The bay on Ishigaki's northwest coast is what most people picture when they think of the Yaeyama Islands — shallow water shifting from emerald to turquoise, small wooded islets breaking the surface, and the coral clearly visible below. Glass-bottom boats tour the bay from the pier at the northern end of the beach, and the 30-minute trips are genuinely worthwhile even for people who've seen a lot of tropical water.
Swimming in the bay is banned to protect the pearl oyster farms operated here, but the wide sandy beach on the southern shore is open and pleasant for sitting. A row of shops and cafes along the beach road sells Ishigaki beef burgers, fresh juice, and of course pearl jewellery. The road from Ishigaki town to Kabira takes about 30 minutes by car, passing through the hills of the island's interior.