"I want to go to Euglena Mall, but I don't know where to park."
"I followed the GPS and ended up in a narrow alley crowded with people, sweating bullets."
These are common complaints I hear from tourist friends visiting Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, Japan with a rental car.
Even if you search for "Euglena Mall" on Google Maps, the mall's range is vague, and you end up not knowing which parking lot is close to the entrance.
This time, as a former guide living in Ishigaki Island, I will tell you the correct answer for parking that "even those who are not confident in driving will never fail," along with real local circumstances without hesitation. Reading this will help you avoid paying unnecessary parking fees and the risk of scratching your car on unfamiliar roads.
If you are unsure, aim for "Ishigaki City Kuramoto Parking (石垣市蔵元駐車場)".
As of 2026, this place has the best balance of location, low price, and ease of parking.
Surrounding coin parking lots (private) are expensive with tourist prices, but this is municipal, so it is very conscientious. With the money you save, you can drink a glass of mango juice at the mall.
This parking lot has a two-tiered structure. The "lower level" facing the road, which is easy to enter, is for monthly contracts. Be sure to go up the slope and park on the "upper level". If you don't make this mistake, this is the strongest option.
Guidebooks only say "Parking available nearby," but the reality is more severe. Please keep the following three candidates and their pros and cons in mind.
Feature: Closest to the mall.
Local's Honest Opinion: "A double-edged sword." Great benefits but also significant drawbacks.
It is certainly close, but the road leading there is narrow, and there is a high possibility that it will be full during the busy season. The biggest risk is the "way back". If you make a mistake and try to exit towards the mall side (Ginza Street direction), you will end up having to drive through a one-way crowd of tourists.
Strategy: If you park here, be sure to turn the steering wheel "in the opposite direction of Euglena Mall" when exiting.
Feature: As mentioned above, it is municipal, cheap, and just a short walk to the mall.
Local's Honest Opinion: It's a hidden spot used by locals, but more tourists are getting to know it. Still, the capacity is large, so the turnover is fast.
Feature: A huge municipal parking lot near the Ferry Terminal.
Local's Honest Opinion: If you "absolutely don't want to become a parking refugee," this is the only choice.
It looks far on the map, but if you park at the very back (north side) of the parking lot, it is actually just a short walk to the 730 Intersection. Don't be deceived by the apparent distance. If you are anxious about driving, it is mentally easier to park here from the beginning and walk rather than wandering around narrow alleys looking for a spot.
This is a parking lot right in front of the post office side. You might think "It's right in front!", but the fee is as high as private lots, the number of spaces is small, the parking lot is narrow, the full rate is high, and the road in front has heavy pedestrian traffic and is narrow.
If you are not confident in your driving skills, it is wise not to approach during the day.
The area around Euglena Mall is confusing as to "where the mall starts and ends." To avoid getting lost locally, please move according to the following steps.
Driving in the city area of Ishigaki Island is surprisingly stressful.
The alleys are narrow, and people often jump out. It's a waste of time to be on edge looking for parking or worrying about minor accidents during your precious resort trip.
That is why choosing a "car that is easy to drive" greatly affects the quality of your trip.
Rather than renting a large SUV, choosing a compact car that turns easily or a vehicle with full safety equipment is the trick to enjoying Ishigaki Island stress-free. Especially if you want to explore delicious izakayas and cafes in the back alleys around Euglena Mall, maneuverability makes a big difference.
If you haven't booked a rental car yet, or if changes are possible, I strongly recommend securing one with an emphasis on "ease of driving" before stock runs out.
If you get lost locally, just look back here.
Park your car safely and enjoy shopping and gourmet food at Euglena Mall to your heart's content.
Don't panic if the terminal front is full! How to use the hidden "Yashima No. 2" parking used by residents and the importance of ferry reservations.