How to Get to Kabira Bay in Ishigaki, Japan by Bus

*This article confirmed the information in May 2024.

Standard Sightseeing Plan
1. Take in the stunning view from Kabira Park Observatory.
2. Explore the beautiful underwater scenery on a glass-bottom boat ride.
Estimated time: About 1 hour

　 Contents　
♦ Welcome to Kabira Bay – A Must-See in Ishigaki, Japan
♦ Bus, Car, or Taxi? How to Get to Kabira Bay, Ishigaki
– By Route Bus (Azuma Bus)
– By Taxi
– By Rental Car
♦ Facilities and Services at Kabira Bay
♦ Where to Store Your Baggage Temporarily
♦ Exploring Kabira Bay by Glass Bottom Boat
♦ Where to Eat Around Kabira Bay
♦ Best Scenic Cafes Near Kabira Bay
♦ Where to Stay Around Kabira Bay
♦ Map of the Kabira Area in Ishigaki

Welcome to Kabira Bay – A Must-See in Ishigaki, Japan

More photos : Instagram

Kabira Bay is one of the most scenic spots on Ishigaki Island. With its crystal-clear blue waters, white sand beaches, and lush greenery of the small surrounding islands, the view is truly breathtaking.
We highly recommend visiting on a sunny summer day, when the scenery is at its most stunning. That said, even on a cloudy day, Kabira Bay’s beauty is sure to leave a lasting impression—especially for first-time visitors.

You can enjoy this spectacular view from the Kabira Park Observatory.
The area surrounding Kabira Bay is maintained as Kabira Park, which includes the observatory. It’s amazing that you can take in such a breathtaking view — all for free!

Please note that swimming is prohibited in Kabira Bay.

Swimming is not allowed here, but you can explore the bay on a glass-bottom boat. The boat features a transparent bottom, allowing you to see colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.
The best time to enjoy the underwater scenery is between low tide and high tide on a sunny day. But even on rainy days, you can still experience the beauty of the underwater world.

These boats are accessible to everyone—including young children, seniors, and wheelchair users—so anyone can enjoy the stunning underwater views of Ishigaki Island.

Sightseeing in Kabira Bay takes about an hour.
The most popular course includes enjoying the view from the Kabira Park Observatory, followed by a glass-bottom boat ride to explore the beautiful underwater scenery.

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Bus, Car, or Taxi? How to Get to Kabira Bay, Ishigaki

How to Get There
・By route bus
・By rental car
・By taxi

Kabira Bay is located on the western side of Ishigaki Island. It takes about 35 minutes by car from the city center (near the Bus Terminal or Ishigaki Port), and about 40 minutes from Ishigaki Airport.
As one of the most famous tourist spots on the island, Kabira Bay is well-served by route buses.

By Route Bus: Getting to Kabira Bay with Azuma Bus

Route buses to Kabira Bay depart from the Bus Terminal about once every hour, making it an easy destination to reach by public transportation.
The Kabira Park Observatory is just a 2-minute walk from the bus stop.

Getting to Kabira Bay by Bus
 Bus stop name 
Kabira Park ( 2-minute walk to Kabira Bay)

 Bus Route 
 From Bus Terminal (Eleven Buses per Day)
No.2(770), No.7(770), No.8(770), No.9(770)
 From Airport (Three Buses per Day) No.3(1,380), 11(860)

 Azuma Bus Schedule from the Bus Terminal

*Current Bus Schedule (Updated July 2025)

There are 11 buses per day from the Bus Terminal to Kabira Bay, operating approximately once every hour.
Although there are four different routes to Kabira Bay, we recommend Route 9, which travels along the scenic seaside road and passes by a resort hotel. This route offers beautiful ocean views from the bus.
When heading to Kabira Bay, the ocean will be on your left side, so we recommend sitting on the left side of the bus to enjoy the view.

The bus fare from the Bus Terminal to Kabira Bay is 770 one way.
If you’re planning a round trip by bus, it’s more economical to purchase a One-Day Bus Pass for 1,000.
Details on how to buy the Bus Pass are available on a separate page.

 Duration 
38 to 53 minutes (depending on the route)
 Fare 
770 yen

Timetable for Departure

Timetable for Return

Download Timetables
Route2 (PDF:0.4MB)
Route3 (PDF:0.4MB)
Route7 (PDF:0.3MB)
Route8 (PDF:0.4MB)
Route9 (PDF:0.4MB)

 Azuma Bus Schedule from Ishigaki Airport

*Current Bus Schedule (Updated July 2025)

There is a direct bus from Ishigaki Airport to Kabira Bay, so you can head there soon after you arrive.
However, please note that there are only two buses per day departing from the airport: 12:15 PM and 3:00 PM.
Be sure to plan your flight arrival accordingly.

