Local Column

COLUMN

Enjoy Ishigaki Island’s Uninhabited Islands to the Fullest! A Comprehensive Guide to the Charm of “Phantom Island” (Hamajima), How to Get There, and Recommended Tours

2026-01-09 08:23

Hello everyone!

 

One of the largest activity stores in Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island ADVENTURE PiPiIt is!

 

This might come as a surprise, but around Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island, there are “phantom island" orMiracle Island."Did you know there’s an uninhabited island called [name]?

 

There are several reasons why it is called that, including the fact that it is an island not shown on maps and that its shape changes with the tides.

 

In this article, we’ll focus on “Phantom Island (Hamajima)” to explore the charms of the uninhabited islands around Ishigaki Island, how to enjoy them, and other activities you can do while you’re there.Recommended ActivitiesWe are pleased to introduce you to the following

 

Are there any uninhabited islands near Ishigaki Island?

Ishigaki Island: The Phantom Island, Hamajima

The Yaeyama Islands, which include Ishigaki Island, consist of many inhabited islands as well as a variety of other islands, both large and small.unpopulated islandThere are

 

Among them, the most famous isPhantom Island.Hamajima, known by the nickname [...], and one made of coral fragments"Baras Island"These are all uninhabited islands with breathtaking views that can only be reached by boat.

 

The appeal of these uninhabited islands lies in the fact that they are surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, offering visitors the chance to experience the atmosphere of a true tropical paradise.

 

The Charm of Ishigaki Island's Uninhabited Islands

Barras Island
Uninhabited Islands off Ishigaki IslandIt is a special place where you can enjoy nature in its unspoiled state, with very little human intervention.

 

With its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, you can see colorful tropical fish and coral reefs up close.

 

Away from the hustle and bustle of tourist spots,A Quiet MomentBeing able to spend time there is also a major attraction.

 

Let me introduce you to the unique charms of these uninhabited islands off Ishigaki Island!

 

The tranquility of unspoiled nature

The Phantom Island: Underwater

The uninhabited islands around Ishigaki Island are, precisely because they haven’t been developed as tourist destinations,The Natural Beauty of NatureYou can experience it just as it is.

 

A quiet setting where all you can hear is the sound of the waves and the gentle rustling of the wind is,A Special Time to Heal Your HeartIt provides us with...

 

It's the perfect place for anyone who wants to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and recharge.

 

Crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches

Barras Island

The ocean surrounding the uninhabited island is astonishingly clear, and even in the shallows,Tropical fish and coral reefsYou can view the

 

The white sand glistening in the sunlight is just likeHave a Tropical Paradise All to YourselfIt feels as if I'm doing it.

 

Unlike tourist attractions, the lack of crowds makes its beauty stand out even more.

 

An Experience Full of Privacy

phantom island
Since uninhabited islands are visited only by a limited number of tour groups and individuals,A Special MomentYou can spend a

 

Whether it's taking photos or going for a walk,Enjoy it at your own paceThat's what makes it so appealing.

 

You'll feel like you're on an adventure, as if you've discovered a secret spot!

 

Uninhabited Islands Around Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island

phantom island(Hamajima)In addition, there are other charming uninhabited islands and islands with very few residents around Ishigaki Island.

 

Here.Notable Uninhabited IslandsHere are a few examples.

 

Phantom Island (Hamashima)

phantom island

How to get to Phantom Island (Hamashima)

■Ishigaki Island→Phantom Island (Hamashima):About a 30-minute one-way boat ride
■Kohama Island →Phantom Island (Hamashima):About a 15-minute one-way boat ride
■Taketomi Island →Phantom Island (Hamashima):About a 15-minute one-way boat ride

To get to the uninhabited "Phantom Island" (Hamajima), you basically need toJoin a local tourThere's no other way but to do it.

 

If you sign up for a tour departing from Ishigaki Island, you’ll take a boat from the Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal or other locationsApprox. 30 min.We'll arrive at the mythical island in about that long.

 

On each tour, a guide accompanies the group to ensure safety, and snorkeling equipment rentals and photo services are often included.

