Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay is probably the most photographed sightseeing spot on Ishigaki island. Positioned on the north west coast of the island, Kabira attracts thousands of tourists every year, all of whom are keen to see if the waters are truly as turquoise as guide books and advertisements promise. The good news is that people are rarely disappointed and you'll often hear exclamations of 'sugoi' (amazing) and 'kirei' (beautiful) from Japanese tourists who are enjoying the view from the observation point, which is situated just above the bay.
Ishigaki's Kabira bay is famed for its emerald green watersThe view is truly impressive, and not one which you're likely to tire of quickly. It's not just the bay which is of interest; casting your eye further afield you'll be able to see Mt. Omoto clearly in the distance along with the Hirakubo peninsula which extends to the north on the other side of Ishigaki island (look closely and you may even be able to make out Mt. Nosoko's distinctive peak).
Can you swim at Kabira Bay?
Unfortunately not. Swimming is prohibited for a number of reasons such as strong currents, jelly fish and the presence of boats which routinely ferry passengers up and down the bay.
If you fancy viewing the wonders of the ocean without getting wet then a glass-bottomed boat tour is for youTours on glass-bottomed boats which reveal the beauty of the ocean's coral reefs below are extremely popular. These businesses can seem like a license to print money, but at the same time the trips are reasonably priced at around ¥1000 Yen, and customers always seem to exit the boats with smiling faces when they return.
The town of Kabira is small but visitors will find that most necessities are available. There is a large car park and various shops, restaurants and tour operators can be found in its immediate vicinity. There is a JP Bank ATM located in the town center, although it isn't available all weekend (ATM map here).
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The beauty of Kabira Bay is such that it warrants a trip to the north west coast of the island on its own merits. However, if you've got your own transport then a couple of hours here would fit well into any schedule involving Uganzaki, Sukuji beach, or Yonehara.
"If you pick up a modern guide book about Japan then there's a pretty good chance that it will include a photo of the emerald-green ocean at Kabira bay, one of Japan's only black pearl production sites. As a consequence Kabira bay has possibly become slightly overrated / overvisited, however, there's no doubt that it still offers one of the most impressive coastal views in Japan."
How to get to Kabira Bay
Kabira is located around 30 minutes from Ishigaki's city center by car. Fortunately you do not need a car as there is a reasonably regular bus service which connects the city with Kabira via Ishigaki's west coast. There is also another bus service which shuttles between Yonehara and Kabira bay. Click here for bus service details.
A one-way taxi journey from the city will probably cost around ¥4000 - ¥5000.
Hirabanari Island
Sukuji Beach
Uganzaki Lighthouse
Comments
Michelin Guide
So beautiful, really does look like paradise. I'm pretty sure I saw this place in the Michelin guide recently ...
Correct
Hi Dave,
That's right. It was recently selected for the Michelin guide, which has probably helped to promote the island as a tourist destination.
Still, although this is undoubtedly an incredible spot (particularly when the weather is nice) there are other places on the island which I find far more impressive. I'd rate a trip out to Uganzaki or a drive to the northern cape of the Hirakubo peninsula over a trip to Kabira bay in all honesty. Having said that, given that I live on Ishigaki the appeal of hanging out at a spot which is full of tourists has already worn off - perhaps that's one of the reasons why I favour the lesser-visited spots.
Still, there are so many beautiful spots near Kabira Bay that it's well worth visiting.
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