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.
In this article, we’ll fully explain the appeal of Shimoji Island’s Toriike Pond, along with nearby details like time needed, parking, and restrooms — points you’ll want to know before visiting.
- Shimoji Island Toriike Pond Ratings
- Shimoji Island Toriike Pond Basic Information
- The Appeal of Shimoji Island’s Toriike Pond
- Mysterious twin ponds connected underground
- Karst topography born of a collapsed limestone cave
- A scenic site designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument
- A dive site advanced divers dream of
- Magical colors created by the thermocline
- Time needed is about 30–40 minutes (strolling only)
- Restrooms and a shop are fully available
- Access & Parking
- Shimoji Island Toriike Pond Nearby Information
- Summary
Shimoji Island Toriike Pond Ratings
Shimoji Island Toriike Pond Basic Information
| Swimming season | None in particular |
| Hours | None |
| Fee | None |
| Rentals | None |
| Activities | Yes |
| Shop | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
| Time needed | About 30–40 minutes (strolling only) |
| Official site | – |
Shimoji Island’s Toriike Pond is a scenic site designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, and it’s famous as a tourist spot, too.
It’s also famous as a place advanced divers dream of.
The Appeal of Shimoji Island’s Toriike Pond
Mysterious twin ponds connected underground
Toriike Pond consists of two circular ponds, large and small — the sea-side “First Pond” and the land-side “Second Pond” — set side by side.
From the ground they look separate, but they’re connected underground, which is why they were named “Toriike” (passing-through ponds).
Furthermore, the sea-side pond is also connected to the open sea through a cave, and this distinctive structure is the greatest feature of this place.
Karst topography born of a collapsed limestone cave
It was originally a limestone cave on the coast. The ceiling collapsed from wave erosion, and it’s said to have taken its present form.
Rugged Ryukyu-limestone bedrock spreads around the ponds, letting you enjoy the rough yet mysterious scenery unique to karst topography.
It’s a spot where you can feel the earth’s long workings.
A scenic site designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument
Toriike Pond is highly valued both academically and for viewing.
On July 28, 2006, it was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument as “Shimoji Island’s Toriike Pond.”
The dual designation as both a Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument was the first in 33 years — an extremely precious natural heritage even in Japan.
A dive site advanced divers dream of
This is also famous as a world-class dive point.
Because you can surface into the pond by passing through a cave from the open sea, it’s become a place highly skilled divers dream of.
Gazing from the ground, you may meet a mysterious sight as the water surface bubbles and a diver appears.
Toriike Pond isn’t for beginner divers, so we recommend checking with a diving operator before experiencing it.
Magical colors created by the thermocline
Underwater, water temperature and salinity change greatly with depth.
The thermocline created by this difference produces a mysterious scene of blue and green forming layers.
The hue also changes with the angle of the sunlight, letting you savor a beautiful gradient like a cocktail.
Time needed is about 30–40 minutes (strolling only)
The time needed at Shimoji Island’s Toriike Pond, if strolling, is about 30–40 minutes.
There’s also a stone monument describing the origins of Shimoji Island’s Toriike Pond, so reading it too may be fun.
There’s also a shaded place to sit, like a gazebo.
Restrooms and a shop are fully available
Toriike Pond has restrooms, a shop, and more.
Access & Parking
| Access | About 40 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Address | 923 Ikemasoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa |
| Parking | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
Shimoji Island’s Toriike Pond has a dedicated parking lot.
The lot is spacious, with space for about 40 cars secured.
Also, you walk about 200 m from the parking lot to Shimoji Island’s Toriike Pond, but it’s barrier-free, an environment easy to reach even by wheelchair.
Shimoji Island Toriike Pond 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
Shimoji Island’s Toriike Pond is one of the Miyako Island area’s finest scenic sites, woven by mysterious twin ponds and karst topography. You can enjoy it in about 30–40 minutes for just a stroll, with parking, restrooms, and a shop fully available. Barrier-free and easy to walk, being easy to drop by is a nice bonus.
Gaze at the deep-navy water surface from the ground, or, if you’re advanced, experience the magical world from underwater by diving. At this legendary place also called the “Dragon’s Eye,” be sure to see with your own eyes the stunning view born of the earth’s long workings.
On Miyako Island sightseeing, along with nearby activities and resort hotels, be sure to enjoy a memorable trip.
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