Kuura-no-hama is on Ishigaki Island, one of Okinawa Prefecture’s outlying islands.
Exceptionally clear water, beautiful sand, and a fine sunset define this quiet, little-visited beach.
Ishigaki Island Sunset Beach is right next door, so if you want to snorkel or try other activities, that is the better choice.
This beach is not somewhere crowds gather, which makes it a good choice for unhurried time by the sea.
*The name is read “Kuura-no-hama.”
Ratings for Kuura-no-hama
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
Kuura-no-hama 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 |
Kuura-no-hama has no safety net and no lifeguard on duty, and there are no restrooms or showers either.
If you want to swim or try activities, Ishigaki Island Sunset Beach right next door is the better choice.
The Highlights
Beautiful Sand
The sand is beautiful and of good quality.
There are small stones here and there, but it is clean enough to walk barefoot.
Clear Water
The water was exceptionally clear as well.
It is a little hard to tell from the photos, but seeing it in person was almost startling.
The day I went to take photos was perfectly clear, which made the clarity of the water stand out all the more.
Beautiful Sunsets
The sunset from Kuura-no-hama is lovely too.
I had no photos or footage of the sunset at Kuura-no-hama, so please see the Ishigaki Island sunset above for a sense of it.
Surrounded by Greenery
The area is full of greenery.
Come through the narrow path and you arrive at Kuura-no-hama.
Points to Note
There is a sign at Kuura-no-hama.
Follow them and enjoy your time here.
Access and Parking
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport |
| Address | 234-318 Hirakubo, Ishigaki City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restrooms | No |
Kuura-no-hama has an open area with room for about 1–2 cars.
There is also a paid parking lot nearby, which is another option.
See the image and Google Map below for details.
Around Kuura-no-hama
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.
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.
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 Kuura-no-hama.
Kuura-no-hama is a quiet find defined by exceptionally clear water, beautiful sand, and a fine sunset.
If you want unhurried time on an Ishigaki Island beach, Kuura-no-hama is well worth the trip.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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