The bus stop at Ishigaki Airport is Stop B.

The one-way bus fare from Ishigaki Airport to Kabira Bay is 860.
If you plan to use other route buses during the day, it’s a good idea to purchase a One-Day Bus Pass for 1,000, which offers unlimited rides and saves you money.

If you’re carrying large baggage like a suitcase, consider using the Baggage Delivery Service for convenience.
Please note: There are no coin lockers available in Kabira Bay, so it’s best to send your luggage ahead.

 Duration 
43 minutes
 Fare 
860 yen

Timetable for Departure

Timetable for Return

Download Timetables
Route3 (PDF:0.4MB)
Route11 (PDF:0.4MB)

Best Bus Trip Plan to Kabira Bay

This is a suggested itinerary for exploring the Kabira Bay area using only local route buses.
Instead of stopping at the Takamine Awamori Brewery (No. 4 on the list), you might enjoy a relaxing stroll through Kabira Village while savoring some delicious local gelato.

 Best Plan 
1. 8:55 AM – Catch Route Bus No. 9 from the Bus Terminal
   Get off at Kabira Park (Kabira Bay)
2. Take a glass-bottom boat ride and marvel at the colorful tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs beneath the surface.
3. Enjoy the stunning ocean views from the Kabira Park Observatory.
4. Visit the Takamine Awamori Brewery to learn about Okinawa’s traditional spirit.
5. 11:23 AM – Board Route Bus No. 8 from Kabira Park
   Get off at Yamabare at 11:37 AM
6. Have lunch with a view of the sea at the cozy and scenic Carib Cafe.
7. 1:20 PM – Take Route Bus No. 8 from Yamabare
   Arrive back at the Bus Terminal at 2:11 PM

By Taxi: The Easiest Way to Reach Kabira Bay

Taxis are not always available in Kabira Bay. However, you can request one using the taxi app “DiDi”.

Taxi Fares and Duration
  Approximate Fare  
Airport Kabira Bay : 5,800
Bus Terminal Kabira Bay : 4,200

  Duration  
Airport Kabira Bay : About 40 minutes
Bus Terminal Kabira Bay : About 35 minutes

By Rental Car: Exploring Kabira Bay at Your Own Pace

You can enjoy views of the beautiful coastline around Nagura Bay when taking the bus from the Bus Terminal to Kabira Bay.

Using a MAPCODE is a convenient way to set your destination in a car navigation system.
MAPCODE is a numeric code that represents the latitude and longitude of a location in Japan.

Getting to Kabira Bay by Rental Car
  Address  
911 Kabira, Ishigaki-shi, Okinawa
 : 366 422 819*34

  Duration  
Airport Kabira Bay : About 40 minutes
Bus Terminal Kabira Bay : About 35 minutes

  Parking  
Paid parking is available for about 100 cars.

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Facilities and Services at Kabira Bay

There are several cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops around Kabira Bay, always lively with visitors. You’ll also find small local shops scattered throughout the Kabira area, making it a fun place to explore on foot.

In addition, Kabira Bay has a large paid parking lot and a clean, accessible public restroom, but there are no lockers. If you’re carrying large baggage like a suitcase, it can be inconvenient while sightseeing. We recommend using a convenient Baggage Delivery Service.

Kabira Park

Map of Kabira Bay

Download MAP (PDF:0.4MB)

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Where to Store Your Baggage Temporarily

We’ll show you how to enjoy sightseeing without your baggage before checking in to your hotel.

Two Options
・You can send your baggage from the airport to your hotel.
・You can leave it at the glass bottom boat shop in Kabira Bay.

Buses from Ishigaki Airport to Kabira Bay run daily, but sightseeing can be inconvenient if you’re carrying large baggage.

We recommend using the Baggage Delivery Service.
You can arrange it at the airport, and your luggage will be delivered the same day to either partner hotels or the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal. If your hotel isn’t a partner, you can still pick up your luggage at the ferry terminal. This is especially convenient if you’re staying near the port or heading to remote islands like Taketomi.
Advance reservations are required for this service.

Alternatively, if you take a glass bottom boat, some shops offer free baggage storage for customers.

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Exploring Kabira Bay by Glass Bottom Boat

More photos : Instagram

Swimming is not allowed in Kabira Bay, but you can enjoy the beautiful underwater scenery from a glass bottom boat.

There are two major glass bottom boat companies. Their services — including fares and operating hours — are the same, and you can board either boat without a reservation.

First, pay the boarding fee at the reception. The staff will let you know when and where to board.

During the ride, the captain points out the fish and coral you can see through the glass, but the explanations are only in Japanese.

