Ishigaki Island's No. 1 popular tourist spot! Summary of recommended tours & things to do in Kabira Bay

Ishigaki Island's No. 1 tourist spot!
Things to do in Kabira Bay

Located in the northwestern part of Ishigaki IslandKabira Bayare chosen on the basis of convenience and attractiveness of travelMichelin Green GuidebookIt is one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan, and has been awarded three stars by the

Rated as the only three-star hotel in Okinawa Prefecture, it attracts many domestic and international visitors.

In this issue, we will introduce how to access Kabira Bay, a popular tourist destination known by all, as well as recommended tours and ways to enjoy the area!

 

What is Kabira Bay like?

Kabirawan is a popular spot for sightseeing in Ishigaki Island.A place you should never miss.The clear emerald green sea, white sandy beaches, and the deep green of the small islands are a spectacular sight. The colors of the sea, which change according to the sunlight, are also known as the seven colors of the rainbow.

It is a sightseeing spot that always appears in guidebooks and other publications on Ishigaki Island,Japan's only black pearlis also famous for being farmed.

Even people who live in Ishigaki Island visit Kabira Bay many times because of its beauty, and it is so popular that it is named as "a spot in Ishigaki Island you want to visit again and again".

The combination of the pure white sandy beach, Kabira Bay's famous glass boats sailing in the bay, small uninhabited islands scattered throughout the bay, and the open sky makes the scenery even more vivid and beautiful than in photographs.

Check out plans that include Kabira Bay

Kabira Bay, which attracts many tourists from Japan and around the world, has a unique landscape of nine small uninhabited islands, including Kojima, which floats at the entrance of the bay as if protecting it.

It is a place blessed with nature, with underwater coral reef communities, colorful tropical fish, manta rays, endangered sea turtles, and other creatures.

The nine islands scattered throughout the spacious bay are named "Majipanari" and "Saipanari" ("Panari" means "remote island" in the Yaeyama dialect), and the green islands floating in this tropical sea are perfectly balanced and picturesque no matter where you take them.

Kabira Bay, with its bright turquoise to emerald green colors and crystal clear waters, is recognized by the islanders as a real, not fake, tourist attraction.

 

How to get to Kabira Bay

How to get to Kabira Bay by bus?

[ airportDirections from ]

After arriving at Ishigaki Airport by plane, you can take a local bus directly to Kabira Bay. However, there are only two buses a day (departing at 12:00 / 15:00) from the airport considering its departure time.

The bus fare from Ishigaki Airport to Kabira Bay is 830 yen, so it is more economical to purchase a one-day free pass (1,000 yen) for those who will continue to travel by local bus after that.

[ City Center, Ishigaki PortDirections from ]

There are two bus routes from Ishigaki Port to Kabira Bay, running 11 times a day (approximately once an hour). Route 9Kabira Resort Lineand lineage 11.Yonehara Camp LineThis is how to use the

The "Kabira Resort Line" will get you to Kabira Bay faster since the route does not take a big detour. (Ishigaki Port Bus Terminal to Kabira: Fare 720 yen)

The "Yonehara Campground Route" costs 1,150 yen from Ishigaki Port Bus Terminal to Kabira, and takes a little longer since there are 24 stops on the route.

 

How to get to Kabira Bay by car?

It takes about 35 minutes from Ishigaki Port toward northwest. It is an easy route to find as it is almost a straight prefectural road to get there.

Cab fare is about 4,500-5,000 yen one way and varies depending on traffic conditions and time of day. To catch a cab, the Euglena Ishigaki Port Terminal is recommended. If you are in a hurry, it is best to make a reservation in advance.

[ rent-a-carHow to get there by ]

It is especially recommended if you have a lot of luggage or a large number of people, and takes about 40 minutes as well.

Ishigaki Island Tours has started handling rental cars. Since it gets booked up quickly, it is recommended to reserve a rental car together with the tour!

[ Map of Kabira Bay ].

 

name	Kabira Bay
Location	1054 Kabira, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan (in Japanese history)View in Google Maps)
Access	Approximately 25 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport Approximately 30 minutes from Ishigaki Port Terminal
parking lot	Free parking: approx. 15 cars, paid parking available
Dining (vicinity)	ant
toilet	ant

 

Is there parking available at Kabira Bay?

Kabira Bay has a place called Kabira Park.Coin-operated parking (parking lot)and visitors to Kabira Bay by car will use it.

Coin-operated parking here is relatively inexpensive, often for less than one coin. In addition, a sufficient number of vehicles can be parked (large buses can also be parked).

