Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HIRABANAREJIMA
(
平離島
; Hira-banaréjima; also called Hirarijima). It's not too much, just
another rocky little isle half covered in scrub vegetation. It's about 740 feet (225 meters) long
at its longest, and averages around 330 feet (100 meters) wide for most of its length. It is un-
inhabited.
Continuing from Hirabanarejima, but now turning south, it's about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilo-
meters) along the inside western end of Cape Kabiraishi before you arrive at a good beach,
Sukuji (
底地ビーチ
; Sukuji bīchi). If coming from the south it's not too far before reaching
the end of the peninsula, but it's on the western, not eastern, side. Take the turn at the sign for
the Ishigaki Seaside Hotel. The beach has three-quarters of a mile (1 kilometer) of clean, fine,
white sand. There are also changing rooms, showers and toilets. The beach is probably best
for families as its long, gentle slope is perfect for small children. On the other hand, because
the water stays so shallow for so long, it's not a good place for snorkelers or serious swim-
mers.
With its soft white sand and gentle gradient, Sukuji Beach is ideal for families with small children.
The view from Uganzaki Lighthouse on the westernmost point of Ishigaki is spectacular.
In addition to the Club Med, which is on the eastern side of Cape Kabiraishi, there are
two more large hotels on the western side, one right on Sukuji Beach, the other a few hundred
or so feet of of it. The property directly on the beach is the Ishigaki Sea Side Hotel (
石垣シー
サイドホテル
; Ishigaki shī-saido hoteru). The other property, just a few meters back from the
