A thorough comparison of Miyako Island bridges, the Irabu Ohashi, Ikema Ohashi, and Raima Ohashi!
Table of Contents
- 1 A must-see for beginners! Easy-to-understand introduction to bridges in Irabu, Ikema, and Kurima
- 2 Irabu Bridge
- 3 Five photo spots on the Irabu Bridge
- 4 3 activities near Irabu Bridge
- 5 Directions to Ikema Ohashi Bridge
- 6 Ikema Ohashi Parking Lot
- 7 History of Ikema Ohashi Bridge
- 8 Low and high tides at Ikema Ohashi Bridge
- 9 How to enjoy Ikema Ohashi Bridge
- 10 5 photo spots of Ikema Ohashi Bridge
- 11 3 activities near Ikema Ohashi Bridge
- 12 How to get to Kurema Ohashi Bridge
- 13 Parking lot of Kurema Ohashi Bridge
- 14 History of the Kuruma Bridge
- 15 Low and high tides at the Kuruma Bridge
- 16 How to enjoy the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge
- 17 5 photo spots on the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge
- 17.1 Photo Spot of Kuruma Ohashi Bridge (1) Yonaha Maehama Beach
- 17.2 Photo Spot of the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge (2) Ryugujo Observatory
- 17.3 Photo Spot of the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge (3) Pine Tree Observatory
- 17.4 Photo Spot of Kuruma Ohashi Bridge (4) Kuruma East Rural Park
- 17.5 Photo Spot of Kuruma Ohashi Bridge (5) Kuruma Fishing Port
- 18 3 activities near the Kuruma Bridge
- 19 Comparison of the good points of each of the Irabu, Raima, and Ikema Bridges
- 20 summary
A must for beginners!
Introducing the bridges of Irabu, Ikema, and Kurima in an easy-to-understand manner.
Are you wondering which of the bridges on Miyako Island you should visit? The Irabu Ohashi, Ikema Ohashi, and Kuruma Ohashi are all popular spots where you can enjoy spectacular views, but each has its own unique charm.
Here we introduce the features and access information of the three main bridges in an easy-to-understand manner for beginners!
◆Those who want to explore Miyako Island efficiently.
◆If you are planning a trip to Miyako Island
◆Interested in the nature and landscape of Miyako Island.
◆Searching for a spectacular view spot or driving course
Please refer to this page for efficient enjoyment of Miyako Island's spectacular scenery♪
Irabu Bridge
The Irabu Bridge is a 3,540-meter-long bridge connecting Miyako Island and Irabu Island in Okinawa Prefecture, and is known as the longest bridge in Japan that is open to traffic free of charge.
Irabu Bridge Access and Parking
Access to the Irabu Bridge is shown below.
From Miyako Airport: 15 minutes by car.
Departing from the airport, take Prefectural Route 190 in a northwesterly direction and reach Irabu Bridge via Route 390.
From downtown Miyakojima (Hirara area): 10 min. by car.
From the city center, take Route 390 west to reach the entrance to the Irabu Bridge.
◆Public Transportation
Public transportation is limited on Miyako Island, and buses are infrequent, so renting a car is a common and convenient option.
◆Passage by foot or bicycle
The Irabu Bridge is accessible not only by car but also by foot and bicycle.
However, there are no dedicated sidewalks or bicycle paths, and the bicycles must use the roadside strip beside the roadway.
On the Miyakojima side, there is a free parking lot at the foot of the bridge. From here, you can see the entire bridge, making it a great place for commemorative photos.
On the Irabu Island side, there is "Irabu Ohashi Umi-no-Eki" (Irabu Bridge and Sea Station) across the bridge, where a parking lot and an observation deck are located.
Low and high tides at Irabu Bridge
The sea around Miyako Island, including the Irabu Bridge, changes dramatically between low and high tides.
At high tide, the depth of the water makes for beautiful, sparkling emerald green waters.
