30 Beautiful Beaches Scattered in the Yaeyama Islands

The crystal clear blue color will enchant you. Enjoy playing in the ocean at popular beaches in Ishigaki Island and Yaeyama Islands! Ishigaki Island has beautiful blue sky and sea and white sand beaches. Enjoy swimming, marine experience, and enjoy playing in the ocean at your favorite beach!

A list of scenic beaches scattered throughout the Yaeyama Islands!

Since you are in a tropical country, take a healing vacation on a paradise beach. The clear blue ocean, the sun and the sparkling sands...it's like heaven. Just looking at it makes you feel happy.In addition to the standard popular beaches, we will introduce 30 Yaeyama beaches frequented by islanders.

Points to remember at the beach

ebb and flow

Tide levels vary greatly depending on the time of day. High and low tides occur approximately once every 12 hours. At low tide, the water may be too shallow to swim. Check in advance!

northern sea nettle (Chrysaora melanaster)

Stings cause severe pain, and in some cases, shock may result in respiratory or cardiopulmonary arrest. If you are going alone, swim in areas where nets are installed to prevent habu jellyfish invasion. If the area is not well equipped, it is recommended to join a tour.

Intense ultraviolet rays

The amount of ultraviolet rays in Okinawa is more than three times that of Tokyo. Over-burning can cause burns. Wear a rash guard or long-sleeved shirt to reduce skin exposure.

The 30 Best Beaches in Yaeyama

Beaches of Ishigaki Island

The beaches of Ishigaki Island were ranked the number one tourist city in the world in TripAdvisor's "2018 Fastest Rising Tourist Cities," beating out Hawaii (#2).All beaches are dazzling with the sparkling blue of the ocean and the pure white of the beach. You can spend your time relaxing or being active while enjoying the clear blue sky and crystal-clear waters. Choose the best way to spend your time depending on the characteristics of the beach!

Kabira Bay

Speaking of Ishigaki Island, "Kabira Bay" cannot be missed. Located in the northwestern part of the island, it takes about 40 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport. It is a view spot that cannot be missed in the itinerary of driving around the island.The contrast between the color of the sea, called Kabira blue, which changes with the time of day, and the pure white powder sand on the beach is wonderful.

Surrounded by glass boat stores, restaurants, and souvenir stores, the view of Kabira Bay from the hilltop of the adjacent Kabira Park is a popular photo spot often seen in magazines. Glass boats also operate from the sandy beach, and dipping your feet in the waves and picking up seashells are recommended.

For more information, click here↓.

Ishigaki Island Sunset Beach

　Source:Okinawa Story

It is a private and beautiful beach located in Kuura village, and was used as a filming location for the famous "Boys Over Flowers Final" movie. It is also famous as one of the representative beaches of Ishigaki Island with a reputation for good sand quality and high transparency of the ocean. It is the only beach in Ishigaki Island where you can swim in the mud flats, and there are many activities such as banana boat and snorkeling equipment rental (charged). Participating in marine sports such as banana boat is also recommended. Shower and other facility fees are 400 yen. Swimming season is from May 1 to October 15.

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Ishigaki Island Sunset Beach

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Sukuji Beach

The shallow, calm sea continues. It is a popular spot with children because of the comfortable shade of the trees. Since it is difficult to swim at low tide, a relaxing nap under the shade of the mokumao trees that line the edge of the beach is also pleasant. The view from the beach is also spectacular. During the day on a clear day, you can see the Mikamizaki Lighthouse and enjoy a beautiful view of the crescent-shaped bay. The sunset view to the west is also excellent! Barbecues are available for a fee. Please note that the swimming season is from June to September!

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Sukuji Beach

Fusaki Beach

Located in Fusaki Resort Village, the beach is open to non-guests and is popular for marine leisure activities, including dragon boat and snorkeling equipment rentals (for a fee). From the beach, you can see Iriomote Island and Kohama Island, and the sunset is spectacular! It is a recommended beach for a relaxing time. Summer season is from late March to late October.

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Fusaki Beach

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Let's enjoy the sunset on Ishigaki Island... 7 spots with a spectacular view...

Maezato Beach

　Source:girl's riki　

The beach is located in ANA Intercontinental Resort, one of the largest resort hotels in Ishigaki Island. There is also a leisure house managed by the hotel. Banana boats, snorkeling tours, and various other activities are available for non-guests as well, and during the season, there are lifeguards and nets to prevent habu jellyfish, so families can feel safe because of the support provided by the luxury hotel.

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Maezato Beach

Nannu Hamacho Beach

Right in the middle of the city center.Southern Gate BridgeThis man-made beach is located across from the beach and is famous for being the site of the March 2016 ocean opening and triathlon swim.There is also a place where dolphins are kept in yukes at the back of Nannu Hamacho Beach, where you can enjoy activities such as feeding the dolphins and swimming with them. It is recommended for families with small children!

