Yonehara Beach, Ishigaki Island Travel Guide

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Discover Ishigaki's Yonehara Beach: a snorkeling haven with vibrant coral reefs, clear waters, and stunning natural beauty.

Yonehara Beach, located on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, is a popular destination known for its clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. It's a favorite spot for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the white sand.

A brief summary to Yonehara Beach

644 Fukai, Ishigaki, Fukai, Okinawa, 907-0451, JP

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Yonehara Beach.

Check the tide charts before you go; snorkeling is best at high tide.
Be aware of strong currents, especially outside the coral reef, and consider wearing a life jacket.
Bring a beach umbrella or tent, as there is limited shade on the beach.
Respect the environment by not walking on the coral and following the beach rules.
Consider bringing water shoes as some areas can be rocky.

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Getting There

Bus

To reach Yonehara Beach from Ishigaki Airport or the Bus Terminal in Ishigaki City, take the Azuma Bus. From the airport, take the Airport Line (Route No. 4 or 10). From the Bus Terminal, several routes will take you to Yonehara Beach. The bus fare from the Bus Terminal ranges from ¥870 to ¥940, depending on the route. A one-way ticket from the airport costs ¥570. If you plan to use the bus for a round trip or further travel, consider purchasing a one-day bus pass for ¥1,000. Get off at the 'Yonehara' or 'Yonehara Camp Jo' bus stop; the beach is a short walk away. Check the bus schedule in advance as services are infrequent.
Taxi

Taxis are available from Ishigaki Airport and Ishigaki City to Yonehara Beach. The ride from the city center takes approximately 30 minutes. A taxi from the city center will likely cost around ¥3,000-¥4,000. Be aware that there is no taxi stand at Yonehara Beach, so you may need to call for a taxi in advance for your return. Using a taxi app like DiDi can be helpful.
Car

Yonehara Beach is approximately a 25-minute drive from Ishigaki Airport and a 30-minute drive from Ishigaki City. Parking is available near the beach entrance. Parking is free. Be aware that the parking lot can fill up quickly during peak season. An alternative paid parking lot is located across the street.

Discover more about Yonehara Beach

Yonehara Beach is a stunning natural beach located on the north coast of Ishigaki Island, Okinawa. Known for its picturesque scenery and excellent snorkeling opportunities, it attracts both locals and tourists seeking a tropical escape. The beach stretches for about 1 kilometer, featuring a gently curving shoreline of white sand fringed by lush greenery, including the nationally designated Yaeyama Palm Groves.The clear, shallow waters teem with vibrant coral reefs and colorful tropical fish, making it an ideal spot for snorkelers of all levels. Snorkeling gear can be rented from shops near the beach entrance. While the shallow waters are generally safe, it's important to be aware of potential strong currents, especially outside the reef.Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nearby Yaeyama Palm Grove. The beach offers basic facilities such as showers, restrooms, and nearby restaurants. Yonehara Beach is part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, emphasizing the importance of preserving its natural environment. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty.In recent years, increased visitor numbers have led to concerns about the impact on the natural environment. In order to preserve the nature of the beach for future generations, please read the signboard of the rules before using the beach.