Kondoi Beach

Kondoi Beach is a popular tourist spot that you absolutely can't miss when visiting Taketomi Island. Its characteristic feature is the shallow, seemingly endless sea that stretches out as far as the eye can see. The wide-open, pure white beach is a beautiful reminder that you've come to the southern part of the island. If the sea is calm, you'll be greeted by a smooth, mirror-like surface of water. Moreover, if the weather is clear, you can also see the silhouette of Kohama Island next door and even Iriomote Island beyond that. Kondoi Beach is recommended for families with children as well, as the sea is only waist-deep even at high tide and the waves are very gentle.

There is a special moment you should aim for when you go to Kondoi Beach. It's when the tide is near high tide. A sand beach appears floating in the sea. This beach is called "Phantom Beach," and the white sand beach floating on the blue sea looks very beautiful. Phantom Beach is very close, about 50 meters from the beach at low tide and about 100 meters even at high tide, and you can walk there from Kondoi Beach. There are many other places called "Phantom Beach" or "Phantom Island" that appear due to the ebb and flow of the tide, but most of them require a boat to get there. Kondoi Beach may be the only place you can walk to. The area around Kondoi Beach is a shallow sea, which makes it a rare and beautiful view. By the way, if it's close to low tide, the sand beach becomes too big, and the blue of the sea becomes lighter, so it's not a very beautiful sight. However, it's a good time to walk there. On the other hand, at high tide, the water may rise up to your waist, so you need to be careful when crossing. It's recommended to enjoy the view from Kondoi Beach without crossing during high tide, as it's beautiful enough to see from afar!

The most famous sunset spot on Taketomi Island is Nishi-Sanbashi, but Kondoi Beach is not to be outdone. Located on the west side of Taketomi Island, Kondoi Beach offers a perfect view of the sunset. As Nishi-Sanbashi is too well-known as a sunset spot, it's recommended to aim for Kondoi Beach to avoid the crowds. Most tourists visiting Taketomi Island are day-trippers from Ishigaki Island. Therefore, after the last ferry departs, a quiet time only for islanders and lodgers arrives. Kondoi Beach, which was bustling during the day, becomes a peaceful space in the evening. Listening to the sound of the waves and gazing at the sunset sinking beyond the sea is a blissful time.

The best way to spend your time at Kondoi Beach is to simply "relax in the shade." Kondoi Beach has a shallow sea, so it's not the best place for serious snorkeling or swimming. Many people can be seen napping under parasols on the beach. Although there are often few shady areas on island beaches, there are many shady spots at Kondoi Beach, with trees planted in the park area and large trees between it and the neighboring Kaiji Beach, creating a cool space. Beach beds and parasols can also be rented at the shop. It's a luxurious time to simply relax and enjoy the moment, savoring the fact that you're on a remote island.

At Kondoi Beach, there is a seasonal shop called "Yutaka Parlor" that operates from late March to around October. The shop is a white bus parked at the entrance of Kondoi Beach. They sell drinks and shaved ice, making them a very welcome presence during the hot summer months. They also offer rentals of snorkeling gear and floats. If you visit Kondoi Beach, be sure to check it out first!