Yonehara Beach

The beach stretches right next to the Yonehara Campground, surrounded by greenery. There is a pristine coastline with coral beaches, and nearby is an unspoiled wilderness called the Blue Cave. The beach and Blue Cave are ideal for snorkeling due to the proximity of coral reefs. The snorkeling tour at the Blue Cave is one of the most popular tours in Ishigaki Island.Be sure to take a tour and go with a guide because the currents near the reef are complicated.

For more information, click here↓.
Yonehara Beach

Beach at the end of Hirakubo village

Sandy beach at Hirakubo Bridge. The beach extends beyond the breakwater of Hirakubozaki. There are few people, so you can enjoy it slowly. There is also a café nearby, so you can relax. It is recommended as a driving course.

Akashi Village East Beach

The beach east of Akashi village in the northern part of Ishigaki Island. After passing through the path...a picturesque view awaits you. Even in Ishigaki Island where there are many tourists, there are few people and the beach has a private beach feel. The signboard that says "Cars will be buried ahead" is the landmark. Please look for it.

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Akashi Beach

Shiraho Beach

This beautiful beach is home to a colony of blue coral, a globally precious species. Glass boats and snorkelers can observe the mysterious blue coral. Shiraho Coast is famous for its sea where more than 350 types of corals, including blue corals, can be seen. A popular tour is to go to the point by kayak and snorkel to see those rare corals.

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Shiraho Beach

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Ohama Beach

There is a signboard along Route 390, which you pass when going from the airport to Ishigaki Remote Island Terminal. The beach here is not so beautiful during the daytime, but night time is recommended!The area is home to a large number of palm trees and caves. There are adan trees and caves where you can see the endangered coconut crab and nearby flying foxes.This is a very popular point for night safari tours.

Beaches of Taketomi Island

The island has many beautiful beaches, including Kondoi Beach, one of the best beaches in Japan.After a popular tour such as a buffalo cart ride or a glass boat ride, you can rent a bicycle and ride it around the beach. The red-tiled houses in the villages are also attractive and give the islands a unique atmosphere.

Kondoi Beach

The white sand beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Yaeyama, was ranked 6th in TripAdvisor's "Best Beaches in Japan by Travel Lovers" in 2017.The white beach and the sea that changes its expression as it catches the light attract people. When the tide recedes, a pure white sandy beach like an underwater road rises up to the shore, and it is possible to walk along it. There are few fish and coral, and the shallow sandy beach is better suited for swimming than snorkeling. Parasols and other equipment are available for rent. When walking offshore, return to the beach before high tide!

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Kondoi Beach

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Kaijihama

As the name "Star Sand Beach" implies, you can find 2mm sand in the shape of stars and the sun. In between looking for star sand, you can take a break in the shade of the trees spread out along the beach. Please be careful when swimming because of the tidal currents. Legend has it that finding star-shaped sand here will bring you happiness. Press the palm of your hand against the beach and look for it in the sand on your hand! You can take home the star sand you find, although you are not allowed to take the entire sand with you.

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Kaijihama

sandbar that projects into the ocean, particularly in a lagoon, etc.

　Source:knowledge gained (information acquired) from various sources　

The beach is rarely visited and can be reached by going the road in front of Taketomi Post Office in the opposite direction of the village. You can see Ishigaki Island and high-speed boats coming and going. Swimming is prohibited due to the fast current, but it is a good beach for those who want to enjoy the quiet sea. It is an "adult beach" where you can feel the pristine sea of Taketomi, calm down, and relax.

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sandbar that projects into the ocean, particularly in a lagoon, etc.

Beaches of Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island is the "Galapagos of the East.Iriomote Island is associated with the Iriomote wild cat and the mangrove jungle that covers 90% of the island, but the sea is also wonderful.A little further out to sea, you will find colorful coral and tropical fish in the Ishinishi lagoon, the largest coral reef area in Japan.

Star Sand Beach

Popular snorkeling point.The beach here is crystal clear, and as the name suggests, the beach is made of star sand, making it a must stop for Iriomote Island tourists.There is a rest house (showers and changing rooms) and a cafeteria with toilets in the vicinity. The beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and is a snorkeling spot where you can see many tropical fishes in Iriomote Island. Because the beach is shallow, even small children can enjoy it safely enough.

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Star Sand Beach (Star Sand Beach)

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Iriomote Island Snorkeling Tour

Barras Island

One of the best coral points in Iriomote Island where you can enjoy snorkeling on an island made only of coral floating between Iriomote Island and Hatoma Island.It is characterized by its white color due to the accumulation of coral fragments (barrasse). Surrounded by colorful coral reefs, it is a popular snorkeling and diving site.

