Painushima Ishigaki Airport | Ishigaki's Gateway, Gourmet, Souvenirs, Town Access & Parking

Located in the Shiraho area of northeastern Ishigaki, “Painushima Ishigaki Airport” is the gateway to Ishigaki and Yaeyama Islands sightseeing. A new airport that opened on March 7, 2013, its modern three-story building stands out against the southern blue sky. “Painushima” is a poetic airport name meaning “southern island” in the Yaeyama dialect.

With direct flights from Haneda, Narita, Kansai, Fukuoka and more, it’s a lively airport used by about 2.8 million people a year. An observation deck, Yaeyama-gourmet restaurants, specialty-product shops, a tourist information center—the airport itself has become a sightseeing spot in its own right. In this article, we’ll fully cover Painushima Ishigaki Airport’s charm, facilities, gourmet and town access.

What Kind of Place Is Painushima Ishigaki Airport? Ishigaki’s New Air Gateway

Painushima Ishigaki Airport is a regionally managed airport located in Ishigaki’s Shiraho area. It moved and opened on March 7, 2013 from the former Ishigaki Airport (near the town center). With a 2,000 m runway, the three-story passenger terminal building, where about 2.8 million passengers come and go a year, is the Yaeyama Islands’ largest air gateway.

The nickname “Painushima” is a nickname chosen by local public submission. It’s a Yaeyama word meaning “southern island”—a lovely naming expressing warmth and local character. The airport code is ISG.

Many direct flights from major airports

Airport served	Time needed
Haneda (Tokyo)	About 3 hr 20 min
Narita (Tokyo)	About 3 hr 40 min
Kansai (Osaka)	About 2 hr 50 min
Chubu (Nagoya)	About 2 hr 50 min
Fukuoka	About 2 hr 20 min
Naha (Okinawa main island)	About 60 min
Miyakojima	About 30 min
Hong Kong, Taipei, etc.	International routes also served

* The flight schedule varies by season. Check the airlines’ official sites for the latest information.

Painushima Ishigaki Airport’s Highlights & Facilities

Yaeyama gourmet | Ishigaki beef & Yaeyama soba

The 2nd-floor restaurants and food court gather famous Yaeyama-gourmet shops. You can savor island cuisine—Ishigaki-beef steak and yakiniku, Yaeyama soba, Okinawa soba, jushi (Okinawan mixed rice) and more—before departure or after arrival.

3rd-floor observation deck | aircraft up close

The 3rd-floor observation deck is a prime spot to enjoy takeoffs and landings up close. Popular with kids too, the contrast of blue sky and aircraft is splendid on a clear day.

1st-floor specialty shops | a last chance for souvenirs

The 1st and 2nd floors have many Yaeyama specialty-product shops. Souvenirs you forgot to buy in town can have their last hunt here. Standards are all here—Ishigaki salt, chili oil, fresh Yaeyama soba noodles, awamori, chinsuko, Minsa-weaving goods and more.

A duty-free shop too

Because there are international arrivals and departures too, there’s a duty-free shop. Convenient for those returning from overseas trips or living abroad too.

Satellite shops of ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort and USJ too

There are many satellite shops of hotels and eateries, and the airport itself has the fullness of a shopping mall. Perfect for passing time before a flight too.

Painushima Ishigaki Airport Basic Information & Access

Item	Details
Location	1960-104-1 Shiraho, Ishigaki City, Okinawa
Opened	March 7, 2013
Runway	2,000 m
Airport code	ISG (domestic) / ROIG (ICAO)
Nickname	Painushima Ishigaki Airport
Hours	First flight – last flight (roughly 7:00–21:30)
Parking	Yes (partly paid)

Access to the town & remote-island terminal

Method	Time needed	Fare
Karry Kanko bus (direct)	About 30 min	¥500
Azuma Kotsu bus (routes 4 & 10)	About 35–45 min	¥540
Taxi	About 25 min	About ¥3,000
Rental car	About 25 min	Rental fee

Direct access to sights is convenient too

Sight	Time needed
Shiraho Coast	About 5 min by car
Miyara River mangrove	About 10 min by car
Tamatorizaki Observation Deck	About 20 min by car
Yonehara Beach	About 25 min by car
Kabira Bay	About 35 min by car

A sightseeing plan straight from the airport

On your arrival or departure day, a plan incorporating the nearby Shiraho Coast snorkeling or a Miyara River mangrove tour from the airport is popular. You can savor Ishigaki’s nature even in a short time.

Painushima Ishigaki Airport FAQ

Is there a rental-car counter?

Yes, the airport has counters for major rental-car companies. Advance booking is smooth, and many include a shuttle to the shop.

What’s the wait time on arrival?

Baggage claim takes about 10–20 minutes. Including rental-car procedures, you can often depart 30–40 minutes after arrival.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes—it has rich family-oriented facilities: stroller rental, a nursing room, diaper-changing tables, a kids’ space and more.

Can I use Wi-Fi?

Free Wi-Fi (FreeSpot) is available. Comfortable for checking the net in your free time.

Summary | Make the Start and End of Your Trip Comfortable at Painushima Ishigaki Airport

Painushima Ishigaki Airport, opened in 2013, is the air gateway to Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands. A nickname meaning “southern island,” Yaeyama gourmet, specialty shops, an observation deck, a duty-free shop—the airport itself is a sightseeing spot where you can spend the time around your flight meaningfully.

About 25 minutes by car to town, access by bus for ¥500–540, with Shiraho Coast and Miyara River mangrove nearby too. On your next Ishigaki trip’s arrival and departure, be sure to experience the air of “Painushima.”