Shimajiri Mangrove Forest | Time Needed, Parking & Nearby Guide!

When you hear “mangrove,” many may picture Iriomote Island, but did you know Miyako Island actually has a precious mangrove forest too?

The “Shimajiri Mangrove Forest” in Shimajiri, Hirara, Miyakojima City is the largest colony in the Miyako Islands and a treasure trove of nature designated a city natural monument. With a wooden boardwalk in place, being able to casually enjoy a stroll through the “forest of the sea” is a draw. Unlike a popular, tourist-bustling spot, it’s quiet enough to hear the sound of the sugarcane fields — a hidden gem where you can spend leisurely time, too.

In this article, we’ll explain everything from the highlights of the Shimajiri Mangrove Forest to nearby details like time needed, parking, and access — information you’ll want to know before visiting.

Shimajiri Mangrove Forest Ratings

*Ratings are the subjective assessment of the Okinawa Bookmark editor, compared with other facilities in Okinawa.

Shimajiri Mangrove Forest Basic Information

Hours	None in particular
Closed days	None in particular
Admission	Free
Time needed	About 20–40 minutes
Parking	Yes (free)
Restroom	Yes
Address	Shimajiri, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa

The Shimajiri Mangrove Forest isn’t a place where many tourists gather, but it’s the kind of place where a few tourists and locals are around here and there.

The Highlights of the Shimajiri Mangrove Forest

The largest mangrove colony in the Miyako Islands

At the Shimajiri Mangrove Forest, the largest mangrove forest in the Miyako Islands grows in an inlet continuing from the coast inland.

It reaches about 1 km deep, and the majestic scenery of the “forest of the sea” spreading as far as the eye can see is spectacular. It’s a nature spot you’ll want to stop by when you visit Miyako Island.

Observe every species of mangrove native to Miyako Island

Here, five species have been confirmed: the Yaeyama mangrove, oriental mangrove, Kandelia obovata, Lumnitzera racemosa, and the grey mangrove, which reaches its northern limit at Miyako.

It’s a precious place, also ideal for learning, where you can see every species of mangrove living on Miyako Island. There’s the fun of observing the differences between species.

Precious nature: a city natural monument and one of Japan’s 500 Important Wetlands

The Shimajiri Mangrove Forest was selected as one of Japan’s 500 Important Wetlands and designated a natural monument of Miyakojima City on February 14, 2000. It’s also the northern limit of the grey mangrove, a mangrove species, and is carefully protected as an academically valuable area.

Easy strolling on a boardwalk and a limestone bridge

In September 2002, the Shimajiri Bridge and boardwalk were completed, making it easy to visit.

The appeal is enjoying observation while strolling the wooden boardwalk and the Ryukyu-limestone bridge. Being easy enough to stroll leisurely in about 10–15 minutes is also a reason for its popularity.

Meet a rich ecosystem of wild birds, crabs, and more

Many wild birds also live in the forest, and birdwatching is popular; at low tide you can observe many crabs, too.

On the tidal flat, you can see the adorable sight of fiddler crabs raising their claws and mudskippers hopping about — a treasure trove of nature where you can learn the food chain.

A stunning view that changes its face with the tide

The mangroves’ atmosphere changes completely with the timing of the tide.

Low tide is ideal for observing tidal-flat creatures, and at high tide you can enjoy the mystery and majesty of mangroves rising from the water. You meet different scenery depending on the time you visit.

Time needed is about 20–40 minutes for a stroll

For strolling the Shimajiri Mangrove Forest, the time needed is about 20–40 minutes.

Since you can also experience it by kayak and such, in that case plans of about 2 hours are common.

A hidden spot easy to visit, with parking and restrooms

Though it’s a tourist site with parking and restrooms in place, it has little fame — a quiet place where sound spills from the neighboring sugarcane fields.

The fee is free, and it’s about 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport. It’s a hidden gem perfect for those who want a leisurely nature stroll.

Shimajiri Mangrove Forest (Natural Monument)

“Mangrove” is a collective term for certain evergreen trees that grow on the mud of brackish-water zones (where seawater and freshwater mix) in the seas and estuaries of tropical and subtropical regions.

In Japan, several species are distributed in the Nansei Islands, with Kiire in Kagoshima Prefecture regarded as the northern limit of distribution.
Within Okinawa Prefecture, multiple species are distributed, with 6 species confirmed in Yaeyama, 5 in Miyako, and 4 on the Okinawa main island.

The “Shimajiri Mangrove Forest” forms the largest colony in the Miyako Islands, developed in an inlet (Batarasu) about 1 km deep, where 5 species across 3 families are distributed: the Yaeyama mangrove, oriental mangrove, Kandelia obovata, Lumnitzera racemosa, and the grey mangrove, which reaches its northern limit at Miyako.

Here you can observe all the mangroves distributed in Miyako, and it’s an important place from the standpoint of plant-geography research, having developed a colony in an area without rivers. Mangrove forests are also called “forests of the sea” and have a special ecosystem. It’s also an ideal place for children and students to learn about the “food chain” within that ecosystem.

In terms of environmental conservation, it plays a major role in preventing the marine pollution caused by red-soil runoff, which has become a problem in recent years, and mangrove forests need to be appropriately protected.

Access & Parking

Access	About 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Address	Shimajiri, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Parking	Yes
Restroom	Yes

The Shimajiri Mangrove Forest has a spacious dedicated parking lot.

Besides parking, there are restrooms and a gazebo, so you can rest at leisure, too.

Shimajiri Mangrove Forest 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!

Summary

This time, we’ve introduced the highlights and nearby information of the “Shimajiri Mangrove Forest” on Miyako Island.

It’s the largest colony in the Miyako Islands and a precious spot where you can observe every mangrove species native to Miyako Island. You can meet a rich ecosystem of wild birds, crabs, and more, and the scenery that changes its face with the tide is a highlight, too. The time needed is about 20–40 minutes for a stroll — easy to drop by — and with parking and restrooms in place, it’s perfect for mid-drive, too.

Being along the road toward Ikema Island, it’s easy to fit into a Miyako Island sightseeing plan — another nice point. For those who want to leisurely enjoy nature in a quiet environment, be sure to make your way there.