Ishigaki
Also known as: Ishigaki-jima, Akaishi, Nagura, Makira, Kabira reef spots
World-class turquoise reef, jungle, iconic Kabira Bay
Wind & season
Wind, water and season at this Okinawa (Yaeyama Islands), Japan spot - what to expect and when to come.
Oct to May, peak winter
NE-E trades, about 10-30 mph
Good in winter monsoon; variable in summer
Late autumn to spring
High - reef spots need mid-to-high tide
Typhoons summer-autumn; cold fronts; gusty NE flow
The water
Flat lagoon behind reef; chop and swell outside
Shallow lagoon flats over reef; deeper channels
About 21-29 C; warmest in Japan
Shorty or 3/2 in winter; boardshorts in summer
Skill & group fit
Intermediate-advanced
3 (moderate)
Mostly kite, growing wing (est)
Ok for mixed groups with a car; some reef spots advanced-only
Getting there & schools
Beach and reef launches around island; 4WD helpful
Rental car essential; ISG airport with mainland and Naha flights
Sandyfeet Kitesurfing (IKO-certified, rents North/Duotone/Core, Kabira area)
Ishigaki town shops and restaurants; minimal at reef spots
Kabira Bay, manta diving and snorkel, island touring
Uncrowded, low localism, few kiters
Permits & safety
No formal fees documented; respect fishing and marine-park zones
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Coral reef, sharp rock, shallow low tide, remote spots with no rescue
Japan Coast Guard 118; limited on-site cover
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand wind-sport spot report. Coordinates are approximate.