Also, although it is a short distance from Kabira Park, it is in the direction of the inner part of the bay of Kabira Bay.Parking overlooking Kabira Bay.The parking lot, called the "Kiwanis Park Parking Lot," offers a spectacular view of the city.

Please note that the "Kabira Bay View Parking" is a free parking lot for about 4-5 cars, but it is a little less than 10 minutes drive from Kabira Park (*There is nothing around the "Kabira Bay View Parking").

[ Map of parking overlooking Kabira Bay ].

 

Recommended Activities in Kabira Bay

SUP

SUP stands for Stand Up Paddle, also known as "sap" or "paddleboard.As the name suggests, it is a marine sport that is rapidly gaining popularity around the world, where people stand on surfboards and use paddles to paddle on the ocean or rivers.

The exhilaration of moving swiftly through the water is like nothing you have ever experienced before!

It is a perfect match for the calm and beautiful sea, and tropical fish and corals can be seen even from the clear waters.

The SUP tours handled by Ishigaki Island Tours are open to men and women of all ages, from 6 to 65 years old!

Tour fee includes a complete set of equipment such as board, paddle, and life jacket (free rental))The program is open to all participants, so feel free to join in.

 

Sea kayak and canoe

In the Kabira Bay kayak (canoe) experience tour, you will board an open-deck type kayak and paddle slowly through the water.

While riding in a canoe, visitors can look at the surface of the water and see an underwater world with approximately 300 species of colorful corals and more than 100 species of tropical fish.

Sea kayaking (canoeing) is characterized by its simplicity, safety, and security. Even if you are a beginner, our guides will teach you how to paddle and ride a canoe from the beginning, and will always be there to support you!

Sea kayaking (canoeing) allows you to go to areas that are not accessible by glass boat, making you feel like you are exploring more.

Many of the sea kayaking tours offered at Kabira Bay allow even small children to participate, making it a popular activity for families.

The tour uses tandem (two-person) kayaks, so parents and children can ride in one kayak together. This tour is recommended for children who want to experience nature and make memories of family trips.

 

glass boat

One of the specialties of Kabira Bay is the glass boat experience. A glass boat is a boat whose bottom is made of glass, allowing visitors to observe the underwater world from inside.

The high transparency of Kabira Bay allows visitors to see colorful coral, tropical fish, large giant giant clam, sea turtles, and more in the crystal clear waters.

You will never get wet, and men and women of all ages can enjoy the sea of Ishigaki Island. There is little influence by weather, and boats leave every 15 minutes every day.

However, we will remain on board for about 30 minutes,Beware of seasicknessThe following is a list of the most important factors that need to be taken into account when making a purchase.

Check out plans that include Kabira Bay

 

Popular Set Plan

Kabira Bay is also popular for its various marine activities. We will introduce some of the carefully selected plans handled by Ishigaki Island Tours.

Kabira Bay SUP (Canoe) & Blue Cave Snorkeling

Choice of SUP or sea kayak (canoe) experience in Kabira Bay and popular snorkeling spots in Ishigaki Island."Blue Cave"This one-day plan includes a snorkeling experience at

Free photo data gift during the tour and a pick-up and drop-off service are also available, and the contents that allow you to easily enjoy Ishigaki Island to the fullest just by participating are greatly supported.

 

Kabira Bay Glass Boat & Phantom Island Landing & Snorkeling

Ishigaki Island hasPhantom Island (official name: Hamashima)The most popular spot is called "Phantom Island," which is the most popular spot in Japan. The one-day plan that includes landing on the "Phantom Island," snorkeling, and the glass boat experience at Kabira Bay introduced here is also very popular.

The waters near Phantom Island are famous for beautiful coral spots, including one of the largest coral reefs in Japan called "Seokuseijoko. Swim while admiring the colorful coral and cute fish in the crystal clear waters!

 

Facilities and equipment around Kabira Bay

The area around Kabira Bay is always crowded with cafes, restaurants for lunch and dinner, and souvenir shops. There are also stores scattered throughout Kabira village, making it fun to stroll around the village.

There are some beautiful restrooms around Kabira Bay, though, with a large pay parking lot and multi-purpose restrooms,No coin lockers or convenience storesIt is important to note that the

 

Time and conditions when Kabira Bay is most beautiful

Kabira Bay is said to be a sight to behold in the morning, daytime, or evening, but if you want to enjoy the bright emerald green color of the sea,In the morning and afternoon on a nice day.Daytime hours are recommended.It is.

At this time of day, the sun is directly overhead and the ocean is more beautiful.

glass boatIf you want to observe the sea in theTime of day when the tide goes from low to highis recommendedIt is. If you want to enjoy the best conditions, check the tides on the Internet and make plans accordingly.

