12 snorkeling spots on remote islands! Introducing tours to Ikema Island, Kurima Island, Irabu Island, and Shimoji Island, all accessible from Miyako Island!

Ikemajima, Kuramajima, Irabujima, and Shimojijima—All Accessible from Miyakojima
12 Top Snorkeling Spots!

In and around Miyako IslandMiyako Islands consisting of 8 islands of various sizesThe color of the sea here is so beautiful that it’s known as “Miyako Blue”!

Along the coast, tropical fish, sea turtles, and various other creatures live, creating a sparkling underwater world.

This time, we will visit the Miyako Islands, also known as the "holy land of snorkeling," which is full of attractions.Ikema Island, Kushima, Irabu Island, Shimoji IslandHere are some of our recommended snorkeling spots!

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7 Remote Islands around Miyako Island] From islands that can be crossed by bridge to unexplored areas! Thorough explanation of access, sightseeing, and toursLike Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island, Miyako Island attracts many tourists. The Miyako Island area is dotted with remote islands with rich characteristics. Let us introduce you to the charms of these islands!

Miyako Island Snorkeling Tour
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Irabu Island Area

Located northwest of Miyako Island, the Okinawan island of "Irabu Island" is a peaceful place with a population of about 4,800 (as of January 2023).

Miyako Island andIrabu BridgeHere are four recommended snorkeling spots on Irabu Island, which are connected by

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7 recommended beaches on Irabu Island! Also introduces snorkeling experience!  Carefully selected by Miyakojima resident staff! Introducing 7 recommended beaches in Irabu Island Irabu Island, a remote island in Okinawa, is attractive for its pristine nature and clear waters. The beaches, in particular, are dotted with holes where you can enjoy the quiet environment and rich underwater world, and sno [...].

How to get to Irabu Island from Miyako Island

Means of transportation: car, local buses from downtown Miyakojima
◆Required time: 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, 30 minutes by bus

The Irabu Bridge is a tourist attraction on Irabu Island.   About the Irabu Bridge The Irabu Bridge connecting Miyako and Irabu islands was opened to traffic in 2015. The total project cost was 39.9 billion yen and the bridge is the longest in Japan at 3,540 meters long. The sea seen from the Irabu Bridge is emerald green with light and [...].

The event will be held on Irabu Island, Japan.
Click here for a list of activity tours

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[Irabu Island / Approx. 2 hours] Ages 3 and up welcome! Experience the rich ecosystem☆ Enjoy a kayaking tour through the seas and mangroves of Miyako Island★ Free photos & transportation arrangements available upon request (No. 834)開始時間8:30-10:00 / 10:30-12:00
13:30-15:00 / 15:30-17:00所要時間Approx. 2 hours8,900 yen →7,900yen

Watakuchi Beach

Watariguchi Beach is located on Irabu Island, northwest of Miyako Island, and is 50 meters wide and 800 meters long in an arch shape.The No. 1 beach on Irabu Island!

The shallow waters have a beautiful gradient that gradually turns blue toward the horizon—it’s so soothing just to look at!

The sand on the beach is pure white and smooth! It is a very pleasant beach to walk on with bare feet.

Watakuchi no Hama Basic Information

Address：Irabu Irabu
Access: 15 minutes by car from Sarahama Port

Watariguchi Beach, a tourist attraction on Irabu Island. A popular beach on Irabu Island. The charm of this beach is its fine powder sand that is pleasant to walk on and its beautiful ocean.

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Miyakojima Island/Chartered/Reservation OK on the day] Same price for any number of people!開始時間1 hour between 9:00 and 17:00所要時間Approx. 1 hour20,000 yen →16,000yen

Miyakojima Island/Chartered tour] Same price for any number of people!開始時間3 hours between 9:00 and 17:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours50,000 yen →45,000yen

Sawada Beach

The beach of Sawada on Irabu Island offers a unique view of the sea dotted with numerous large and small rocks.

1996 for its beautiful seascape and clear water quality.The 100 best beaches in Japan.The company was selected by the

This beach is suitable for playing in the surf with small children and for beachcombing.

Basic Information on Sawada Beach

Address: 1725 Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 10 minutes by car from Miyako Shimojishima Airport

Sawada no Hama (Beach of Sawada) is a tourist attraction on Irabu Island. Sawada no Hama is a popular sunset spot on Irabu Island. The numerous rocks of various sizes that can be seen at low tide are said to have been washed up by the tsunami, creating a mysterious atmosphere.

Blue Cave (Sapphire Cave)

The Blue Cave is famous on the main island of Okinawa, but there’s actually a Blue Cave here on Irabu Island, too!

