This time, we’ll introduce all the beaches on Irabu and Shimoji Islands.
Irabu and Shimoji Islands are in the northeast, connected by a large bridge called Irabu Ohashi Bridge — remote islands, but reachable by car.
Irabu and Shimoji Islands are also famous as tourist spots, drawing many tourists every year.
The beaches we’ll introduce this time are the following six.
- Toguchi-no-hama
- 17END Beach
- Sawada-no-hama
- Nakanoshima Coast
- Oyadomari-no-hama
- 35END Beach
So, let’s take a look!
Recommended Beaches of Irabu & Shimoji Islands
Toguchi-no-hama
Toguchi-no-hama is a stunning beach representing Irabu Island, where about 800 m of white powder sand arcs along the shore.
Its appeal is fine sand that delights bare feet, water with clarity among the very best around Miyako, and an open setting with views as far as Miyako Island and Kurima Island.
Snorkeling and swimming, of course, but even just lying on the sand, a special time flows.
| Access | About 40 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Activities | Yes |
| Parking | Yes (2 lots) |
| Restroom | Yes |
17END Beach
17END Beach is a beach near “17END,” known as a world-class stunning 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.
| Access | About 45 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes (space for about 30 cars) |
| Restroom | None |
Sawada-no-hama
Sawada-no-hama is a shore spreading across the northwest of Irabu Island.
A natural beach selected in 1996 as one of the Environment Ministry’s “100 Best Beaches of Japan.” It’s a popular spot known for a distinctive landscape with countless huge rocks dotting the offshore waters, and for sunsets said to be among the finest in the Miyako Island area.
It’s a hidden beach without swimming facilities, but in return the untouched nature and openness are exceptional. Even without entering the sea, being able to enjoy that stunning view year-round is the appeal of Sawada-no-hama.
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | 1725 Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Activities | None |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | None |
Nakanoshima Coast
“Nakanoshima Coast (Kayaffa),” beyond Irabu Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island, is an insider’s hidden beach.
It has almost no swimming facilities like restrooms or showers, but swim just a few meters from the beach and you’ll meet coral reefs and clownfish — a spot truly like a “natural aquarium.”
With inlet-like terrain and calm waves, another appeal is being able to accommodate a wide range, from snorkeling beginners to those who want serious diving.
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Nakachi, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Activities | Yes |
| Parking | Yes (roadside-style) |
| Restroom | None |
Oyadomari-no-hama
Oyadomari-no-hama is a beach that, despite being right by Irabu Ohashi Bridge, is rarely crowded with tourists.
Untouched nature and the Miyako Blue sea spread out, and the stunning view with Irabu Ohashi Bridge as a backdrop is wonderfully photogenic — a place perfect for those who want to quietly savor the sea.
On the other hand, there are no facilities like restrooms or showers, and parking is limited, so there are a few points to know before visiting.
| Access | About 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | 923 Ikemasoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Activities | Yes |
| Parking | Yes (roadside-style) |
| Restroom | None |
35END Beach
When it comes to Miyako Island’s stunning beaches, “17END” — appearing beyond the runway — is famous, but did you know there’s another insider’s hidden beach on the opposite side?
That’s “35END Beach,” spreading across the southern end of Shimoji Island Airport.
Since it isn’t developed as a tourist site, it’s quiet with few people, and its greatest appeal is savoring Miyako Island’s original natural sea just as it is. Clear Miyako Blue spreads over the reef-ringed shallows, and snorkeling on a sunny day is truly exceptional.
Snorkeling Spots of Irabu & Shimoji Islands
Irabu and Shimoji Islands, easily reached from Miyako Island via Irabu Ohashi Bridge, are one of the Miyako Islands’ finest snorkeling areas, with a wonderfully clear “Miyako Blue” sea.
Nakanoshima Beach (Kayaffa)
The area’s most famous snorkeling spot, on the west coast of Shimoji Island. A calm, inlet-like beach where, swimming just a few meters from the sand, you meet colorful coral reefs and tropical fish — hence it’s called a “natural aquarium.”
It’s also famous as a habitat for clownfish, and the inner sea is shallow at about 2–4 meters deep, so beginners and families with children can enjoy it. However, there are no restrooms or showers, and rip currents can occur outside the inlet, so caution is needed.
Blue Cave (Sapphire Cave)
A mysterious sea cave on the north side of Irabu Island. It’s a stunning spot where sunlight streaming in makes the seawater shine blue, with superb clarity thanks to inflowing groundwater.
Being below a cliff, visits are basically by tour, but compared with the Blue Cave on Okinawa’s main island there are fewer tourists, for a more private experience. Beyond tropical fish and coral, a high chance of meeting green sea turtles is another draw.
Other Tourist Spots of Irabu & Shimoji Islands
Toriike Pond, Shimoji Island
Shimoji Island, beyond Irabu Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island.
On its west coast is “Toriike Pond,” a stunning spot that fascinates visitors from both land and underwater.
