Irabu Island, just across Irabu Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island. At its highest point stands the “Makiyama Observation Deck.” From the unique building shaped like a grey-faced buzzard spreading its wings, a grand panorama overlooking Irabu Ohashi Bridge and the emerald-green sea spreads out.
At the foot of the observation deck, a subtropical-primeval-forest trail is maintained, and being able to enjoy both stunning views and forest bathing is a draw. With parking and restrooms in place, it’s an easy spot to stop by on Irabu Island sightseeing.
In this article, we’ll cover the appeal and highlights of the Makiyama Observation Deck, and nearby details like time needed and parking, in detail.
- Makiyama Observation Deck Ratings
- Makiyama Observation Deck Basic Information
- The Highlights of the Makiyama Observation Deck
- A 360-degree grand panorama from Irabu Island’s highest point
- A symbolic building shaped like the migratory bird “grey-faced buzzard”
- A prime view spot with a full view of Irabu Ohashi Bridge from above
- Enjoy forest bathing on the subtropical primeval forest trail
- The time needed at the Makiyama Observation Deck is about 30 minutes
- Restrooms, benches, a gazebo, and more are fully available
- Access & Parking
- Makiyama Observation Deck Nearby Information
- Summary
Makiyama Observation Deck Ratings
Makiyama Observation Deck Basic Information
| Hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
| Shop | Yes |
| Official site | – |
The Makiyama Observation Deck is a tourist spot where many visitors gather.
Parking is in place, and a shop, restrooms, and more are available on site.
The Highlights of the Makiyama Observation Deck
A 360-degree grand panorama from Irabu Island’s highest point
The Makiyama Observation Deck is a viewing spot at Irabu Island’s highest point, about 80 m elevation.
Being on the island’s highest rise with nothing to block the view, you can experience a stunning view spreading across your whole field of vision and a pleasant breeze. The contrast of blue sea and vivid blue sky with the deep-green primeval forest spreading in front is simply spectacular.
A symbolic building shaped like the migratory bird “grey-faced buzzard”
The observation deck building is themed on the grey-faced buzzard — a migratory bird that flies to Irabu Island around October each year — spreading its wings in flight. Its white, graceful form is beloved as a symbol of Irabu Island, with a presence you can even make out from Irabu Ohashi Bridge and boats at sea.
It’s a unique observation deck where the building itself is one of the highlights.
A prime view spot with a full view of Irabu Ohashi Bridge from above
From the observation deck, you can survey the 3,540 m Irabu Ohashi Bridge as if looking down from above.
The bridge stretching straight across the emerald-green sea is a truly picturesque sight. Mornings tend to be backlit, so if you want to photograph Irabu Ohashi Bridge beautifully, an afternoon visit is recommended.
Enjoy forest bathing on the subtropical primeval forest trail
At the foot of the observation deck a trail is maintained, letting you stroll through nature where subtropical primeval forest grows thick.
Bird’s-nest ferns and Miyako osmunda grow wild, and you can also view tropical flowers like hibiscus. Beyond the views, being able to leisurely enjoy forest bathing is a charm unique to this spot.
The time needed at the Makiyama Observation Deck is about 30 minutes
You can enjoy the Makiyama Observation Deck fully in about 30 minutes.
The distance from the parking lot to the Makiyama Observation Deck is about 500 m.
Restrooms, benches, a gazebo, and more are fully available
The Makiyama Observation Deck also has restrooms, benches, and more.
There are also benches on top of the observation deck, making it a very comfortable place to spend time.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Ikemasoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
The Makiyama Observation Deck has parking.
Please check the Google Map below for parking details.
Makiyama Observation Deck 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 “Makiyama Observation Deck” at Irabu Island’s highest point.
A unique building shaped like a grey-faced buzzard, Irabu Ohashi Bridge and the emerald-green sea spreading below, and a subtropical-primeval-forest trail — it’s a compact yet feature-rich spot. The time needed is about 30 minutes, so being easy to fit into an Irabu Island sightseeing route is a nice bonus.
Admission is free, and with parking, restrooms, benches, a gazebo, and more in place, anyone can visit with peace of mind. If you want to photograph Irabu Ohashi Bridge beautifully, an afternoon visit that avoids backlighting is recommended.
When you visit Irabu Island, be sure to fully enjoy the stunning views and nature at the Makiyama Observation Deck.
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