- Miyako Soba by Day, Izakaya by Night
- What Is Yurari? An Exchange Tavern That Transforms Day and Night
- The Daytime Face | Miyako Soba at Irabu Soba Yurari
- The Night Face | The Izakaya Menu of Irabu Sakaba Yurari
- The Late-Night Face | Senbero Karaoke Time
- The Secret of the Irabu-Island-Shaped Table
- Tips for Enjoying Yurari Without Failing
- Sights Around Yurari
- The Pros and Cons of Yurari
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q1: Where is Yurari?
- Q2: What are the opening hours?
- Q3: Are reservations needed?
- Q4: What is the price of the Miyako soba?
- Q5: What is the night budget?
- Q6: What is pineapple pork?
- Q7: What is senbero karaoke?
- Q8: Day or night — which is recommended?
- Q9: Can I go alone?
- Q10: What is the Irabu-Island-shaped table?
- A New Exchange Hub of Irabu Island
Miyako Soba by Day, Izakaya by Night
The first time I went to "Yurari" was when I was looking for lunch on Irabu Island. Just past noon, starving, searching on my phone for "is there a good Miyako soba shop somewhere?", a shop called "Irabu Soba Yurari" came up.
On Google Maps, it's a place a little away from the Kuninaka settlement. When I arrived in front of the shop, it was so quiet I thought, "wait, is this really open?" But there was an "open" sign at the entrance. When I opened the door, the owner Mio greeted me with a smile, "welcome!"
What I ordered was Miyako soba. The moment I slurped a mouthful of the soba carried out after about 10 minutes, I thought, "ah, this is delicious." The soup shines golden, with a transparency. I was convinced when I heard it's chicken and bonito simmered for 4 hours. The noodles are house-made too, springy and satisfying to eat.
While eating, I looked around the interior. The table is in the shape of Irabu Island. "This is interesting," I thought. On the wall, photos of what seemed to be regulars were displayed, a warm atmosphere.
After finishing the soba, I talked a little with Mio. "At night we also do an izakaya. Things like pineapple-pork shabu-shabu, and tuna rare cutlet," she told me. "Oh, I want to come at night too!" I decided instantly.
That night, after returning to the inn and taking a rest, I went to Yurari again. A completely different atmosphere from the daytime. The lighting is calm, with an izakaya-like liveliness. Island people who seemed to be regulars were chatting happily, beer in hand.
In this article, I, who experienced both day and night, will introduce Irabu Island's hidden famous shop "Yurari" thoroughly. The deliciousness of the Miyako soba, the appeal as an izakaya, and above all the warmth as "a place of exchange." I'll write it all.
If you plan to go to Irabu Island, please drop by Yurari both day and night. It will surely become the best memory of your trip.
What Is Yurari? An Exchange Tavern That Transforms Day and Night
Irabu Sakaba Yurari is a curious shop in the Nakachi district of Irabu Island that changes face between day and night. By day it's "Irabu Soba Yurari," a Miyako soba speciality shop; by night it transforms into "Irabu Sakaba Yurari," an izakaya using local ingredients.
The Origin of the Name "Yurari (結凛)"
The shop name "Yurari," written in kanji, is "結凛."
"結" (yui) is the wish that various people gather and be tied together. "凛" (rin) is the kanji that images the owner Mio herself. Combining these 2 characters makes "結凛 (Yurari)."
In addition, the air of Irabu Island. Surrounded by beautiful nature, with slow time flowing. There are many gentle people, and people meet, help each other, and new things are born too. Expressing such an island atmosphere in sound, "Yurari" apparently fit.
Just hearing the name, the shop's concept comes across. I thought it's a good name.
Owner Mio's Thinking
The owner Mio renovated a soba shop on Irabu Island to create an exchange tavern. It opened on 1 July 2025, so it's still a new shop.
Mio's thinking is, "I want to make it a place of rest where islanders, relocators and tourists all gather, and can spend an enjoyable time while feeling the comfort of Irabu Island."
In fact, go to the shop and locals and tourists are chatting happily around the same table. People who just relocated, and people who came on a trip, all naturally open up. That kind of air is in Yurari.
