Maesato Beach is on Ishigaki Island, one of Okinawa Prefecture’s outlying islands.
It sits within the grounds of the ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort, and draws a steady stream of visitors.
Clear water, good sand, and a full range of swimming facilities and marine activities make it a proper resort beach.
Entry and parking are both free even if you are not staying at the ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort.
Ratings for Maesato Beach
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
Maesato Beach at a Glance
| Swimming season | Year-round |
| Opening hours | 9:00–17:00 |
| Admission | Free |
| Safety net | In place from May to October |
| Lifeguard | On duty from March to October |
| Showers | Yes |
| Lockers | Yes |
| Equipment rental | Yes |
| Activities | Yes |
| Shop | Yes |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Official website | No |
Maesato Beach has a safety net in place, so adults and children alike can swim safely.
Lifeguards are on duty as well, so follow the rules and enjoy your time here.
What Makes It Worth Visiting
A Handsome Resort Beach
Maesato Beach has the unmistakable feel of a resort beach.
Almost everyone here is a visitor, swimming or trying out the activities.
Beautiful Sand
The sand is lovely.
There are small stones here and there, so sandals or shoes are worth wearing.
Clear Water
The water is clear, and the quality struck me as very good.
Plenty of Rentals and Activities
Rings and life jackets are available to rent.
Parasols and chairs are free for hotel guests, and paid for everyone else.
Kayaks and SUP boards can also be rented, and they are well worth trying.
Showers and Lockers Available
Showers and restrooms are both in place.
There is a shop on site as well.
Points to Note
The rules for using Maesato Beach are set out on site.
Follow them and enjoy your time here.
Access and Parking
| Access | About 15 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport |
| Address | Maezato, Ishigaki City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Free *Hotel guests and beach visitors alike Parking is free for both |
| Restrooms | Yes |
Maesato Beach has a free parking lot.
Parking is split between hotel guests and other beach users, and both are free.
See the image and 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.
ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort
The ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort is a handsome resort hotel.
Some rooms have ocean views, and with a pool and tennis courts on site it suits anyone who wants a resort stay on Ishigaki.
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 Maesato Beach.
Maesato Beach is close to both Ishigaki Airport and the town, which is part of why so many visitors gather here.
If you want the Okinawan resort experience on Ishigaki Island, Maesato Beach is well worth the trip.
Thank you for reading to the end.
Comments