 

Kayama Island

Kama Island as seen from Kohama Island

How to Get to Kayama Island

■Ishigaki Island → Kohama Island: About a 30-minute one-way boat ride
■Kohama Island → Kama Island(Kayama Island)
:About 5 to 15 minutes one way by boat

Kamayama Island is located northwest of Ishigaki Island, near Kohama Island."Hotel Miyahira"It is a small, uninhabited island with a circumference of approximately 2.5 km, owned by [name].

 

You can experience a shore excursion by participating in an activity tour from Ishigaki Island or Kohama Island, either through the hotel or a partner tour operator.

 

Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and home to unspoiled nature"A Hidden Paradise"On this island—also known as [name]—you can swim and snorkel as if you were on a private beach.

 

 Balas Island (The Island of Miracles)

Barras Island

How to Get to Kayama Island

■Ishigaki Island → Iriomote Island: About a 40-minute one-way trip by boat
■Iriomote Island (Uehara Port) → Barasu Island: About a 10-minute one-way boat ride

Baras Island is a small, uninhabited island about several dozen meters in diameter, located off the coast of Iriomote Island.

 

Since it is not an official island name and does not appear on maps,Miracle Island."It is called

 

It is formed by the accumulation of pure white coral fragments; it is submerged at high tide and appears only at low tide.

 

The most common way to get to Barasu Island is to join a tour departing from Iriomote Island (it’s also possible to take a day trip from Ishigaki Island via Iriomote Island).

 

The one-of-a-kind sight of an uninhabited island made of coral is trulyA Miracle Created by NatureIt can be said that

 

What Is "The Phantom Island" Hamashima?

phantom island

The "Phantom Island" off Ishigaki Island is officially known as"Hamajima"That's what they say.

 

Located about a 30-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island, it changes its appearance depending on the tide, soPhantom Island.It came to be known as .

 

The island's surface is made of fine, white sand, and it is surrounded on all sides by an emerald-blue sea.

 

It was as if I had stepped into a scene from a movieStunning Panoramic ViewsIt's sure to leave visitors in awe!

 

phantom island(Hamajima)Points to Note

Floating off the coast of Ishigaki IslandPhantom Island.Hamajima is an uninhabited island surrounded by pristine white sandy beaches and emerald-green waters.

 

However, to fully enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, it’s important to be aware of a few precautions.

 

This time, when visiting the Phantom Island,Points to Keep in Mindto the following.

 

① Check the tides

phantom island

The "phantom island" formed on the sandy beach is an uninhabited island that changes shape depending on the tide.

 

Depending on the waves and wind, the boat may not run, so be sure toCheck the weather in advanceLet's do it!

 

Even if you join a tour, it will be scheduled for the best time of day.

 

② Take precautions against strong sunlight

phantom island

Since there is absolutely no shade in the area, you will be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time.

 

Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and other items for your time on a deserted island...Ultraviolet light measuresIt is essential to organize them properly.

 

Especially during the summer,Heat Stroke Prevention MeasuresStaying hydrated is also essential.

 

③ Protecting the Natural Environment

phantom island

The Phantom Island is a small, uninhabited sandy island, andA highly sensitive environmentIt is.

 

Of course, don't litter, and be sure not to take any coral or seashells home with you.

 

Visitors' manners are...The Key to Preserving the Island's BeautyThe first two are the following.

 

④ Be mindful of the weather and sea conditions

Typhoon in Ishigaki Island

When the weather changes suddenly, the waves get higher, andGetting to a Deserted Island...may become difficult.

 

On windy days, the boat may rock, so if you’re prone to seasickness, we recommend bringing motion sickness medication.

 

Safety FirstTo enjoy the experience, please follow the tour operator's instructions.

 

⑤ Be mindful of the limited time you have during your stay

phantom island

The Phantom Island depends on tidal conditionsLength of stay...are limited.

 

Precisely because I can't stay long,Treasure and enjoy every single momentThat is the key point.

 

Keep in mind that your time is limited, so plan your photo sessions and beach activities on the deserted island carefully.

