Sunset Guide
Around 19:25 in summer, 17:45 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 19:25, late enough to catch the sunset after a full day out.
In winter, the sun is down by about 17:45. 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 | 18:05approx. | 17:00 seating |
| February | 18:25approx. | 17:00 seating |
| March | 18:40approx. | Either seating |
| April | 18:55approx. | Either seating |
| May | 19:10approx. | 19:00 seating |
| June | 19:22approx. | 19:00 seating |
| July | 19:25approx. | 19:00 seating |
| August | 19:10approx. | 19:00 seating |
| September | 18:40approx. | Either seating |
| October | 18:10approx. | 17:00 seating |
| November | 17:50approx. | 17:00 seating |
| December | 17:45approx. | 17:00 seating |
* 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 in 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 has two seatings, at 17:00 and 19:00. The recommendation column above shows which one catches the sunset in each month.
04 — FAQ
What time does the sun set in Ishigaki?
It varies widely with the season: around 19:25 at its latest in July, and around 17:45 at its earliest in December, a difference of more than 90 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?
See the recommendation column above. From November to February the 17:00 seating catches the sunset; from May to August the 19:00 seating does.
