This ornately decorated Chinese-style "Tang People's Grave" commemorates the sorry fate of some 400 Hokkien Chinese coolies, who mutinied and ran aground on Ishigaki on their way to California. Pursued by the English navy, those captured were killed, so many headed into the mountains where they starved or committed suicide, and only a lucky few were taken under the wing of friendly locals and protected.
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具志堅用高記念館
A World Champion boxer during the 1970s-1980s who held the WBA light-flyweight title for 6 years from 1976 to 1981. He retired after losing the title and is most known today as a guest on variety shows. The museum focuses solely on his boxing career, with belts, trophies, gear, etc. from each of his boxing matches. Over a recreated boxing ring on the second floor, a television plays his full boxing matches.
八重山平和祈念館
A small museum outlining life on Ishigaki during World War II with special attention given to the prevalance of malaria on the island at the time, how the war pushed the disease to epidemic levels when the locals were evacuated into the mountains and aid was cut off, and the eradication of malaria from Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands by Americans after winning the war.
八重山鍾乳洞
An ill-maintained park with a high entrance fee, there is an unmanned gate where you can purchase a ticket. While the nature part of the park is impressive, overgrowth can make it difficult to see everything. It is sometimes compared to an experience of wandering into the mountains which is appealing to those who prefer a less curated experience. There are two caves on site. Visitors have noted that lighting in the cave may or may not be turned on and it may be sporadic inside the cave, so bring a good flashlight if you are committed to entering. You should not expect to find any employees, so you can explore freely but no one can assist you if you need help. While the site does not have broad appeal, it does have some cult appeal among those who enjoy exploring abandoned or semi-abandoned parks, as well as those who prefer to see local flora in a more wild and unmanicured state. In addition guided tours of the limestone caves allow you to see parts of the cave that are closed off to regular park entrants. Advance reservations are required for these tours.
The most common reason foreigners come here is due to confusion between this cave and the Ishigaki Stalactite Cave, which is larger, safer, fully-staffed and is the cave that is prominently featured in tourist ads. They are located near one another but along two different offshoots from the main road, hence the confusion. Refer to the listing "Ishigaki Stalactite Cave" for information about the other cave.
石垣島鍾乳洞
The southernmost cave in Japan, created by coral reefs over 200,000 years ago. It's 3.2 kilometers long in total, making it the largest cave on the island, and 660 meters are open to visitors. It's known for its illuminations in the Senkyo area of the cave, but a variety of features throughout the cave are also of interest.
いしがき島 星ノ海プラネタリウム
具志堅用高モニュメント
A statue of Ishigaki-born boxer, Yoko Gushiken, at Ishigaki Port. It's a popular photo op and something to see while waiting for your ferry.