Funauki is a tiny village on the west side of the island, accessible only by a 10-minute ferry from Shirahama. Beyond Funauki, a 20-minute walk through low jungle leads to Ida no Hama — by general agreement the most beautiful beach in the Yaeyamas, a long curve of white sand under a wooded cliff.
There is nothing on the beach itself: no shops, no facilities. Bring food, water, and check the ferry timetable before setting off — boats are infrequent and the last return leaves in the late afternoon.