Aragusuku Island - Koijigahama Beach
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
What Is Koijigahama?
A beach near the port on Kamiji Island, one of the two islands that make up Aragusuku Island.
There are some Utaki in the area that are off-limits, so be sure to go with a tour guide.
Surrounded by cliffs on both sides, this sandy beach is relatively narrow—about 10 meters wide—but it has a perfect “hidden gem” vibe.
It also offers beautiful views and is a popular spot for taking photos.
How to Get to Koijigahama
Since there are no regular ferry services to Shinshijima, we’ll visit the island as part of a tour.
After arriving at the harbor, walk about three minutes to the right with the village directly in front of you, and you'll arrive at your destination.
Things to Do at Koijigahama Beach
The waters off Koijigahama Beach are shallow.
There are no tropical fish typical of Okinawa, and since there are no coral reefs nearby, it’s not a good spot for snorkeling.
We recommend swimming, beachcombing, and taking photos.
Details on Koijigahama Beach
Koijigahama is a small beach located on Uejijima, part of Aragusuku Island.
It's only about a 3-minute walk from the port, so it's easy to pop by.
That said, since there is a sacred site nearby that is off-limits to the public and photography is prohibited in many areas, you’ll need to visit with a guide.
Shinjo Island is home to Kita-no-Hama, the island’s largest beach, but compared to that beach, you might find this one has a much more intimate atmosphere.
It's a beach about 10 meters long, bordered by rocks on both ends, giving it a very private feel.
It's a beach located in a place that looks like a cove.
Since there are very few corals or tropical fish, and waves can get quite large even when the sea is calm, this area isn't particularly suitable for snorkeling.
We recommend beachcombing and enjoying the scenery.
I can’t help but stare at the waves crashing against the rocks.
If you'd like to go snorkeling, you should head to Kita-no-Hama.
Because the water is shallow and the depth doesn't change abruptly, it's the perfect spot for swimming.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Koijigahama Beach
garlic chive (Allium tuberosum)
In the early Edo period, at the request of the Satsuma Domain—which had the Ryukyu Kingdom as a vassal state—the Ryukyu Royal Government established Takaniku at the western tip of the island for the purpose of monitoring and reporting on maritime traffic (using signal fires).
This is one of a group of watchtower ruins also known as the Sakishima Islands Hibanmui; the one on Shinjō Island resembles a tower built by stacking Ryukyu limestone in a spiral pattern, like a seashell.
They played a crucial role in monitoring foreign ships and sea conditions.
In 2007, 13 islands and 18 fire watchtowers were designated as historic sites.
Location: 180 Shinshiro, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa, Japan
Access:-
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Kuinupana
Kuinupana is an observation deck located further west of Koijigahama; you can reach the top by climbing the stone steps.
Since the summit is located at the highest point on Shinjō Island, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
From the opposite shore, you can even see Iriomote Island and Shimoji Island.
Kuinupana is an observation deck whose name means “Flower of Love,” and the view from here is breathtakingly beautiful—if you visit with someone special, love might just blossom!
Location: Shinshiro, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture
Directions: A 2-minute walk from Uechi Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Hamazaki
Hamazaki is a cape located at the southernmost tip of Uejijima, about a 15- to 20-minute walk away.
It lies at the end of a straight path, and along the way, you can encounter subtropical plants—such as alocasia and banyan trees—as well as wild animals.
As you emerge from the trees, an unspoiled sea with exceptional clarity spreads out before you.
Not only is there fine, white sand like that found at Koijigahama, but rugged coral is scattered here and there as well.
Since this is the southernmost point, you can clearly see Shimoji Island right in front of you.
At low tide, a coral reef path connects Uejima and Shimojima, so the islanders of old used to walk across it—a journey that took about 30 minutes.
These are some of the unique spots on Uejima Island.
Location: 180 Shinshiro, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County
Directions: A 15- to 20-minute walk from the port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Details on Koijigahama Beach
| Location | 180 Shinshiro, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District (View in MAP) |
| Access | A 3-minute walk from the port |
| parking lot | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| toilet | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| Business Hours | - |
To Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)! How to get there, how to play, and a list of recommendations
See all activities
Ishigaki Island Tours
To the list of ←Shinshiro Island (Panari Island) basic information and recommendations
