Kabira Bay, Coastal attraction in Ishigaki, Japan
Kabira Bay is a coastal inlet on the north shore of Ishigaki surrounded by nine small uninhabited islands and shallow transparent waters. The landscape combines white sand beaches with dense green vegetation that reaches down to the waterline.
The area around Kabira gained religious importance in the 17th century when the Kannon Temple was built nearby. The harbor later became a vital link connecting Ishigaki with the Okinawa mainland.
American anthropologists conducted research studies of the traditional customs and daily life of Kabira Village inhabitants between 1950 and 1952.
Visitors can snorkel in the shallow waters or take boat tours to explore the islands and marine life around the bay. The best time for water activities is from May through October, when weather is more stable and waters calmer.
This location is one of only two places in Japan where black pearls are cultivated, a specialized craft with deep roots in the region. This rare farming practice makes the bay significant to Japan's pearl industry.
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