Irabu Ohashi Bridge | Japan’s Longest Toll-Free Bridge over the Miyako Blue Sea (Miyako)

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2026年06月19日

The Irabu Ohashi Bridge is a 3,540-metre bridge linking the main island of Miyako and Irabu Island, boasting the title of the longest toll-free bridge in Japan. Opened in January 2015, its greatest appeal is the spectacular drive running straight through the Miyako Blue sea spreading to left and right. It is the gateway to Irabu Island sightseeing, and crossing the bridge itself becomes an unforgettable experience. Access is good too, about 15 minutes by car from central Hirara. For photography, the parking spaces at the foot of the bridge and Irabu Ohashi Umi-no-Eki on the Irabu Island side are convenient. At dusk the sea surface shines golden, and the view on your left when heading from Irabu Island to Miyakojima is less prone to backlighting, letting you fully enjoy the vivid sea colour. Passable by car, motorbike or on foot, it is a standard landmark visited by many travellers as a starting point for the various spots of Irabu Island.

Full article about this spot

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Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressAza Kugai, Hirara to Aza Ikemazoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open)
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingAvailable, free. About 30 free spaces at the foot on the Miyakojima side; about 100 spaces (of which about 50 passenger cars and 4 large buses) at Irabu Ohashi Umi-no-Eki on the Irabu Island side. No parking on the bridge itself.
Contacthttps://miyako-guide.net/spots/spots-840/

Visiting tips & what to bring

Parking and stopping on the bridge, and roadside parking, are prohibited. For photography, always use the car parks at both ends. The bridge has no footpath, and if walking across you walk the road shoulder beside the carriageway, so take great care of vehicles (about 1 hour one way). As there is no shade, take a hat, drinks and sun protection in summer. There are no toilets on the bridge; use the car park at the foot on the Miyakojima side or the Umi-no-Eki on the Irabu Island side. In strong winds the crosswind becomes strong, so drive with care.

For families with small children

Even with small children, crossing by car lets you enjoy the spectacular view without strain, recommended for a family drive. However, the bridge has no footpath, so avoid crossing by pushchair or on foot as it is dangerous. Do photography and rest at the car parks and Umi-no-Eki at both ends. The Umi-no-Eki has toilets and dining facilities, convenient for a rest or nappy change. As there is little shade, do not forget heat and sun protection.

FAQ

Q.Is there a toll?

A.It is free. As the longest toll-free bridge in Japan, cars, motorbikes, bicycles and pedestrians can all cross free of charge.

Q.Can I stop the car and take photos?

A.Parking and stopping on the bridge is prohibited. Park at the free car park at the foot on the Miyakojima side (about 30 cars) or at Irabu Ohashi Umi-no-Eki on the Irabu Island side (about 100 cars) to take photos.

Q.When is the best time for photos or a visit?

A.On a clear daytime the blueness of the sea stands out, and at dusk the golden-tinged scenery is beautiful. The view on your left when heading from Irabu Island to Miyakojima is especially recommended.

Q.Can you cross on foot?

A.Crossing on foot is possible but there is no footpath, and you walk the road shoulder for about 1 hour one way. Great care of vehicle traffic is needed, so crossing by hire car or motorbike is safer.

Q.Are there toilets?

A.There are none on the bridge. You can use the toilets at the car park at the foot on the Miyakojima side, or at Irabu Ohashi Umi-no-Eki on the Irabu Island side.