Planning a family trip to Ishigaki Island is exciting, but choosing the right hotel is crucial, especially when traveling with little ones. You want the luxury resort experience, but you also need to know: “Is it really child-friendly?” and “What do we do if it rains?”
As a mom of a 5-year-old living in the Kanto region, I recently visited the ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort. In this review, I’ll share our honest experience, covering everything from the spacious rooms and the incredible Club Lounge to the breakfast buffet and how we saved the day using the indoor pool during rainy weather.
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Pros and Cons
To give you a quick overview, here are the honest pros and cons we found during our stay.
The Pros
- World-Class Luxury: From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere is sophisticated yet welcoming.
- Rain-Proof Fun: The warm indoor pool is a lifesaver when the weather turns bad.
- Incredible Dining: The breakfast buffet is one of the best I’ve ever had, and the fresh juices are amazing.
- Club Lounge Access: If you book a Club room, the lounge offers complimentary food and drinks that make the stay much more relaxing for parents.
The Cons
- Vast Grounds: The resort is huge. Moving from your room to the pool or restaurants can take some time (though you can ask for a cart ride).
- Price: It is a luxury hotel, so rates are high, especially during peak season.
- Location: It is slightly removed from the city center, so you’ll need a rental car or taxi to go out for dinner in town.
Location and Access
The resort is located on the southern part of Ishigaki Island, right in front of the beautiful Maesato Beach.
From the Airport It takes about 20 minutes by car from Painushima Ishigaki Airport (New Ishigaki Airport). We rented a car at the airport. With a 5-year-old, a rental car is definitely the most convenient option for managing luggage and car seats. The hotel parking lot is spacious and easy to use.
Public Transport & Taxi If you prefer not to drive, a taxi costs around 3,500 to 4,000 yen one way. There is also a convenient bus that runs between the airport and the hotel, taking about 25–30 minutes. The bus stop is right in front of the hotel entrance, making it very accessible.
Room Review: Club InterContinental Room
We stayed in the “Club InterContinental” room.
Room Size and Vibe When we opened the door, my daughter immediately shouted, “Wow, it’s so big!” The room is over 43 square meters (about 460 sq ft), offering plenty of space even with two large suitcases open. The design features white and blue tones inspired by Ishigaki’s ocean, creating a very clean and relaxing atmosphere. The balcony offered a stunning view of the emerald green sea.
Beds and Amenities The twin beds were spacious. We requested in advance to have the beds pushed together (Hollywood Twin style), so we didn’t have to worry about our daughter rolling off during the night.
Note on Kids Amenities One thing to be aware of is the amenities for children. In our room, kids’ pajamas, slippers, and step stools were not provided. If you are traveling with small children, I highly recommend bringing your own pajamas and slippers from home to ensure they are comfortable. As for toothbrushes, you may be able to get them upon request, so it is best to check with the hotel in advance.
Bathroom The bathroom features a separate washing area with a shower, just like a typical Japanese home, which makes washing a child very easy. The bathtub is deep and perfect for soaking.
Laundry Information for Families Laundry can be a concern during family trips. Fortunately, both the Club InterContinental and Ocean Wing buildings are equipped with coin laundry rooms featuring drum-type washer-dryers. Being able to wash and dry swimsuits and clothes all at once was extremely helpful. Please note that payment is cash only. Make sure to have coins ready if you plan to use the machines.
Kids Activities and Pools (Guide for Rainy Days)
Weather on an island can be unpredictable. Actually, it rained almost the entire time during our stay, and it was sunny for only one day (in the morning). However, thanks to the hotel’s facilities, we never felt bored.
The Indoor Pool The resort has several pools, but the Indoor Pool is the highlight for worried parents. The water is heated, making it comfortable even on rainy or chilly days. There is also a Jacuzzi where parents can warm up while watching the kids.
- Depth and Safety: The water depth is about 1.1m to 1.2m. There isn’t a shallow wading area inside, so young children must wear arm helpers (floaties). The hotel lends these out for free.
- Slides: There are no slides indoors, but they have kickboards available. My daughter was perfectly happy just floating around with her dad.
- Staff: Lifeguards are always present, ensuring safety. Towels are provided poolside, so you can walk down from your room empty-handed.
Outdoor Pools (Summer Only) On sunny days, the expansive “Sunset Pool” is the place to be. It features a water slide (height restrictions apply) and a shallow kids’ pool, making it a paradise for children.