The boat operates even in the rain. You don’t need to worry about getting wet since you’ll be watching the underwater scenery from a covered boat.
However, the boat may be canceled depending on sea conditions. Please check the website for the latest operation status before you go.

Cancellation Information
Marine House Gurukun (Japanese only)
Kabira Marine Service (Japanese only)

The boats cruise only within the bay, so they are usually very stable and hardly shake.

Marine House Gurukun

This is one of the companies that operate glass-bottom boats in Kabira Bay.

This company offers coupons on its website. When purchasing a glass-bottom boat ticket, simply show the staff either a printed coupon or a screenshot to receive a 20% discount.

Get the coupon here.

You can also find paper coupons in the leaflet stands at the Bus Terminal and the airport. These coupons offer the same 20% discount. However, availability is not guaranteed.

In addition, there is a reservation discount. If you book in advance through the official website, you can get 23% off your ticket.

Normally, when visiting Kabira Bay, you need to use a paid parking lot operated by the city. However, if you take a glass-bottom boat from this company, you can use their customer parking lot for free.
Please refer to Map  5  (below) for the parking location.

Kabira Marine Service

This is another company that operates glass-bottom boats in Kabira Bay.

There is a reservation discount. If you book in advance through the official website, you can get 44% off your ticket.

Comparing Glass Bottom Boat Options

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two main glass bottom boat companies.

Both companies have the same regular prices, but their lowest prices differ.
If you book through the Kabira Marine Service website, you can get up to 44% off your boarding ticket.
On the other hand, Marine House Gurukun offers free parking for its customers. If you visit Kabira Bay by car, you’ll typically need to use a paid parking lot that costs 200 yen per hour.

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Where to Eat Around Kabira Bay

You’ll find a handful of restaurants around Kabira Bay where you can enjoy lunch. Exploring the area to find one that feels right is part of the fun.

*Please note that business hours and menu prices may change without notice.

Oi-shi-sa-gu

This restaurant offers both hearty meals like Kabira Noodles (Yaeyama soba) and sweet treats like gelato.
*It looks like they’re closed for an extended break.

Koen Chaya

This restaurant is located near the Kabira Park Observatory and has the cozy, casual atmosphere of a traditional Japanese shokudo. Their Yaeyama soba is especially popular.

Shokudo : A small, casual Japanese eatery that serves simple, home-style meals at reasonable prices.

Goya Chanpuru : A traditional dish from Okinawa. A stir-fry made with bitter melon, tofu, pork, and egg.

R’s Cafe

Relax over lunch while taking in stunning views of Kabira Bay.

Raw cheesecake : A Japanese-style no-bake cheesecake that’s light, smooth, and creamy.

Ajiya Jimbei

In the evening, this restaurant transforms into a cozy izakaya, offering fresh seafood and a variety of drinks.

Umaru

Let’s try Okonomiyaki !!

Okonomiyaki : A savory Japanese pancake made with flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, mixed with pork, seafood, or other toppings, and cooked on an iron griddle.

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Best Scenic Cafes Near Kabira Bay

There are a few restaurants around Kabira Bay, but not many offer ocean views while you dine.

If you’re looking for a meal with a view, we recommend the Yamabare area, about 15 minutes away by bus. This area has several restaurants with stunning ocean views, where you can enjoy lunch while taking in the beautiful scenery.

*Please note that business hours and menu prices may change without notice.

Carib Cafe

You can enjoy your meal while looking out at the beautiful sea. This restaurant offers stunning views and has even been featured on Japanese TV shows.

For more information about Carib Cafe, please check the page titled “A popular superb view cafe on Ishigaki Island Japan.”

Hayashi Rice : A Japanese comfort food with beef and onions in a demi-glace sauce, served over steamed rice.

Cafe sunkiss

This cafe appears to be closed (as of 2024).
This is a cafe on a hill where you can have lunch while looking at the beautiful sea. Meals such as curry soup and bubble waffle are also delicious.

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Where to Stay Around Kabira Bay

There are no supermarkets near Kabira Bay, and dinner options are limited, with only a few restaurants open in the evening.

This area is better suited for travelers looking for a quiet retreat rather than convenience. Accommodation is limited to guesthouses—there are no hotels nearby. However, about a 30-minute walk from Kabira Bay, you’ll find resort hotels like Seaside Hotel and Club Med, both offering oceanfront views.

iriwa

It’s a dorm-style accommodation that also offers private rooms.

joya

Each room in this guesthouse has its own private bathroom.

Lulaliya

This guesthouse offers only private rooms.

SORAYADO

This guesthouse is run by a local dive shop.

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Map of the Kabira Area in Ishigaki

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