This white island made of coral fragments is worth a visit alone. The tour includes plenty of snorkeling at beautiful coral points on and around Barras Island.

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Ishigaki】"Miracle Island" Barasu Island Tour (April-October only)

Barasu Island Tour (April-October only)

Barasu Island Tour (throughout the year)

Tsuki ga Hama (Tudumari Beach)

A quiet beach spreading at the mouth of Urauchi River, which represents Iriomote Island. The name is derived from the beautiful arc of the beach. It is also called "Tudumari beach" by local people. It is also beautiful at sunset and famous as a sunset spot. It is also a good place to watch the sunset with your lover or family.

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Tsukigahama (Tudumari beach)

Minamikaze Mita Beach

　Source:knowledge gained (information acquired) from various sources　

The longest beach in Iriomote Island where you can see far away. It is a quiet and clean beach where you can see Hateruma Island located at the end of a circular road in the south of the island. There are relatively few people even during the season, and you can have a calm time, but there are no showers, stores, toilets, etc., although locals also come to swim in the beach. On the way to the beach, you will see the "Stone of Forgetting" monument, which tells of the tragedy of the islanders who were evacuated from Hateruma at the end of World War II and lost their lives to malaria. This is a great place for beachcombing and playing on the beach.

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Haemida no Hama (South Wind Mita Beach)

Ida's beach

A 10-minute boat ride from Shirahama Port in the western part of Iriomote Island. A secluded beach where you can feel the quiet flow of time in Funauki village. The clear sea spreads out beyond the white sand beach. Offshore, you can see one of the best transparency and coral reefs in Yaeyama. 2018 TripAdvisor ranked this beach as the 6th best beach in Japan. It is not impossible to take a day trip from Ishigaki Island, but it is recommended to stay overnight in Iriomote Island when heading to Ida no Hama.

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Ida's beach

Related columns are here↓.
I want to go here! List of Sightseeing & Fun Spots in Iriomote Island

Kohama Island Beaches

Kohama Island" is a resort island in the South Sea. It is a foreign country that does not require a passport, with large resort hotels and a different atmosphere from other remote islands.The beaches of Kohama Island, with their emerald green waters, are also secretly popular.

Hosozaki Beach

Iriomote Island can be seen very close by on the beach at the western end of the island. It is also famous as a beach where manta rays migrate between Kohama Island and Iriomote Island. It is recommended to relax and pick up shells. Swimming is prohibited because of the fast current. There is a large manta viewing platform at the nearby Uminin Park. Sup tours of Kohama Island are also available, including tours that start from this beach and go around the island and yoga.

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Hosozaki Coast

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Kohama Island SUP Experience

Hamashima (Phantom Island)

A phantom island that appears only at low tide. It is called "Phantom Island" because it floats when the tide goes out.Located between Kohama Island and Taketomi Island, the white sand collected by the currents spreads out. Both snorkeling and experience diving are easy even for beginners if you take a course with an instructor. On Phantom Island, training is conducted on the beautiful sandy beach of Hama Island that appears at low tide, and experience diving and snorkeling are enjoyed at a point with beautiful coral offshore. Sometimes you can even see sea turtles and manta rays. Snorkeling over the coral flower garden and diving underwater scenery is as beautiful as the Dragon's Palace.

Tumal Beach

Quiet sea with beautiful white beach. Located near Obama Port, the beach is shallow with white sand and blue ocean, rich in nature. Beachcombing and snorkeling can be enjoyed. Tumar means "sea" in the local dialect, and is called "Yaramasu Beach" by the islanders. This area is the starting point for snorkeling tours on Kohama Island, and is recommended for enjoying the emerald green waters of Kohama Island.

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Tumal Beach

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Kohama Island Snorkeling Tour

Misumuribushi Beach

　Source:Okinawa Story　

A resort area with a tropical mood. The beach at the "Haimurubushi" resort hotel. Beach facilities and activities are available only for guests.

Kuroshima Beach

Kuroshima Island is famous for its cattle, 10 times the population, and is home to all three species of sea turtles found in Japan.The island itself is also called Heart Island because of its heart shape, making it a popular spot for couples. Snorkeling while enjoying the peaceful scenery of Kuroshima is also popular.

Nishi no Hama Beach

　Source:Healing at Miyajima, Stimulation in Yaeyama　

A beach where you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling with Iriomote Island and Panari Island spread out in front of you. It is also a sunset point with a view of Iriomote Island and Aragusuku Island.From April to September, sea turtles come to lay eggs.No shower or toilet facilities.