At low tide, the coral reefs and white sands of the seabed can be clearly seen, and the shallow water makes the sea a pale cobalt blue color.
Five photo spots on the Irabu Bridge
A must-see for those who want to take the best picture of the Irabu Bridge! The magnificent bridge in Miyako blue has many photo-worthy spots.
Here are five carefully selected scenic spots that will make your trip unforgettable... ♪
Irabu Bridge Parking Lot
There are parking lots on both the Miyako and Irabu sides of the Irabu Bridge that can accommodate at least five cars.
Kitchen cars are parked here and meals are sold. Tourists can also park their cars and take commemorative photos of the spectacular view over the Irabu Bridge!
Access: 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Rooftop of Hashi no Eki Nmya~chi
Hashi no Eki Nmya~chi is a prefabricated looking building located near the Miyako Island side entrance of the Irabu Bridge. It is a store that sells products made from mangoes and Miyako beef from the Daifuku Farm, with which it is affiliated, as well as specialty products of Miyako Island.
From the rooftop of this bridge station Nmya~chi, there is a superb view of the Irabu Bridge.
In particular, the collaboration of the sunset and Irabu Ohashi Bridge is a spectacular view itself! It is one of the standard and indispensable places for a spectacular view.
Access: 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Nagayama Beach
Nagayama beach is located just across the Irabu Bridge from Miyako Island.
When crossing the Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island, the beach located on the right side is a recommended spot with a lot of coral and tropical fish♪
You can park your car in the nearby parking lot and take the stairs down to the beach. The Irabu Ohashi Bridge, which stretches out in waves across the strait, is a spectacular sight!
Access: 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Two River Beach
Two River Beach can be accessed from Painagama Beach, the closest beach to Hirara, the urban center of Miyakojima, by taking the large road just before going up the hill of Hisamatsu.
The sea is netted off and swimming is restricted so that visitors can safely enjoy swimming in the sea.
It is one of the recommended beaches because there are few tourists and you can enjoy it with a high degree of freedom.
Access: 10 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, 5 minutes by car from Hirara Port
Makiyama Observatory
Makiyama Observatory is an observatory on Irabu Island that offers a panoramic view of the Irabu Bridge.
However, when trying to view the ocean and the bridge together, some factory facilities block the view.
However, if you head in the direction of the ocean to the right end of the observation deck, you will have a beautiful view of the ocean because the trees hide the part of the view that was blocked by the factory facilities.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
3 activities near Irabu Bridge
What activities would you like to enjoy near the Irabu Bridge?
With its beautiful ocean and natural beauty, this area offers many experiences to make your trip even more special!
Here are three recommended activities for beginners and experts alike... ♪
parasailing
Near the Irabu Bridge, visitors can enjoy a parasailing experience.
You can fly over the clear blue sky of Miyako Island and look down at the beautiful, crystal clear ocean below.
The 360-degree panoramic ocean view while flying about 50 meters above the sea will surely impress you☆.
⬇︎ Click here for parasailing recommendations.
Blue Cave
The Blue Cave is located on Irabu Island.
The name comes from the blue glow of the cave due to the reflection of sunlight on the surface of the sea and the topography of the cave.
Coral reefs grow in clusters in the surrounding area and are home to many tropical fish.
Please experience the fantasy of the blue cave, the unexplored region of Miyako Island!
Learn more about the Blue Cave Tour
⬇︎ Blue Cave held! Click here for recommended tours
Yaehigase Snorkeling
Near Irabu Island is Yaegase, the largest tabletop coral in Japan.
Yaebise is designated as a national natural treasure because of its abundance of hundreds of species of coral and tropical fish, and its abundance of life and gentle waves make it a great place for diving and snorkeling.
The high transparency of the sea allows clear observation of marine life.
The dragon's castle that decorates the sea is a view that can be seen only in the Yaebise on Miyako Island.
