Looking for the perfect Ishigaki accommodation for your water adventures? Our review of Kent Clair Ishigaki Bay apartment hotel highlights its prime location, amenities, and value for divers and snorkelers.
Our trip to Ishigaki, Japan, was all about chasing adventure:
scuba diving, snorkeling, and other thrilling water activities.
When it came to choosing our Ishigaki accommodation, our main criteria were simple:
proximity to a scuba diving shop and the availability of laundry facilities.
We hit the jackpot with Kent Clair Ishigaki Bay, an apartment-style hotel that perfectly met both requirements while offering surprisingly spacious rooms. Below, I've compiled everything you need to know about its location, pricing, and a detailed review of our stay.
Ishigaki Apartment Hotel: Location & Review
1️⃣ Location
2️⃣ Price
3️⃣ Room Review
1. Location
Our primary goal for this Ishigaki adventure was Manta scuba diving, so we specifically chose an accommodation close to our dive shop, marinechu.
This area, near Misakicho, is popular with travelers as it's home to the main port, making it an excellent base for island hopping tours.
Our chosen dive shop is just a 5-minute walk away, and the Euglena Ferry Terminal, where you can catch ferries to other islands, is only a 12-minute walk. It’s a wonderfully convenient location for exploring on foot.
Additionally, Ishigaki Public Market, a fantastic spot for souvenirs and surrounded by numerous restaurants, is a pleasant 15-minute stroll from the apartment. While properties right in the city center can be quite pricey, venturing just a little further inland often reveals hotels and accommodations that offer much better value.
2. Price
The Ishigaki accommodation we stayed at was an apartment-style rental, similar to an Airbnb.
The building itself was called Ishigaki Bay, and it was listed on Agoda as Kent Clair Ishigaki Bay.
Currently, our specific unit is unavailable for booking, but other rooms within the same building are listed under the name Taketomi Apartment and are available for reservation.
When we stayed in April, it wasn't peak season, and our room hadn't been renovated, costing us around ~$110 per night. However, Taketomi Apartment rooms are renovated, and with June being Ishigaki's peak season, prices are now in the range of ~$138 per night.
Since it's not a traditional hotel, check-in is self-service, with the key conveniently hidden in the boiler room.
Upon entering, we were immediately impressed by the spacious shoe cabinet, and right next to it, a handy wardrobe with hangers.
The bedding was impeccably clean, and the living area felt remarkably spacious. Though it was a room for two, having two single beds made for a comfortable stay, even if one mattress had a slight dip. The living room seamlessly integrated with the bedroom, yet the clever furniture arrangement made it feel like a distinct, separate space.
The living room also featured a sofa and table, which was perfect for enjoying snacks and drinks we bought from the grocery store. A full-length mirror was a thoughtful touch for checking our outfits before heading out. In addition to air conditioning, a fan was provided, along with a rice cooker – a true bonus!
The best part of an apartment-style stay? The freedom to use the kitchen! On our first night, we bought various items from the supermarket and were able to prepare simple meals. This allowed us to savor dishes we wouldn't have been able to enjoy if we'd stayed in a conventional hotel.
A generously sized refrigerator was included, along with a microwave for reheating our food.
What truly won us over was the laundry room!
Our main activities revolved around water sports, meaning we had wet clothes daily. In a typical hotel, we'd be hand-washing and wringing out swimsuits, then trying to find a spot to hang them where they wouldn't drip everywhere. Here, we could simply toss our sweat-soaked clothes and wet swimwear into the washing machine, run a spin cycle, and then hang them on the drying rack. It was incredibly convenient!
Ishigaki enjoys high temperatures year-round, so even if you're not diving, having a washing machine in your accommodation is invaluable for keeping your clothes fresh in a warm destination.
The bathroom was spacious and spotless, with all the essentials provided: toilet paper, hand wash, shampoo, body wash, and conditioner. When we needed fresh towels, we simply requested them from the host, and they were left right outside our door.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest advantage of the apartment-style accommodation Kent Clair Ishigaki Bay (or the apartment in Taketomi)?
The biggest advantage of this accommodation is that it is equipped with laundry facilities. After water activities, you can conveniently wash and dry wet or sweaty clothes using the washing machine and drying rack.
How long does it take to get from Kent Clair Ishigaki Bay accommodation in Ishigaki to the main diving shops and the ferry terminal?
This accommodation is a 5-minute walk from the diving shop marinechu, and it takes 12 minutes on foot to Euglena Ferry Terminal, where you can catch a ferry. Ishigaki Public Market is also a 15-minute walk away.
How do the accommodation fees differ between Kent Clair Ishigaki Bay in Ishigaki and the currently available apartment in Taketomi?
An unrenovated room at Kent Clair Ishigaki Bay cost around ~$110 per night during the April off-season. The currently available apartment in Taketomi is a renovated room, priced in the early ~$138s per night during the June peak season.
What are the check-in method and main in-room amenities for the apartment-style accommodation Kent Clair Ishigaki Bay (or the apartment in Taketomi) in Ishigaki?
This accommodation is not a hotel, so check-in is self-service, and the key is hidden in the boiler room. The room is equipped with various amenities such as a sofa, table, full-length mirror, air conditioner, fan, electric rice cooker, refrigerator, and microwave.