Snorkeling at the Blue Cave on Miyako Island is much less crowded than on the main island of Okinawa, so it feels like a private experience!

In addition to snorkeling to the entrance of the Blue Cave, you can alsoHow to go by glass boat or kayakThere is also a "Blue Cave" for those who do not want to swim but still want to enjoy the Blue Cave.

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What is the Blue Cave on Irabu Island? How to get there and popular tours are thoroughly explained!  What is the mysterious Blue Cave on Irabu Island, the neighbor island of Miyako Island? The "Blue Cave" introduced here is located on Irabu Island, an island next to Miyako Island. A mysterious world spreads out in the beautiful blue sea, and is called "Miyako Blue.

Basic Information on Blue Cave

Address: Irabu Maezoe, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: Depends on the tour

Blue Cave (Sapphire Cave)   What is the Blue Cave (Miyakojima)? The mysterious "Blue Cave (Sapphire Cave)" is located on Irabu Island, across the 3,540-meter Irabu Bridge from Miyakojima. It is also called "Sapphire Cave" these days, and inside the cave [...].

⬇︎ recommends tours to the Blue Cave.

[Irabu Island / Approx. 2 hours] A Grand Adventure at the New Attraction “Sapphire Cave”☆ Snorkeling in the Sparkling Blue Cave & Cave Exploration Tour★ Free Photos & Transportation Arrangements Available (No. 832)開始時間9:30-11:30 / 13:30-15:30所要時間Approx. 2 hours7,900 yen →6,900yen

[Miyako Island/Irabu Island/1 Day] An Ultra-Rare Experience☆ Snorkeling at Sapphire Cave (”Blue Cave”), Pumpkin Limestone Cave Exploration, and Sea Kayaking Tour★ Free Photos & Transportation Included (No. 837)開始時間9:30-15:30所要時間Approx. 6 hours17,700 yen →15,000yen

[Miyako Island/Irabu Island/Approx. 1 hour] No age restrictions! Miyako Island’s only experience☆ Blue Cave Glass-Bottom Boat Tour & 20-meter-high! One of Japan’s largest! Da Ryumon Kayak Tour☆ (No. 1003)開始時間8:30-9:45 a.m.所要時間Approx. 1 hour8,800 yen

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Blue Cave (Sapphire Cave) Tour Enjoy the "Blue Cave", the best activity spot in Miyako Island area! Experience the beautiful blue ocean that you can only experience here♪ (14 in total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

bijoux

Located not far from the Blue Cave, "Bijas" is a super-secluded spot where table corals spread out☆.

There is a reef edge (a point where the water goes from shallow to deep all at once),Feels like diving even though it's snorkelingYou can taste the

Tour plans that include the Blue Cave are popular☆.

Visit ⬇︎ for snorkeling tours in Bijas

Miyakojima/Irabujima/3 hours】Only available from March to October! Many repeaters... Bijas & Blue Cave Snorkeling Tour (No.863)開始時間8:20-12:00 / 12:45-16:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours10,000 yen

Miyako Island / Blue Cave / Bijas】Only available from March to October! Abundant corals and complex topography are attractive! Boat Snorkel & Experience Diving Half Day Course 《with photo data》（No.866)開始時間8:20-12:00 / 12:45-16:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours20,000 yen

Miyakojima/Irabu Island/3 hours] Limited from March to October! Blue Cave Snorkeling & Skin Diving Tour (No.1019)開始時間8:20-12:00 / 12:45-16:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours14,000 yen

Shimojishima Area

Shimoji Island is located 5 km northwest of Miyako Island, adjacent to Irabu Island.

The area is dotted with marine activities and tourist spots,Shimojishima Airport to open in March 2019.The area has become more of an area of interest due to the fact that it has

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Shimojishima Travel Guide | How to Get There, 17 End, and Things to DoShimojishima Airport opened in spring 2019 for easier access. A comprehensive list of fun and recommended places to visit in Shimojishima, including Nakanoshima Beach!

Here are two recommended snorkeling spots on Shimoji Island!

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Miyakojima/October to June] Explore the Power Spot of Miyakojima★Snorkeling Tour to the Pond of Reincarnation (Nabesoko Pond) (No.967)開始時間12:45 - 14:30所要時間Approx. 1.5 hours10,000 yen

Nakanoshima Beach

Nakanoshima Beach is a crystal clear beach where you can see butterfly fish, clownfish, and schools of barracuda as soon as you enter the water!

In the waters around the large rock in the center of the beach, there are abundant coral colonies and a wide variety of fish swimming about.