Experience the spectacular view of turquoise blue coral clearly visible on the ocean floor even from the boat.
Learn more about Yaebise tours
⬇︎ Yaebise held! Click here for recommended tours
Directions to Ikema Ohashi Bridge
Ikema Ohashi Bridge is located in the northern part of Miyako Island, about 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport. After exiting Miyako Airport, turn left onto Route 243 and turn left at the intersection in front of the County Agricultural Cooperative Association. After turning right at the No. 3 Gas Station intersection, continue on Route 83. follow Route 230 and you will see the Ikema Ohashi Bridge ahead.
Ikema Ohashi Parking Lot
There is a parking lot at the foot of the Ikema Ohashi Bridge. The Miyako Island side of the bridge can accommodate 12 cars, and the Ikema Island side can accommodate 9 cars. There are also several stores, including one with an observation deck, where you can enjoy a light meal while admiring the spectacular view. The Ikema Ohashi Bridge allows visitors to go to the top of the bridge, and the view of Miyako blue from there is a beautiful sight that cannot be seen anywhere else.
History of Ikema Ohashi Bridge
The Ikema Ohashi is a 1,425-meter-long bridge connecting Ikema Island, located in the northern part of Miyako Island. Until the opening of the Ikema Ohashi, it was the longest bridge in Okinawa Prefecture. It is part of the Ikema-Oura Route, which runs northward from Miyakojima on Okinawa Prefectural Road 230. construction began in March 1986 and the bridge opened to traffic in February 1992. The bridge is shaped with a raised center to allow vessels to navigate under the Ikema Ohashi bridge.
Low and high tides at Ikema Ohashi Bridge
As introduced for the Irabu Bridge, the sea around Miyakojima changes drastically depending on the time of low and high tides. The sea around the Ikema Ohashi Bridge is no exception. At high tide, the sea is emerald green, but when the tide recedes, the white sand seen through the clear cobalt blue sea is very beautiful. It is a very beautiful sea, but the waters around the Ikema Ohashi Bridge are very fast-flowing, so never swim in them.
How to enjoy Ikema Ohashi Bridge
At Ikema Ohashi Bridge, the best thing to do is to enjoy the spectacle that can be seen from there. The clear emerald green Miyako blue is so beautiful. It is easy to fall in love with it while driving, but do not drive blindly, and park securely before enjoying the spectacular view!
From the Ikema Ohashi Bridge, with Miyako Island in the background, you can see Ogami Island, known as God's Island, on the right, Cape Nishi Hirayana, the northernmost cape of Miyako Island, on the left, and Irabu Island can be seen faintly in front.
5 photo spots of Ikema Ohashi Bridge
Photo Spot of Ikema Ohashi Bridge (1) Ohama
Ohama is a natural beach located down a flight of stairs from the souvenir shop and restaurant across the Ikema Bridge. The shallow water is suitable for swimming, so it is also suitable for people with children and those who are not good at swimming. There is a rooftop observatory on the beach, where you can enjoy the view of Ogami Island on your left with the ocean in front of you, and Setozaki and the Ikema Ohashi Bridge in front of you.
Address: 1165-5 Ikema, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 25 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport
Parking: Available
Restaurant: Available
Toilet: Yes
Photo spot of Ikema Ohashi Bridge (2) Parking lot of Setosaki Bridge
This parking lot is located near the entrance to the Miyakojima side of the Ikema Ohashi Bridge. From here, you can see the Ikema Ohashi Bridge and Ogami Island, which is a famous photo spot.
Photo Spot of Ikema Ohashi Bridge (3) Rooftop of Umibirai
Umibirai is a rice restaurant located just across the Ikema Bridge from the Miyakojima side of the island. Souvenirs are also available. A free observation deck on the rooftop offers a panoramic view of the Ikema Ohashi Bridge. On a clear day, you can even see Ogami Island and Yaebise.
