Yurigahama
百合ヶ浜27°03′ N 128°27′ ESandbar
Yurigahama is a sand flat about 1.5 km off Oganeku beach on Yoron's east coast that surfaces only around low tide on suitable days, and the island's marine shops run five-minute glass-bottom boat rides out to it.
Yurigahama is the picture of Yoron: a bank of white sand rising out of pale green water a kilometre and a half off Oganeku beach, there for a few hours and gone. It shows at low tide, best on the big spring tides, and the wind and current reshape it, so some days it barely appears. The tourism association publishes a calendar rating each day's chances, with the low-tide time, and the marine shops plan their boats around it.
Island lore says that if you find as many star-sand grains on Yurigahama as your age, you will be happy. Boats leave from Oganeku and Minata beaches and from the harbour at Mugiya, and about a dozen marine shops take bookings.
Before you swim
- The sandbar appears only around low tide and disappears as the water rises; follow your boat crew's timing.
- Habu-kurage box jellyfish occur in Amami and Okinawan waters from May to October.
December to March
The tourism association's monthly forecast calendar marks the days Yurigahama is likely to appear and the low-tide time; check it for your dates before booking a boat. Wikipedia's JMA-based table gives Yoron a February mean of 17.3 °C, so wading is chilly.
Our ratings
- Swimming
- Quiet
- Families
- Scenery
Worth knowing
- Pick a day the calendar marks with a double circle for the biggest sandbar, and book the boat for the stated low-tide time.
- Take the star sand home only as a photo.
FAQ
Quick answers about Yurigahamaよくある質問
When does Yurigahama appear?
Around low tide on days with a large tidal range. The Yoron tourism association publishes a monthly calendar of the days Yurigahama is likely to appear, with each day's low-tide time.
How do you get to Yurigahama?
By boat. Glass-bottom boats and tours leave from Oganeku and Minata beaches and from Mugiya harbour on Yoron's east coast, about five minutes each way.
Do you need to book a boat to Yurigahama?
Yes, in practice. The boats run to the day's low tide, and the Yoron tourism association advises booking with a marine shop ahead.
Can you swim at Yurigahama?
Yurigahama: The tourism association puts Yoron's sea season at May to October.
Is Yurigahama worth visiting in winter?
The tourism association's monthly forecast calendar marks the days Yurigahama is likely to appear and the low-tide time; check it for your dates before booking a boat. Wikipedia's JMA-based table gives Yoron a February mean of 17.3 °C, so wading is chilly.
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