 

5 Recommended Tours of the "Phantom Island"

Ishigaki Island: The Phantom Island, Hamajima

Finally, PiPi’s tour lets you fully enjoy Ishigaki Island’s natural beauty while exploring uninhabited islands, such as the “Phantom Island,”5 Recommended ActivitiesIntroduction.

 

These are all luxurious itineraries that let you enjoy not only a visit to a deserted island but also Ishigaki Island’s popular attractions and marine activities—all in a single day!

 

① Kabira Bay SUP/Canoeing &
Landing & Snorkeling on Phantom Island

Kabira Bay SUP

One of Ishigaki Island's most scenic spotsKabira BayThis is a truly satisfying one-day tour where you can try SUP or canoeing, then take a boat directly to the "Mysterious Island" to go ashore and enjoy some snorkeling.

 

Spending the morning enjoying the calm waters of Kabira Bay and gazing down from directly above at the crystal-clear seabed and vibrant fish is a truly moving experience.

 

In the afternoon, on a deserted island,phantom islandAfter landing on the island and taking in the breathtaking 360-degree ocean views, you can enjoy snorkeling among tropical fish at the nearby coral reef sites.

 

② 幻の島上陸&シュノーケリング&
Mangrove SUP/Canoe

mangrove

石垣島の大自然を川と海の両方から楽しめる人気ツアーです。

 

first (of all)Nationally Designated Natural Monumentのマングローブ林でSUPまたはカヌー体験を行い、亜熱帯ジャングルの静かな河を探検します。

 

そしてボートに乗り換えて幻の島へ向かい、上陸後は周辺の青い海でシュノーケリング!

 

無人島の絶景とマングローブの秘境、両方を一日で巡ることで石垣島の異なる表情を体感できます。

 

③幻の島上陸&シュノーケリング&
Sunset SUP/Canoe

Sunset Canoeing

幻の島上陸&シュノーケリング&サンセットSUP/カヌーツアーは、半日で石垣島の魅力をぎゅっと凝縮できる贅沢なプランです。

 

透明度抜群の海で幻の島に上陸し、カラフルな熱帯魚と泳ぐシュノーケリングを楽しんだ後は、夕日に染まる海でSUPやカヌーを体験できます。

 

午後からのゆったりスタートなので、午前中を自由に過ごしたい方にもぴったりのおすすめツアーです!

 

④ Blue Cave × Phantom Island Snorkeling

Underwater Snorkeling: The Legendary Blue Grotto

石垣島の大自然を一日かけて満喫できるのが、PiPiのBlue Cave × Phantom Island SnorkelingIt is.

 

神秘的な雰囲気に包まれた青の洞窟では、幻想的な光景とともにシュノーケリングを楽しめます。

 

さらに真っ白な砂浜とエメラルドグリーンの海が広がるphantom islandへ上陸すれば、まるで絵画のような絶景が目の前に。

 

石垣島の海の魅力を存分に味わいたい方にぴったりの贅沢な一日体験です!

 

⑤サンライズSUP/カヌー&
Landing on Phantom Island & Snorkeling

half-melon shaped bun (term used in the Chugoku area)

石垣島の朝を満喫するなら、サンライズSUP /カヌーis recommended!

 

静かな海を進みながら眺める日の出は、非日常的な美しさと開放感に包まれる特別な時間を演出してくれます。

 

さらに無人島の幻の島への上陸と透明度抜群のシュノーケリングがセットになり、午前中だけで石垣島の魅力を凝縮して体験できます。

 

 

in the end

石垣島周辺の無人島は、そのどれもが自然の神秘と絶景を楽しめる特別なスポットです。

 

among (other things)「幻の島」浜島は、石垣島旅行に来たら一度は訪れておきたい大人気の無人島と言えるでしょう。

 

青い海と白い砂に囲まれた非日常空間で過ごすひとときは、きっと旅の最高の思い出になります。

 

ぜひ現地ツアーに参加して、安全に楽しく無人島体験を満喫してくださいね!

 

PiPiではさまざまなActivity Toursを企画しておりますので、石垣島を存分に楽しみたい方はお気軽にお問い合わせください!

 

This article was written by.
hostess
hostess