Full article about this spot
Map & Access
Basic Information
- Location (Island)Irabu Island
- AddressNagayama, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
- Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open, outdoor historic site). However, it is not a tourist-developed facility but a site in the forest, so viewing only during bright daytime hours is recommended.
- ClosedNone (always open)
- FeeFree
- ParkingNone (no dedicated car park. Park on the roadside beside the farm road where you will not obstruct traffic).
- ContactMiyakojima City Board of Education, Lifelong Learning Department, Lifelong Learning Promotion Division. Phone: 0980-72-3764
Visiting tips & what to bring
It is not a tourist-developed facility but a site in the forest. It is officially stated that the angular gravel on the walls of Abugaa No.1 is on the verge of collapse with a rockfall danger, and entering the cave is dangerous, so absolutely do not go in. Entering the cave interior including No.2 risks rockfall and falling and is not recommended. It is a sacred place where many human bones were excavated; act respectfully with regard for site preservation, and collecting or taking away artifacts is prohibited. The footing in the forest is poor, and in summer the vegetation grows thick and you must beware of insects such as the habu snake, horseflies and mosquitoes. Prepare long sleeves, long trousers, easy-to-walk footwear and insect repellent, and act during bright daytime hours. There is no dedicated car park, toilet or shop, and roadside parking should be in a position that does not obstruct the farm road. For details, contact the Miyakojima City Board of Education Lifelong Learning Promotion Division.For families with small children
It is unsuitable for families with infants (0 to 6). It is an undeveloped site in the forest with poor footing, and Abugaa No.1, a vertical shaft about 36m deep, has an officially stated rockfall danger with risks of falling and rockfall. There are no railings, toilets or shaded rest facilities, and as it is a sacred place where many human bones were excavated, viewing with small children cannot be recommended on both safety and consideration grounds. For family sightseeing on Irabu Island, well-maintained nearby spots such as Nagayama Beach or Nishi-Kaigan Park / Hakuchozaki...FAQ
Q.Can you go inside the cave to view it?
A.No. It is officially stated that the angular gravel on the walls of Abugaa No.1 is on the verge of collapse with a rockfall danger, and entering the cave is dangerous. Entering the interior, including No.2, is not recommended. Keep to reaching along the farm road, confirming the location and viewing the exterior.
Q.Are there parking and toilets?
A.There is no dedicated car park, toilet or shop. If parking beside the farm road, park on the roadside in a position that does not obstruct traffic. It is reassuring to take care of toilet needs in advance at the village or facilities.
Q.Is viewing free? Are there opening hours?
A.Viewing is free, and as an outdoor historic site there are no particular opening hours. However, as the footing in the forest is poor, viewing during bright daytime hours is strongly recommended.
Q.What should I be careful about with clothing and items?
A.As the vegetation grows thick in the forest and there are habu snakes, horseflies and mosquitoes, prepare long sleeves, long trousers, easy-to-walk footwear and insect repellent. Avoid entering in sandals or light clothing.
Q.Why is it called Abugaa?
A.Abu is a word for a cave or vertical shaft in the Okinawa and Miyako regions, and gaa means a well. It derives from the two wells confirmed inside Abugaa No.1. It is known as a sacred place where many human bones were excavated.