Introduction
The Yaeyama Islands (八重山諸島), located in Okinawa Prefecture, are home to some of Japan’s most breathtaking beaches. Unlike crowded mainland destinations, the islands offer a mix of powdery white sand, turquoise waters, lush mangroves, and coral reefs teeming with life. From family-friendly swimming spots on Ishigaki to adventurous wild coasts on Iriomote, every beach here has its own character.
This guide introduces the most beautiful beaches across the Yaeyama archipelago, along with safety tips, cultural insights, and practical travel advice.
Top Beaches on Ishigaki Island
Snorkeling paradise at Yonehara Beach.
Kabira Bay (川平湾)
Famous for its emerald waters and black-tipped pearl oysters. Swimming is not allowed due to strong currents, but glass-bottom boat tours are popular.
Traveler’s Tip: Visit early morning for fewer crowds and the best light for photography.
Sukuji Beach (底地ビーチ)
A safe, shallow beach ideal for families. Lifeguards are present in high season, and shade trees line the shore.
Extra: Known for beautiful sunsets.
Yonehara Beach (米原ビーチ)
Best snorkeling spot on Ishigaki with coral reefs just offshore. Rentals for masks and fins are available.
Warning: Beware of stonefish and sea urchins – wear marine shoes.
Fusaki Beach (フサキビーチ)
Resort-managed beach with long wooden pier, sunbeds, showers, and lifeguards. Great for first-time visitors.
Taketomi Island Beaches
Kondoi Beach (コンドイ浜)
Wide sandy shore with shallow waters perfect for children. Famous for its sandbar that appears at low tide.
Traveler’s Tip: Bring sunscreen and water as shade is limited.
Kaiji Beach (カイジ浜 / 星砂の浜)
Known for its “star sand” (hoshizuna). Swimming is not allowed due to currents, but it’s a unique beach to collect memories.
Iriomote Island Beaches
Hoshizuna Beach (星砂の浜)
Another star-sand beach, safe for swimming with shallow reef.
Haemida Beach (南風見田の浜)
One of the longest wild beaches in Japan, often deserted. Strong currents mean it’s better for walking and photography than swimming.
Ida Beach (イダの浜)
A hidden gem accessible only by boat or hike. Crystal-clear waters, excellent for snorkeling.
Other Island Beaches
Ida Beach – a secret paradise, accessible only by boat or hike.
Kohama Island – Haimurubushi Beach (resort beach with full facilities)
Kuroshima – Nishihama Beach (quiet, local atmosphere)
Yonaguni – Kubura Beach (remote and dramatic, near the westernmost point of Japan)
Hamashima & the Magic of Low Tide Sand Beaches
Hamashima
Hamashima Beach (浜島), often called the phantom island of Ishigaki, appears only at low tide. A small sandbar rising from the turquoise sea, it feels like stepping onto a floating desert island with nothing but sky and water around you. Boat tours from Kabira Bay and other ports bring visitors to walk its powdery white sands for a short while before the tide swallows it again.
The Yaeyama Islands are full of these fleeting landscapes. Kondoi Beach on Taketomi reveals wide tidal flats where children can safely splash and hunt for starfish. Yonehara and Sukuji also change shape as the water retreats, exposing tide pools rich with tiny fish and shells.
Traveler’s Tip: Always check the tide schedule before planning your visit. These beaches show their true beauty only when the sea pulls back, and the timing may differ each day.
Safety & Practical Tips
Swimming safety: Always check signs and ask locals before swimming. Many beaches have dangerous rip currents. Check out our page about safety.
Marine life: Watch for jellyfish (especially habu-kurage in summer), stonefish, and sea urchins. Good to wear water shoes and long swimwear.
Seasons: Best time is late April to October. Typhoon season peaks in September.
Facilities: Only some beaches have toilets, showers, or rentals. Remote beaches often have none.
Eco-care: Do not take coral or star sand home. It is protected.
Handy Extras for Readers
The beach at Haimurubushi resort in Kohama island is incredible beautiful and relaxing.
Best Beaches for Families: Sukuji, Kondoi, Fusaki, Haimurubushi Beach
Best Snorkeling: Yonehara, Ida, Hoshizuna
Most Photogenic: Kabira Bay, Kondoi Sandbar, Haemida wild coast
Local Food Nearby: Ishigaki soba at beach cafés, Resort hotels have their own beach restaurants, fresh pineapple in summer. Always good to bring a picnic from the local supermarket, with a bag to put your trash inside to bring back to your place to stay.
How to Get Around: Car rental is best on Ishigaki, bicycles on Taketomi, and tours on Iriomote
