Hamajima (Phantom Island)
浜島（幻の島）
A white-sand sandbar between Taketomi and Kohama that emerges above the sea only at low tide, surrounded by clear, shallow water. It can only be visited on a boat tour.
Hamajima is a sandbar formed from accumulated coral sand and debris. At high tide it is almost completely submerged, while at low tide a stretch of pure white sand emerges, which is why it is called the “Phantom Island.” Standing on the sandbar, you are surrounded by crystal-clear shallow sea, making it one of the Yaeyama Islands' most popular spots for photos and snorkeling. You can only visit on boat tours departing from Ishigaki or Kohama. Tours are often combined with snorkeling and a visit to Taketomi Island. A half-day tour costs about 5,000–8,000 yen, and the schedule depends on the tides. There are no facilities or shade on the sandbar, so bring sun protection and drinking water.
Opening hours
Tide-dependent (guided tours)
Nearby sights
- Kondoi Beach
- Kaiji Beach (Star Sand Beach)
- Taketomi Island Village & Water Buffalo Cart
- Kohama Island
- Tojin-baka (Chinese Tomb)
- Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory
- Cape Ugan
- Yubu Island