From classic spots to hidden gems: 7 popular beaches in Ishigaki Island, a southern paradise!

Ishigaki Island has been attracting more and more attention since its new airport opened in March 2013.
It is a southern paradise surrounded by the deep blue sea.

On the many beaches, you can enjoy a stroll on the dazzling powder sand, or go snorkeling to see the beautiful coral reefs.
Let's get right to introducing Ishigaki Island's proud beaches.

*Published in May 2015 Updated in July 2016

<Table of Contents>
[1] Basic information about Ishigaki Island beaches
[2] Classic beaches you should definitely check out first
Part 1　Fusaki Beach
Part 2　Ishigaki Island Sunset Beach
Part XNUMX　Sukuji Beach
Part XNUMX　Yonehara Beach
XNUMX　Maesato Beach
[3] This is a hidden gem beach that locals frequent!
Part 1　Sakieda Coast
Part 2　Ishizaki Coast
[4]Check this out when you're heading to the beach!
[5]When you want to get beach gear♪

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[1] Basic information about Ishigaki Island beaches

Ishigaki Island is the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands. The beach season opens early on Ishigaki Island; in 2016, it was on March 19th.
The water temperature at this time of year is usually around 22℃, so you might feel a little chilly in just a swimsuit. The water temperature will rise to around 25℃ from mid-April onwards.

Then, from the end of May to the beginning of July, the rainy season begins, and eventually, when the summer solstice wind (kachibai) starts to blow, Ishigaki Island is officially in the summer!
The beach season generally lasts until the end of September.

Ishigaki Island has many beaches with shallow waters and calm waves, making it a great place to enjoy swimming and other beach activities.
However, some areas, such as Yonehara Beach (Yonehara Coast), have strong currents and are designated as dangerous swimming zones.

If it looks dangerous, a stroll along the beach might be a better option than swimming.

Now, while early July to the end of August is the height of summer, one thing to be careful of during this time when the water temperature rises is the box jellyfish.
Box jellyfish are venomous, and their stings are extremely painful and can cause anaphylactic shock.

To avoid being stung, it might be safer to swim at beaches where box jellyfish nets are installed.
On beaches without box jellyfish nets, try wearing a wetsuit, long-sleeved T-shirt, and leggings.

[2] Classic beaches you should definitely check out first

Part 1: Fusaki Beach

This beach is located on the west side of Ishigaki Island, facing Fusaki Resort Village, and is open to non-guests as well.

Boasting exceptional clarity, it's a popular spot for families and tourists.

It's particularly well-known as a sunset spot, and the most people gather there at dusk.
The pier on the left side of the beach is a great spot for watching the sunset.

<Fusaki Beach>
Location: 1625 Shinkawa Tomizaki, Ishigaki City
Fusaki Resort VillageInside
Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Free. Hotel parking is available.
Facilities: Toilets, showers (cold water/free, hot water/charged), etc.
Gift shop: Located inside the hotel
Rentals: Parasols, chairs, etc.
Marine activities: Water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, etc.
Box jellyfish net: Installed

A special feature on recommended model courses for Ishigaki Island, chosen by professionals who know Ishigaki Island inside and out.

Part 2: Ishigaki Island Sunset Beach

©ocvb
This is a seasonal beach located in the Kuura settlement in northern Ishigaki Island (May 1st to October 15th in 2016).
It is renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches on Ishigaki Island.

© Ishigaki City Tourism and Exchange Association
Swimming in the sea amidst untouched nature, while gazing at the Hirakubo Peninsula, is truly a luxury!
With lifeguards on duty at all times, families with young children can relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

<Ishigaki Island Sunset Beach>
Location: 234-323 Hirakubo, Ishigaki City
Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Paid (400 yen per day)
Facilities: Changing rooms / Showers / Toilets (for a fee), etc. *Adults: 400 yen, Children: 200 yen
Shop: Available
Rental: Available
Marine activities: banana boating, snorkeling, wakeboarding, etc.
Box jellyfish net: Available (however, it may not be available depending on the season and time of day)

Part 3: Sukuji Beach

Photo Stock - Photo Library
Located about a 10-minute drive from Kabira Bay, one of Ishigaki Island's most representative scenic spots, this location sits in a bay with mountain ranges in the background, and on clear days, the Ogamizaki Lighthouse is clearly visible.
The shallow sea is calm, and a dense forest of Casuarina trees stretches out in front of the pristine white sand beach, providing shade.
It's also recommended to relax, lie down, and read or take a nap. There's also a barbecue area.

<Land Beach>
Location: Kawadaira-cho, Ishigaki City
Access: Approximately 50 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Free, approximately 30 spaces
Facilities: Changing rooms / Showers / Toilets, etc.
Shop: None
Rentals: Goggles, parasols, barbecue sets, etc.
Marine activities: None
Box jellyfish net: Installed

Part 4: Yonehara Coast

©ocvb
This beach boasts beautiful white sand and is adjacent to the lush, green Yonehara Campsite.
A wide stretch of shallow reef extends far out, and in some places, colorful tropical fish can be seen just a few meters from the shore.

