Dakifugaa | A City-Designated Historic Well in Irabu Village (Miyako)

Dakifugaa is a Miyakojima City-designated historic well (gaa) in Aza Irabu on Irabu Island. It is a circular well dug out to 2.3 metres in diameter and 2.5 metres deep, with stone-lined walls. The area around the well is about 39 square metres, in a distorted-trapezoid shape. Its construction predates the division of Irabu and Aza Nakachi, and is thought to date to the Ufuya era of around 1500 to 1700. The origin of the name is said to be that long ago there was a cluster of dakifu (tan bamboo) in this area, and as it was a well within that bamboo thicket, it was called "Dakifugaa". Before mains water spread, it was a precious living relic that supported people's lives. It is included in the Nakachi-Irabu course of the Miyakojima City Board of Education-authorised history and culture sightseeing road app "Ayantsu", and the well remains. It is a quiet historic site you can view from outside.

Full article about this spot

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Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressIrabu 24, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time24 hours (outdoor historic site, always viewable)
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingNone (no dedicated car park. As the surroundings are a village living street, avoid roadside parking and stop briefly in a nearby open space).
ContactMiyakojima City Board of Education (Lifelong Learning Department, Cultural Properties Section) 0980-72-3764

Visiting tips & what to bring

It is an outdoor well site located within the village, with no dedicated car park or guidance facilities. As the surroundings are a residents' living street, be considerate so the car does not obstruct traffic or access to homes, and avoid long roadside parking. The well is a stone-lined vertical shaft that may not have sufficient railings, and peering into or stepping onto the edge of the opening carries a risk of falling. Do not enter inside; view from outside. In summer the vegetation grows thick with many insects such as mosquitoes and horseflies, so take insect-repellent measures. Some footing is insufficiently paved, so easy-to-walk footwear gives peace of mind. Bring sun shade and drinks, view quietly as a community living-culture heritage, and always take your rubbish home.

For families with small children

It is a stone-lined vertical-shaft well site that may not have sufficient railings, and small children approaching the edge carry a risk of falling. With children aged 0 to 6, sufficient care such as not taking your eyes off them and holding hands is needed; viewing itself is possible, but there are no playground equipment or facilities and few highlights for children. A short drop-by is no problem, but in summer there are many insects and it is not suited to a long stay. It is a quiet historic site for families interested in history.

FAQ

Q.Can you go inside Dakifugaa or draw water?

A.No. It is now a well site preserved as a historic site, and you cannot enter inside. As it is a vertical shaft with a risk of falling, view it from outside.

Q.Is there an admission fee or opening hours?

A.As an outdoor historic site, it is free, and you can view it any time with no time restriction. There is no reception or caretaker.

Q.Is there parking?

A.There is no dedicated car park. As the surroundings are a village living street, be considerate so as not to obstruct traffic or homes, and avoid long roadside parking.

Q.How big and how old is the well?

A.It is a circular dug-out well 2.3 metres in diameter and 2.5 metres deep, thought to have been built in the Ufuya era around 1500 to 1700.

Q.What is the origin of the name?

A.It is said that long ago there was a cluster of dakifu (tan bamboo) in this area, and as it was a well within that bamboo thicket, it was named Dakifugaa.