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The mold bay facing the northwest end of the Ishigaki Island are most beautiful bay on the Ishigaki Island. Swimming is forbidden at this bay because of the black pearl cultivation, but ride on a glass bottom boat and look and enjoy the coral reef in the sea, it is the place of the unparalleled view. This bay is very beautiful to the extent that it is chosen as “in the selection of 100 scenic places of Japan.”
Although swimming in the bay is not allowed, this is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Japan. Swimming is not allowed because of extreme tides and also because the bay is home to black pearl cultivation. Ryukyu Black Pearl’s are known worldwide for quality and beauty. After parking, take a short stroll through the park area and then you will be at the Kabira lookout area. If the sun is shining, the different hues of the ocean along with the lush green foliage will give you a view that you will not forget.
Kabira shell mound
Kabira shell mound is located on Kabira, Ishigaki Island. This shell mound is situated from the halfway up a hill to whole of a top. It Nakamamuri (Nakama hill) and Shishimuri (Shishi hill) its two circumferences are pointed out. In 1904, Mr. Ryuzo Torii performed the first archaeological research in Yaeyama islands, and the earthenware and the China pottery, made in the 15th to 16th century, were unearthed. As these are different from the Jomon earthenware (straw rope pattern pottery) of the northern part of Okinawa main Island, and this excavated earthenware, Mr. Torii named it “Sotomimidoki”.
Black pearl (The highlight)
A black pearl is a pearl, which is successfully cultivated in this Kabira bay after the test cultivation for 48 years. This pearl that can be produced only to a black lip in a many pearl oyster is called alias-black lip pearl. It was the precious gem used as the Empress’s necklace or a queen’s emblem in ancient times for the great value. The gloss of this pearl has the peculiar feature of the rainbow pattern with variegated change, such as green, blue, purple, and gold.
After you have taken enough pictures, take a short walk to the left until you hit the pearl showroom. Inside there is a quick display which explains about how black pearls are created. Across the street you will find the Omoto Awamori Factory. You can view the creation process as well as taste the popular okinawan liquor. Club Med can also be found in this area. Club Med is known for its delicious but expensive western style meals.
Kabira Bay is also famous for its glass bottom boats. The boats run frequently throughout the day until about 5pm. The cost is about 1,000 yen per person for a 30-40 minute ride. Contact Kabira Bay glass boat (Kabira Marine Services); Tel: 0980-88-2335.
