Surrounded by exotic vegetation and undulating terrain, Kabira Bay Beach is among the most picturesque spots on the island. It is famed for the powdery white sand and blue-green waters of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Climb aboard a glass-bottomed boat that offers views of the stunning reefs and the colorful fish.
Climb to the observation point above the bay for an excellent view of the clumps of green forests dotted around the beach area and the mountains on the horizon. Mount Omoto and the Hirakubo Peninsula are among the distinctive features. Note that the water here is so clear that you can easily make out shadows on the seafloor from the boats and rocks. Swimming is prohibited due to the strong currents, jellyfish and ferry lines.
Dine in the nearby restaurants and explore the shops in the town of Kabira. Try the goya champuru stir fry or the Yaeyama soba noodle dish. The beach is also an idyllic picnic area, where you can purchase ice cream and other treats.
This beach is particularly popular, so arrive early to miss the crowds of vacationers. Enjoy the soft breeze in this open and spacious area. Capture photos of the romantic scenery at sunset, when the sky begins to darken. The bay is currently used for cultivating oysters. The nearby village was an intriguing spot for anthropologists in the early 1950s.
There is a fee for a trip in the glass-bottomed boats. The beach is open to the public for strolling and picnics at all times.
Find Kabira Bay Beach on the northern coast of Ishigaki Island in the Okinawa Prefecture of Japan. It is just south of Hirari Island and north of the Ishigaki Seaside resort. Leave your car in the large parking lot in the village of Kabira. Explore nearby attractions, such as Sukuji Beach, Yonehara and Uganzaki.
