Flights to Ishigaki
Ishigaki island has a small domestic airport located conveniently to the north east of the city in the Maezato area. Although there are no direct international flights to Ishigaki, the airport is well connected with other major cities in Japan in addition to Naha, the capital of Okinawa.
The two main carriers which connect to Ishigaki are ANA and JTA, which is part of the JAL group. In addition Ryuukyuu Air fly smaller aircraft which connect travellers with many islands throughout the Okinawa prefecture.
Discount Air Tickets
Domestic air fares in Japan are comparatively expensive when compared to the bargain rates which can be found in the highly competitive markets of Europe and America. However, the good news that there is no need to pay over the odds as there are two ways in which travellers can receive substantial discounts:
- oneworld® Visit Japan. oneworld's Visit Japan (Yokoso) campain offers international travellers the opportunity to purchase massively discounted domestic air tickets to over 40 cities in Japan, with Ishigaki being one of the destinations. The cost of the flight is fixed irrespective of the destination, making flights to Ishigaki airport incredibly good value with the price being about 20% of what would normally be charged for a ticked from Tokyo to Ishigai. These tickets are only offered to travellers who reside outside of Japan and who hold a return ticket to with a carrier that is a member of the oneworld group. Internal flights are operated by JAL / JTA. Futher details can be found here.
- Welcome to Japan. This campain offers tickets which are about 30% more expensive than oneworld's Visit Japan rates, but they still represent very good value for money. Travellers must still reside outside of Japan and hold a return ticket, however their carrier need not be a member of the oneworld group. Internal flights are also operated by JAL / JTA.
- Advance Tickets: These can be purchased by anybody irrespective of their country of residence. While they don't offer the extreme discounts of the oneworld's Visit Japan fares the rates are extremely reasonable with discount rates of around 50% being applied to many tickets purchased over a month in advance.
New Airport
The length of the current runway limits the size of aircraft which can use the airport and consequently a new airport is currently being built on the east cost of the island some distance from the city. This airport should be available for use by 2011 and it is hoped that this will expand tourism for the island in addition to reducing noise pollution in the Maezato area.Although there is little doubt that the new airport is required, some may miss the convenience of the current one, plus, the opportunity to view Boeing 737s skirting across rooftops in the Maezato area as they make their final approach to the runway is not one to be missed. The intersection opposite the local Max Value supermarket is probably the best place to catch such a sight as it is situated right underneath the flight path.
Island views
On a clear day getting a right side window seat on a flight to Ishigaki will enable you to enjoy some fantastic views of the island and the reefs which surround it as the plane approaches.
Airport Location
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