Cross Irabu Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island to Shimoji Island. Did you know its northern tip has a “phantom beach” that appears only when the tide goes out?
That’s “17END,” known as a world-class scenic view. Emerald-green sea, pure-white sand, and planes crossing overhead — this spot, where you get “the best of sky and sea” on Miyako Island, delivers unforgettable awe once you visit.
In this article, we’ll cover the appeal and features of 17END, plus how to check the low-tide times you’ll want to know before visiting, access, parking, and nearby recommendations. If you’re planning a Miyako Island trip, be sure to use this as a reference.
- 17END Ratings
- 17END Basic Information
- The Appeal and Features of 17END
- A “phantom beach” that appears only at low tide
- The origin of the name: the end of the runway
- A stunning view where you can watch planes take off and land up close
- Miyako Blue with clarity among the best on the island
- Actually a scenic view born from human hands
- Take care getting down to the beach
- Popular as a sunset spot, too
- Access & Parking
- 17END Nearby Information
- Summary
17END Ratings
17END Basic Information
| Swimming season | None in particular |
| Hours | None |
| Fee | None |
| Jellyfish net | None |
| Lifeguard | None |
| Showers | None |
| Lockers | None |
| Rentals | None |
| Activities | Yes |
| Shop | None |
| Restroom | None |
| Official site | – |
17END is a spot visited by many tourists.
You can swim at the beach, but many people come to watch planes take off and to take in the stunning scenery.
The Appeal and Features of 17END
A “phantom beach” that appears only at low tide
The biggest feature of 17END is the pure-white sand that appears only when the tide goes out.
When the low-tide level drops to roughly 50 cm or less, the clear emerald-green sea and white sand spread out. Before visiting, check the timing with a “Miyako Island tide table” or the Japan Meteorological Agency’s tide forecast.
The origin of the name: the end of the runway
The name 17END has an interesting root unique to airports.
The runway faces 170 degrees (with north as 0 degrees), giving it the runway identifier “17,” and in aviation terms the end of a runway is called the “Runway End.” In other words, it combines “17” and “End” — a name that also delights aviation fans.
A stunning view where you can watch planes take off and land up close
This spot lets you savor not only the beauty of the sea but also the drama of the sky.
The white-sand beach that appears only when the tide goes out, the Miyako Blue sea, and planes taking off and landing at Shimoji Island Airport right before you — the contrast of runway and sea is truly a world-class sight.
Miyako Blue with clarity among the best on the island
The sea at 17END boasts especially high clarity even for Miyako Island.
The gradient from aqua blue in the shallows to deep blue offshore is exceptional; with white sand and little coral, it takes on that aqua-blue look.
On sunny days, its beauty stands out all the more.
Actually a scenic view born from human hands
This view may seem entirely natural, but it’s actually scenery created by airport construction.
17END isn’t a natural beach; when the airport was reclaimed from the sea, the tidal flow was blocked and sand began to accumulate on the seabed, creating this place.
You could call it a miracle landscape created by chance through human effort and nature.
Take care getting down to the beach
It looks easy to get down to, but reaching the beach requires a little caution.
There are no stairs down to the beach, and you have to pass between tetrapods, so it isn’t recommended for small children or the elderly.
The most common mishap on the way down is dropping your phone, so proceed slowly and carefully, keeping your footing.
Popular as a sunset spot, too
17END shows a different face not only during the day but also at dusk.
Known as one of Miyako Island’s finest sunset spots, it’s a place where you can enjoy “the best of sky and sea” — watching planes take off and land against a backdrop of blue sky and sea. Visit at different times of day and you’ll meet fresh wonder again and again.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 45 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (space for about 30 cars) |
| Restroom | None |
17END has a dedicated parking lot.
There’s space for about 30 cars, but during peak travel seasons like summer, the lot can fill up.
Please check the Google Map below for parking details.
17END 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
17END is a stunning spot representing Miyako Island, where you can enjoy the white sand that appears only at low tide, the Miyako Blue sea, and planes taking off and landing up close, all at once.
To fully savor its beauty, checking the low-tide time on a tide table beforehand is the single most important thing. Also, since there are no stairs down to the beach and you must pass through tetrapods, watch your footing carefully and enjoy within a comfortable range. The clear sea by day is beautiful, of course, but the sunset at dusk is exceptional too, so if you have time, visiting at different times of day is recommended.
Nearby there are marine activities and appealing resort hotels, so use 17END as a base to make the most of the Shimoji and Irabu Island area.
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