Please note that the outdoor pool is open only during the summer. In winter, only the indoor heated pool is available, so be sure to check the season before you go.
Club Lounge and Dinner
Access to the Club Lounge truly elevated our family trip.
Afternoon Tea and Cocktail Time
After checking in, we enjoyed afternoon tea with delicious cakes and scones. My daughter loved her special juice. In the evening, they host Cocktail Time. (Children not allowed Cocktail time.)
Dinner at SALTIDA
The lounge had plenty of kid-friendly food options like curry, shumai dumplings, potatoes, and fruit. I think it’s enough to satisfy toddlers and older kids. We were able to order the same drinks as the restaurant, too! (And yes, alcohol was included).
We could also order canapés (see photo below), and they were absolutely delicious…!! I highly recommend you try them.
The Amazing Breakfast Buffet
Breakfast is often the highlight of a hotel stay, and SALTIDA did not disappoint.
Menu Variety and Delicious Juices The buffet offers an incredible variety of Western, Japanese, and Okinawan dishes (like Goya Champuru and Okinawa Soba). The freshly baked bread and made-to-order egg dishes were outstanding.
The drink station was also a hit. My daughter was absolutely obsessed with the rich mango juice. She kept saying, “This is so yummy!” and went back for refills multiple times. For adults, I highly recommend the Shikuwasa (Okinawan citrus) juice. Its refreshing tartness is the perfect way to wake up in the morning. With plenty of fresh fruits and smoothies as well, it was the perfect energy boost for the day.
Since there were many other families dining, the atmosphere was lively, and we didn’t feel stressed if our daughter talked a little loudly.
Must-Visit Spot: Kabira Bay Glass Bottom Boats
While staying at the hotel is wonderful, you absolutely cannot miss Kabira Bay when visiting Ishigaki Island. It is the island’s most famous scenic spot and has even been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide.
Glass Bottom Boats: Perfect for Families Swimming is prohibited in Kabira Bay due to fast currents, but the Glass Bottom Boats are a fantastic alternative. The bottom of these boats is made of glass, allowing you to see the coral reefs and colorful tropical fish without getting wet. This is perfect for families with small children like my 5-year-old, or babies who are too young for snorkeling.
Stunning “Kabira Blue” Even in Bad Weather I have a confession: on the day we visited, the weather was rough, and all glass bottom boat tours were cancelled. My daughter was a little disappointed that we couldn’t see the fish. However, the moment we looked down at the bay from the observation deck, we were speechless. Even under a cloudy, rainy sky, the water was an incredibly clear, striking blue. The famous “Kabira Blue” shines through regardless of the weather. Even if the boats aren’t running, it is absolutely worth the drive just to take a family photo against this breathtaking backdrop.
Check the Status Before You Go To avoid disappointment, I strongly recommend checking the boat operator’s official website for the daily operation status before you head out. Even if it is sunny, tours can be cancelled due to high winds.
And if the boats are cancelled, don’t worry! There are cute souvenir shops and a Blue Seal ice cream shop nearby, so you can still enjoy a nice treat with the kids.
Extra: Top 3 Recommended Sightseeing Spots for Families
Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave If it rains (like it did for us), the Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave is a lifesaver. It is the southernmost limestone cave in Japan and is completely indoors, so you don’t have to worry about the weather. The “Totoro Stalactite,” a rock formation that looks exactly like the character Totoro, was a huge hit with my daughter. The path is well-paved, so it was easy for a 5-year-old to walk through.
Banna Park If you get a break in the weather, head to Banna Park. It is a massive park with a “Children’s Square” featuring huge slides and playgrounds. We rushed there during the only sunny morning of our trip! The “Egg” observation deck offers a great view of the ocean, and it was the perfect place for my daughter to run around and burn off energy after being inside the hotel.
Summary
The ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a destination in itself. The ability to swim in the indoor pool on a rainy day and the convenience of the Club Lounge made it an incredibly stress-free experience for parents.
While it is not a budget hotel, the warm hospitality, the high quality of the facilities, and the smile on my daughter’s face made it worth every yen. We promised our daughter we would definitely come back.
If you are planning a family trip to Ishigaki Island, I highly recommend booking a stay here. It might just become your family’s favorite hotel, too!
