Kabira Bay

Kabira Bay is a scenic attraction located in the northwestern part of Ishigaki Island in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture. It is known for its beautiful landscape of emerald-green waters, white sandy beaches, and lush green islets. As one of Ishigaki Island’s most iconic scenic spots, it attracts many visitors from Japan and abroad and is regarded as one of the most popular scenic destinations in Okinawa. Small and large islets are scattered throughout the bay, creating a striking contrast between the crystal-clear sea and the white sand. The surrounding area retains its rich natural beauty, with peaceful tropical scenery stretching in every direction. One of the bay’s most distinctive features is that the color of the sea changes depending on the weather and time of day, allowing visitors to enjoy a different expression of the landscape each time they visit.

Kabira Bay is an inlet extending across the northwestern part of Ishigaki Island, surrounded by lush hills and mountains. Near the mouth of the bay are Kabira Kojima and several other green islets and rocky islands formed from uplifted coral reefs, creating a distinctive multi-island landscape. Viewed from the shore, the sight of small islands floating in the clear blue sea is almost like a painting. Kabira Bay has long been known as a scenic destination and is included among the “100 Scenic Views of Japan.” On September 11, 1997, it was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty, together with Mount Omoto, the highest peak in Okinawa Prefecture, under the name “Kabira Bay and Mount Omoto.” The bay is also located within Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, where its rich natural environment is protected.

The greatest attraction of Kabira Bay is its distinctive sea color, often referred to as “Kabira Blue.” Transparent blue and vivid emerald green overlap in layers, subtly changing according to the angle of the sunlight and the movement of the tides. This beautiful range of colors is created by a combination of natural conditions, including the high clarity of the seawater, the white sand covering the seabed, and the reflection of sunlight. In shallow areas, the water appears light blue or emerald green, while deeper areas turn a darker blue, creating a natural gradient across the surface of the sea. The colors are especially vivid on sunny days, but even on cloudy days, visitors can appreciate the calm beauty of the blue-green water.

Kabira Bay has earned high praise both in Japan and internationally for its exceptional scenery. It is known for receiving the highest rating of three stars in the French-origin travel guide Michelin Green Guide Japan. Three stars indicate a destination that is worth making a special trip to visit, demonstrating that the beauty of Kabira Bay has received worldwide recognition. Its designation as a National Place of Scenic Beauty also reflects the high value placed on its natural landscape. The harmonious combination of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and lush green islands is cherished as one of the iconic views of Ishigaki Island.

One of the best ways to enjoy Kabira Bay is to take in the view from one of its observation spots. Kabira Park features observation decks and walking paths, allowing visitors to look out over the entire bay from an elevated position. From the observation deck, the emerald-green sea stretches beyond the white sandy beach, with green islets scattered across the water. On particularly sunny days, the vivid colors of the blue sky and sea stand out beautifully, making the area ideal for photography. Since the observation spots are located a relatively short walk from the parking area, visitors can fully experience the charm of Kabira Bay even during a brief sightseeing stop.

After enjoying the view from the observation deck, it is also recommended to descend to the shore and stroll along the white sandy beach. By the water, visitors can observe the clear seawater washing onto the sand and see the reflections of the islets on the surface up close. The surrounding greenery and islands viewed from the beach offer a different kind of beauty from the scenery seen from the observation deck. However, although Kabira Bay may appear calm at first glance, some areas within the bay have fast and complex currents, so swimming is prohibited. For safety reasons, visitors should avoid using the area for swimming and instead enjoy the scenery and take a walk. Since Kabira Bay is a precious natural landscape designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, it is also important to protect the environment by avoiding damage to coral, plants, and animals while exploring the area.

For those who would like to experience the underwater world of Kabira Bay, a glass-bottom boat tour is highly recommended. These sightseeing boats have a glass panel in part of the hull, allowing passengers to observe coral reefs and tropical fish without leaving the boat. Depending on the sea conditions and the location being visited, passengers may see colorful fish swimming around the coral as well as corals of various shapes spread across the seabed. If you are lucky, you may even encounter marine life such as sea turtles. Because no swimming is required, glass-bottom boat tours are an excellent way for families with young children and those who are not confident swimmers to enjoy the rich marine environment of Okinawa.

The waters around Kabira Bay are home to the rich coral reefs characteristic of the Yaeyama Islands. These coral reefs provide habitats for many marine organisms, including colorful tropical fish and a wide variety of other sea creatures. On glass-bottom boat tours, guides may explain the different types of coral and the characteristics of the fish as passengers observe them, providing an opportunity to learn about the marine environment as well. However, underwater visibility varies depending on the weather, tide level, and wave conditions, and there is no guarantee that every type of creature will be visible. Tours may also be canceled due to bad weather or poor sea conditions, so it is advisable to check the operating status in advance.

Kabira Bay is known not only for its beautiful natural scenery but also as a cultivation center for black pearls. The cultivation of Tahitian pearls, which are produced by black-lip oysters, is an essential part of the history of Kabira Bay. Pearl cultivation efforts began in Kabira Bay during the Taisho era, and research into black pearl cultivation techniques continued after World War II. In 1970, Ryukyu Pearl became the first company in the world to successfully mass-produce Tahitian pearls. This achievement played an important role in establishing Kabira Bay’s reputation as a center for black pearl cultivation. Tahitian pearls are characterized by their beautiful luster in shades of black, deep green, silver, and other colors. Facilities related to pearl cultivation can also be found around the bay, serving as a reminder of how closely the natural environment of Kabira Bay has been connected to local industry.

Around Kabira Bay are shops selling accessories made with black pearls, as well as stores offering Okinawan souvenirs. Necklaces, earrings, and other items made with Tahitian pearls are popular keepsakes of a trip to Ishigaki Island. The Kabira area also has restaurants and cafés where visitors can enjoy a meal or take a break during their sightseeing. It is well worth sampling local specialties unique to Ishigaki Island, such as Yaeyama soba, dishes prepared with local ingredients, and desserts made with tropical fruits.

Another appealing feature of Kabira Bay is that its scenery changes greatly depending on the time of day and the weather. When the sunlight shines brightly on the bay, the clarity of the water and its vivid blue color stand out, creating ideal conditions for photography. In the quiet morning hours, visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, while in the afternoon, they may see different colors depending on the position of the sun and the tide level. The surrounding greenery and the color of the sky also change with the seasons, offering new discoveries even to repeat visitors. One of the best ways to enjoy Kabira Bay is simply to take time to admire the beautiful scenery created by natural light.

Kabira Bay is approximately 30 to 40 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport and about 30 minutes by car from central Ishigaki City. It can also be reached by local bus, but the number of services may be limited, so checking the timetable in advance is recommended. Parking areas, public restrooms, shops, and other facilities are available nearby, creating a convenient environment even for first-time visitors. About 30 minutes is sufficient if you plan only to enjoy the view from the observation deck, while one to two hours is recommended if you also wish to stroll along the beach or take a glass-bottom boat tour. The area can become crowded depending on the weather and sightseeing season, so allowing plenty of time for your visit is advisable.

Kabira Bay is a scenic destination that symbolizes the beautiful natural environment of Ishigaki Island, offering breathtaking views created by white sandy beaches, emerald-green waters, and lush green islets. Its attractions combine nature and culture, including scenery awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide, coral reefs and tropical fish visible from glass-bottom boats, and the history of black pearl cultivation. Although swimming is prohibited, visitors can fully enjoy the rich natural beauty of Kabira Bay through the views from its observation decks, walks along the shore, and glass-bottom boat tours. It is one of Okinawa’s most spectacular scenic destinations and a must-visit place when traveling to Ishigaki Island.