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Natural attraction · Ishigaki, Okinawa
Kabira Bay
Bay on the northwest coast of Ishigaki, with light-green water over white sand, small forested islets and black-pearl farms. Glass-bottom boat tours show the corals; swimming is prohibited.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Kabira Bay in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay lies on the northwest coast of Ishigaki, about 20 km from the center. Sheltered by reefs, it has shallow water in shades of green and blue over white sand, with small vegetation-covered islets scattered within. It is part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park and has been designated a Place of Scenic Beauty, one of Okinawa’s best-known landscapes.
Swimming is prohibited inside the bay because of boat traffic and currents that flow in and out through the reef opening. The most common way to view the seafloor is on glass-bottom boat tours that depart from the beach and pass over corals, reef fish and, with luck, sea turtles. There are also black-pearl farms in the bay, with a shop by the beach.
Above the bay, Kabira Park has a lookout over the water, and the small Kabira shrine sits by the sand. Nearby, Sukuji Beach offers a shallow swimming area good for children; Yonehara Beach, a few kilometers away, is popular for snorkeling on the reef, with attention to currents.
Water color depends on sun and tide: on clear days and at high tide the tones are usually more vivid. The site receives many visitors around midday. The road to the bay passes sugarcane fields and the village of Kabira, with low houses and red roofs.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour 30 minutes, including the glass-bottom boat and the lookout.
Best time
In the morning, with sun and high tide, when the water is usually clearer and there are fewer people. Tours run year-round but are subject to wind.
How to get there
About 20 km from central Ishigaki, roughly 30 minutes by car. Buses from the port terminal and the airport stop at the bay.
Tip
Visit the park lookout before going down to the beach, to see the whole bay. To swim, use the neighboring Sukuji Beach; for snorkeling, go to Yonehara Beach, watch for currents and avoid stepping on the corals.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kabira Bay
Can you swim in Kabira Bay?
No. Swimming is prohibited because of boats and currents. To swim, use Sukuji Beach next door.
How does the glass-bottom boat in Kabira work?
It departs from the bay beach on about 30-minute trips over the corals, with frequent departures during the day depending on wind and tide.
How to get to Kabira Bay without a car?
By bus from Ishigaki port terminal or the airport, in about 40 minutes. Check return schedules.
Where to snorkel near Kabira?
Yonehara Beach, a few kilometers away, with reef close to the shore. There are currents in parts of the reef; stick to marked areas and avoid standing on the corals.
Beyond the guide
