Hirakubo Beach is on Ishigaki Island, one of Okinawa Prefecture’s outlying islands.
Exceptionally clear water and beautiful sand are what define it.
Hirakubo Beach is also known as a filming location for Namie Amuro: the music video for “Get Myself Back” was shot here.
It is not somewhere crowds gather, which makes it a good choice for unhurried time by the sea.
Ratings for Hirakubo Beach
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
Hirakubo Beach at a Glance
| Swimming season | None in particular |
| Opening hours | None in particular |
| Admission | No |
| Safety net | No |
| Lifeguard | No |
| Showers | No |
| Lockers | No |
| Equipment rental | No |
| Activities | No |
| Shop | No |
| Restrooms | No |
| Official website | No |
Hirakubo Beach has no safety net and no lifeguard on duty, and there are no restrooms or showers either.
Take care when going into the water to swim.
The Highlights
Clear Water
The water was very clear and genuinely beautiful.
I visited other beaches on Ishigaki Island too, and this one struck me as among the most beautiful.
Kayaking and SUP
Kayaking and SUP are both possible at Hirakubo Beach.
If any of that appeals, take a look on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Beautiful Sand
The sand is beautiful and pleasantly fine.
There are small stones here and there, though, so sandals or shoes are worth wearing.
The Location for Namie Amuro’s “Get Myself Back”
Hirakubo Beach is also known as a filming location for Namie Amuro: the music video for “Get Myself Back” was shot here.
If that interests you, take a look via this YouTube link.
Beautiful Sunsets
The sunset from Hirakubo Beach is lovely as well.
Surrounded by Greenery
The area is full of greenery, and Hirakubo Beach lies at the end of the path visible in the middle of the image above.
Follow the path and it continues much as shown above.
Points to Note
There is a sign at Hirakubo Beach.
Follow them and enjoy your time here.
Access and Parking
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport |
| Address | Hirakubo, Ishigaki City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | No |
Hirakubo Beach has an open area where you can park for free.
See the image and Google Map below for details.
Around Hirakubo Beach
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.
Hirakubozaki (Hirakubozaki Lighthouse)
Hirakubozaki is a cape on Ishigaki Island, well known as the island’s northernmost point.
The view from Hirakubozaki is superb: emerald green water and a beautiful coral reef in the same frame make for a genuinely lovely scene.
The lighthouse stands 13 m tall, and the light sits 74 m above sea level.
ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort
With one of the finest settings on Ishigaki Island, right in front of Maesato Beach, this is the largest luxury beach resort on the island. The grounds cover roughly six times the area of the Tokyo Dome and hold four room wings to suit different styles of travel, along with indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and a golf course.
Ishigaki Island was Japan’s first certified Dark Sky Place, so the star-filled skies here are something special, and the resort also makes a convenient base for day trips to Taketomi, Iriomote, and the other outlying islands.
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.
Summary
This guide has covered Hirakubo Beach.
Hirakubo Beach is defined by exceptionally clear water and beautiful sand.
If you want unhurried time on an Ishigaki Island beach, Hirakubo Beach is well worth the trip.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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