Opening Hours and System
Daytime (Irabu Soba Yurari)
- 11:30–15:00
- Miyako soba speciality
- *In July, weekends only in some cases due to pre-opening
Evening (Irabu Sakaba Yurari)
- 18:00–22:00
- Izakaya using local ingredients
- *May be during pre-opening
Late night (senbero karaoke)
- 22:00–24:00
- Karaoke time where you get tipsy for ¥1,000
Closing day: Wednesday (or irregular)
Reservation: web reservation or phone (after 16:00)
Both day and night, it's reassuring to reserve. Especially in the tourist season it gets crowded, so reservation is recommended.
▶"Please check the latest opening hours and closing days on [Tabelog: Irabu Sakaba Yurari]"
Location and Access
Address: 96-2 Nakachi, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Access: about 15 minutes by car after crossing the Irabu Bridge
The Nakachi district is a place slightly off the central part of Irabu Island. Being in a quiet residential area, first-timers may find it hard to find. Search "Irabu Sakaba Yurari" on Google Maps and it comes up properly.
The car park has space for a few cars in front of the shop. When full, you have no choice but to look for parking space nearby.
The Daytime Face | Miyako Soba at Irabu Soba Yurari
By day, Yurari becomes "Irabu Soba Yurari," a Miyako soba speciality shop.
Golden Soup of Chicken and Bonito Simmered for 4 Hours
The biggest feature of Yurari's Miyako soba is the soup. It's made by carefully simmering chicken and bonito for 4 hours.
The soup shines golden, with a transparency. One sip, and the umami of chicken and the flavour of bonito spread softly. It's light, but has richness. A gentle taste.
Miyako soba has completely different soup by shop. Shops that take stock from bonito alone, pork-bone-based shops, chicken-based shops. Yurari is a chicken-and-bonito hybrid. It takes the good points of both.
With just the soup, you could go through 3 bowls of rice. It's that delicious.
The Springy Texture of House-Made Thick Noodles
The noodles are Yurari's house-made too. Thick noodles, springy and satisfying to eat.
Miyako soba usually has many thin noodles. But Yurari has thick noodles. These thick noodles tangle well with the soup. Bite them and the flavour of wheat spreads in your mouth.
Because the noodles are thick, at first I thought "a bit much," but once I started eating I couldn't stop. Finished in no time.
House-made-noodle shops really are different. The firmness of the noodles, the flavour — all a step up.
Miyako Soba Menu and Prices
Miyako soba: around ¥1,000 (about US$7)
Soki soba: around ¥1,000
Juushii rice: ¥250 (about US$2)
The Miyako soba is topped with three-layer pork, kamaboko and green onion. Simple, but the taste of the ingredients is alive.
The soki soba has a heap of cartilage soki on top. The soki is so fall-apart tender you could almost eat the bone.
The juushii rice is a surprising bargain at ¥250. It's mixed rice, with the umami of pork firmly soaked in. Eaten with the soba, it's just the best.
I always have the Miyako soba + juushii rice set. The best value.
Lunchtime Gets Crowded, So Go Early
Lunchtime gets quite crowded. 12:00–13:00 is the most crowded time slot.
I too once went just past 13:00 and the seats weren't free, so I waited about 15 minutes. I had no choice but to wait outside, and it was hot.
So right after the 11:30 opening, or a late lunch after 14:00, is recommended. In those time slots, you can get in without waiting.
Or reserve before going. Reserve and they'll secure a seat.
The Night Face | The Izakaya Menu of Irabu Sakaba Yurari
At night, Yurari transforms into "Irabu Sakaba Yurari." As an izakaya, it serves dishes using local ingredients.
Pineapple-Pork Shabu-Shabu
The most popular at night-time Yurari is the pineapple-pork shabu-shabu.
You might wonder, what's pineapple pork? It's pork raised eating pineapple. An Okinawa-prefecture brand pork.
This pork is incredibly sweet and delicious. The fat is sweet. Made into shabu-shabu, the meat's sweetness dissolves into the broth, making even the broth delicious.
It's served in a small pot, so it's easy to eat even alone. Sharing with friends is fine too.
Swish the meat, dip it in ponzu and eat. A blissful time. The beer goes down.