Photo Spot of Ikema Ohashi (4) Nishiheinanazaki
Nishiheinanazaki is a cape located in the northwestern part of Miyako Island. It has three windmills used for wind power generation and an observatory. From the observatory, you can see Ikema Island to the north, Irabu Island to the west, and Ogami Island to the east, and you can also walk around on the promenade around the observatory.
There is also a place where Miyako horses, designated as a natural treasure by the prefecture, graze, so visitors can interact with them. Because it is the northernmost point of the island, it has a wide field of view and offers a beautiful view of the setting sun in the evening. The sunset changes its color to various shades of gold and green, making it a very photogenic spot.
Address: Karimata, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 30 minutes by car from the airport
Parking: Available
Toilet: Yes
Vending machine: Yes
Photo Spot of Ikema Ohashi Bridge (5) Nishi-nohama Beach
Nishi no Hama Beach is the northernmost beach on Miyako Island, located near Nishi Heian-Nanazaki. It is best to visit this beach in combination with Nishi Heian-Nanazaki. The shallow water is suitable for swimming. From Nishi no Hama Beach, you can see the windmills of Nishi Heian-Nanazaki and the Ikema Ohashi Bridge in collaboration with the Miyako blue color! There is also a snow salt museum and a restaurant nearby, so you can stop by for lunch or to buy souvenirs.
Address: Karimata, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 28 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Fee: Free of charge
Parking: Available
Restaurant: Available
Toilet: None
3 activities near Ikema Ohashi Bridge
Activities near Ikema Ohashi Bridge (1) Miyako Fishing
Near Ikema Island is the largest expanse of table coral in Japan, home to hundreds of species of corals and many fish. As a result, fishing in these waters can be a biting experience. In addition, if you join a fishing tour, you can catch more fish than in a fishing pond because you will be following a school of fish!
After departing from Ikema fishing port, we will cruise the surrounding waters to find fishing points. During the tour, you will receive assistance in assembling the rod, baiting, fishing points, and even removing the fish.
Activities near Ikema Ohashi Bridge (2) C-Card Diving Training
There are tours available to obtain a diving license. In as little as 4 days and 3 nights, you can obtain a C-card, which is called an open water license. Even beginner divers can participate in this tour, and once you get the card, you can dive deeper, which will broaden your range of enjoyment.
Also, if you are going to get a diving license, you should go to one of the best diving sites in Japan. The lectures are given at your individual pace, so you will surely get your license in the shortest possible time!
The tour fee includes textbooks, training fee, ocean training fee, equipment rental during the course, and application fee, so once you pay the tour fee, you can just concentrate on getting your license! You can feel free to ask any questions you may have, so please feel free to join us.
Activity 3: Yaebise Half-Day Boat Snorkeling near Ikema Ohashi Bridge
Yaebise, Japan's largest tabletop coral reef area, is located around Ikema Island, as is Irabu Island. Boat snorkeling is one of the most popular tours on the island, and the Yaebiji is one of the best places to go snorkeling. Hundreds of species of coral and tropical fish, crystal clear waters, and dynamic topography are all worth seeing.
The half-day course makes it easy for even first-time visitors to participate. You will be amazed at the number of tropical fish that you can see beyond your imagination. The open waters of the Yaebise are so clear that it is like a natural aquarium. Even in the shallows, you can see coral colonies and many other creatures, so you can enjoy the Yaebise Sea just by floating on the surface of the sea.
How to get to Kurema Ohashi Bridge
The Kuruma Ohashi Bridge is located in the southwestern part of Miyako Island, about 13 minutes by car from Miyako Airport. Exit Miyako Airport, turn right, and turn left on Route 390. Continue straight for about 4 km, then turn right on the road to Kushima Island, and you will see the Kushima Ohashi Bridge in front of you.
