Sakieda Beach is on Ishigaki Island, one of Okinawa Prefecture’s outlying islands.
The water here is exceptionally clear, which makes it a rewarding spot for snorkeling.
Swim out a little and you reach a great deal of coral, and it is a beautiful sight.
One thing to note: this beach has no safety net and no lifeguard on duty.
If you plan to swim or snorkel, take care when going into the water.
Ratings for Sakieda Beach
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
Sakieda Beach at a Glance
| Swimming season | None in particular |
| Opening hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Safety net | No |
| Lifeguard | No |
| Showers | No |
| Lockers | No |
| Equipment rental | No |
| Activities | No |
| Shop | No |
| Restrooms | No |
| Official website | No |
This beach has no safety net and no lifeguard on duty.
If you plan to swim or snorkel, take care when going into the water.
The Highlights
Clear Water
The water was very clear and genuinely beautiful.
I visited at low tide with the water drawn back, and it was beautiful all the same.
A Snorkeling Spot
Swim a little way out from Sakieda Beach and you reach an area of spreading coral.
Wear a life jacket and take proper care when snorkeling here.
Beautiful Sand
The sand is lovely too.
This is a natural beach, so there are shells and small stones underfoot — shoes or sandals are worth wearing.
Natural Shade to Rest In
A large rock beside the beach casts natural shade, and some people were resting there and taking their time.
Vending Machines on Site
There are vending machines but no shop.
No Restrooms or Showers
There are no restrooms or showers here.
This is not a managed swimming beach, so there are no swimming facilities or equipment rentals either.
Surrounded by Greenery
The area is full of greenery.
It is not a developed beach, but it is a genuinely beautiful place.
Points to Note
As shown in the image above, there are warning signs on site.
Take care when going into the water.
Access, Getting There, and Parking
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport |
| Address | Sakieda, Ishigaki City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | No |
Sakieda Beach has a free parking lot.
There is room for about 8 cars.
See the image and Google Map below for details.
To reach Sakieda Beach, walk about 5 minutes from the parking lot over uneven ground.
There are traces of a path where people have walked, but it is not a maintained trail, so watch your footing.
Come through the narrow path and a beautiful beach opens up in front of you.
Nearby
Activities on Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island has a great deal to do.
Marine activities in particular are plentiful — snorkeling, diving, SUP, kayaking, and more.
If any of that appeals, take a look on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay is defined by its clear water, beautiful sand, and the view from the Kabira Park observation deck.
One thing to note: swimming is prohibited at Kabira Bay, so you cannot go in the water.
For those who want to see the coral and tropical fish, glass-bottom boat tours and other activities are available, and they are well worth doing.
It is also well known as a sightseeing spot, and draws a steady stream of visitors.
Rental Cars on Ishigaki Island
A rental car is by far the best way to get around Ishigaki Island.
Scenic spots such as Kabira Bay and Yonehara Beach are spread across the island, so having a car lets you explore at your own pace. Bus services on Ishigaki Island are infrequent, and a car makes a real difference to how much you can fit in.
Cars fill up quickly in the peak season, so we recommend booking early once your travel dates are set. One important note for overseas visitors: to drive in Japan you must obtain an International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention) in your home country before you depart, and remember that traffic in Japan drives on the left.
Club Med Ishigaki
Club Med Ishigaki is one of the finest luxury resorts on the island.
It offers spacious rooms with ocean views, an attractive pool, and a stretch of shore that feels almost like a private beach.
Summary
This guide has covered Sakieda Beach.
Sakieda Beach is a snorkeling spot known mostly to those in the know.
It is not somewhere crowds gather, which makes it a good choice if you are looking for a quiet beach.
When you visit Ishigaki Island, be sure to make time for Sakieda Beach.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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