In Kabira Bay on the west side of Ishigaki IslandSunset (dusk) timeYou can also enjoy the scenery of

Under the right conditions, the sky can turn a mysterious seven-color, almost green, color after the sun sets. Enjoying the bright red sunset or the fantastic sky during the magic hour at Kabira Bay is also a great way to have fun.

Check out plans that include Kabira Bay

 

Kabira Bay is a starry sky spot

Kabira Bay, with its beautiful ocean, may seem out of place at night. However, Kabira Bay is a popular spot worth visiting even at night.

Of course, Kabira Bay itself cannot be seen at night, as the area is shrouded in darkness. However, in the darkness, the star-filled sky shines brightly.

The Kabira area, with its extremely low population light level compared to urban areas, is an ideal spot for stargazing.

 

Recommended photo & spectacular view spots of Kabira Bay

If you want to enjoy the scenery of Kabira Bay, which always appears in guidebooks and tourist posters, you can visit the "Kabira Park Observation DeckLet's go to ".

Most guidebooks and tourist information are so photogenic that photos taken at the Kabira Park Observation Deck are included.

The pure white sandy beach and the clear surface of the sea stand out even more. The definition of three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japon is "a sightseeing spot worth taking the trouble to visit," and it certainly makes sense when you see the scenery!

Kabira Bay changes its appearance depending on how the sun hits it and how the clouds cover it. Swimming is prohibited due to the fast currents, but please enjoy the crystal clear waters right in front of your eyes!

Check out plans that include Kabira Bay

 

Things to keep in mind when touring Kabira Bay

Swimming is prohibited in Kabira Bay

Looking at Kabira Bay, you really want to go in, but the current is so fast that it is very dangerous to go near the sea because of the many glass boats coming and going.

Kabira Bay should be enjoyed only by "enjoying the view" and "taking pictures"!

 

On-street parking is prohibited.

The road near Kabira Bay is wide enough to allow on-street parking for a short while. However,Parking on the street is of course not allowed.

There is also a parking lot right next to Kabira Bay. Even if you are only staying for a short period of time, use coin-operated parking.

 

Accommodations (hotels) near Kabira Bay

For those who want to enjoy Ishigaki Island's No. 1 tourist spot, Kabira Bay, efficiently, we introduce three recommended accommodations around Kabira Bay.

 

Accommodations near Kabira Bay ①.
tanning parlor

2021This is a renewed bed and breakfast (B&B) hotel. The surrounding stores include seafood, teppan, several izakayas, and Kabira Bay is a short walk away.

The luxury of being able to wander around Kabira Bay on a morning or evening walk is great.

 

Accommodations near Kabira Bay (2)
Ishigaki Seaside Hotel

This hotel stands on Sukuji Beach, which represents Yaeyama. Located about 5 minutes by car from Kabira Bay, the hotel is ideal for sightseeing in Kabira Bay.

You can choose a room from both the hotel type, which consists of a high-rise floor, and the cottage type, which is definitely recommended for those who want to enjoy the ocean view from their rooms.

 

Accommodations near Kabira Bay (3)
Yasuragi Inn in Kabira

The location of this guest house is very attractive, and Kabira Bay is within a 5-minute walking distance. The bright and friendly staff and the attached restaurant offer a unique Okinawan menu, which is very popular.

 

Rent a car for a comfortable trip

We'll also make reservations in advance for car rentals, which fill up quickly!

Ishigaki Island Tours has finally started handling rental cars. If you want to make your trip perfect for you, we recommend you to use a rental car.

 

summary

• Kabira Bay, a very famous tourist spot on Ishigaki Island, has three Michelin stars.
• Three ways to get there: rental car, bus, or tour.
• Affordable parking, nearby facilities, etc.
• Swimming is not allowed (but it is possible with tours).
• Various ways to play such as SUP, canoe, glass boat, etc.

Check out plans that include Kabira Bay

 

Take a ferry for a trip to remote islands!

Ferry service is required from Ishigaki Island to each of the outlying islands.

If you purchase in advance online, there is no need to purchase tickets on the day of the cruise! On the day of boarding, simply show the check-in screen (QR code) on your smartphone to easily board the ship.

You can also change your time or cancel your reservation by e-mail from the contact page of Ishigakijima Tours, on the official LINE, or of course by phone. Please be assured that you can easily change your reservation.

*Because the counter on the day of purchase will be very crowded, we recommend that you purchase in advance to avoid crowds and loss of valuable travel time.

Click here to book ferry tickets.