Sawada-no-hama is a beach spreading across the northwest of Irabu Island.
A natural beach chosen for the Ministry of the Environment’s “Japan’s Top 100 Beaches” in 1996. It’s a popular spot known for its unique scenery of countless huge rocks scattered offshore and for a beautiful sunset said to be among the finest in the Miyako Island area.
It’s a hidden beach without swimming facilities, but that’s exactly why its untouched nature and sense of openness are exceptional. Even without entering the water, you can enjoy its stunning views year-round — that’s the appeal of Sawada-no-hama.
In this article, we’ll cover the appeal and highlights of Sawada-no-hama, plus whether you can snorkel, the state of facilities like showers and restrooms, parking, access, and nearby spots, in detail.
Sawada-no-hama Ratings
Sawada-no-hama Basic Information
| Swimming season | None in particular |
| Hours | None |
| Fee | None |
| Jellyfish net | None |
| Lifeguard | None |
| Showers | None |
| Lockers | None |
| Rentals | None |
| Activities | None |
| Shop | None |
| Restroom | None |
| Official site | – |
Sawada-no-hama is a hidden beach with almost no swimming facilities.
It’s recommended for those who want to relax and enjoy their time at the beach.
The Appeal and Highlights of Sawada-no-hama
A natural beach chosen among “Japan’s Top 100 Beaches”
Sawada-no-hama is a natural beach chosen for the Ministry of the Environment’s “Japan’s Top 100 Beaches” in 1996 — one of three sites selected from Okinawa Prefecture.
Located in the northwest of Irabu Island, it’s a special place where the island’s original scenery quietly lives on even now that tourism has grown.
If you visit Irabu Island, it’s a landmark spot you’ll want to make sure to see.
*Source: https://mori-taki-nagisa.jp/pages/122/
Scenery woven by countless huge rocks carried by a tsunami
The biggest feature of Sawada-no-hama is the rocks of all sizes scattered offshore.
These are tsunami boulders carried by the “Great Meiwa Tsunami,” triggered by the “Yaeyama Earthquake” of 1771 — huge chunks of coral reef torn from the seabed and washed ashore.
The sight of huge rocks strewn across white sand and blue sea is so strange you’d want to call it “bizarre” rather than merely scenic, radiating an overwhelming character seen nowhere else.
One of the Miyako Island area’s finest sunset spots
Sawada-no-hama is also widely known for its beautiful sunsets.
The sight of the sun setting while the sky slowly shifts from orange to purple, lighting up the rocks and the sea’s surface, is spectacular — and locals and tourists quietly gather in search of this scene.
The sun dropping into the shallow sea and the sky’s gradient make for a stunning view that seems to wash your heart clean.
A calm, shallow sea that stretches on and on
The shore is so shallow you can walk far out toward the offing.
At low tide a vast beach appears, and with shallow water and gentle waves, it’s perfect for families with small children or a couple’s seaside stroll.
Not suited to snorkeling
However, because it’s so shallow, it isn’t suited to swimming or snorkeling; if you want to snorkel, we recommend other beaches such as Toguchi-no-hama.
Water taps, restrooms, and showers are closed
Sawada-no-hama has facilities like water taps, restrooms, and showers, but they were closed at the time.
The facilities exist, but they’re in an unusable state.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | 1725 Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | None |
Sawada-no-hama has a dedicated parking lot with space for about 10 cars.
Please check the Google Map below for details.
Sawada-no-hama 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 covered Sawada-no-hama in detail — its appeal, facilities, and access.
A beautiful shallow sea chosen among “Japan’s Top 100 Beaches,” the strange scenery of huge rocks carried by a tsunami, and a sunset that steals your heart. Sawada-no-hama is a beach perfect for leisurely gazing at magnificent natural scenery, rather than for swimming or snorkeling.
That said, since facilities like showers and restrooms are currently unusable, if you want to play in the sea, we recommend combining it with other beaches such as Toguchi-no-hama. It changes its face with the time of day and the tide, so if you can, try to visit around the evening hours.
Sawada-no-hama, where you can meet Irabu Island’s original scenery and stunning views. When you visit Miyako or Irabu Island, why not make your way there?
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