Please note that this is a natural beach with no restrooms or other facilities, so please be careful when visiting!

Nakanoshima Beach Basic Information

Address: Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: Near Miyako Shimojishima Airport

Nakanoshima Beach of Shimojishima Island's tourist attractions (Kayaffa)   Nakanoshima Beach is located near Shimojijima Airport and is as famous as "Yoshino Beach" in Miyakojima. It is a shallow natural beach that can be enjoyed all year round, and because it is a bay, the waves are calm and many divers [...]...

⬇︎ for snorkeling at Nakanoshima Beach.

Miyakojima Island/Shimojijima Island/2.5 hours】Half-day Experience Slow Diving & Snorkeling Course One-on-one, so you feel safe and secure (No.864)開始時間8:50-11:30 / 13:20-16:00
Held from 9:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from November to March.所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours16,500 yen

Miyakojima/Shimojijima/2.5 hours]Experience diving and snorkeling at a real natural aquarium☆Half-day Beach Diving & Snorkeling Course (No.865)開始時間8:50-11:30 / 13:20-16:00
Held from 9:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from November to March.所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours16,500 yen

17END

Among the clear, clean waters of Miyako Island, Shimoji Island's "17END" is said to have the most beautiful sea.

When the weather is clear, sunlight reflects off the surface of the sea and you can see the sparkling turquoise crystal clear waters.

At low tide during a spring tide, the white sandy beach stretches far out to sea, and the sand patterns formed by the receding tide create a truly beautiful scene!

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A Complete Guide to Miyakojima's 17 END Beaches｜Explanation of when you can see the plane, low tide, and how to get there.A Complete Guide to the Charms of 17END Beach: Miyako Island’s 17END (One Seven End) Beach is a popular spot known for the thrilling sight of airplanes flying just overhead and its stunning emerald-green scenery. In this article, we’ll cover how to get to 17END Beach, parking […]

Ikema Island Area

Ikema Island is a small, horseshoe-shaped island located about 1.5 km northwest of Miyako Island.

Miyako Island andIkema BridgeHere are three recommended snorkeling spots on Ikema Island, which are connected by

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Just off Miyako Island! 5 Spectacular Ikema Island Snorkeling Spots & Recommended ToursIntroducing snorkeling and sightseeing spots on Ikema Island, Miyako Island Ikema Island is a remote island rich in nature that can be easily reached by car from Miyako Island. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and colorful coral reefs, the island looks like a natural aquarium. From beginner to advanced [...].

How to get to Ikema Island from Miyako Island

Means of transportation: car, local buses from downtown Miyakojima
◆Required time: 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, 30 minutes by bus

Ikema Island Scenery of Ikema Island Beautiful marshland Mangrove thick mangrove primeval forest Various animals also inhabit Source: 4travel About Ikema Island Located in the northern part of Miyako Island, Ikema Island looks like a horse's hoof. The island has a circumference of about 10 km and the sea is Miyako [...].

⬇︎ Click here for snorkeling tours departing from and returning to Ikemajima

[Miyako Island / 5 Hours] Relaxing Yaese Snorkeling in a Small Group ☆ Easy Travel Departing from Ikema Island! 《Captain’s Homemade Lunch, Underwater Photos, Drone Footage》 (No. 791)開始時間9:00~14:00所要時間Approx. 5 hours17,000 yen →16,000yen

Miyako Island/Ikema Island/3 hours] [National Scenic Area] Yaebise Snorkeling☆Swim in one of the largest coral reefs in Japan! GoPro rental, free drone video shooting, and underwater video present (No.781)開始時間8:45~11:45/12:20~15:20所要時間Approx. 3 hours11,000 yen

Funakusu Beach

It is located on the north side of Ikema Island, commonly known asIkema Block.is called Funaks Beach.

The entire beach is covered with fine, silky sand, and coral reefs dot the beach from about 20 meters from the surf.

The water is incredibly clear! The shallow waters around the branching coral are teeming with tiny, colorful fish—it’s truly a snorkeler’s paradise!

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The Ultimate Guide to "Funaksu Beach" on Miyako Island! Enjoy the Crystal-Clear Waters at This Hidden Gem with Stunning ViewsA Quiet Paradise Even Miyako Island Regulars Dream Of: “Funaksu Beach” “Funaksu Beach,” quietly nestled along the west coast of Miyako Island and Ikema Island, is a hidden gem known only to a select few locals. In this article, we’ll provide an easy-to-understand guide covering everything from how to get there and its attractions to things to keep in mind when visiting […]

Funakusu Beach Basic Information

Address: Hirara-Ikema, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport

Funakusu Beach (Ikema Block)- a tourist attraction on Ikema Island Scenery of Funakusu Beach (Ikema Block) Beautiful beach with a parking lot Coral reefs are just around the corner The water is so clear that you can see the bottom of the sea Source: 4travel What is Funakusu Beach (Ikema Block)?