The two circular ponds sitting side by side have a mysterious structure — connected underground and further connected to the open sea. Designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, it’s also known as a dive site advanced divers dream of.
| Access | About 40 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | 923 Ikemasoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
Obiiwa Rock
“Obiiwa,” sitting on the west coast of Shimoji Island in Miyakojima City, Okinawa, is a huge rock about 12.5 meters high, about 59.9 meters around, and estimated to weigh up to 20,000 tons.
It’s said to be a tsunami boulder thrown up from the sea by the “Great Meiwa Tsunami” caused by the 1771 Yaeyama Earthquake, and it got its name because the hollow in the center looks like a fastened sash (obi).
It has long been revered as a sacred object of folk belief, with prayers for a good catch and household safety, and it’s also designated a historic site of Miyakojima City. As a monument conveying nature’s threat to this day, it’s a spot to visit along with Toriike Pond.
| Access | About 40 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | None |
Irabu Ohashi Umi-no-Eki
“Irabu Ohashi Umi-no-Eki,” standing on a rise directly ahead just after crossing Irabu Ohashi Bridge, is an Irabu Island tourism-hub facility that opened in June 2020.
The 1st-floor shop offers abundant souvenirs — the island specialties tuna and bonito products, awamori, sweets, and more — and the 2nd-floor restaurant lets you casually enjoy island flavors such as Miyako soba.
There’s also a viewing space with a full view of the 3,540 m Irabu Ohashi Bridge and the Miyako Blue sea, so you can enjoy stunning views, a meal, and shopping all at once. With a spacious free parking lot, it’s also perfect as a rest point on an island tour.
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Ikemasoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
Makiyama Observation Deck
“Makiyama Observation Deck,” standing at Irabu Island’s highest point, is an island symbol shaped like the migratory bird “grey-faced buzzard” — which flies to the island in autumn — with its wings spread.
From the observation deck you can survey the 3,540 m Irabu Ohashi Bridge, plus a grand panorama reaching Miyako main island, Kurima Island, and Ikema Island.
At the foot, a trail with thick subtropical primeval forest is maintained, letting you enjoy a stroll and forest bathing while viewing tropical flowers. Being right after Irabu Ohashi Bridge, stopping by at the start or end of island sightseeing is recommended, too.
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Ikemasoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
Shiratori-zaki Cape
“Shiratori-zaki Cape,” in the northwest of Irabu Island, is a stunning cape where the gradient of emerald-green and cobalt-blue sea and the contrast with sheer cliffs are beautiful.
The area is maintained as West Coast Park, and from a viewing space that doubles as a promenade and rest area, you can survey Ikema Island and Nishi-Hennazaki Cape.
The surrounding sea is also famous as one of the island’s finest dive spots, with complex terrain like arches and caves, and in winter, if you’re lucky, you may see a manta ray from atop the cliff. It’s a spot where you can leisurely stroll while gazing at the majestic East China Sea.
| Access | About 40 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
Funausagi-banata
“Funausagi-banata,” on Irabu Island’s north coast, means “the cape that sees off boats” in the island dialect — a historic place where islanders once saw off people departing for Okinawa’s main island and soldiers heading to war.
From the observation deck atop the cliff, a majestic view spreads out — wonderfully clear sea and coral reefs, and in the distance, Ikema Ohashi Bridge and Miyako main island.
The giant monument shaped like the migratory bird “grey-faced buzzard,” long a symbol, was removed in 2019 due to aging, but the stunning view is unchanged today. It’s an evocative spot where you can quietly gaze at the sea while reflecting on the island’s history.
| Access | About 40 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | None |
Yamatobu Great Rock
“Yamatobu Great Rock,” rising along the road just after crossing Irabu Ohashi Bridge on Irabu Island’s east coast, is a huge rock about 25 meters high, about 18 meters in diameter, and said to weigh over 30,000 tons.
It’s said to have emerged above ground through crustal movement such as faulting, and traces of old quarrying remain at nearby Makiyama; it’s designated a historic site of Miyakojima City.
The powerful rock face you have to look up at, and its contrast with the emerald-green sea spreading before you, are spectacular, and it’s also known as a power spot. The Irabu Ohashi Bridge opening monument is right nearby, too, making it a spot to stop by on a drive along with the Makiyama Observation Deck.
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Ikemasoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | None |
| Restroom | None |
Irabu & Shimoji Islands Nearby Information
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.
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!
Summary
This time, we’ve introduced 6 recommended beaches of Irabu and Shimoji Islands, along with snorkeling spots and tourist landmarks.
This area, easily reached by crossing Irabu Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island, is packed with appeal — from stunning beaches like Toguchi-no-hama, to Nakanoshima Coast, called a “natural aquarium,” to spots where you feel nature’s mystery like Toriike Pond and Obiiwa Rock.
There are beaches without facilities and places with fast currents, so please enjoy them after preparing safety measures thoroughly.
With a rental car you can tour the islands in a day, so on your Miyako Island trip, why not make the trip to Irabu and Shimoji Islands? You’re sure to meet unforgettable “Miyako Blue” stunning views.
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