Irabu-Island Tuna Rare Cutlet
Another popular item is the tuna rare cutlet. It uses Irabu-Island tuna.
Crisp outside, moist inside. Being a rare cutlet, the inside is almost raw. Like making tuna sashimi into a cutlet.
You don't see tuna rare cutlet much at other shops. It might be Yurari's original menu.
Perfect as a beer snack. This too is a guaranteed repeat once you eat it.
Dishes Using the Island's Fresh Ingredients
Yurari uses the island's fresh ingredients. The fish is sourced from Sarahama Fishing Port. The vegetables are sourced from local farmers too.
So the menu changes by season. Dishes using that period's seasonal ingredients line up.
Sashimi, grilled fish, tempura, salad. All fresh and delicious. You can savour the deliciousness of the island's ingredients as-is.
All of Miyako Island's Distilleries' Awamori Available
Another feature of Yurari is that all of Miyako Island's distilleries' awamori is available.
Miyako Island has several distilleries. Kikunotsuyu Shuzo, Tarakawa, Ikema Shuzo, Miya-no-Hana. You can compare each distillery's awamori at Yurari.
Irresistible for awamori lovers. I too, wanting to try various awamori, order a different brand every time.
Ask the owner Mio, "what kind of taste is this?", and she explains kindly. Even awamori beginners can enjoy with peace of mind.
The Budget Is ¥4,000–5,000
The budget for night-time Yurari is about ¥4,000–5,000 (about US$27–33) per person.
Order shabu-shabu, rare cutlet, sashimi and awamori, and it's roughly this much. Eat your fill and drink a little, for this price.
As an Irabu Island izakaya, it's an ordinary price range. Not expensive, not cheap. But considering the quality of the food, the value is good.
The Late-Night Face | Senbero Karaoke Time
22:00–24:00 is "senbero karaoke" time. Karaoke time where you get tipsy for ¥1,000.
Get Tipsy for ¥1,000
Senbero means getting tipsy for ¥1,000 (sen = 1,000 yen, bero-bero = drunk). Yurari's senbero karaoke lets you drink several drinks for ¥1,000, with all-you-can-sing karaoke too.
For the detailed system, please check at the shop. But if you can enjoy this much for ¥1,000, it's incredibly good value.
Islanders and Travellers Enjoy It Together
Senbero karaoke is a time islanders and travellers enjoy all together. Even strangers liven up over karaoke.
I joined once too. At first I was nervous, but everyone was friendly and I opened up right away. Island people requested "sing this!", and we sang duets together.
Travellers who came also become friends through karaoke. The next day, meeting by chance at the beach, you greet each other, "thanks for yesterday!" There are such encounters.
The Secret of the Irabu-Island-Shaped Table
What catches the eye most in Yurari's interior is the table shaped like Irabu Island.
The Table Is the Shape of Irabu Island
In the centre of the shop, there's a big table. This table is in the shape of Irabu Island.
It actually reproduces the island's shape, crafted down to the fine details. The Sarahama area, the Shimojishima Airport area — you can tell all of it.
Surround this table and everyone dines together. Islanders, relocators, tourists. Around the Irabu Island table, everyone talks together.
I thought this idea was really lovely. Looking at the table, conversation flows — "I went here," "there's a good shop around here."
A Device That Creates Exchange
The Irabu-Island-shaped table isn't just a design. It's a device to create exchange.
Surround the same table together and conversation naturally arises. You get curious about what the person next to you is eating, and ask "is that delicious?"
I too became friends with a relocator who sat next to me at this table. They taught me various things about life on Irabu Island. I'm still connected with that person on social media.
Yurari isn't just an eatery. A place that connects people with people. The devices for that are everywhere.
Tips for Enjoying Yurari Without Failing
Through visiting many times, I've come to understand the smart way to enjoy Yurari. For first-timers, let me share the tips.
You Should Go Both Day and Night
The top recommendation is to go both day and night. Miyako soba by day, izakaya by night. Experience both and you understand all of Yurari's appeal.
Day only or night only is a waste. The shop's atmosphere is completely different day and night. I want you to enjoy both.
