When comparing Ishigaki Island vs Hakata, the Slant community recommends Ishigaki Island for most people. In the question“What are the best cities to visit in Japan besides Tokyo and Kyoto?” Ishigaki Island is ranked 9th while Hakata is ranked 10th. The most important reason people chose Ishigaki Island is:
Since Okinawa was originally a separate country from Japan, Ishigaki is one of the best ways to explore Okinawan culture. There are unique food, phrases, and styles of dress visible all over the island.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Unique culture and history
Since Okinawa was originally a separate country from Japan, Ishigaki is one of the best ways to explore Okinawan culture. There are unique food, phrases, and styles of dress visible all over the island.
Pro 'Hawaii' of Japan
The second-largest island in Okinawa, there are long strips of beaches all around the island.
Pro Capital of southern-style, pork-bone broth ramen
Home of tonkotsu ramen, famous chains such as Ippudo and Ichiran originated from this city. Getting off the train, you can immediately smell the thick fragrance of pork broth all around the city.
Cons
Con Need a car to get around
While there is a bus and some taxis, the more efficient way to get around is by car. Renting a car will mean added costs, but it offers the most freedom to fully explore the island.
Con Not a lot of cultural attractions besides food
There are a lot of famous foods in Hakata: motsu nabe, tonkotsu ramen, mentaiko. While there's also a few shrines and gardens, Hakata is a fairly modern city and thus doesn't have a lot of traditional cultural attractions.