Yaebigase (Yavigi)

Yabiji is located on the northern side of Miyako Island, about 15 to 20 minutes by boat from Ikema Island.

Because it appears only during low tide from high to mid-tide in spring and summer,"The Phantom Continent."It is also called

There are about 100 coral reefs of various sizes in the Yaebise, which are home to a wide variety of marine life.

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Definitely go to Yaebise (Yabiji)! One of the largest coral reefs in Japan will impress you! How to get there & recommended activities!  What is Yabise? Yabije is one of the largest coral reefs in Japan and was designated as a national natural monument in 2013. In addition to the clarity of the ocean and beautiful coral reefs, snorkeling and diving [...].

Since it is difficult to visit the Yaebise area on your own, join a tour.

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National Scenic Area] Yaebise (Yabiji) Tour This tour takes place in one of Japan's largest coral reef areas, Yaebiji, with its pristine colorful corals and tropical fish living in the surrounding area. (21 total) アクティビティの詳細を見る

Yaehigase Basic Information

Address: Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Access: about 15-20 minutes from Ikema Island

Yabiji (Yaebiji)   Yabise is one of the largest coral reef areas on Miyako Island, and is designated as a national scenic beauty spot and a natural monument. The 25-km coral reef, with more than 100 atolls of various sizes, is a precious natural [...].

⬇︎ recommend tours to be held in Yaebise.

[Miyako Island / 3 Hours] Yaese Snorkeling Tour ☆ Swim among one of Japan’s largest coral reefs! 《Free underwater camera · Includes photo data》 (No. 968)開始時間: 8:00 / 9:00 / 11:30 / 12:30所要時間Approx. 3 hours10,000 yen

[Yaese / Afternoon] Half-Day Snorkeling Tour☆ Stunning Views! Includes a Free Drone Video & Underwater Photos (No. 880)開始時間1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.所要時間Approx. 4 hours16,000 yen →13,000yen

Miyako Island/3 hours] Up to 65 years old can participate! Experienced guide will lead you to one of the largest coral reefs in Japan, "Yabiji" Boat Snorkeling Tour (No.856)開始時間8:50-12:00 / 12:50-16:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours12,000 yen

Iquizoo Beach

It is said to have been used on the set of a dramaIkizu Beach is a natural beach on Ikema Island.

The beach is home to Heart Rock, a heart-shaped rock formed by the forces of nature,Famous as a power spot for loveIt is!

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What is the popular Heart Rock in Miyako Island? (Ueno German Culture Village, Ikema Island) Secrets of its popularity, how to get there, parking lot availability, etc.What is the popular “Heart Rock” on Miyako Island? Are there two Heart Rocks? While the beautiful ocean is the main attraction for tourists visiting Miyako Island, the island is actually dotted with many unique landforms that can’t be found anywhere else. Miyako Island was formed by the uplift of underwater coral reefs, and the entire island is composed of Ryukyu limestone […]

Because it is on the west coast, you can also watch beautiful sunsets and enjoy snorkeling while watching the sunset.

Ikidu Beach Basic Information

Address: 976-1, Maezato, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 32 minutes by car from Miyako Airport

Ikema Island's Tourist Spot - Ikidu Beach Scenery of Ikidu Beach Heart rock White sand beach Signboard of heart rock Private atmosphere Source: 4travel About Ikidu Beach Ikidu Beach was the filming location for the NHK TV drama "Jun to Ai". This beach has [...].

Kushima Area

Kurima Island is a small island located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1.5 km southwest of Miyako Island. It has an area of 2.82 km² and a circumference of about 9 km.

Miyako Island andRaima BridgeHere are three recommended snorkeling spots on Kurima Island, which is connected by...!

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The Ultimate Guide to Kurima Island Beach! From Popular Spots to Hidden Gems, Plus a Special Feature on Nearby Cafes and RestaurantsThe Charms of Kurima Island's Beaches: In this article, we'll give you a comprehensive guide to everything from Kurima Island's top beaches to hidden gems, as well as nearby cafes and dining spots! Even if it's your first time visiting Kurima Island, reading this article will help you plan your trip without any confusion about where to go! […]

How to get to Kushima from Miyako Island

Means of transportation: Car
◆Time required: 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport

Kurima Island   About Kurima Island Kurima Island is located about 1.5 km south of Miyakojima city center. It is a small island with a circumference of 9 km and a population of 165. It is connected to Miyako Island by the Kurima Ohashi Bridge, and has a Ryugujo Observatory built in the motif of a Ryukyu castle and a sunset spot [...].

