Kabira Bay is located on the northwestern coast of Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture. Recognized as one of Japan’s 100 Scenic Landscapes and designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government, the bay is one of Ishigaki Island’s most spectacular natural attractions.
The combination of white sandy beaches and exceptionally clear emerald-green waters creates an unforgettable tropical landscape. The appearance of the bay changes constantly depending on the tides, sunlight, and weather, giving Kabira Bay an almost magical atmosphere.
One of the best ways to experience Kabira Bay is by taking a glass-bottom boat cruise. The boats have transparent sections in their hulls, allowing visitors to look directly into the crystal-clear water and observe colorful coral reefs and tropical fish without having to enter the sea.
Swimming is prohibited in Kabira Bay because of its strong currents. However, glass-bottom boat tours provide a safe and comfortable way to appreciate the bay’s beautiful underwater environment while enjoying the scenery from the surface.
Kabira Bay offers a variety of activities for visitors who want to experience its natural beauty more closely. Tours exploring the bay’s nine uninhabited islands, as well as snorkeling and kayaking experiences, are available depending on conditions and local tour operators.
These activities offer different ways to discover the clear waters, tropical scenery, and rich natural environment surrounding Kabira Bay.
Kabira Bay is also well known for the cultivation of black pearls. Beautiful black pearl jewelry and other pearl products are popular souvenirs for visitors to Ishigaki Island.
The bay’s marine environment is also facing challenges, including concerns over rapidly progressing water pollution and changes toward more brackish water conditions. Protecting the bay’s delicate ecosystem remains an important issue for the future.
Several small uninhabited islands are scattered throughout Kabira Bay. Each has its own distinctive name and fascinating story, reflecting the history, nature, and folklore of the area.
Kabira Bay Island is the largest island within the bay. Sugarcane was once cultivated here, reflecting the traditional agricultural landscape of the region.
Majipanari, also known as Majari, is the second-largest island in Kabira Bay. According to local tradition, it was named after a person called Maja who was exiled from Okinawa Island to this remote location.
Saipanari is said to have received its name because groups of white herons once gathered and rested on the island.
Mukupanari and Yumipanari are associated with a local legend of tragic love. According to the story, a man and woman from the villages of Kabira and Nakasuji, located on opposite sides of the bay, experienced a heartbreaking romance and were eventually transformed into islands.
Mayapanari is said to have been named after a cat that was abandoned on the island after killing domestic chickens.
Kubapanari takes its name from the kuba palm, which once grew abundantly across the island.
Kidapanari was named after the abundance of ebony trees that once grew there.
Chabanchikipanari refers to a group of small islands that stand out among the many islets scattered throughout Kabira Bay.
With its ever-changing scenery, dazzling emerald waters, white sand, coral reefs, tropical fish, and fascinating island legends, Kabira Bay offers much more than a beautiful view.
Whether you simply admire the panorama from the shore, take a glass-bottom boat cruise, or join an outdoor adventure, the bay provides an unforgettable opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Yaeyama Islands. When visiting Ishigaki Island, be sure to include Kabira Bay in your itinerary and experience its dreamlike tropical landscape for yourself.
40 minutes by bus from the bus terminal