Kabira Bay
Ishigaki Island's most famous view — tiny forested islands floating in water so clear you can count the coral heads from a glass-bottomed boat. Swimming is prohibited to protect the black pearl oyster farms, keeping it pristine.
1–2 hours
¥1,100 (boat tour)
Glass-bottom boats: 9:00–17:00 year-round; swimming prohibited in the main bay
year-round
Bus from Ishigaki city center ~35 min; boat tours ¥1,100
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Glass-bottom boat tours over living coral
- 2
Black pearl farming area visible below
- 3
No swimming allowed — preserves extraordinary clarity
- 4
One of Japan's top-100 scenic spots
Local Tips
The no-swimming rule is strictly enforced to protect the black pearl oyster farms — this is what keeps the water so extraordinarily clear. The glass-bottom boat tour takes about 30 minutes. Visit early morning for the best light and fewest boats. Sunset at Kabira is extraordinary — the light on the islets turns golden against the blue water.
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