Sunset Beach
I still have fond memories of the first time that I visited sunset beach with some friends from Hokkaido. I remember walking through a clearing onto the beach to the south of the main entrance and being blown away by the sheer beauty of this spot. No, it may not be as secluded as some of the other 'secret' beaches on the island but if you're looking for good sand, a great view and a net to protect you from the jellyfish in the summer then it doesn't get much better than this.
If it wasn't for the fact that Sunset beach is located so far from the city center there's little doubt that this lovely spot on the Hirakubo peninsula's west coast would be completely overrun by tourists during the high season. Of all the designated tourist beaches on the island it probably offers the best of most worlds - beautiful sand, an incredible view and reasonable snorkeling opportunities.
Idyllic
This is one of those spots which really defines what Ishigaki has to offer. Yes, you'll still be in Japan, but you'll also be in Okinawa's semi-tropical deep south where the coastline takes on an entirely different form.
If your primary reason to visit a beach is laze in the sun while admiring the scenery, then this is the place for you. It has most of the qualities of Ishigaki's 'secret' spots with the added convenience of some facilities. On a warm winters day the beach is likely to be virtually deserted but in the summer the number of visitors who head out to the beach increases considerably.
The scene at Ishigaki's sunset beach is truly idyllicFacilities
For a reasonable charge of 300 yen (150 yen per child) you can use the beaches facilities which include lockers, showers and toilets. Parasols and deck chairs are available for hire along with snorkeling equipment.
During some of the year a net is placed in the ocean to protect swimmers from habu jellyfish.
Access
Sunset beach lies around 50 minutes from Ishigaki's city centre by car and a small car parking area is positioned just behind the beach. If you don't have access to personal transport you'll be able to get to sunset beach via the hirano bus line which stops at the town of 'Kuura'.
Location
