Sunset Guide
Around 19:35 in summer, 17:55 in winter.
Sunset times by month, and how to make the most of them.
01 — About
Ishigaki lies near Japan's western edge, so the sun sets later here than in Tokyo. At the height of summer it stays light until about 19:35, late enough to catch the sunset after a full day out.
In winter, the sun is down by about 17:55. Seeing the sunset means planning your day very differently depending on when you visit.
Below are the approximate sunset times, month by month.
| Month | Sunset | Our recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18:17approx. | Arrive around 17:45 |
| February | 18:38approx. | Arrive around 18:10 |
| March | 18:52approx. | Arrive around 18:20 |
| April | 19:05approx. | Arrive around 18:35 |
| May | 19:19approx. | Arrive around 18:50 |
| June | 19:33approx. | Arrive around 19:05 |
| July | 19:35approx. | Arrive around 19:05 |
| August | 19:18approx. | Arrive around 18:50 |
| September | 18:48approx. | Arrive around 18:20 |
| October | 18:18approx. | Arrive around 17:50 |
| November | 17:57approx. | Arrive around 17:25 |
| December | 17:58approx. | Arrive around 17:30 |
* Times shown are approximate, based on mid-month. They vary by date and year. On some days the weather hides the sunset. We hope you understand.
02 — Tips
Timing
The sky begins to turn before the sun goes down, and the colour lingers for about 20 minutes after.
Direction
The sun sets into the sea to the west. Fusaki Beach, Nagura Bay and Cape Ugan are along that coast.
Weather
Thin cloud makes the sky colour; thick cloud on the horizon hides the sun before it sets.
Season
The sun sets further north in summer and further south in winter, so the same spot looks different through the year.
03 — Dinner
St.ELMO is the restaurant closest to the sea on Ishigaki. It sits right by Fusaki Beach, about a minute by car or a ten-minute walk away.
Nothing stands between your table and the horizon, so you watch the sky change while the course unfolds. Unlike waiting on the beach, a windy or cool evening is no trouble.
Dinner is served from 17:00 to 22:00. We recommend arriving about 30 minutes before sunset. The recommendation column above shows the time that suits each month.
04 — FAQ
What time does the sun set in Ishigaki?
It varies widely with the season: around 19:35 at its latest in late June to early July, and around 17:55 at its earliest in late November to early December, a difference of about 100 minutes.
How early should we arrive for the sunset?
We suggest arriving 30 to 40 minutes before sunset. The sky begins to turn before the sun goes down, and the colour lingers for about 20 minutes after.
Where can you see the sunset in Ishigaki?
The sun sets into the sea to the west, so the west coast is where to go. Fusaki Beach, Nagura Bay and Cape Ugan are the best known.
Can you see the sunset on cloudy or rainy days?
Thick cloud near the horizon hides the sun before it sets. Thin cloud, on the other hand, catches the colour and can be more striking than a clear sky. Which it will be is only known on the day.
Which dinner seating do you recommend?
Please see the recommendation column in the table above. We suggest arriving about 30 minutes before sunset: around 17:30 from November to February, when the sun sets early, and around 18:50 from May to August, when it sets late.
