Overview
Mount Karadake (also spelled Kara-dake) is a solitary 135.9-meter peak rising near the coast just north of the Shiraho district on the eastern side of Ishigaki Island, part of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
Highlights
- ●Sweeping views from a solitary 135.9-meter peak
- ●Open, grass-covered slopes with an unobstructed feel
- ●Updraft conditions that draw paragliding enthusiasts
- ●Views over the Shiraho settlement and the eastern coast
History
Detailed historical records about the mountain's naming or early use are scarce, though locals have long also called it "Kara-dake." Its slopes are notably free of trees and covered almost entirely in grass, a feature that has shaped how the mountain is used today.
Access
The mountain stands along the coast north of the Shiraho settlement in eastern Ishigaki. Getting there from Ishigaki's town center generally means driving, with roads bringing visitors close to the base and slopes. It's worth checking current access conditions at a local tourist information point before setting out.
Best season
Ishigaki enjoys mild weather year-round, but periods of stronger sea winds tend to generate the updrafts that paragliding visitors look for. Sun protection is important in summer, while windier winter days call for warmer layers.
Map
24.4091, 124.2485 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Stroll through the Shiraho settlement before heading north toward the base of Mount Karadake
- 2Walk the grassy slopes and take in the views toward the sea
- 3If planning to paraglide, contact a local operator in advance
- 4Drive back along Ishigaki's eastern coastline to return to town
Did you know?
💡 Because the mountain is almost entirely bare of trees and blanketed in grass, sea winds striking its slopes readily produce updrafts, making it one of Ishigaki's best-known paragliding launch points.
Nearby spots
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