The event will be held on Kushima Island, and will be
Click here for a list of activity tours

⬇︎ Click here for tours held around Kurima Island

Miyakojima Island/Half Day/Charge] Beginners are welcome☆Beach Experience Diving Tour! For those who want to enjoy at their own pace♪ Free Photo (No.853)開始時間9:30-12:30 / 13:00-15:00所要時間Approx. 2 to 3 hours13,200 yen →10,000yen

long stretch of beach

Nagama Beach on Kurushima Island is a beach where you can walk barefoot on the beach and feel the powdery sand feel good on your soles.

From the surf edge, swim a few meters and you will find a coral reef, a snorkeling spot where you can see many tropical fishes!

However, on days with strong southerly winds, there are areas with strong wave swells and fast currents, so please be careful when snorkeling!

Nagasaki Beach

Nagasaki Beach is located in the western part of Kuruma Island, and the waves are very calm due to the rocky beach that serves as a breakwater.

Sunset over the rockscan be desired.

Since it’s rarely featured in guidebooks and attracts few tourists, you’ll be able to enjoy a romantic atmosphere there.

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13 Recommended Sunset Spots on Miyako Island! We’ll Also Introduce Sunset Tours That Line Up with Sunset Times!The contrast between the blue ocean of Miyako Island and the orange-tinted sky is spectacular. Why not join activities at sunset spots with your loved ones and family?

Basic Information on Nagasaki Hama

Address: Aza Kuruma, Shimoji, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport

Nagasaki Beach, a tourist attraction on Kushima Island Source: 4travel What is Nagasaki Beach? This compact beach is even less crowded than Nagasaki-hama Beach. Surrounded by the beach so to speak, it has a private atmosphere, but the ocean current is fast, so it is recommended for swimming rather than snorkeling. Since there are few people, cups [...].

Musunun Beach

Musunung" in the local language means "exterminate insects," and the beach is the site of an annual pest control and harvest festival held every April.

The waves are a bit high, making it not a good swimming spot for beginners, but it is a good spot for snorkeling as there are many creatures.

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What is Musunun Beach on Miyako Island? Thorough explanation of how to get there, parking, starry sky, and snorkeling informationMusunun Beach: A Hidden Gem on Miyako Island Musunun Beach is a hidden gem known only to those in the know, located on the west coast of Kurima Island, a remote island off the coast of Miyako Island. Its appeal lies in its unspoiled natural beauty—featuring crystal-clear, emerald-green waters and a vast stretch of white sandy beach—making it the perfect spot to spend a quiet, relaxing day […]

Basic Information on Musunun Beach

Address: Aza Kuruma, Shimoji, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 23 minutes by car from Miyako Airport

Musunun Beach is a tourist attraction on Kushima Island. Source: 4travel What is Musunung Beach? This is a very quiet and secluded beach on Kushima Island. Musunung means "exorcism of insects," and every year in April of the lunar calendar, a festival is held at Musunung Beach to pray for pest extermination and a good harvest. Because the waves are high all year round, snorkeling and [...].

summary

Miyako Island is an island rich in nature, with exceptionally clear blue seas and dazzling sunshine.

Why don't you enjoy snorkeling and swimming at the remote island beaches around Miyako Island, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature's woven scenery as much as you like?

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Swim with Sea Turtles in Miyako Island! A Complete Guide to Tours and Beaches to Avoid FailureSea turtles" are popular on Miyako Island. We introduce tours where you can meet sea turtles in Miyako Island! Let's swim with sea turtles by observing the rules and manners!

⬇︎ Click here for popular snorkeling tours on Miyako Island

[Miyako Island / Approx. 2 hours] Same-day reservations accepted! Amazing sighting rate♪ Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour Beginners Welcome☆ (No. 934)開始時間8:30-10:00 / 10:30-12:00
13:30-15:00 / 15:30-17:00所要時間Approx. 2 hours7,900 yen →6,900yen

[Miyakojima / 1 Day] If you're not sure what to do, this is the one! SUP/Canoeing & Sea Turtle Snorkeling Tour at a Scenic Beach ★ Photo sessions and transportation arrangements available upon request (No. 909)開始時間6:00-12:00 / 9:30-15:30 / 13:30-19:30所要時間Approx. 6 hours15,800 yen →13,500yen