A Mysterious Sandbar That Only Appears at Low Tide！Become the Star of the "Phantom Island" MV

▲Ready to be the star on the beach? (Photo by Dai Dai Gou)

Dai Dai Gou / Reporting and Photography for Japan’s Phantom Island

You can’t say you’ve visited Kobashima without setting foot on this mysterious sandbar！Taiwan direct flights to Ishigaki Island in Japan take just 40 minutes. Between Ishigaki and Kobashima in Okinawa’s Yaeyama Islands lies an uninhabited island that only emerges at low tide. With its dreamy combination of blue skies and white sands, though it appears just a few hours a day, it has become a famous spot for magazines, dramas, and commercial MV shoots.

A crescent-shaped hidden paradise made of pure white, sparkling coral, locally known as“Phantom Island” (幻の島), and it even has its own dedicated address. Depending on the tides, the amount and shape of shells and coral washed ashore vary, so the size of Phantom Island changes slightly every day. During major low tides, the sandbar can stretch up to 200 meters in length.

▲It takes about 30 minutes to get there from the harbor. When you arrive, the boat will stop offshore, and visitors have to wade directly into the sea to step onto the sandbar. (Photo by Dai Dai Gou)

▲If you’re lucky enough to catch a sunny day, you’ll be treated to a 180-degree panoramic view of the deep blue sea！(Video by Dai Dai Gou)

After successfully landing on Phantom Island, many opt to take a boat to the diving paradise“Umi no Ta” (Fish Field)to witness the vibrant beauty of tropical fish and coral reefs. When the boat docks on the vast expanse of coral reef rocks, you can gaze into the clear waters below without even getting wet. Beginners or those not confident in swimming can also join safely — instructors provide demonstrations and lessons before the snorkeling begins.

▲Welcome to the beautiful kingdom where coral reefs and fish thrive together！(Photo provided by Risonare Kobashima)

▲If you’re really nervous about swimming alone, instructors will guide you using a life buoy, allowing you to safely enjoy the underwater scenery. (Photo by Dai Dai Gou)

If you prefer not to engage in water activities, you can also choosea “bicycle island tour”, cycling around to explore Kobashima and enjoy its simple, unspoiled scenery. One must-visit spot is the island’s straightest“Sugar Road”.

▲The “Sugar Road” stretches 1.2 kilometers, and cycling enthusiasts shouldn’t miss it！P.S. The guy in the white shirt in the photo is super handsome >／／＜ (Photo by Dai Dai Gou)

%This is also a filming location for the Japanese morning drama “Churasan” (ちゅらさん). Since it is an inhabited area, entry is not permitted. (Photo by Dai Dai Gou)

Tang Guizhen International Travel Agency(02-2712-0009), the exclusive agent for Risonare Kobashima, offers four-day/three-night and five-day/four-night packages. For details, check their official website. Flights from Taiwan to Ishigaki Island are operated solely by China Airlines, departing Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11:40 AM and returning at 2:30 PM.