I too at first planned to go only by day. But going by day made me want to go at night too, and in the end I went to both. It was the right call.
Reserve Before Going
Reservation is essential. Especially in the tourist season and on weekends it gets crowded, so without a reservation you may not get in.
Reserve by web or phone. The phone connects after 16:00. Web reservation might be easier.
Going without a reservation and not getting in because it's full is a huge shock. So reserve before going.
Wednesday Is the Closing Day
Wednesday is the closing day. This is easy to forget.
I too once went on a Wednesday and went "ah, it's closed." If your travel schedule overlaps with Wednesday, you have to shift to another day or look for another shop.
It's better to check the opening days before you go.
Try Talking with the Regulars
Yurari has lots of regulars. Island people, relocators, repeat tourists.
Talk with the regulars and you get all sorts of information. Delicious shops, hidden-gem beaches, island life. There's a lot they can teach you.
At first talking to them might be nerve-wracking, but Yurari's regulars are all friendly. They often speak to you, "on a trip?"
Conversation starts from there, and you become friends. That's one of the ways to enjoy Yurari.
Definitely Order the Juushii Rice
If you go by day, definitely order the juushii rice. Despite being ¥100, it's incredibly delicious.
The Miyako soba + juushii rice set is the strongest. Not eating this means there's no point coming to Yurari.
You could eat any number of bowls of juushii rice alone. It's that delicious.
Sights Around Yurari
Yurari is in the Nakachi district. There are lots of sights around it too, so touring them after eating at Yurari is recommended.
Sarahama Fishing Port (10 Minutes by Car)
Sarahama Fishing Port is a port on the east side of Irabu Island. A place where fresh fish is landed.
Near the port there are fishmongers and diners too. Go early in the morning and you can see fish just landed.
The fish Yurari uses is sourced from Sarahama Fishing Port too. So touring the port and then eating fish dishes at Yurari makes them feel more delicious.
Toguchi-no-Hama (15 Minutes by Car)
Toguchi-no-Hama is the most famous beach on Irabu Island. A spectacular spot where white sand and a transparent sea spread out.
Eat lunch at Yurari and swim at Toguchi-no-Hama. The best way to spend it.
Toguchi-no-Hama has calm waves, so it's reassuring even with children. You can enjoy snorkelling too.
17END (15 Minutes by Car)
17END is the end of the Shimojishima Airport runway. A popular spot where you can see planes taking off and landing up close.
About 15 minutes by car from Yurari. After lunch, watching the planes at 17END is nice too.
However, since the number of flights is small, it's better to check the timetable in advance. Go at a time when no planes come and there's nothing.
Sawada-no-Hama (10 Minutes by Car)
Sawada-no-Hama is a beautiful beach chosen among Japan's 100 Best Beaches. Giant rocks lie scattered about, a distinctive landscape.
The sunset is beautiful, and towards evening many tourists gather. Eat lunch at Yurari, spend the afternoon relaxing at Sawada-no-Hama. In the evening, watch the sunset, and at night izakaya time at Yurari again. A perfect day.
Irabu Bridge (10 Minutes by Car)
The Irabu Bridge is a 3,540-metre bridge connecting Miyako Island and Irabu Island. As a toll-free bridge, the longest in Japan.
The view of the sea seen from the bridge is spectacular. The emerald-green sea continues on and on.
On the way to Yurari, crossing the bridge, you can't help going "wow, beautiful!" On the way back too, crossing the bridge, you think "I want to come again."
The Pros and Cons of Yurari
Let me summarise the good points and the points that catch my attention about Yurari, felt from actually visiting many times.
Pros
1. The two faces that transform day and night
Miyako soba by day, izakaya by night. Two ways to enjoy one shop. Experience both and you feel you've gained.
2. The house-made thick noodles are superb
The noodles are house-made, springy and satisfying. Even among Miyako soba, top-class deliciousness.
3. The soup shines golden
The soup of chicken and bonito simmered for 4 hours is truly delicious. A taste that makes you want to drink it down.
4. The pineapple-pork shabu-shabu is superb
The night-time shabu-shabu is incredibly delicious. Once you eat it, you can't forget it.
