Irabu Island, reached by crossing Irabu Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island. Did you know there’s a stunning spot called “Funausagi-banata” along its north coast?
It’s a mysterious name you can’t remember after hearing it once, but in the island dialect it means “the cape that sees off boats” — a historic place that once saw off people departing the island. From atop the cliff, you can survey a grand panorama woven by coral reefs and a Miyako Blue gradient.
In this article, we’ll cover the appeal and highlights of Funausagi-banata, and nearby details like access and parking.
Funausagi-banata Ratings
Funausagi-banata Basic Information
| Hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | None |
| Shop | None |
| Official site | – |
Funausagi-banata is a hidden spot that few tourists visit.
There’s parking nearby, but no restrooms or shop.
The Appeal of Funausagi-banata
A dialect-derived name meaning “the cape that sees off boats”
Funausagi-banata is a word meaning “the cape that sees off boats” in the Irabu Island dialect.
“Funa” means boat, “ushagi” means to see off, and “panata” refers to the top of a cliff.
It’s a mysterious-sounding name that’s hard to remember at once, but once you know the meaning, island life comes into view — an evocative place name.
The giant observation deck of the migratory bird “grey-faced buzzard,” once a symbol
An observation deck shaped like the grey-faced buzzard — a migratory bird that flies to Irabu Island in autumn — was built in 1985 (Showa 60), and its form with wings spread wide was beloved as an island landmark.
However, due to salt damage and aging, the buzzard monument was removed in August 2019 (Reiwa 1), and now only a simple observation deck remains. Even though its form is gone, its presence was a signature monument that still lingers in the memory of many travelers.
Coral reefs and the Miyako Blue sea seen from the cliff
Located atop the cliff, it has coral reefs and a beautiful cobalt-blue gradient sea spreading below.
Being on a high cliff, you can survey with the naked eye the way the sea’s color divides clearly between shallows and depths, the wind turbines of Nishi-Hennazaki Cape toward Miyako Island, and even Ikema Ohashi Bridge.
On days with good weather and calm wind, sea turtles can reportedly be seen from the observation deck, too.
A quiet hidden spot with few tourists
It’s well regarded in reviews as a hidden spot with few people, where you can leisurely gaze at the beautiful sea.
Parking for about 10 cars is maintained, and since it’s a short distance from the parking lot to the observation deck, being easy to visit even for the elderly or families with small children is a draw.
In a quiet free of crowds, you can have the stunning view all to yourself while reflecting on the island’s history.
The perfect stop for an Irabu Island drive
About 15 minutes by car from Irabu Ohashi Bridge, located along Irabu Island’s north coast, with stunning spots nearby like the survey marker and Iana Rock.
The entrance signboard can sometimes be hard to see due to trees and leaves, so take care not to miss it.
The stay is about 5–10 minutes for just the observation deck, so it’s easy to drop by — a place you’ll want to include in an around-the-island driving course.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 45 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
Funausagi-banata has parking.
Please check the Google Map below for parking details.
Funausagi-banata Nearby Information
Activities on Miyako Island
On Miyako Island, marine sports such as snorkeling, diving, and SUP in the crystal-clear sea are hugely popular.
On some tours you might even be lucky enough to see sea turtles, so be sure to enjoy them!
Santorini Hotel & Villas Miyakojima
A 29-room resort hotel that opened on Irabu Island in March 2024, with a sweeping panorama of Irabu Ohashi Bridge connecting Miyako and Irabu Islands.
Inspired by Santorini, Greece, the contrast of white walls and blue domes evokes the vivid beauty of the Mediterranean.
At the infinity pool where the Miyako Blue sea seems to merge with the horizon, and the Italian–Mediterranean restaurant “The Olivea” by Chef Akira Watanabe, you can enjoy a luxurious, memorable stay.
Summary
This time, we’ve introduced the stunning Irabu Island spot “Funausagi-banata.”
The giant grey-faced-buzzard observation deck that was a symbol has been removed, but the beauty of the Miyako Blue sea seen from the cliff is unchanged today. As a hidden spot with few tourists, you can leisurely savor stunning views in quiet time while reflecting on the island history embedded in “the cape that sees off boats.”
About 15 minutes by car from Irabu Ohashi Bridge and easy to drop by, so be sure to include it in a driving course around Irabu Island. Touring it along with the nearby survey marker and Iana Rock is sure to let you savor Irabu Island’s nature more deeply.
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