Kabira Bay

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Kabira Bay

Island

Kabira Bay is a scenic bay on the north coast of Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Travelers come for its turquoise waters, white sand, black-pearl culture and protected coastal scenery.

Kabira Bay NahaGinowan, OkinawaUrumaUrasoe, OkinawaKabira Bay

Kabira Bay essentials

Address: Kabira, Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, Japan

Kabira Bay sits on the north coast of Ishigaki Island and is part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park; it is known for white sand, vivid turquoise water and dense coastal vegetation that give it a tropical, sheltered feel.

The bay has a modern association with cultured black pearls, which are grown in the sheltered waters, and it has been officially recognized as a Place of Scenic Beauty together with Mount Omoto.

Nearby Kabira Village preserves elements of local traditional Ryukyu culture that were studied by anthropologists in the mid 20th century, and the shoreline is organised for sightseeing rather than beach recreation.

Visiting is mainly about viewing the clear water and shoreline scenery from nearby viewpoints and from the water; many visitors combine a stop at Kabira Bay with other parts of the Yaeyama Islands.

  • Panoramic viewpoint: The roadside viewing platform above the bay gives a classic panoramic view of white sand, turquoise water and the tree-covered headlands.
  • Black-pearl cultivation: Visible facilities and boats in the bay are used for culturing black pearls, an important local industry and point of interest.
  • Shoreline and sand: Small stretches of white sand and dense coastal vegetation line parts of the bay and make for pleasant short walks and photos.
  • Boat sightseeing: Sightseeing from the water offers a different angle on the bay and the pearl-farming sites; operators offer short tours from the shore area.
  • Kabira Village: The nearby village preserves local Ryukyu-era cultural character and is worth a brief visit to get a sense of island life.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Kabira Bay#

Kabira Bay is subtropical and warm for much of the year; the clearest, driest conditions are outside the main summer typhoon and heavy-rain period.

Winter (best)
November - February · 16°C - 24°C (61°F - 75°F)
Cooler, relatively dry months with pleasant conditions for sightseeing and clearer sea views; mornings and evenings can feel crisp compared with summer.
Spring and early summer
March - June · 18°C - 29°C (64°F - 84°F)
Warmer temperatures and lush vegetation make the bay very attractive, but rainfall increases toward late spring, so expect occasional wet days.
Typhoon season and late summer (avoid if possible)
July - October · 23°C - 31°C (73°F - 88°F)
This period brings the hottest weather and the heaviest rains with a higher risk of typhoons and rough seas, which can disrupt boat services and outdoor plans.

Weather & Climate near Kabira Bay#

Climate

Kabira Bay's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 16°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2103 mm/year), wettest in August.

Air Quality: AQI 46 Good
Best Time to Visit
AugustJuneSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
11°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 16° - 20° 18° 148 mm overcast 77% 4.6 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.7h
February Good 16° - 20° 18° 131 mm overcast 79% 5.8 m/s 1.1 high 11.2h
March Good 18° - 22° 20° 132 mm overcast 79% 4.5 m/s 1.3 high 11.9h
April Good 20° - 25° 22° 157 mm overcast 82% 4.0 m/s 1.6 very high 12.6h
May Good 23° - 27° 25° 211 mm overcast 84% 3.6 m/s 2.0 very high 13.2h
June Very Good 25° - 29° 31° 188 mm partly cloudy 86% 4.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.5h
July Good 26° - 31° 34° 153 mm partly cloudy 83% 4.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.4h
August Very Good 26° - 31° 33° 237 mm partly cloudy 82% 4.6 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.9h
September Very Good 25° - 29° 30° 212 mm partly cloudy 81% 4.7 m/s 1.9 very high 12.2h
October Very Good 23° - 27° 25° 207 mm partly cloudy 78% 5.1 m/s 1.5 high 11.5h
November Good 20° - 24° 22° 175 mm overcast 78% 5.3 m/s 1.0 high 10.8h
December Acceptable 18° - 21° 19° 152 mm overcast 76% 5.6 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Kabira Bay#

The bay is on the north coast of Ishigaki Island; the island’s main town is Ishigaki (Ishigaki City). The island is served by New Ishigaki Airport (Ishigaki Airport), which handles flights to and from mainland Japan and nearby islands.

There is no railway on the island; the last stretch to Kabira Bay is by road from Ishigaki town or the airport - by rental car, taxi or local bus services where available - so plan onward transport in advance and check local bus timetables or taxi options.

Tips for Visiting Kabira Bay#

  • Swimming and snorkeling are limited in parts of the bay because of coral, pearl-farming activity and conservation, so expect to enjoy it mostly from viewpoints or organised boat trips.
  • Bring sun protection and water even on mild days, and rain gear during the wetter months; weather can change quickly in this subtropical climate.
  • If you want quieter viewing conditions, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon when tour groups are fewer.
  • Respect signs and fenced areas around pearl farms and conservation zones; follow local guidance when walking near the shore.