Parking lot of Kurema Ohashi Bridge
Unlike the other bridges, the Kurema Bridge does not have a parking lot attached to it. The nearest parking lot is located in a rural park at the end of an uphill climb across the Kuruma Ohashi from Miyakojima. This park is narrow, but the parking lot is large enough. There is also an observation deck and vending machines here, so you can take a break from your drive and enjoy the surrounding scenery over a drink.
History of the Kuruma Bridge
The 1,690-meter-long Kurema Bridge connects Kurema Island and Miyako Island, located in the southwestern part of Miyako Island, and was built on March 13, 1995. It is now part of the Miyakojima City Road Kushima Ohashi Route, and has been crowded with tourists since before it opened.
Low and high tides at the Kuruma Bridge
Not only the Kurema Bridge, but also other bridges change the view of the sea between low and high tides, but the sea seen from the Kurema Bridge is especially special. The tidal current in the strait between Miyakojima and Kurima Island is very fast, and the sea water circulates actively. As a result, the clarity of the sea is exceptionally high.
The moderately deep water creates a gradation of blue colors that attracts the viewer. The ebb and flow of the tide creates depth and richness in the blue hues. It is no exaggeration to say that the color of the sea is truly absorbing. It is attractive at both low and high tide, so be sure to visit at the right time.
How to enjoy the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge
Here are some ways to enjoy the Kurema Ohashi Bridge. The view from the Kurema Ohashi Bridge is said to be the most beautiful in Okinawa, and when you drive on the Kurema Ohashi Bridge, where you can see this spectacular view whether you look to the right or left, you will feel as if you are driving on the sea.
There is a pedestrian walkway, so those who wish to take their time and enjoy the spectacular view from the 1690-meter-long bridge are encouraged to cross on foot or by bicycle. There is an observation deck in the middle of the walkway that is perfect for taking a break. There are stools near the viewing space, so you can sit and enjoy the spectacular view all to yourself.
Near the stool is a "twilight Shisa," a hidden gem of Miyako Island. Its appearance looks as if it is twilighting in the blue sea of Miyako Island, hence the name "Dusk Shisa. As there is a no-parking sign on the Kurema Ohashi Bridge, please walk or ride a bicycle when looking for the "Dusk Shisa. If you visit the Kurima Ohashi Bridge, please look for it!
5 photo spots on the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge
They are all wonderful places, but we would like to introduce five spots that we particularly recommend for your reference.
Photo Spot of Kuruma Ohashi Bridge (1) Yonaha Maehama Beach
First is Yonaha Maehama Beach. It is a 7-km long beach characterized by fine white sand and emerald green sea. It is called the most beautiful beach in the East, and is visited by many people from Japan and abroad.
From the beach, you can see Kushima Island and the Kushima Ohashi Bridge, and in the evening you can watch the brilliant sunset as it sets. Everything is a SNS-worthy spot, so Yonaha Maehama Beach is a must if you want to take pictures.
Address：Yonaha, Shimoji, Miyakojima City
Access: 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Photo Spot of the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge (2) Ryugujo Observatory
Next is the Ryugujo Observation Deck, which, as the name suggests, was built in the image of the Dragon's Palace on Kuruma Island. This observatory is built on the highest hill on Kuruma Island, and its three-story building offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The view from the observatory includes a large bridge, sugar cane fields, and many other landscapes. The gradation of the ocean is truly spectacular!
Address: Shimoji Raima, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Phone number: 0980-73-1881 (Miyako Island Tourist Association)
Photo Spot of the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge (3) Pine Tree Observatory
The third is the Pine Tree Observatory, which is located beyond the uphill after crossing the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge from Miyakojima. Although compact, it is adjacent to a park and has an observatory from which you can view the beautiful surrounding scenery. It is a good place to stop by for a break in your drive.
Photo Spot of Kuruma Ohashi Bridge (4) Kuruma East Rural Park
The fourth park is Kurema Rural Park, located uphill after crossing the Kurema Ohashi Bridge. Although the park is small, it has a large parking lot and vending machines, so visitors can stop by while taking a break from driving.