5. An atmosphere where exchange arises
An atmosphere where islanders, relocators and tourists all naturally open up. The memory of the trip becomes richer.
6. Juushii rice for ¥100
A surprising bargain at ¥100. The best value.
7. All of Miyako Island's distilleries' awamori available
Irresistible for awamori lovers. You can compare various brands.
Cons
1. The location is hard to find
The Nakachi district is a slightly hard-to-find place. Google Maps is essential.
2. Few parking spaces
The car park has only a few spaces. When busy, you struggle to find a place to park.
3. Lunchtime gets crowded
12:00–13:00 gets quite crowded. You need to be prepared to wait.
4. Wednesday is the closing day
Closed on Wednesday. If your travel schedule overlaps with Wednesday, you can't go.
5. Hours unstable during pre-opening
It may still be during pre-opening, and the hours can change. It's better to check in advance.
6. The night budget is ¥4,000–5,000
At night, it costs a fair amount. For budget travellers, it might be a little expensive.
7. Senbero karaoke isn't for everyone
For people who dislike karaoke, the late-night part might be tough. But participation is free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Where is Yurari?
96-2 Nakachi, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa. About 15 minutes by car after crossing the Irabu Bridge. Search "Irabu Sakaba Yurari" on Google Maps and it comes up.
Q2: What are the opening hours?
Day: 11:30–15:00 (Miyako soba), evening: 18:00–22:00 (izakaya), late night: 22:00–24:00 (senbero karaoke). The closing day is Wednesday. During pre-opening, the hours can change, so checking in advance is recommended.
Q3: Are reservations needed?
Yes. Especially in the tourist season and on weekends it gets crowded, so without a reservation you may not get in. You can reserve by web or phone (after 16:00).
Q4: What is the price of the Miyako soba?
The Miyako soba is around ¥900, the soki soba around ¥1,000. The juushii rice is ¥100.
Q5: What is the night budget?
About ¥4,000–5,000 per person. Order shabu-shabu, rare cutlet, sashimi and awamori, and it's about this much.
Q6: What is pineapple pork?
Pork raised eating pineapple. An Okinawa-prefecture brand pork. The fat is sweet and it's incredibly delicious.
Q7: What is senbero karaoke?
The late-night part, 22:00–24:00. You can drink several drinks for ¥1,000, with all-you-can-sing karaoke too. For the detailed system, please check at the shop.
Q8: Day or night — which is recommended?
Both! Miyako soba by day, izakaya by night. Experience both and you understand all of Yurari's appeal.
Q9: Can I go alone?
You can. There are counter seats, and there are many solo customers. If anything, going alone makes it easier to become friends with the regulars.
Q10: What is the Irabu-Island-shaped table?
A big table in the centre of the shop, shaped like Irabu Island. Everyone surrounds this table to dine and talk. A device that creates exchange.
A New Exchange Hub of Irabu Island
Yurari is a new shop that only opened in July 2025. But it's already loved by many people as an exchange hub of Irabu Island.
The first time I went to Yurari, the owner Mio said, "I want to make it a place islanders, relocators and tourists can all enjoy." True to those words, Yurari has truly become a place everyone can enjoy.
By day, locals and tourists talk at the same table while eating Miyako soba. At night, at the izakaya, relocators and island people drink awamori together. Late at night, at karaoke, strangers liven up together.
Having such a place on Irabu Island is very precious. At tourist destinations, shops for tourists and shops for locals are often separate. But Yurari is different. Everyone can enjoy it together.
I'm still connected with the people I met at Yurari too. I exchange messages with the relocator on social media, and we've promised to meet again next time I go to Irabu Island. I occasionally exchange messages with people I got to know on the trip too.
Yurari isn't just an eatery. A place that connects people with people. A place that makes the memory of the trip richer.
If you plan to go to Irabu Island, please absolutely drop by Yurari. Please go both day and night. It will surely become an unforgettable memory.
I too, next time I go to Irabu Island, will go to Yurari again. Eat Miyako soba, eat pineapple-pork shabu-shabu, drink awamori, sing karaoke. And meet new people, and make new memories.
Yurari is such a place. When you come to Irabu Island, please spend time at Yurari, slowly, yurari (swaying gently).
