Kabira Bay

川平湾

The only bay in Japan awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide. Small islands dot the jade-green water. Ride a glass-bottom boat to see the coral. Swimming is banned to keep the bay pristine.

Kabira Bay lies on the northwest coast of Ishigaki Island. Nine small islets dot the bay, and the water shifts between jade green and lake blue depending on the tide and the light. It is the only bay in Japan awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide and is also a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty. Because of the complex currents and black pearl farms in the bay, swimming is prohibited throughout. The main activity is a glass-bottom boat ride (about 30 minutes, around JPY 1,300 for adults) to view coral and tropical fish. No reservation is needed, and boats depart as soon as they are full. You can also look over the whole bay from the observation deck at the entrance. You can stroll along the beach, and the small shops at the bay entrance sell Ishigaki ice cream and black pearl jewelry. Other Ishigaki Island trips can be combined with this visit: Taketomi Island (a 15-minute boat ride, where you can ride a water buffalo cart through the red-roofed, white-sand Ryukyuan village), the mangroves of Iriomote Island and Yubu Island, Cape Hirakubo Lighthouse, and sunset at Cape Omoto. At the ferry terminals, try Ishigaki beef yakiniku and Yaeyama soba. Getting there: It's about 1 hour by flight from Naha to Ishigaki, with direct flights from Hong Kong and Taipei. From Ishigaki Airport, it's about 40 minutes by car to Kabira Bay, and there is also a bus (about 1 hour). Note: Glass-bottom boats are suspended in strong winds and waves. The bay looks darker in the afternoon when the light is behind it, so go in the morning if you can. Drones require a permit.

Kabira Bay

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Places to eat nearby