17END on Shimojishima | Miyako Blue Sea, Phantom Beach and Low-Flying Planes

Sponsored

2026年06月19日

17END is a spectacular spot spreading out at the Runway 17 approach end of Miyako Shimojishima Airport, known for its Miyako Blue sea and a phantom beach. At low tide, white sand emerges from the sea, and you can enjoy a breathtaking gradation of clarity. Aircraft taking off and landing as if grazing overhead are a major highlight too, and visitors come endlessly for photography. Since 2019, the airport management road has been closed to vehicles, and beyond the car park you move on foot or by bicycle. From the western route on the Toriike Pond side, it is an easy roughly 5 to 6-minute walk to the beach, and you can also walk from the Sawada-no-Hama direction on the east side. You can only go down onto the sand at low tide; at high tide the water rises up to the tetrapods. It is a self-responsibility spot with no lifeguard, but as one of the finest views in the Miyako Islands it is still loved by many travellers as of 2026.

Full article about this spot

Uoichiba Ichiwa: The 900-Yen Tub Sashimi Bowl by Sarahama Fishing Port on Irabu Island (Miyako)

A review of Uoichiba Ichiwa by Sarahama Fishing Port on Irabu Island near Miyakojima: a now-closed diner famous for a 900-yen tub-piled tuna and bonito sashimi bowl with four ways to eat it.

Map & Access

Open in Google Maps

Basic Information

Location (Island)Shimojishima
AddressSawada 1739, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open). A phantom beach appears at low tide.
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingAvailable, free, about 20 spaces (before the no-vehicles sign; no marked bays; tends to fill up in peak season).
ContactNone

Visiting tips & what to bring

There is almost no shade, and the glare reflecting off the white sand and concrete is very strong, so heat protection such as a hat, sunscreen and water is essential. The tetrapods are slippery and there are spots where sand blows up from the shore, so marine shoes or non-slip footwear are recommended. There are steps along the path, so watch your footing. You can only go down onto the sand at low tide; check the tide level in advance on the Japan Meteorological Agency Hirara tide table. There are no toilets on site; use those at the Toriike Pond car park about 3 minutes away. It is a self-responsibility area with no lifeguard.

For families with small children

The phantom beach and the aircraft make it appealing for family photos. However, it is a walk of 5 to 6 minutes or more from the car park, with no shade or toilets and strong glare, so for families with small children aged 0 to 6, note that the heat and walking are a considerable burden. A pushchair is hard to use over the steps on the path, so a baby carrier is safer. If you aim for low tide, prepare plenty of hat, sunscreen and water, and plan to keep it short, you can enjoy it without strain.

FAQ

Q.Can you drive to the end of the runway?

A.No. Since 2019, the airport management road has been off-limits to all but authorised vehicles. Park at the car park (about 20 spaces, free) and go on foot or by bicycle from there. Via the western route on the Toriike Pond side, it is about a 5 to 6-minute walk to the beach.

Q.When can you see the phantom beach?

A.The sand appears only at low tide. At high tide the water rises up to the tetrapods and you cannot go down onto the sand. It is best to check the low-tide time for the day in advance on the Japan Meteorological Agency Hirara tide table before visiting.

Q.How should I set my car navigation?

A.As you often cannot search for 17END, set Toriike Pond or Nakanoshima Beach as your destination. On arrival, park in the spaces before the no-vehicles sign. It is about 30 minutes from Miyako Airport.

Q.Are there toilets or vending machines?

A.There are no toilets or shops on site. The nearest are the toilets at the Toriike Pond car park about 3 minutes away. As there is no shade either, prepare drinks in advance and take heat-protection measures before heading over.

Q.When do the planes fly overhead?

A.They pass low over the end of the runway at the timing of flights arriving and departing at Shimojishima Airport. As there are not many flights, if you want to be sure of seeing one, check the airlines timetables for arrival and departure times and visit around then.