Finally, I visited Miyakojima! OKINAWA!!!!
Actually, I had never been there so I was so excited to make a plan to visit Miyakojima, Okinawa.
Last January, I met my bestie who was my mate to work part time job at a cafe, and he made a life at a Miyakojima temporarily. Since March, he started to work at a hotel in Miyakojima so to report my situation, I visited Miyakojima.
Also, my hidden hobby, swimming made me swim sea in Miyakojima. As you see my photos, Miyako blue is so authentic and clean that I enjoyed to swim for the first time in a while!
Anyway, in this part, I’d love to share Shimoji Island, where was my first destination to trip around Miyakojima!
If you read my article, you’ll definitely add your itinerary.
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Contents
1. Irabu Ohashi Bridge โ The Gateway to Paradise
A Picture-Perfect Bridge Youโve Probably Seen on Instagram
If youโve ever searched โMiyakojimaโ on Instagram, chances are youโve seen stunning shots of a long, sleek bridge cutting across a surreal turquoise ocean. Thatโs Irabu Ohashiโthe longest toll-free bridge in Japan, connecting Miyako Island to Irabu and Shimoji Islands. Stretching over 3,540 meters, this engineering marvel isnโt just a piece of infrastructureโitโs a destination in itself.
When I first saw Irabu Ohashi online, I thought it couldnโt be real. The contrast between the brilliant sky and the “Miyako Blue” waters looked like it was edited for social media. But driving across it in person? Itโs even more breathtaking than the photos.
As you drive over the bridge, the color of the ocean constantly shifts from emerald green to deep sapphire, depending on the angle of the sunlight. The water is so clear that you can often see coral reefs and even sea turtles below. There are a couple of rest stops along the way where you can pull over, take pictures, or simply enjoy the breeze and scenery. Itโs the kind of view that makes you want to roll down your windows, slow down, and just soak it all in.
Tips for Enjoying the Bridge Drive
The best time to cross Irabu Ohashi is during the late morning or early afternoon when the sun is high enough to illuminate the sea in full brilliance. I recommend renting a car or motorbike so you can stop at your own pace. On the Miyako side of the bridge, there’s a scenic viewpoint with parking where you can take wide-angle shotsโperfect for that Instagram-worthy moment.
Another tip: bring sunglasses! The sunlight reflecting off the water and white pavement can be incredibly bright, but itโs all part of the dazzling experience. You donโt need to worry about tollsโthis bridge is completely free to cross. And since itโs open 24 hours a day, sunrise and sunset crossings are also magical. That said, I personally loved the view under the midday sun; it brought out the full spectrum of blues that you just donโt see anywhere else.
This was honestly one of the highlights of my trip. Even though itโs โjust a bridge,โ it felt like the perfect introduction to the natural wonders of Miyakojima and the adventures waiting on the other side.
2. Tori-ike โ The Mysterious And Brilliant Twin Ponds of Shimoji Island
From Lush Forest to a Breathtaking View
As you step out of your car at the small parking lot on Shimoji Island, it doesnโt feel like anything special at first. But once you begin walking along the short, sandy path that winds through a dense patch of subtropical forest, things change quickly. The trees thin out, the path opens up, and suddenly you’re standing in front of one of the most surreal views in Okinawa: Tori-ike, the Twin Ponds.
What makes this place so striking is the dramatic contrast. Surrounding the ponds are low-lying tropical plants and jagged rock formations, all opening up to two perfectly round, dark-blue sinkholes set against a backdrop of wild, untouched cliffs. It’s a natural amphitheater formed not by human hands, but by millennia of erosion and limestone collapse. From above, the two ponds almost look like eyes gazing back at the sky.
