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Ishigaki Shiritsu Yaeyama Museum: Gateway to Yaeyama Culture

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands through traditional crafts, artifacts, and historical exhibits.

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The Ishigaki Shiritsu Yaeyama Museum in Ishigaki, Okinawa, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the unique history, art, and cultural traditions of Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands. With over 5,000 exhibits, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the island residents throughout the ages.

A brief summary to Ishigaki Shiritsu Yaeyama Museum

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds for a more relaxed experience.
  • Check the museum's schedule for special events or temporary exhibitions.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the exhibits and local history.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Ishigaki City Center, find the local bus stop and take the bus heading towards Tonoshiro. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes. Get off at the 'Hakubutsukan-mae' or 'Tonoshiro' bus stop, a short walk from the museum. Check the bus schedule in advance. Bus fare is approximately ¥540 from the airport to the city center.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Ishigaki City. Tell the driver 'Ishigaki Shiritsu Yaeyama Museum' or provide the address: 4-1 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0004. The taxi ride from the city center takes about 10 minutes. Taxi fares typically range from ¥1,000 to ¥1,500 from the city center. The starting fare for a standard taxi is ¥500.

  • Car

    From Ishigaki City Center, drive southwest on Route 390. Continue for about 10 minutes until the intersection at Tonoshiro. Turn left onto Route 78, and after about 1 kilometer, you will see signs for the Ishigaki Shiritsu Yaeyama Museum. The museum is located at 4-1 Tonoshiro, Ishigaki. Parking is available on-site. Parking in town typically costs ¥100/hour a few minutes away from the museum, and ¥500/hour in the middle of the city.

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Discover more about Ishigaki Shiritsu Yaeyama Museum

The Ishigaki Shiritsu Yaeyama Museum, opened in 1972, serves as a cultural treasure trove, offering insights into the history and traditions of Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands. Constructed on the site of the former Ishigaki City Hall, the museum's establishment commemorated the return of Okinawa to mainland Japan. The museum's extensive collection features a diverse array of artifacts, including traditional boats and canoes, textiles, ceramics, and other handicrafts. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the daily utensils of Yaeyama residents, such as farm tools, toys, and funeral supplies. Scale models of traditional Yaeyama architecture provide insight into the region's distinctive structural designs. The museum also displays coffin palanquins, offering a glimpse into historical funeral practices, as well as scrolls and other documents that provide a deeper understanding of the area's rich history. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions highlighting contemporary art and local artists. Guided tours are available, providing visitors with deeper insights into the exhibits and the history of the islands.

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