Irabu Island is reachable from Miyako Island by crossing the Irabu Ohashi Bridge. On its west coast, “Shiratorizaki (Shiratori Cape)” is a hidden gem where you can relax and enjoy stunning views woven from emerald-green sea and sheer cliffs.
The area is maintained as “West Coast Park,” with walking paths and rest areas, making it perfect for a stroll. The surrounding sea is also known as a snorkeling and diving spot popular with fans of dramatic underwater terrain, and its reef is designated a natural monument of Miyakojima City.
In this article, we introduce the charms and highlights of Shiratorizaki in detail, along with access information and parking.
Ratings for Shiratorizaki (Shiratori Cape)
Basic information on Shiratorizaki (Shiratori Cape)
| Hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Available (free) |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Shop | None |
| Official website | – |
Shiratorizaki has maintained walking paths, but the area along the shore turns into rugged, rocky terrain, so take care when walking there.
Many parts of Shiratorizaki have no railings, so please be very careful when approaching the cliffs.
A thorough guide to the charms of Shiratorizaki
A scenic cape where cliffs and sea gradients meet
Shiratorizaki sits on the west coast of Irabu Island — a stunning spot where the gradient of emerald-green and cobalt-blue sea contrasts beautifully with the sheer cliffs.
Before you, the East China Sea stretches on endlessly, capturing the hearts of all who visit. On clear days it is an open, expansive location where you can see all the way to the far horizon.
A leisurely stroll in “West Coast Park” and its maintained walking paths
The stretch from Shiratorizaki to Funausagi-banta is maintained as West Coast Park, with rest areas and walking paths, so you can stroll at a relaxed pace while taking in the magnificent scenery.
The appeal is being able to walk at your own pace while watching the white waves break against the rocks. With plenty of rest areas, it is also ideal for a stop along a drive.
A snorkeling and diving spot in the Miyako area
The sea around Shiratorizaki is one of the region’s leading snorkeling and diving spots, where you can enjoy complex terrain such as arches and caves.
You can even spot snorkelers and divers from atop the cape. Enjoyable both above and below the water, it is truly a cape for sea lovers.
A precious reef zone designated a municipal natural monument
The reef stretching across the Shiratorizaki area is designated a natural monument of Miyakojima City.
The rocky landscape, shaped by nature over long ages, is of high academic value. Beyond the scenery, feeling the island’s natural history is another of this cape’s charms.
Restrooms and benches are also provided
Shiratorizaki has restrooms and benches, so you can take a rest on a bench.
Since it isn’t a place where crowds of tourists gather, it is a great spot for those who want to spend their time slowly.
Access and parking
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | 908-2 Irabu Sawada, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Available |
| Restrooms | Available |
Shiratorizaki (Shiratori Cape) has three free parking areas.
We’ll introduce each of them.
[Parking 1]
[Parking 2]
We’ll also introduce the two parking areas on the Shiratorizaki West Coast Park side.
Each has space for about 10 cars.
Around Shiratorizaki (Shiratori Cape)
Activities on Miyako Island
On Miyako Island, marine sports such as snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear sea, as well as SUP, are hugely popular.
On some tours, if you’re lucky, you may even see sea turtles, so be sure to enjoy it!
Santorini Hotel & Villas Miyakojima
A 29-room resort hotel that opened on Irabu Island in March 2024, with a sweeping panorama of the Irabu Ohashi Bridge connecting Miyako and Irabu Islands.
Inspired by the Greek island of Santorini, the contrast of white walls and blue domes evokes the vivid beauty of the Mediterranean.
Enjoy a memorable, luxurious stay at the infinity pool, where the Miyako-blue sea seems to merge with the horizon, and at “The Olivea,” an Italian and Mediterranean restaurant helmed by Chef Akira Watanabe.
Renting a Car on Miyako Island
A rental car is by far the best way to get around Miyako Island.
Breathtaking spots such as Yonaha Maehama Beach and the Irabu Ohashi Bridge are spread out across the island, so having a car lets you explore freely at your own pace. With only a handful of local buses running on Miyako, whether or not you have a rental car makes a big difference to how much you can enjoy your trip.
Cars fill up quickly in the peak season, so we recommend booking early once your travel dates are set. One important note for overseas visitors: to drive in Japan you must obtain an International Driving Permit (Geneva Convention) in your home country before you depart, and remember that traffic in Japan drives on the left.
Summary
Shiratorizaki (Shiratori Cape) is a hidden gem on Irabu Island where you can take your time savoring the stunning views woven by the cliffs and the Miyako-blue sea in a quiet setting.
With walking paths, restrooms, benches, and free parking, it is also ideal for a stop along a drive. From the reef designated a natural monument to the sea bustling with snorkelers and divers, it is packed with natural appeal.
That said, the shoreline has a lot of rugged, rocky terrain and some cliffs without railings, so please watch your footing carefully while strolling.
When you visit Irabu Island, do make your way to Shiratorizaki to experience the stunning views created by its untouched nature.
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