Ishigaki Sunset Beach is a beach on Ishigaki Island, one of Okinawa Prefecture’s outlying islands.
It sits on the west side of the Hirakubo Peninsula, and exceptionally clear water and beautiful sand are what define it.
This is a managed swimming beach with lifeguards and a jellyfish net, and showers and restrooms are in place, so adults and children alike can get in the water with confidence.
As the name suggests, the shore faces west, and it is well known as a place to watch the sunset.
Ratings for Ishigaki Sunset Beach
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
Ishigaki Sunset Beach at a Glance
| Swimming season | May 1 – October 15 |
| Opening hours | 9:30–18:00 (last entry 17:00) |
| Admission | Adults: 500 yen per day Children: 300 yen per day *Ages 6 through elementary school |
| Safety net | Yes |
| Lifeguard | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Lockers | Yes |
| Equipment rental | Yes |
| Activities | Yes |
| Shop | Yes |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Official website | No |
Ishigaki Sunset Beach has a set swimming season, open from May 1 through October 15.
Use of the showers, restrooms, and changing rooms is included in the admission fee.
The season, fees, and opening hours are subject to change, so check the latest information before you go.
What Makes It Worth Visiting
A Beach for Watching the Sunset
Ishigaki Sunset Beach lies on the western side of the island, so you can watch the sun go down over the water head-on.
It is what the beach is named for, and plenty of visitors time their arrival for the sunset hour.
Plenty of Marine Activities
Snorkeling, SUP, kayaking, banana boat rides, and more are all on offer here.
It is a good choice if you want both swimming and activities in one place on Ishigaki Island.
If any of that appeals, take a look on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Clear Water and Beautiful Sand
The water is shallow and exceptionally clear, and the sand is white and lovely.
It has not been over-developed, so a natural feel remains — part of what makes it appealing.
Lifeguards and a Jellyfish Net
Lifeguards are on duty at Ishigaki Sunset Beach through the season.
A jellyfish net is in place as well, so families with small children can swim with peace of mind.
A Filming Location for “Hana Yori Dango Final”
Ishigaki Sunset Beach was used as a filming location for the 2008 film “Hana Yori Dango Final” (Boys Over Flowers Final).
The scene in which the main characters wake up on a deserted island is said to have been shot on this beach.
Points to Note
Outside the swimming season there are no lifeguards, and the jellyfish net is not in place.
The beach and its activities may also be unavailable depending on the weather and currents, so check before setting out.
Access and Parking
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport |
| Address | 234-323 Hirakubo, Ishigaki City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Available (paid: 500 yen per day, about 50 spaces) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
Ishigaki Sunset Beach has parking for about 50 cars, but it is paid — 500 yen per day.
Note that this is charged separately from the admission fee.
See the Google Map below for details.
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.
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.
Hirakubozaki (Hirakubozaki Lighthouse)
Hirakubozaki (Hirakubozaki Lighthouse) is the northernmost cape on Ishigaki Island, reached by heading north from Ishigaki Sunset Beach.
The white lighthouse against the blue sea makes for a beautiful contrast, and it is known as one of the finest views on Ishigaki Island.
Summary
This guide has covered Ishigaki Sunset Beach.
Ishigaki Sunset Beach is a managed swimming beach with lifeguards, a jellyfish net, showers, and restrooms.
There are plenty of marine activities, and — as the name promises — a remarkable sunset.
When you visit Ishigaki Island, be sure to make time for Ishigaki Sunset Beach.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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