Full article about this spot
Map & Access
Basic Information
- Location (Island)Irabu Island
- AddressAza Nakachi, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
- Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open, outdoor historic site)
- ClosedNone (always open)
- FeeFree
- ParkingNone (no dedicated car park. As the surroundings are village and farm road, roadside parking needs consideration so as not to obstruct traffic or farm work).
- ContactMiyakojima City Board of Education, Lifelong Learning Promotion Division (Cultural Properties Section) 0980-72-3764
Visiting tips & what to bring
The well itself can be viewed as a historic site, but in the forest behind is the sacred Irabu Nakatozu Utaki. As the shrine is a sacred precinct where local people offer prayers, refrain from entering the forest or prayer place without permission, and refrain from loud noise, eating, drinking and careless photography. If you encounter a ritual, do not approach and watch quietly. The well is an old cave spring, dark and slippery inside, so peering in from the edge or descending inside carries a risk of falling and should be avoided. The surroundings are village and farmland with little shade, so in summer take heat-protection and insect-repellent measures and easy-to-walk footwear. There are no toilets or vending machines, so it is reassuring to take care of things in advance. There is no dedicated car park, so be considerate with parking so as not to obstruct farm vehicles or the living street.For families with small children
As a historic-site visit you can drop by in a short time, but as the area behind is a sacred shrine (sacred precinct) and the old well carries a risk of falling, it is hard to actively recommend for families with small children aged 0 to 6. There are no playground equipment, shade or toilets, and few elements children can enjoy. If dropping by, firmly hold hands so they do not approach the well edge or forest, and assume a quiet viewing and leaving promptly. For combining sea or beach play, the nearby Toguchi-no-Hama suits...FAQ
Q.What kind of place is Funahagaa?
A.It is an old spring (cave spring) said to have been discovered around 1430, a Miyakojima City-designated historic site. It was the important water source at the centre of the founding of three former villages, and the well deity is worshipped as a goddess.
Q.Can you view it freely? Is there a fee?
A.It is an outdoor historic site, always open, and viewing is free. However, the forest behind is a sacred shrine, so keep to viewing the well and do not enter the forest or prayer place.
Q.Are there parking and toilets?
A.There is no dedicated car park, toilet or vending machine. As the surroundings are village and farm road, be considerate with parking so as not to obstruct farm work or traffic, and it is reassuring to take care of toilet needs in advance.
Q.Can you go inside the well to see it?
A.As the interior is a dark, slippery old cave spring, avoid descending inside or leaning out from the edge, which carries a risk of falling. Keep to viewing from the exterior.
Q.How do you get there?
A.It is included in the Nakachi-Irabu course of the Miyakojima City Board of Education-authorised history and culture road app Ayantsu, in front of the Irabu Nakatozu Utaki, on the west side of the Aza Irabu village. Using the app map as a landmark makes it easy to find.