*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.
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
The nearest bus stop is Kabira Park.
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.
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
Estimated time for sightseeing | About 1 hour |
---|---|
Business Hours | Open daily, 24 hours |
Admission | Free |
Closed | Open every day (No scheduled closing days) |
Website | – |
Phone Number | – |
Parking | (Paid: approx. 100 cars) |
Restrooms | (Multipurpose restrooms : ) |
Temporary Baggage Storage | – |
Accessibility | Good You can reach the observatory by wheelchair from the bus stop or parking lot. The glass bottom boats are also wheelchair accessible. |
Map of Kabira Bay
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.
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.
・Prices are the same for all companies.
・No reservations are required.
・You can get a discount if you book in advance.
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.
・Free parking available.
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.
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.
Business Hours | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
---|---|
Closed | Open every day (No scheduled closing days) |
Tour duration |
About 30 minutes |
Departure frequency | Every 15 minutes |
Price | 1,700 yen (23% off with advance booking) |
English-speaking Staff | Not always available |
Website | Official (Japanese only) |
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.
Business Hours | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
---|---|
Closed | Open every day (No scheduled closing days) |
Tour duration | About 30 minutes |
Departure frequency | Every 15 minutes |
Price | 1,700 yen (44% off with advance booking) |
English-speaking Staff | Not always available |
Website | Official (Japanese only) |
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.
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.
Business Hours | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
---|---|
Closed | Unclear |
Menu (English, Chinese, Korean) | ・Kabira-Noodle ・Pork Bowl ・Gelato |
Location | 2-minute walk from observatory |
Map No. | 1 |
View | – |
Credit Cards | Not Accepted |
English-speaking Staff | Not Available |
Website | Tabelog |
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.
Business Hours | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
---|---|
Closed | Thursday |
Menu (English) | ・Yaeyama soba ・Goya Chanpuru |
Location | 1-minute walk from observatory |
Map No. | 2 |
View | – |
Credit Cards | Not Accepted |
English-speaking Staff | Not Available |
Website | Official (Japanese only) |
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.
Business Hours | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
---|---|
Closed | Open every day (No scheduled closing days) |
Menu (English) | ・Yaeyama soba ・Taco Rice ・Raw cheesecake |
Location | 1-minute walk from observatory |
Map No. | 3 |
View | Great |
Credit Cards | Unclear |
English-speaking Staff | Unclear |
Website | Official (Japanese only) |
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.
Business Hours | 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM |
---|---|
Closed | Sunday |
Menu (English) | ・Sushi Plate ・Pork cutlet bowl ・Tuna sashimi bowl |
Location | 2-minute walk from observatory |
Map No. | 4 |
View | – |
Credit Cards | Not Accepted |
English-speaking Staff | Unclear |
Website | Tabelog |
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.
Business Hours | 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM |
---|---|
Closed | Tuesday |
Menu (Japanese only) | ・Okonomiyaki ・Ishigaki Beef steak ・Ishigaki Beef hamburg steak |
Location | 3-minute walk from observatory |
Map No. | 5 |
View | – |
Credit Cards | Not Accepted |
English-speaking Staff | Unclear |
Website | Tabelog |
Official |
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.”
Business Hours | 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
---|---|
Closed | Unclear |
Menu (Japanese only) | ・Hayashi Rice ・Taco Rice ・Mango juice |
Map No. | 6 |
Address | 1216-113 Kabira, Ishigaki-shi |
![]() |
366 395 250*27 |
Bus Access (from Kabira Bay) | Nearest Bus Stop : Yamabare 1-minute walk Routes : No.2, 8, 11 7 buses per day 14 minutes from Kabira Bay by bus |
Parking | (12 cars) |
Credit Cards | Unclear |
English-speaking Staff | Unclear |
Website | Tabelog |
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.
Bubble waffle |
|
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3-minute walk from bus stop Route : No.2, 8, 11 14 mins from Kabira Bay by bus |
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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.
Address | 599 kabira, Ishigaki-shi |
---|---|
![]() |
366 451 136*67 |
Bus Access | Nearest Bus Stop : Kabira Rotary 1-minute walk Routes : No.2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 11 From Bus Terminal : 11 buses per day From Airport : 3 buses per day |
Map No. | 4 |
Price Range | Budget-friendly |
Room Types | Western and Dormitory |
View | No scenic views available |
Wi-Fi | |
Parking | |
Accessible Rooms | Not available |
Website | Official |
joya
Each room in this guesthouse has its own private bathroom.
Address | 920-1 kabira, Ishigaki-shi |
---|---|
![]() |
366 422 754*84 |
Bus Access | Nearest Bus Stop : Kabira Park 1-minute walk Routes : No.2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 11 From Bus Terminal : 11 buses per day From Airport : 3 buses per day |
Map No. | 1 |
Price Range | Budget-friendly |
Room Types | Western and Japanese |
View | No scenic views available |
Wi-Fi | |
Parking | |
Accessible Rooms | Not available |
Website | Official (Japanese only) |
Lulaliya
This guesthouse offers only private rooms.
Address | 921-1 kabira, Ishigaki-shi |
---|---|
![]() |
366 422 753*54 |
Bus Access | Nearest Bus Stop : Kabira Park 2-minute walk Routes : No.2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 11 From Bus Terminal : 11 buses per day From Airport : 3 buses per day |
Map No. | 2 |
Price Range | Budget-friendly |
Room Types | Western-style rooms |
View | No scenic views available |
Wi-Fi | |
Parking | (7 cars) |
Accessible Rooms | Not available |
Website | Official (Japanese only) |
SORAYADO
This guesthouse is run by a local dive shop.
Address | 861 kabira, Ishigaki-shi |
---|---|
![]() |
366 451 022*34 |
Bus Access | Nearest Bus Stop : Kabira Rotary 1-minute walk Routes : No.2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 11 From Bus Terminal : 11 buses per day From Airport : 3 buses per day |
Map No. | 3 |
Price Range | Budget-friendly |
Room Types | Western and Japanese |
View | No scenic views available |
Wi-Fi | |
Parking | |
Accessible Rooms | Not available |
Website | Official (Japanese only) |