Okinawa Prefecture
Kabira Bay With the sea behind me, I was captivated by a tiny black pearl
White sand and little green islets floating at the mouth of the bay. I went to take in the view at Kabira Bay, then found myself completely absorbed by the tiny black pearl between my fingers. Here's that summer story, along with the bay's highlights and more to enjoy on a trip around Ishigaki Island.
Enjoy my summer story and the highlights of the bay.
SummerMidday in mid-July
I Found Myself Staring at a Tiny Pearl Before the Vast Bay
At midday in mid-July, I gazed out across Kabira Bay. Beyond the white-sand beach were green islets, with a range of mountains stretching away behind them. A little glass-bottom boat floated in the bay, and I couldn't take my eyes off the view. I was so happy to find myself in a place I knew from photos. I stayed there for a while, taking it all in.
After that, I held the black pearl on my fingertip up to the light. I'd heard that black pearls have been cultivated at Kabira Bay since the Taishō era. A moment ago, I'd been taking in this vast bay, and now I was completely absorbed in one tiny pearl. Even I had to laugh at how quickly my attention had shifted.
I turned it slightly between my fingers, and the light reflected on its surface shifted. It wasn't just plain black, the way I'd imagined. Wanting a closer look, I leaned in. I changed the angle and studied it, then turned it back again. I realized I'd spent as long gazing at the pearl as I had taking in the sea view.
It struck me how easily even something this tiny could hold my attention. Then I looked back at the bay: green islets, a boat drifting slowly, and mountains in the distance. The view hadn't changed, but knowing that black pearls had been cultivated here made the place feel a little more familiar.
Apparently, you can take a glass-bottom boat to see the underwater scenery, too. I'm already this absorbed by the view from shore; seeing beneath the surface would give me even more to talk about. Today, taking time to admire the pearl's glimmer turned into an unexpected pleasure. One of the things I love about traveling is how it can give me something I never set out to find.
Before leaving, I took one last look at the pearl on my fingertip. I wanted to tell my friend both how beautiful the bay was and how long I'd spent gazing at that tiny pearl. I came for the sweeping view and ended up loving something small, too. I'll remember that unexpected little joy right alongside the view.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local Specialties
Yaeyama soba
Yaeyama soba has round noodles that are a little on the thin side, toppings cut into thin strips, and broth with a hint of sweetness. After enjoying the view at Kabira Bay, I'd love to make time for Yaeyama soba on my trip, too. I hope the meal becomes a memory of the trip, too, alongside the view of the sea.
Highlights
White Sand and Islets at the Bay Entrance
Kabira Bay is a cove on the northwest coast of Ishigaki Island, with a white sandy beach, clear water, and green islets at its mouth. 9 small islets float at the bay entrance. From shore, I couldn't decide where to look next.
See Beneath the Surface from a Glass-Bottom Boat
At Kabira Bay, you can take in the underwater scenery from a glass-bottom boat. There's more to see below the water, too. Watching one of the boats, I wondered how amazed I'd be if I could see what lay beneath the surface.
Black Pearl Farming Since the Taishō Era
Black pearl cultivation has continued at Kabira Bay since the Taishō era. After learning about the bay's pearl-farming history, the little pearl became more than just something beautiful; it felt like a reminder of this place. I held it up to the light and kept turning it between my fingers.
Getting There and the Drive
From Ishigaki Airport to Kabira Bay
- From Ishigaki Airport via local roads
- About 30 minutes
- Location
- Kabira, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Kabira Bay is about 30 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport via local roads. It's in Kabira, Ishigaki City, and you can include it in a drive around Ishigaki Island. When the white sand and green islets came into view, my heart leapt; I was so glad I'd come all this way.
Open Kabira Bay on the map and add it to your itinerary around Ishigaki Island. It's the kind of place where you'll want to take your time and enjoy the view.
More Spot Guides
If you enjoyed this story, you might like these places too. I've gone back to each of them in different seasons, again and again.
