Kabira Bay (Kabira-wan), on Ishigaki Island in the Yaeyama group, is one of the most beautiful and famous scenic views in all of Okinawa, and a designated national scenic spot. The bay is a stunning composition of shifting emerald and turquoise water, brilliant white sand and small forest-covered islets, its colours changing with the light and tide throughout the day. Because of strong currents, swimming is not permitted in the bay, but the star way to experience it is by glass-bottom boat, which glides over vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish — a great option for families and non-divers. The bay is also a centre for cultured black pearls, which thrive in its clean waters. Viewpoints on the shore offer postcard-perfect panoramas, especially beautiful in bright sunshine. Easy to reach and utterly photogenic, Kabira Bay is an unmissable highlight of any visit to Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Ishigaki Island, Okinawa |
| Hours | Daytime (boat tours ~9:00–17:00) |
| Admission | Free viewing; boat tour paid |
| Time needed | 45–90 minutes |
| Best time | Year-round; sunny days |
What to See
- Emerald water, white sand and green islets.
- A glass-bottom boat over coral gardens.
- Postcard viewpoints from the shore.
- Cultured black pearls from the bay.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the wider Yaeyama Islands .
- Pair with Mangrove kayaking on Iriomote .
- Read our Okinawa overview .
Getting There
- By car: about 30 minutes from Ishigaki city/airport.
- By bus: to Kabira, then a short walk to the shore.
Tips
Go on a bright, sunny day for the most vivid emerald and turquoise colours, which are the whole point. Take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the coral and fish (swimming isn’t allowed due to currents), enjoy the shore viewpoints for photos, visit in the morning for calmer light, and combine it with exploring the rest of Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands.
