Sakieda Minami-hama is on Ishigaki Island, one of Okinawa Prefecture’s outlying islands.
Clear water and beautiful sand define this quiet beach.
Some people use the waters offshore for surfing and snorkeling as well.
If you plan to swim, snorkel, or surf, take care when going into the water.
Ratings for Sakieda Minami-hama
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
Sakieda Minami-hama 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.
What Makes It Worth Visiting
Clear Water
The water was exceptionally clear and beautiful.
I visited at low tide with the water drawn back, and it struck me that it would be lovelier still at high tide.
A Long, Beautiful Stretch of Sand
The sand runs a long way, roughly 500 meters.
Surfing and Snorkeling Offshore
Head offshore from Sakieda Minami-hama and there is coral, where you can snorkel and dive.
Snorkeling and diving can be booked on Viator or GetYourGuide, so take a look if that appeals.
Shade to Rest In
Sakieda Minami-hama has natural shade under the trees, which makes it a comfortable beach to spend time on.
There is also a swing here, which makes for a good photo.
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.
Points to Note
As shown in the image above, there are warning signs on site.
Take care when going into the water.
Access and Parking
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport |
| Address | Sakieda, Ishigaki City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Open Space for Parking |
| Restrooms | No |
Sakieda Minami-hama has no dedicated parking lot, but you can park in the open space.
There is room for about 3 cars.
See the image and Google Map below for details.
Finding the Beach
The entrance is not easy to spot, but follow the route marked in red above and you will reach the beach.
The lane is barely wide enough for a single car.
Around Sakieda Minami-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.
The Denshin-ya Ruins
The Denshin-ya Ruins date from 1897 (Meiji 30). The building served as a junction for undersea cables, working as a relay point for communications between the Okinawan main island, mainland Japan, and Taiwan.
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas
Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas is known for its red-tiled cottages.
Fusaki Beach lies right beside the hotel, giving it the feel of a private beach, and there is also an attractive pool, restaurants, and bars — everything you need to unwind from morning to night.
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 Sakieda Minami-hama.
You will hardly see another visitor at Sakieda Minami-hama, which makes it a good choice for quiet, unhurried time by the sea.
When you visit Ishigaki Island, be sure to make time for Sakieda Minami-hama.
Thank you for reading to the end.
Comments