Tamatorizaki Observatory is on Ishigaki Island, one of Okinawa Prefecture’s outlying islands.
It is a superb viewpoint over the sea along Ishigaki Island, taking in Hirakubo in the north and Ibaruma, Tori, and Shiraho in the east.
Allow 20 to 30 minutes, which gives you time for both the hibiscus garden and the view from the deck.
Ratings for Tamatorizaki Observatory
*Ratings reflect the personal impressions of the Okinawa Bookmark editor
Tamatorizaki Observatory at a Glance
| Opening hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Available (free) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Shop | No |
| Time needed | About 20–30 minutes |
| Official website | No |
What Makes It Worth Visiting
The View from the Deck
The view from the observation deck is superb.
It takes in everything from Hirakubo in the north of Ishigaki Island to Ibaruma, Tori, and Shiraho in the east.
[Toward Hirakubo]
[Toward Ibaruma, Tori, and Shiraho]
[Toward the sea]
The Hibiscus Garden
There is a hibiscus garden here as well, and it is lovely.
With so many hibiscus in bloom, I took a few photos that would sit well on social media.
A Covered Pavilion
When I visited, a couple were doing stretches in the shade of the pavilion while taking in the view.
A Well-Kept Walkway
The walkway is properly maintained, and you can reach the top of the deck by wheelchair.
Beautiful Night Skies
Tamatorizaki Observatory is also known for its star-filled skies.
Plenty of beautiful photos taken here appear on social media.
The Information Sign
There is a sign on site setting out details about Tamatorizaki Observatory.
Access and Parking
| Access | About 20 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport |
| Address | Ibaruma, Ishigaki City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
Tamatorizaki Observatory has a free parking lot.
See the Google Map below for details on parking.
Around Tamatorizaki Observatory
Activities on Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island has a great deal to do.
Marine activities in particular are plentiful — snorkeling, diving, SUP, kayaking, and more.
If any of that appeals, take a look on Viator or GetYourGuide.
ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort
With one of the finest settings on Ishigaki Island, right in front of Maesato Beach, this is the largest luxury beach resort on the island. The grounds cover roughly six times the area of the Tokyo Dome and hold four room wings to suit different styles of travel, along with indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and a golf course.
Ishigaki Island was Japan’s first certified Dark Sky Place, so the star-filled skies here are something special, and the resort also makes a convenient base for day trips to Taketomi, Iriomote, and the other outlying islands.
Rental Cars on Ishigaki Island
A rental car is by far the best way to get around Ishigaki Island.
Scenic spots such as Kabira Bay and Yonehara Beach are spread across the island, so having a car lets you explore at your own pace. Bus services on Ishigaki Island are infrequent, and a car makes a real difference to how much you can fit in.
Cars fill up quickly in the peak season, so we recommend booking early once your travel dates are set. One important note for overseas visitors: to drive in Japan you must obtain an International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention) in your home country before you depart, and remember that traffic in Japan drives on the left.
Summary
This guide has covered Tamatorizaki Observatory.
Tamatorizaki Observatory is a superb viewpoint that takes in Ishigaki Island at a glance.
When you visit Ishigaki Island, be sure to make time for Tamatorizaki Observatory.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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