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Nakamoto Beach

　Source:Telangana (encyclopedia)　

This is a representative snorkeling point of Kuroshima. Nakamoto Beach has a coral reef just a few dozen meters from the beautiful white sand beach, and when the tide recedes, the beach becomes a natural pool surrounded by coral. The sea, where brightly colored tropical fish swim about, is ideal for snorkeling. Be aware that swimming may be prohibited on days when the weather is good but the waves are high. The recommended time is two hours before and after the lowest tide.

Hatoma Island Beaches

An island of clean sea, beautiful beaches and abundant nature. Hatoma Island is surrounded by a coral sea.The quiet, untouched by tourism, the time spent relaxing on the beaches is luxurious. All of the beaches are very private and offer the unique atmosphere of a remote island.

shimanaka (Brassica rapa var. nipposinica)

　Source:Trip to Yaeyama Islands　

Located on the opposite side of the harbor, this beach has the best transparency and star sand on Hatoma Island. The distance to the reef is short, and at low tide you can walk quite far. The beach is surrounded by rocks, so be careful when playing in the ocean at low tide. Tropical fish and coral reefs are nearby, so playing on the shore is recommended.

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shimanaka (Brassica rapa var. nipposinica)

sand beach in front of a temple's main hall

　Source:knowledge gained (information acquired) from various sources　

Natural beach with pure white powder sand and clear waters. Be careful when swimming because the tide is fast offshore. There is a spectacular view of Iriomote Island in the distance from the beach. There are no toilets and water facilities.

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Mae no Hama (beach in front of the city)

Yara Beach

　Source:knowledge gained (information acquired) from various sources　

The widest white sand beach on the island. The waves are calm and you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling with a view of Iriomote Island. Since it is a very calm beach, relaxing and reading a book is also recommended. Sunset watching is another enjoyable activity.

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Yara beach

Beaches of Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)

Aragusuku Island (Panari Island), where there is a mermaid legend.There are no regular boats, and only a few residents actually live on the island, so you can enjoy the feeling of a private beach. With few tourists, you can enjoy marine activities and walking around the island to your heart's content.

northern beach

Beautiful beach where sea turtles also come to lay eggs. It is full of cute shells and pieces of coral. Boat snorkeling is also popular near here.

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sweet potato (any of a number of different cultivars with red skin)

Very quiet beach. The beach is located on the west side of Quinupana. Surrounded by rocks, it feels like a private beach.

Yonaguni Island Beaches

Nutrient-rich sea produced by the Kuroshio Current. Because of its location in the middle of the Kuroshio Current, there are many large fish such as swordfish.The beach is also home to many species of fish that are not found in other areas of the island.

Naama beach

　Source:knowledge gained (information acquired) from various sources

Japan's southernmost beach. The beach is right next to Kubura fishing port with calm waves.

Nanta Beach

This is a wide, beautiful beach facing Sonai village that is worth taking the time to enjoy. It is also sung in the folk song "Nanta Beach.

white sandy beach

A wide, shallow beach. Surrounded by cliffs, it is a relatively quiet beach in Yonaguni Island. It is located right in front of the "Dr. Koto Clinic" set, so let's go and see it as well!

Hateruma Island Beaches

eightHateruma Island is home not only to the Shigeyama Islands, but also to beautiful beaches, including Nishi Beach, which was voted the best beach in Japan by TripAdvisor in 2017.If you go offshore, the island is also home to a variety of creatures such as clownfish and colorful corals.

porgy

You can taste the cream soda-colored sea at the best beach in Yaeyama. Nishi" means north in the Okinawan language and is located northwest of Hateruma Island. You can enjoy the beautiful sea, which is said to be the best in the Yaeyama Islands. Take an underwater walk on the coral reef just beyond the sandy beach. Snorkeling equipment can be rented at the southernmost point of the pension. Even people from other islands who are used to seeing the beautiful ocean can't help but marvel at the colors of the sea here. You can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the sea with a view that you will never get tired of seeing all the time!

Pembichi Beach

　Source:knowledge gained (information acquired) from various sources　

About 25 minutes by bicycle from the port. Secret beach. The beach stretches on the south side of the island. There are no signs, and the only landmark is a causeway leading from the roundabout road. Swimming is prohibited due to the fast current. The white sand of Pemuch Beach is a great place to stroll and enjoy beachcombing. The path is overgrown with grass and narrow, so proceed with caution.

summary

This time, we selected 30 recommended beaches in the Yaeyama Islands for each island. Most of them can be reached by a day trip from Ishigaki Island, so if there is a beach you want to visit, please take a short trip from Ishigaki Island.

Related columns are here↓.

All the fun of Ishigaki Island is here↓.
Ishigaki Island Tours