Shima-no-tabemonoya Paikaji

Top choice in Yaeyama Islands


This Ishigaki city favourite serves all the Okinawan and Yaeyama standards. The boisterous atmosphere and kitchen get top marks, although smokers detract from the experience. Try the ikasumi chahan (squid-ink fried rice; ¥700), gōyā champurū (¥750) or sashimi moriawase (sashimi assortment; depending on size ¥750/1300/1800). Look for the traditional front, with coral around the entryway and a red-and-white sign.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Yaeyama Islands attractions

1. Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum

0.11 MILES

This modest museum has exhibits on the culture and history of the island, which are quite well presented with English explanations. Notable among the more…

2. Miyara Dōnchi

0.16 MILES

The unique home of a Ryūkyū kingdom official dates from 1819; walk north along Sanbashi-dōri until you see signs in English. The house is still an actual…

3. Gongen-dō

0.35 MILES

Adjacent to the temple Tōrin-ji is Gongen-dō, a small shrine rebuilt after being destroyed by a tsunami in 1771.

4. Tōrin-ji

0.37 MILES

Founded in 1614, the Zen temple of Tōrin-ji, near the intersection of Shimin-kaikan-dōri and Rte 79, is home to the 18th-century guardian statues of Deva…

5. Fusaki Beach Aqua Garden

3.52 MILES

Nonguests of the adjacent resort can pay to enter this massive 'aqua garden' complex with a beachfront pool, bar-restaurant, yoga lessons and a huge range…

6. Nishitō Utaki

4.55 MILES

This shrine is dedicated to a 16th-century ruler of the Yaeyama Islands who was born on Taketomi-jima, and whose tomb lies behind the shrine.

7. Taketomi Mingei-kan

4.6 MILES

This is the workshop where the island's woven minsā belts and other textiles are produced.

8. Nagomi-no-tō

4.62 MILES

Roughly in the centre of the village, this modest lookout tower has good views over the red-tiled roofs of the pancake-flat island.