Mount Nosoko

Mount Nosoko is a summit on Ishigaki Island with a distinctive helmet-shaped peak that dominates the landscape. The hike takes you through dense forest and across red clay paths that mark the terrain throughout.

The peak has served as an important navigation landmark for sailors for centuries as they approached the northeastern coast. Its distinctive shape made it a reliable visual marker for seafarers crossing the waters nearby.

Local festivals incorporate Mount Nosoko into their ceremonies, with traditional performances taking place near its base during annual celebrations.

The trail starts at Shimoji bus stop and follows a marked route past an elementary school and across a bridge to reach the entrance. The hike is relatively short and takes just a couple of hours round trip, making it manageable for most visitors.

From the summit on clear days, you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea at the same time. This rare vantage point makes the climb rewarding for visitors wanting to take in both bodies of water from one location.

Location: Ishigaki

Elevation above the sea: 282.4 m

GPS coordinates: 24.48895,124.24868

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:40