©ocvb
Although it is said to be one of the best places for snorkeling, this beach has areas with strong currents and is designated as a dangerous swimming zone.
Furthermore, there are no permanent security guards on site.

In recent years, volunteers haveDissemination of safety informationThey are engaged in activities such as patrolling.
However, since this is purely a volunteer activity, each individual must take responsibility for their own visit rather than relying on others.
Please be very careful and enjoy the underwater world.

<Maibara Coast>
Location: Hakumi, Ishigaki City
Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Free, approximately 30 spaces
Facilities: Changing rooms / Showers / Toilets, etc.
Shop: Available
Rental: Available
Marine activities: None
Box jellyfish net: Not installed

Part 5: Maesato Beach

It boasts an excellent location, approximately 10 minutes by car from the city center. Situated within the grounds of the ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort, it is accessible to non-guests as well.
The beach is kept very clean, making it a great place to enjoy a relaxing resort atmosphere.

There is a hotel-managed beach house where you can enjoy a variety of marine activities.
During the swimming season, there are lifeguards on duty, which is a reassuring point for families with children.

We also have a wide variety of marine-themed activities!

Image provided by: ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort

<Maesato Beach>
Location: 354-1 Maesato, Ishigaki City
ＡＮＡインターコンチネンタル石垣リゾートInside
Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Free. Hotel parking is available.
Facilities: Changing rooms / Showers / Toilets, etc.
Shop: Available
Rentals: Parasols, deck chairs, etc.
Marine activities: snorkeling, diving, sea kayaking, etc.
Box jellyfish net: Installed

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[3] This is a hidden gem beach that locals frequent!

Part 1: Sakieda Coast

This is a hidden beach on the western side of Ishigaki Island. Because it's in a hard-to-find location, there are hardly any tourists, and it's a place where locals come to stroll or play with their families.
The coastline is spacious and open. The coral reefs, which have grown freely, are beautiful, and boats for snorkeling and diving tours are often anchored offshore.

<Sakieda Coast>
Location: Sakie, Ishigaki City
Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport
*There are no parking facilities, shops, etc.
Directions: First, drive towards Ogamizaki. About 1km from the entrance to Ogamizaki towards Sakieda, you will see a narrow road descending on your left.
After getting out of the car, you walk for about 10 minutes along a rough path, and you'll find it after you've emerged from the forest.　
* Ask someone who knows the area well, such as a local.

Part 2: Ishizaki Coast

Photo Stock - Photo Library
It is located at Kabira Ishizaki, on the northwestern tip of Ishigaki Island.
Near Club Med Ishigaki Island, if you turn left near the entrance to Club Med and go down the hillside, you'll find yourself face to face with the beautiful Prussian blue sea!
It's very quiet because there are no people around except for Club Med guests.
Offshore, this is a great spot for manta ray scrambling, where you can observe manta rays at your leisure.

<Ishizaki Coast>
Location: Ishizaki, Kawadaira, Ishigaki City
Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport
*There are no parking facilities, shops, etc.

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[4] Check these points before going to the beach!

1) The UV rays in Ishigaki Island are quite strong, so much so that people with sensitive skin can quickly become red and flushed.

After getting out of the sea, be sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Also, since there are a lot of mosquitoes, it's a good idea to take precautions against insects.

Wearing a rash guard is recommended; wearing only a swimsuit is very dangerous for your skin.

2) The beach has a lot of coral and seashells, so you might get injured if you go barefoot. It's recommended to wear flip-flops or water shoes.

3) In the "Basic Knowledge" section, we mentioned the box jellyfish, so as a precaution against them, bring vinegar with you to the beach.

If you are stung by a box jellyfish, the first aid is to apply plenty of vinegar to the affected area without rubbing it.
After removing the tentacles, cool the area with ice or cold water. After administering first aid, be sure to seek medical treatment at a healthcare facility.

It's not this cute...

[5] When you want to buy beach goods...

Now, when you're planning to have a great time at the beach, you'll need beach gear such as inflatable rings and snorkeling equipment!
For those who forgot to bring it, or those who don't want to carry it around as luggage!
You can find them relatively cheaply at the following stores♪

However, since the shops on Ishigaki Island aren't very big, it's still better to prepare in advance.

・Makeman Ishigaki Store (Home Improvement Store)
・Big One Ishigaki Store (Discount Shop)
・K-MAX (Home Improvement Store)

If you're looking to buy small items like beach balls, nets, or baskets at a 100-yen shop, check this out too!

- The Daiso Yaeyama store (this one is larger)
The Daiso Ishigaki Island Hirama Store

Final thoughts

How did you like our introduction to the beaches of Ishigaki Island, a paradise in the south?
Ishigaki Island has many other beautiful beaches besides those introduced here.

However, as mentioned earlier, Ishigaki Island also has areas with strong currents.
Whether you can swim or not, it might be a good idea to ask the hotel or beach house staff if it's safe.

Ishigaki Island is the third largest island in Okinawa Prefecture, after Okinawa Main Island and Iriomote Island.
Explore on your own and find your favorite beach!