A Place of Scientific and Cultural Significance
Tori-ike is not just a photogenic spotโitโs also a designated Natural Monument of Japan (ๅคฉ็ถ่จๅฟต็ฉ), officially protected since 1979. These two ponds, roughly 75 and 55 meters in diameter, are connected to each other and to the ocean via underwater tunnels carved through limestone by the force of nature over thousands of years. Geologically speaking, this is known as a karst landscape, and it’s one of the few places in Japan where such coastal karst features can be observed so clearly. According to research by the Geological Survey of Japan, Tori-ike is an important reference point for understanding subterranean hydrology in island environments. (Reference: Geological Survey of Japan, AIST)
Culturally, Tori-ike holds a special place in local folklore. Itโs often called one of Miyakojimaโs โpower spots,โ places believed to radiate spiritual energy. Some locals even whisper tales of a mermaid legend, saying that a beautiful sea maiden once lived in the waters and would lure fishermen to their fate. Whether you believe in legends or not, the atmosphere here is undeniably mystical. Thereโs something about the stillness of the water and the shape of the land that feels otherworldly.
A World-Class Dive SiteโWith a Challenge
While the view from above is spectacular, Tori-ike is also famous in the diving community for what lies below. The underwater cave system here offers a unique challenge even for experienced divers. You can enter through one pond, swim through a submerged tunnel, and exit into the other. If conditions allow, some even make it all the way out to the ocean. But make no mistakeโthis is not a beginner dive. The water is deep (over 45 meters in some places), currents can be strong, and the environment is complex.
Local dive shops usually offer this site only to divers with advanced certification, and even then, only when the weather and tidal conditions are ideal. If you’re not diving, you can still enjoy watching others descend into the deep blue from the edge of the pondโitโs both mesmerizing and a little eerie to see bubbles rise from an otherwise perfectly still surface.
3. Sankakuten โ Miyakoโs Most Thrilling Hidden Viewpoint
Where Locals Go to Feel the Power of Miyako
You wonโt find Sankakuten listed in your typical travel guide, and there are no road signs pointing the way. But ask any local or someone who works on Miyakojima, and chances are theyโll nod knowingly and tell you: โYou have to go.โ Tucked away on the edge of Shimoji Island, Sankakuten, or โThe Triangular Point,โ is one of those word-of-mouth locations that only the islandโs insiders know about.
From the moment you arrive, youโll feel itโMiyakojima at its rawest and most powerful. The cliffs here drop dramatically into the crashing ocean below, and thereโs nothing but open sky and untamed wind between you and the horizon. Itโs not just a beautiful viewโitโs a view that humbles you. Thereโs no fencing, no tourist facilities, and no guardrails. Just jagged rocks, pounding surf, and the infinite Pacific stretching beyond your feet. If youโre looking for the polished, packaged version of Miyako, this isnโt it. This is real Miyako, the island’s untamed soul.
A Spot for the Bold (and the Well-Informed)
Sankakuten used to be featured in tourist pamphlets years ago, but due to the dangerous terrain and increasing accidents, it’s no longer officially promotedโand for good reason. The cliffs are unstable, the wind is strong, and there are no safety measures whatsoever. That said, those who are brave (and sensible) enough to visit are rewarded with one of the most jaw-dropping coastal views in all of Japan.
Letโs be clear: this place is not for everyone. If youโre not comfortable with uneven ground, sudden wind gusts, or heights, itโs best to skip it. But if youโre the type of traveler who seeks out places where the map endsโthis is your must-visit.
Still, donโt go alone. The path isnโt marked, and the risks are real. Go with someone who knows the area wellโa local guide, a friend who lives here, or someone who works on the island. And please, be respectful: leave no trash, watch your step, and most importantly, know your limits.
As for me? I went with a friend whoโs lived in Miyako for years, and even they were a bit nervous. But when we reached the edge and looked out at that endless, violent blueโI knew I had just seen a side of Japan that few ever do. It was terrifying, exhilarating, and absolutely unforgettable.
Itโs not on the map, but itโs etched in my memory forever.
4. Conclusion
Actually, Miyakojima is very small island. From Miyako Airport, it takes only 30 minutes to go to seaside like Shimoji Island. That’s why, only 2 nights, 3 days, you’ll be able to trip around!!!
In my case, Shimoji Island was first place for me to tip around but anyway, I was so surprised for the first time in a while to see beautiful Miyako Blue. I make an appreciation for my bestie!
How about you? Have you ever been to Miyakojima? Please leave your comments! Also, if not, don’t hesitate to ask me to add Miyakojima to your itinerary in Japan!!!
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