Kurima Island, a remote island just across Kurima Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island. Known as the island’s top sightseeing landmark is the “Ryugujo Observation Deck.”
From this observation deck — its distinctive look inspired by the Ryugujo (Dragon Palace) of folklore catching the eye — a grand panorama spreads out, overlooking Yonaha Maehama (praised as “the most beautiful in the Orient”), the 1,690 m Kurima Ohashi Bridge, and even Irabu Island. Admission is free, and with parking, restrooms, and a shop, being able to drop by casually on Miyako Island sightseeing is a nice bonus.
In this article, we’ll cover the highlights of the Ryugujo Observation Deck, access, and nearby details like parking.
- Ryugujo Observation Deck Ratings
- Ryugujo Observation Deck Basic Information
- The Highlights of the Ryugujo Observation Deck
- A distinctive look inspired by the Ryugujo (Dragon Palace)
- A stunning spot on Kurima Island’s highest hill, at 60 m elevation
- A grand panorama overlooking Kurima Ohashi Bridge and Irabu Island
- Enjoy scenery that changes as you climb each floor
- Also popular as a power spot for love fulfillment
- A well-stocked shop and cafe, also great for a sightseeing break
- Time needed is about 20 minutes
- Access & Parking
- Nearby Information
- Summary
Ryugujo Observation Deck Ratings
Ryugujo Observation Deck Basic Information
| Hours | None in particular |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Yes (free) |
| Restroom | Yes |
| Shop | Yes |
| Official site | – |
The Ryugujo Observation Deck is a tourist spot where many visitors gather.
Parking is in place, and restrooms and more are available. It’s an area with many cafes and places to stay nearby.
The Highlights of the Ryugujo Observation Deck
A distinctive look inspired by the Ryugujo (Dragon Palace)
True to being built in the image of the Ryugujo, it’s a striking three-story observation deck with a distinctive look. White walls and a bright-red roof standing out against the blue sky feel like wandering into a world of old folk tales. The building itself is photogenic and popular as a commemorative photo spot.
A stunning spot on Kurima Island’s highest hill, at 60 m elevation
Standing on the highest hill on Kurima Island at 60 m elevation, it’s a precious place where you can gaze at scenery from a rise on this mostly flat island.
With a track record of ranking 17th in the “Glad I Went! Japan Observation Spot Ranking 2015,” it’s known as the island’s finest viewing spot.
A grand panorama overlooking Kurima Ohashi Bridge and Irabu Island
Another draw is being able to gaze from above at the 1,690 m Kurima Ohashi Bridge drawing a gentle curve over the blue sea.
You can survey Miyako Island on the far shore, Kurima Ohashi Bridge, Irabu Island, and more, and on days when the air is clear, you may even see Tarama Island about 67 km away.
Enjoy scenery that changes as you climb each floor
The fun of this observation deck is how the view opens up as you climb the stairs to the 2nd and 3rd floors, with Irabu Island coming into view.
Since the scenery seen from each floor differs, rather than heading straight to the 3rd floor, enjoying the view in order from the 1st and 2nd floors is recommended.
Also popular as a power spot for love fulfillment
Known as one of Miyako Island’s power spots, it’s said to bring blessings of love fulfillment and good matchmaking.
It’s a place many couples and people wishing for good matches visit, and being able to spend a soothing moment along with the stunning view is one of its charms.
A well-stocked shop and cafe, also great for a sightseeing break
Below the observation deck there’s a rest space and a souvenir shop, so you can enjoy shopping, too.
Nearby there’s a cafe called “Rakuen no Kajitsu” (Paradise Fruit), where you can savor original menu items devoted to organic cultivation. After taking in the stunning view, a break with island gourmet food is recommended, too.
Time needed is about 20 minutes
The time needed to visit the Ryugujo Observation Deck is about 20 minutes as a guide.
It’s a short distance from the parking lot to the observation deck, and you can tour compactly — climbing the stairs, enjoying the view from each floor, and taking photos. If you shop at the store or take a break at a nearby cafe, allowing a little extra — about 30 minutes to 1 hour — is reassuring.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | Kurima, Shimoji, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
The Ryugujo Observation Deck has parking.
Please check the Google Map below for parking details.
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!
Miyakojima Kurima Resort Seawood Hotel
A full-fledged resort hotel that opened in 2020 on Kurima Island — connected to Miyako Island by Kurima Ohashi Bridge — boasting vast grounds of about 130,000 square meters.
With two types across 169 units — freestanding “Villa Houses” with a private pool and jacuzzi, and the hotel-wing “Shuri House” — it makes possible a luxurious “travel as if living” stay.
Wrapped in the Miyako Blue sea and a sky full of stars, you can spend supreme island time at the spa, pool, and a restaurant devoted to local ingredients — the perfect base for Kurima Island sightseeing.
Summary
We’ve introduced Kurima Island’s “Ryugujo Observation Deck.”
The stunning view woven by the Miyako Blue sea and Yonaha Maehama Beach gazed at from a 60 m hill, and Kurima Ohashi Bridge, is truly a special sight you can savor only here. With a unique Ryugujo-like look and a side as a power spot for love fulfillment, it’s a spot packed with charms to enjoy beyond the scenery.
Admission is free and parking is in place, so be sure to stop by when you visit Kurima Island. There are cafes and resort hotels nearby, too, so savoring leisurely island time along with the stunning view is recommended.
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