Sunset Beach

Top choice in Yaeyama Islands


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 the island's best spots to watch the sun set into the East China Sea. Shower and toilet facilities are also located here.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Yaeyama Islands attractions

1. Yonehara Beach

9.97 MILES

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…

2. Kabira Bay

11.55 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…

3. Fusaki Beach Aqua Garden

16.88 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…

4. Tōrin-ji

17.33 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…

5. Gongen-dō

17.34 MILES

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

6. Miyara Dōnchi

17.39 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…

7. Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum

17.56 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…

8. Taketomi Mingei-kan

20.49 MILES

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