Located on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, Hirakubozaki Lighthouse is a breathtaking destination that captivates its visitors. Surrounded by abundant nature, it offers a 360-degree panoramic view, appealing to a wide range of visitors, from photography enthusiasts to nature-loving travelers. Additionally, the area around the lighthouse features other tourist spots, which we will explore in more detail below.
What makes Hirakubozaki Lighthouse so attractive?
Located at the northernmost point of Ishigaki Island, Hirakubozaki Lighthouse is celebrated for its natural beauty. The Hirakubo Lookout was established in the 17th century, and the lighthouse itself was built in the early Showa era. Historically, it served to monitor foreign ships among other roles, but today, it captivates many travelers as a breathtaking viewpoint where the vast expanses of the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean converge.
Experiences Available at Hirakubozaki Lighthouse
At Hirakubozaki Lighthouse, you can enjoy more than just the stunning ocean views. The area also offers a chance to experience the natural beauty of Ishigaki Island, including its lush greenery, diverse birdlife, and insects.
Additionally, the Japan Romantics Association has designated it as a ‘Lighthouse to Fall in Love With,’ a sacred place for romance. While it’s perfectly fine to visit with family and friends, coming here with someone special might just kindle a romance… or not.
Access
Hirakubozaki Lighthouse is typically accessed by rental car. The drive takes about 40 minutes from New Ishigaki Airport, approximately one hour from the Euglena Ishigaki Port Inter-Island Terminal, and about 50 minutes from Kabira Park Lookout.
Along the route, you’ll find beautiful beaches, tasty eateries, and other tourist attractions. Taking detours allows you to fully experience the northern part of Ishigaki Island. Additionally, even just driving offers a glimpse into the unique nature and wildlife of Ishigaki Island, immersing you in the Okinawa ambiance (though drivers should remain focused on the road).
| Location | 234-50 Hirakubo, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture, 907-0331, Japan |
| Business Hours | Open 24 hours. Please exercise caution for potential accidents during nighttime hours. |
| parking lot | Available free of charge. Due to the limited number of spaces, there may be a queue for available spots. |
| toilet | Available |
| vending machine | Available |
Key Points to Consider When Driving a Rental Car on Ishigaki Island
Renting a car is convenient for visiting Hirakubozaki Lighthouse and other tourist spots. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind when driving a rental car on Ishigaki Island.
Always adhere to the legal speed limits to protect wildlife.
Ishigaki Island is rich in nature and hosts a variety of rare wildlife. While driving a rental car, you may come across snakes, crabs, cats, birds, goats, and other animals. It’s crucial to always adhere to the legal speed limits. Moreover, the assumption that animals will flee if you approach them in your car is dangerously mistaken. Often, they don’t notice the vehicle and end up being struck.
Particularly, exercise caution on sharp curves, roads with poor visibility, and areas where the sides of the road are overgrown with vegetation and devoid of buildings. By adhering to speed limits, you can help protect wildlife lives and their habitats, and also reduce the risk of accidents.
Beware of roadkill involving the endangered Crested Serpent Eagle.
The Crested Serpent Eagle, native to Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, is a rare raptor designated as a national special natural monument. It is also classified as Critically Endangered (Category IA) on the Ministry of the Environment’s Red List.
Although it might seem unlikely that birds would be involved in traffic accidents, crested serpent eagles sometimes cross roads or forage on them, leading to ongoing traffic incidents. To protect these eagles, it is crucial to drive cautiously and remain vigilant of your surroundings
To learn more about crested serpent eagles, check out the article below.
Key Attractions Around Hirakubozaki Lighthouse
If you’re making the trip to the northernmost tip of Ishigaki Island, it’s worth exploring the nearby tourist spots to fully enjoy the area. Here are some recommended spots for you to consider on your journey.
Hirakubo Beach
Hirakubo Beach, located near Hirakubozaki Lighthouse, boasts crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores. The tranquil and serene atmosphere adds to its allure. While it might seem ideal for swimming and snorkeling, we advise against it due to the absence of jellyfish nets and lifeguards. Instead, this beach is best suited for those who prefer to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty in a less crowded setting.
Tamatorizaki Observatory
Another spot with a spectacular view is Tamatorizaki Observatory, located about 20 minutes by rental car from Hirakubozaki Lighthouse. The observatory overlooks the Hirakubo Peninsula in the northern part of Ishigaki Island and Nohara-zaki in the south. There are hibiscus along the walkway from the parking lot to the observatory and you can enjoy the tropical atmosphere. It is also famous as a spot for starscape photography and is a very rare area in Japan where you can see the Southern Cross if the time of year and weather conditions are right.
Akashi Shokudo
If you’re hungry, we recommend visiting Akashi Shokudo. This popular eatery is known for its delicious Yaeyama soba and Soki soba. As the parking lot often fills up, it’s a good idea to allow extra time for your visit.
summary
Hirakubozaki Lighthouse and its surrounding area offer a place of tranquility, where you can be rejuvenated by the lush greenery of Ishigaki Island and the stunningly beautiful ocean. When visiting this area, enjoy the breathtaking views from the lighthouse, but remember to respect the local people and nature, and always prioritize safety while sightseeing.
