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How to Get to Shani Shani Beach on Ishigaki Island and What to Do There! Our staff who live on Ishigaki Island will give you a thorough guide!
Hello everyone!
Ishigaki Island is home to a variety of beaches, ranging from those with rough, crashing waves perfect for surfing to calm, secluded beaches with a sense of being in a hidden paradise.
When it comes to beaches that still have a fun atmosphere even in the midst of all that, Shani Shani Beach is the place to go! The name ”Shani Shani” comes from a Yaeyama dialect word that means “exciting” or “fun.” In this article, we’ll introduce you to this heart-pounding beach, “Shani Shani Beach.”
Table of Contents
What Is Shani Shani Beach?

Shani Shani Beach is a beautiful beach with calm waves, crystal-clear water, and a long coastline.
From the beach, you can see not only the coastline but also Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, and Kohama Island. You can relax while listening to the soothing sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore, or enjoy various activities. Since the beach is right in front of the hotel, you can try a variety of activities. As mentioned at the beginning, ”Shani Shani” in the name “Shani Shani Beach” is a Yaeyama dialect term that expresses feelings of excitement and elation. Why not come experience the thrill of a heart-pounding adventure on this tranquil beach at Japan’s largest resort destination?
How to Get to Shani Shani Beach

Shani Shani Beach is conveniently located near both the airport and the terminal. Here is some information on how to get there from New Ishigaki Island Airport and the Ishigaki Island Ferry Terminal.
Access from New Ishigaki Airport
From the new Ishigaki Island Airport, head left along Route 211; it takes about 25 minutes by car to reach the beach.
Access from the Ishigaki Island Departure Terminal
From the Ishigaki Island Departure Terminal, head north on City Hall Street with the ocean on your left; it takes about 15 minutes by car to get there.
More Information About Shani Shani Beach

Shani Shani Beach is a place where you can enjoy a variety of activities while soaking up its laid-back atmosphere. ”Shani Shani” is an old Yaeyama dialect term—one that even the locals rarely use anymore—and it’s said to mean “feeling light-hearted and excited.”
The seawall at Shani Shani Beach is set close to the water, so at high tide, the sandy beach is almost completely submerged. Hermit crabs and other crabs scuttle about on the beach, and with fragments of coral and seashells scattered about, the atmosphere is very serene.

You can look down on the beach from the seawall, and the view is absolutely beautiful. Since there’s no other beach you can see from a seawall like this, it’s a privilege unique to this spot. Plus, with a hotel right in front of you, there’s a wide variety of tours and activities available. There are plenty of exciting activities to try, so you’re sure to have a thrilling time. As the sun begins to set, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. As the sun sinks below the horizon, the crowd thins out, and the sight of the surroundings gradually turning crimson is truly breathtaking. Amid the silence, you’ll feel a sense of calm as you listen to the sound of gentle waves and the chirping of birds.

After enjoying a beautiful sunset, you’ll be treated to a sky filled with stars. There’s also a restaurant with an open-air terrace nearby, so you can enjoy a pleasant dinner while gazing at the beautiful stars. Ishigaki Island has been selected as one of Japan’s Three Great Scenic Spots and is a “Star Island”—the first location in Japan to be designated as a Starlight Reserve. Here, you can see 84 of the 88 constellationsConstellation ObservationYou can do this and see all the first-magnitude stars. During the summer, you can see the Milky Way and the Summer Triangle, and in the winter, the Southern Cross, making for a truly magical experience.
How to Have Fun at Shani Shani Beach

As mentioned above, since there’s a hotel right in front of Shani Shani Beach, you can relax by the infinity pool, enjoy a wide variety of activities, watch the sunset while dining, or take a stroll along the promenade while taking in the breathtaking views—there are countless ways to enjoy yourself. The extensive selection of activities is broadly divided into the following five categories:
① Marine Jet
② Rodeo Boat
③ Tube Riding
④ Sheath Slider
⑤ Wakeboarding
Operating Period: April 1–October 31
Hours of Operation:
・Summer vacation period (July 20–August 31), Golden Week
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
・Outside the period listed above
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Shani Shani Beach Basic Information
Address: 2484 Shinkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Directions: 30 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport
Operating Period: April 1–October 31
Hours of Operation:
・Summer vacation period (July 20–August 31), Golden Week
9:00-18:00
・Outside the period listed above
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Infinity Pool Usage Fees:
Guests: Free of charge
Non-residents:
Adults: 1,080 yen (ages 13 and older)
Children: 760 yen (ages 3–12)
Parking: Available
Nearby Attractions: Ishigaki Island Beach Hotel Sunshine
Observer: Yes
summary

We’ve introduced Shani Shani Beach. What did you think?
Here are some of the highlights of Shani Shani Beach:
・A fun beach that lives up to its name, “Exciting and Fun”
・Infinity Pool
A wide variety of activities
・Easy access from airports and terminals
・Beautiful sunsets & starry skies
Be sure to check out the points mentioned above and pay a visit to Shani Shani Beach.
Thank you for reading to the end.