Ishigaki Yaima Village

Author: Richard Perkins
Photos/Videos Taken: 2025/07/15
Address: Ishigaki-Shi, Okinawa,
Nagura 967-1【907-0021】
Admission Fee: Adult ¥1,200・(group) ¥1,000 |
Children ¥1,000・(group) ¥500

Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture, is an island rich in nature. Like the main island of Okinawa Prefecture, it‘s also home to a unique culture. While there aren’t many tourist attractions, one will find spots where they can enjoy the best of what this island has to offer. Some of these places offer an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Ishigaki Island itself. One such place is Ishigaki Yaima Village.

The Ishigaki Yaima Village is like a small theme park. One will find a variety of items here, unique to Ishigaki Island, that all help to deepen one’s understanding of just what type of island it is. Of everything there's to see, the most notable feature of the village is undoubtedly its collection of houses built in the traditional style of the Yaeyama Islands, which include Ishigaki Island. Here, houses from Ishigaki Island that are more than 100 years old have been preserved, and visitors are free to walk through them at their leisure. The number of traditionally built houses in Okinawa Prefecture is decreasing each year, so it’s a valuable opportunity to be able to get to view the lifestyle of Ishigaki Island up close like this. While there are a few minor details that distinguish these homes from other traditional Okinawan houses, they’re largely similar in design. Walking through them gives visitors a sense of how life was lived on the island and, for some residents, still is today.

One of the first aspects people may notice about the traditional houses here is the red-tiled roofs. These tiles have traditionally been used not only because they’re beautiful, but also for practical reasons. They help block out much of the heat and are highly durable. Okinawa Prefecture experiences multiple typhoons each year, and these traditional homes were designed specifically for this type of climate. The eaves are built deeper than those of many modern homes, helping block excessive heat from the sun while also preventing rain from entering. The roofs themselves also help keep the houses cool. In addition to the roofs, parts of these homes—such as the windows, entrances, and ventilation openings—have been built wider than usual. This creates an open atmosphere that allows wind to pass through easily, helping cool the house naturally. These traditional homes were designed to help residents live comfortably.

Another notable (and fun) part of the Ishigaki Yaima Village is its squirrel monkeys. These monkeys are native to Central and South America, and are not native to Okinawa Prefecture. However, they’re bred and raised here. Visitors can get much closer to them than they might at a zoo, as they can enter the area where the monkeys live. The monkeys here are quite tame; they can be fed and even petted. If visitors hold out their hands, the monkeys may jump onto their arms and shoulders. It’s possible to interact with them up close and observe them from just a short distance away. Being so close to these monkeys can make one feel as though they’re observing them in their natural habitat. Because of this, visitors can take photos of their natural expressions and movements—photos that might be difficult to capture at a zoo. Playing with all these monkeys is an experience one won’t forget; it’s certainly not an experience that can be had in many other places.

Other than getting to play with monkeys, there are several other experiences to be had here, too. For instance, at certain times, visitors can watch a folk performance. One performer plays a 三線 (sanshin—a traditional Okinawan instrument) while another sings and dances. Given the unique culture of Ishigaki Island, this performance is well worth seeing. In addition to these performances, visitors can also make their own decorative シーサー (shīsā—a traditional lion-like guardian). They can paint a pair themselves. First, they choose a pair of shīsā and then paint them in whatever colors they like. It may look easy, but creating an attractive design requires a good sense of color and creativity. It’s actually quite challenging. Once finished, visitors can take their painted shīsā home as a souvenir. It’ll surely serve as a wonderful reminder of one’s trip.

As mentioned, Ishigaki Island is a fascinating island with its own unique culture. The Ishigaki Yaima Village is worth a visit for those who’d like to know in depth about the island, and for people visiting this island for the first time. Although it’s not a very large attraction, visitors (as mentioned) can explore houses built in the traditional style of the Yaeyama Islands. With so much to experience, this is certainly a place where one can deepen their understanding of the culture and lifestyle of Ishigaki Island. It’s not just adults who will enjoy a visit here—children are sure to have a great time as well. In fact, it’s an excellent destination for families. When next on Ishigaki Island, be sure to visit the Ishigaki Yaima Village and experience the island’s unique culture and history.