Japan > Ishigaki

Ishigaki, Okinawa

Ishigaki is a city in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It includes Ishigaki island and the disputed Senkaku Islands territory. The city is the political, cultural, and economic center of the Yaeyama Islands. New Ishigaki Airport serves the city.

As of December 2012, the city has an estimated population of 48,816 and a population density of 213 persons per km2. The total area is 229.00 km2.

History

Ishigaki was founded in 1908 as Yaeyama Village, an amalgamation of the Ishigaki, Ōhama, and Miyara magiri. In 1914 it was renamed to Ishigaki Village, and grew to become Ishigaki Town in 1926. Ishigaki was elevated to city status on July 10, 1947.

Geography

The city of Ishigaki covers the entirety of Ishigaki Island (222 square kilometres (86 sq mi)). The island is surrounded by coral reefs. The highest point on Ishigaki Island is Omotodake (525.5 metres (1,724 ft)).

The uninhabited Senkaku Islands are located 150 kilometres (93 mi) north of the Ishigaki Island. The Senkaku Islands cover roughly 6.3 square kilometres (2.4 sq mi).

Climate

Ishigaki has a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen climate classification Af) with hot summers and warm winters. Precipitation is abundant throughout the year; the rainiest months are August and September (due to tropical storm/typhoon) while the driest months are December and July.

Transportation

New Ishigaki Airport and Ishigaki Port serve the city.

Economy

Ishigaki produces sugarcane and pineapples. Tourism is also an important part of the economy of the city.

Sights

The town of Ishigaki has various sights to offer.

Notable people from Ishigaki


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