Photography in Kabira Bay (Ishigaki)

Ishigaki Island is the main island of the Yaeyama Islands and the region's shipping hub. Ishigaki City, Japan's southernmost city, is the only public center of the Yaeyama Islands and the site of the region's major airport and ferry terminal, as well as of lots of hotels, shops, restaurants and bars. Chosen as one of Japan's 100 landscapes, Ishigaki Island is a popular place frequently connected with Okinawa. 

Ishigaki offers several nice beaches that are fantastic for snorkeling and diving in the surrounding coral reefs. Snorkeling can be experienced at nearly every beach on the island, while diving is offered through the numerous dive shops with tours available for all experience levels. If diving, be sure to check out the island's famed manta rays which congregate in large numbers around Manta Scramble near Kabira Bay.

Remember that there is no swimming allowed at Kabira Beach due to cultivation of the black pearl in the bay but feel free to take off those your shoes and feel the sand between your toes as you enjoy the tropical countryside on a pleasant stroll on the white sand. 

Glass-bottom ships are departing from around 9:00 to 17:00 for those who want to have a look below the surface without getting wet. At the stores near the large vehicle park, you can purchase the tickets (which cost about 1000 yen).

The car park, which marks Kabira Bay's entrance, is situated slightly above sea level. This is what you first see when you exit the vehicle.