

However, be warned: the combination of a rice ball and a lactic acid drink might not be to everyone’s taste.

If you prefer, enjoy them separately to fully appreciate each unique flavors.

Chinen Shokai offers a variety of local foods and souvenirs. Besides Onisasa, you’ll find everyday groceries for locals and unique souvenirs perfect for visitors.Tropical Cafe Mas

Tropical Cafe Mas

When visiting Okinawa, tasting the local deep-fried doughnuts known as Sata Andagi is a must.

While the famous Sayoko’s Sata Andagi is a popular choice, its limited hours until 2 PM might not fit into everyone’s schedule. 

Located near the picturesque Kabira Bay, Tropical Cafe Mas serves delicious salted Sata Andagi.

A set of six Sata Andagi costs 550 yen, and while they don’t sell individual pieces.

Enjoying these sweet treats while overlooking the beautiful view of Kabira Bay is an experience you won’t forget.

Nanapito Hompo

Situated within the Ishigaki Island Remote Terminal, this shop offers a beloved milk shake called Mariya Shake.

When you order a Maruya Shake, you can choose from a variety of free topping sauces such as mango and passion fruit.

According to shop staff,  the mango topping is the most popular one. 　

Miru Miru Hompo

Miru Miru Hompo offers a delightful selection of gelato made from Ishigaki’s finest ingredients.

Conveniently located, including a spot at the airport, this is a must-visit for a sweet treat before you depart the island.

Miru Miru Hompo offers a wide range of flavors, ensuring there’s something for everyone. 

You can choose 2 flavors for 1 cup.

I picked a combination of the Salted & Brown Sugar and Purple Yam.

Both flavors were perfect choice for me. 

Here are the top three flavors you must try:

• No. 1: Milk 

• No. 2: Mango (with an additional charge)

• No. 3: Salted & Brown Sugar 

Additionally, they offer an array of other enticing flavors such as Banana, Cassis Orange, Peanut, Azuki Kinako (sweet red bean and roasted soy flour), Coconut, Rum Raisin, and Blueberry Yogurt.

There are even some airport-exclusive flavors to explore.

Miru Miru Hompo is perfect for a quick and satisfying treat while you wait for your flight.

---

Here are the recommended gourmet spots in Ishigaki Island.

Be sure to use this article as a guide on your trip and enjoy lots of delicious food!