Ibaruma Sabichi Cave
Discover a hidden gem on Ishigaki Island: a cave leading to a serene beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views & beach access
Ibaruma Sabichi Cave
Best Time
Best views & beach access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a hidden gem on Ishigaki Island: a cave leading to a serene beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxation.
"It is so beautiful walking through the low cave and emerging into the bright sunlight with the blue ocean sparkling in the distance!"
Bring Cash for Entry
Entry is ¥1200 per adult, cash only. ATMs might be scarce nearby. :moneybag:
Check the Tides
Low tide offers better beach access and exploration. High tide can limit beach walking. 🌊
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.9 · 1,006 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ibaruma Sabichi Cave
Ishigaki Island, Okinawa
Explore a unique cave with spring water, leading to a stunning beach with calm waters perfect for swimming.
Cave's Spring Water
Inside the cave
Witness the abundant spring water flowing through the cave, a unique natural phenomenon.
Secluded Beach Access
End of the cave path
Emerge from the cave to a beautiful, often private beach ideal for relaxation and swimming.
Three-Legged Shop Cat
Near the entrance/shop
Meet the friendly, three-legged resident cat who might greet you with a meow.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Cash is King for Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Entry
Entry is ¥1200 per adult, cash only. ATMs might be scarce nearby. :moneybag:
Check the Tides
Low tide offers better beach access and exploration. High tide can limit beach walking. 🌊
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paved paths are present, but good walking shoes are recommended for exploring the cave and beach. :athletic_shoe:
Swim at Your Own Risk
The beach is swimmable, but be mindful of conditions and currents. Snorkeling is great further out. :swimmer:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Entry
Entry is ¥1200 per adult, cash only. ATMs might be scarce nearby. :moneybag:
Check the Tides
Low tide offers better beach access and exploration. High tide can limit beach walking. 🌊
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paved paths are present, but good walking shoes are recommended for exploring the cave and beach. :athletic_shoe:
Swim at Your Own Risk
The beach is swimmable, but be mindful of conditions and currents. Snorkeling is great further out. :swimmer:
Capture the Views
The transition from cave to beach offers stunning photo opportunities. 📷
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ibaruma Sabichi Cave offers a unique experience with its natural cave leading to a beautiful beach, perfect for swimming and relaxation, especially during low tide. While some find the entrance fee a bit high and the explanations lacking, many appreciate the stunning views and the chance to encounter local wildlife like bats and a friendly cat.
"Tourist trap, ¥1200 but basically everyone goes for the view of the beach.
The north west cost is filled with similar views and for free.
Not much explanation or details about the cave itself.
There are rare bats flying around, there are various bottles of Awamori maturing there. But no explanations unfortunately.
There is an Okinawa themed music playing as a background music which is not relevant to the cave and covers the chirping of the little bats.
It feels like a money printing machine set on automatic mode.
You have to buy your tickets at the inference from a quirky vending machine, then hand it to an arrogant woman .
It is disappointing as far as it goes for the cave itself
If you want to make the most of your ¥1200, go on a blue sky day and at low tide. The cave wont look any better but the beaches view and access will be ultimate.
But again, drive up a bit and you’ll get same style beaches for free"
Mike GenX
"A hidden gem on Ishigaki! For ¥1,200 per person, you can explore the cave and two beach areas where the water is calm enough for swimming. It is so beautiful walking through the low cave and emerging into the bright sunlight with the blue ocean sparkling in the distance!
There is also a sweet three-legged shop cat who yelled at me to let him into the store. If he wasn’t supposed to go inside, my apologies! He certainly told me loudly that he belonged inside 😹"
Emma Liston Draughn
"Beautiful cave with spring water flowing through. Not sure if it’s drinkable but it sure is abundant. Beautiful beach at the end of the path, which is swimmable at your own discretion. Snorkeling gets interesting when you go far enough, alot of unique life."
Teddy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Ishigaki Port, you can drive or take a taxi to Ibaruma Sabichi Cave. The drive is approximately 20 minutes from the airport and about 30 minutes from the port. Some tours also include transportation.
Public transport options are limited. Renting a car or taking a taxi is the most convenient way to reach the cave. Some local buses may go near the area, but require further walking.
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Ishigaki Island, offering flexibility to visit places like Ibaruma Sabichi Cave and other scenic spots at your own pace.
While boat tours are popular for exploring the waters around Ishigaki, Ibaruma Sabichi Cave is typically accessed by land. However, some tours might offer combined experiences.
Ibaruma Sabichi Cave is located about a 20-minute drive from New Ishigaki Airport (ISG).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is ¥1200 for adults and ¥600 for children. It's important to note that payment is cash only.
Advance booking is generally not required for Ibaruma Sabichi Cave. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
Operating hours can vary by season and tide. It's advisable to check locally or aim for daytime visits, especially during low tide for the best experience.
Reviews are mixed. Some find it a 'money printing machine' with limited explanation, while others appreciate the unique cave and beautiful beach access, especially on a clear day at low tide.
There are child discounts available (¥600), but no other specific discounts are widely mentioned.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a cave with flowing spring water and well-lit paved paths. The main attraction is emerging onto a beautiful beach. Rare bats have been spotted, and Awamori bottles are maturing. +1
Yes, the beach at the end of the cave path offers calm waters suitable for swimming. However, swim at your own discretion. +1
Snorkeling can be interesting if you venture further out from the immediate beach area, where unique marine life can be found.
The walk through the cave itself is relatively short, taking about 5-10 minutes. However, you can spend much longer enjoying the beach and surrounding areas, especially at low tide.
Some reviews mention facilities like restrooms and showers being available, particularly for boat tours departing from the area. It's best to confirm on-site.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The transition from the dark cave to the bright, sunlit beach offers a dramatic and picturesque contrast. The beach itself, especially at low tide, provides stunning backdrops.
While not explicitly mentioned, drone photography might be possible, but always check local regulations and respect privacy. The coastal views are certainly drone-worthy.
A blue sky day is ideal for capturing the vibrant colors of the ocean and the cave's entrance. Low tide also offers more beach to work with for compositions.
Rare bats have been spotted inside the cave. If you manage to see them, be respectful and use appropriate camera settings for low light conditions.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit