Yonehara Beach

Yaeyama Islands


On the north coast along Rte 79, Yonehara Beach is a decent sand beach with a good bit of reef offshore. Hire snorkel gear (¥1000) at any of the shops along the main road, where you'll also find plentiful cafes. Be aware that the currents can be strong, so it's not a great choice for children or weak swimmers.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Yaeyama Islands attractions

1. Kabira Bay

2.71 MILES

Kabira-wan is a sheltered bay with white-sand shores and a couple of interesting clumplike islets offshore. Swimming is not allowed in the bay, as pearls…

2. Fusaki Beach Aqua Garden

6.91 MILES

Nonguests of the adjacent resort can pay to enter this massive 'aqua garden' complex with a beachfront pool, bar-restaurant, yoga lessons and a huge range…

3. Tōrin-ji

7.8 MILES

Founded in 1614, the Zen temple of Tōrin-ji, near the intersection of Shimin-kaikan-dōri and Rte 79, is home to the 18th-century guardian statues of Deva…

4. Gongen-dō

7.81 MILES

Adjacent to the temple Tōrin-ji is Gongen-dō, a small shrine rebuilt after being destroyed by a tsunami in 1771.

5. Miyara Dōnchi

7.94 MILES

The unique home of a Ryūkyū kingdom official dates from 1819; walk north along Sanbashi-dōri until you see signs in English. The house is still an actual…

6. Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum

8.13 MILES

This modest museum has exhibits on the culture and history of the island, which are quite well presented with English explanations. Notable among the more…

7. Sunset Beach

9.97 MILES

At the north end of the island, on the west coast, you will find this long strip of sand with a bit of offshore reef. As the name implies, this is one of…

8. Taketomi Mingei-kan

10.53 MILES

This is the workshop where the island's woven minsā belts and other textiles are produced.