Kabira Tabaga is a beach on Ishigaki Island, one of Okinawa’s outlying islands.
It lies in the Kabira district of northwestern Ishigaki Island — a natural beach of white sand in a small cove ringed by rock.
Its clear emerald-green water and the handmade swing set on the sand spread through social media, and it has become a quietly popular photo spot.
The road in is an unpaved farm track that is easy to miss, though, and the beach has no facilities at all.
If you plan to swim or snorkel, take care when going into the water.
Rating: Kabira Tabaga
*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other beaches in Okinawa Prefecture.
Kabira Tabaga: the basics
| 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 |
| Restroom | No |
| Official website | No |
Kabira Tabaga is not a managed beach, so there are no lifeguards and no safety net (a net to keep box jellyfish out).
There are no restrooms, showers, shops or vending machines either, so pick up drinks and anything else you need in Kabira village or in town beforehand.
If you plan to swim or snorkel, take care when going into the water.
Highlights
Exceptionally clear emerald-green water
Kabira Tabaga is known for having some of the clearest water of any beach on Ishigaki Island.
Beyond the white sand, the emerald green deepens in gradations as it runs out from the shallows, and you can pick out the coral on the bottom just standing on the shore.
At low tide on a calm day the surface turns to glass, and you can sometimes see the sky mirrored in it.
A photo spot with a handmade swing
What put Kabira Tabaga on the map is the handmade swing set on the sand.
Being able to shoot with the sea behind you sent it round social media fast, and it is used for wedding shoots as well.
The swing is on your left as you come down onto the sand, near the rocks.
It was put up by volunteers and is not a maintained piece of equipment. Check the rope and the timber yourself before you use it, at your own risk.
Coral right in front of you at low tide
A colony of branching coral spreads out beyond the shore at Kabira Tabaga, and it is known as a snorkeling spot.
Small fish such as sapphire devil damselfish turn up even in the shallows, and when the tide drops right out the coral comes up close to the surface.
For snorkeling, aim for the hours either side of low tide when visibility is best — check a tide table before you set off.
There are no lifeguards here, though, so if you are not confident, join a tour or go in with a guide.
If any of that appeals, take a look on Viator or GetYourGuide.
No restrooms or showers
There are no restrooms, showers, changing rooms or lockers.
It is not a swimming beach, so there is no equipment rental or shop either.
Points to Note
The road to Kabira Tabaga is an unpaved farm track, and it turns into deep puddles in the rain and for a while afterwards.
It is barely wide enough for one car, so if you meet an oncoming vehicle one of you will have to reverse. If you are not confident behind the wheel, consider parking in Kabira and walking in.
There are also no lifeguards and no safety net. Rip currents can form here, so stay out of the water on windy days or when the swell is up.
Box jellyfish are active from around July to September, so wearing a rash guard is a sensible precaution when swimming.
The area around Kabira Tabaga is designated as the Kabira Ishizaki Marine Park Zone within Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Taking coral or stones is prohibited, so carry your rubbish out with you and take care not to disturb the environment.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport |
| Address | Kabira, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Parking | Yes (free, about 4 spaces) *Unpaved ground |
| Restroom | No |
To reach Kabira Tabaga, head north from Nakasoko Ranch in Kabira.
It is not really a car park — you end up pulling over on the verge — so park considerately and leave room for others.
There is no sign at the entrance to the beach, and the track forks along the way. Follow the tyre ruts and the power lines and you will get there, but reception is weak in places, so load the map before you go.
See the Google Map below for details.
Nearby Information
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.
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.
Kabira Bay
Kabira Bay is about 10 minutes by car from Kabira Tabaga, and it is the scenic spot Ishigaki Island is best known for.
Swimming is off-limits there, but a glass-bottom boat will show you the coral and tropical fish.
Summary
This article introduced Kabira Tabaga.
Kabira Tabaga is a natural beach with exceptionally clear water and white sand, tucked into a small cove ringed by rock.
It is known as a photo spot for its handmade swing, but there are no facilities whatsoever and the road in is an unpaved farm track.
In return, you get quiet time at a place tourism has not reached, and a sea full of coral right in front of you.
If you are heading to the Kabira area of Ishigaki Island, do stop by Kabira Tabaga.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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