Sunset Beach

Sunset beach is located on the west coast of the Hirakubo peninsula which extends northwards from Ishigaki. If you ask a few dozen people which is the nicest beach on the island, then you're likely to get a handful of answers, but one place which is likely to be mentioned by those who really know the island is Sunset Beach. Sunset Beach doesn't offer anything like the variety of sea life which you'd find if you went snorkeling at Yonehara, but what it does offer is a beautiful sandy beach and an idyllic setting.

 

 

When you first arrive you may feel like you've just stepped onto the beach where the movie 'The Beach' was filmed. Indeed, this may be Japan, but the beauty of this spot truly rivals that of some of the more remote beaches which are to be found in Asia.

If your primary reason to visit a beach is laze in the sun and admire the scenery, then this is the place for you. The waters close to the beach do offer reasonable snorkeling opportunities, indeed, I was lucky enough to see a Moray eel the last time I went (on a hot February day).

 

 

Note that the waters off some beaches on Ishigaki island are hazardous. Strong currents can carry swimmers into open water, and there are sea creatures, such as jelly fish, which pose significant risks if the correct precautions aren't taken. Please consult local safety guidelines before getting into the water and have emergency numbers on hand in case anybody should get into trouble.

 

During some of the year a net is placed in the ocean near sunset beach to protect swimmers from habu jellyfish.