Maesato Beach — Local services in Ishigaki

A small swimming area on a well maintained and clean beach but not particularly easy to understand how to access as a member of the public. It seems very much like the adjacent ANA hotel is attempting to make this area almost as its own private beach while it’s still actually a public beach. You are allowed to park in the large car park for free but then to walk down to the beach area there are no sign posts showing where it is and the route with the path that you walk has large signs saying no entry. The kanji underneath actually says no entry for cars. However if you follow what appears to be access to the rear of the hotel down this path it leads you round to an area where you can access the swimming area. It’s pleasant enough as an area for a swim, it has jellyfish netting, and in places it’s shallow enough for all ages to have a splash and swim under the eye of the lifeguards but the odd access arrangement and slightly grimy shower area means I’ve knocked off a few stars in comparison to some of the other beaches...

Not the prettiest beach of Ishigaki, but safe to swim in, thanks to the barrier set in the water. So good for families or those not confident in the open ocean! But be aware that there is no lifeguard ok duty.

The hotel nearby has a lot of facilities set here like the beach chairs, but Maesato Beach is PUBLIC. Just don't use any of the chairs, those will cost extra for the public.

The beach may close if hotel is doing an event like fireworks, or maintenance like refilling the beach with sand. (Can't say where the sand is brought in from, but it's done yearly. Usually April.)

No lifeguard but lots of hotel staff who rent marine equipment like jet ski or kayaks. Some are kind, but I seen some who scream and yell at beach goers (both hotel guest and others, doesn't matter.) Usually it's happening around closing time and putting away the hotel's marine rental equipment... Its quite offputing for visitors, but I come enough to know how to stay out...

The beach is mainly used by ANA hotel guests. Access through the hotel is a bit inconvenient. There are a few activities, such as SUP, kayaking, and an inflatable water park. The beach is nothing special - in fact, all other beaches we’ve seen on Ishigaki Island and in the Yaeyama Archipelago are nicer.

The activities are expensive and the level of service from the staff is mediocre to poor, if not rude. Non-Japanese speakers were ignored in the queue because the staff does not speak English. SUPs may or may not be used by two people, depending on the mood of the staff member. There are showers and toilets.

Sand: ⭐️⭐️ Water: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Scenery: ⭐️ Activities: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Service: ⭐️ Facilities: ⭐️⭐️ Accessibility: ⭐️⭐️ Overall: ⭐️⭐️

Unless you are staying at the ANA hotel with kids and want to avoid any effort, there are much better places to go -...