From the parking lot, visitors can climb a flight of stairs to an observation deck from which they can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kuruma Bridge and the harbor. When you stop by, please enjoy the beautiful view of Kirama.
Address: 106 Shimoji Raima, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Photo Spot of Kuruma Ohashi Bridge (5) Kuruma Fishing Port
The last stop is the Kurema Fishing Port. It is a fishing port located at the foot of the Kurema Ohashi Bridge, and has a beach with a sandbar right next to it. Even though it is a fishing port, the sea is so clear and blue that one can see the bottom of the sea. From the wharf and the beach, one can see the beautiful colors of the sea and Maehama Beach on the opposite shore. There is a rest area and restrooms near the Raima Fishing Port, and there is also a restaurant where you can have a light meal.
3 activities near the Kuruma Bridge
From here, we will introduce some of the activities near the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge, whether you want to enjoy the scenery or play.
Activity 1: Starlight photo tour at Musunung Beach near the Kuruma Bridge
Musunung Beach is the number one spot for starry skies at night. Photographers flock here during the season because the entire area is covered with stars when you climb up on the rocks to take pictures. The Milky Way is clearly visible, so it is recommended to visit in summer.
Activity 2: Snorkeling at Octopus Park
The octopus monument is the symbol of this park on Kurema Island. Cross the Kurema Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island and turn left past the beach on your left.
The beach near Octopus Park, also known as Lower Octopus Park Beach or Inmugama, is home to many tropical fish. It is a natural beach where coral reefs can be seen, making it a good snorkeling spot. Be careful to avoid injury and heat stroke as the beach is rocky and has few shady spots.
Activities near the Kuruma Bridge (3) Glass Boat
The Kushima Underwater Sightseeing Boat Tommy is located near Kushima Port, and is marked by a flashy red, blue, and yellow building at the entrance. There is also a parlor attached to the boat, where you can have a meal, albeit a light one. When you visit, please take a glass boat to see the coral reefs in the sea between Kurushima and Miyakojima from inside the boat.
Comparison of the good points of each of the Irabu, Raima, and Ikema Bridges
The Irabu, Kuruma, and Ikema Bridges are all powerful bridges. All of the bridges are fun just to pass through, and we will compare the charms of each to tell you about them.
Some bridges are the longest toll-free bridges in Japan, others have different impressions depending on the side of the island they connect, and still others boast the beauty of Okinawa. Some bridges can be enjoyed by driving, walking, or biking, so when you come to Miyakojima, please enjoy the view from the bridges that connect to each island.
Irabu Bridge
It is the longest bridge in Japan that can be crossed free of charge at 3,540 meters. There are many scenic spots on the Irabu Bridge, such as "Island's Station Nmya~chi Rooftop" and "Nagayama Beach." It is also the most Instagram-worthy spot on Miyako Island.
Raima Bridge
The next largest bridge, the Kuruma Ohashi, is 1,690 meters long. The bridge can be crossed not only by car but also on foot, making it an ideal driving or walking course. The color of the sea changes from place to place, so if you are driving, you can watch the sea change as you move along. In addition, a "twilight shisa" is displayed in the center of the bridge, so it is fun just to look for it.
Ikema Bridge
The Ikema Ohashi Bridge connects Miyako Island and Ikema Island at 1,425 meters. As you cross the bridge, the beautiful emerald green sea spreads out on both sides, and the center of the bridge is raised due to the traffic of ships. There are viewing spaces on both sides of the bridge so that visitors can enjoy the scenery. Please note that it is prohibited to stop on the bridge.
summary
We introduced three major bridges in Miyako Island: Irabu Ohashi, Ikema Ohashi, and Kuruma Ohashi. Each of the bridges has its own unique attractions, such as spectacular views and activities. Please try to conquer all the bridges! Thank you for reading to the end.
