Full article about this spot
Map & Access
Basic Information
- Location (Island)Irabu Island
- AddressMaezato-soe 554-1, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
- Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open). As it is a natural sea formation, viewing is limited to daytime tour hours, roughly 8:00 to the 16:00 range.
- ClosedNone (always open). Tours are cancelled when sea conditions worsen.
- FeeFree (the spot itself). However, it cannot be reached by land and participation in a boat or snorkelling tour is the premise. As a guide, tour prices are from about 4,500 yen (about US$30) for the Blue Cave alone, and about 14,000 yen (about US$93) for a set with Yabiji.
- ParkingNone (no parking concept as it is at sea. Use the car parks at Sarahama Port or each shop, which serve as meeting points).
- ContactBooking required with each tour company (Veltra https://www.veltra.com/jp/japan/okinawa/miyako_island/ / bookable via Jalan, Asoview, etc.)
Visiting tips & what to bring
As it is a natural sea formation, you cannot walk there from the shore individually, and access by tour or boat is always required. As you swim into the cave by snorkel, wear a life jacket and follow the guide's instructions. On days with poor sea conditions from waves or wind, tours may be cancelled. The sun is strong, so a rash guard, sunscreen (reef-safe recommended) and motion-sickness medicine give peace of mind. Many tours include gear and wetsuit rental, but confirm in advance to be sure. For toilets and showers, use the shop at the meeting point or the Sarahama Port facilities.For families with small children
It is basically unsuitable for families with children aged 0 to 6. As you go out to sea by boat and swim into the cave, many tours set preschoolers outside the eligible age, and the safety burden is large too. Many companies use elementary-school age and up as a guideline. However, there are also plans that just view the sea from a glass-bottom boat, and family tours with age conditions, so families with infants should confirm age and accompaniment with each company in advance. For small children, beaches where they can play safely on the shore, such as Toguchi-no-Hama, are more reassuring...FAQ
Q.Can you walk there? Can you access it on foot?
A.It cannot be reached by land. As it is a sea cave opening in the cliff, you head over by boat or sea kayak from Sarahama Port and swim into the cave by snorkelling. For safety, tour participation is the basis.
Q.Do I need to book? How much does it cost?
A.Tours are by advance booking. As a guide, from about 4,500 yen for the Blue Cave alone, and about 14,000 yen for a set with Yabiji or sea turtles. Many plans include gear rental and insurance, and the price varies with the content.
Q.Can beginners or weak swimmers take part?
A.As the water is shallow with many calm days, it suits beginners and snorkelling debuts. You wear a life jacket and a guide accompanies you. Those who are anxious can choose a small-group tour for peace of mind.
Q.How do you get to Sarahama Port?
A.From Miyakojima, cross the Irabu Ohashi Bridge and reach Sarahama Port in about 7 to 10 minutes by car. Many tours meet at Sarahama Port or shops around it and depart from there.
Q.What is the best time or season?
A.The cave glows blue in the daytime when the sun is high, especially beautiful in clear weather when light streams in. The roughly April-to-October marine season is the guideline for calm seas. As operation depends on sea conditions, aiming for a day with good weather is recommended.