Irabu Ohashi Bridge Opening Monument | A Seaside Photo Stop on Irabu Island (Miyako)

The Irabu Ohashi Bridge Opening Monument is a stone monument built to commemorate the opening of the Irabu Ohashi Bridge on 31 January 2015. The unveiling was held on 28 January that year. Cross the Irabu Ohashi Bridge onto Irabu Island, turn right at the T-junction, and it stands quietly along the coast below Makiyama Observatory, just before Yamatobu Oiwa Rock a few minutes along the sea. Beside it stands the "Monument of the Mainland Reversion Commemorative Project", and the two monuments convey the island's journey to the present. It is a small monument, but behind it you can view the emerald-green sea and the 3,540m Irabu Ohashi Bridge, making it popular as a drive drop-by spot. As it is not a sacred area, there are no particular worship-etiquette restrictions and anyone can view it freely. As there is no dedicated parking, toilet or shop, it is a place to casually drop by as a small photo point to mark the memory of having crossed the bridge.

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Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressIkemazoe 923, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open). As it is an outdoor stone monument, there are no viewing-time restrictions.
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingNone (no dedicated car park; park on the road shoulder to view. In peak season, mind the parking space).
ContactMiyakojima City Hall (Irabu Branch) / Miyakojima Tourism Association

Visiting tips & what to bring

There is no dedicated car park, and viewing means parking on the road shoulder. In peak season and busy times, pay close attention to the parking space and safety so as not to obstruct following vehicles. It is by the sea with no shade, so in summer, strong-sun measures (hat, sun shade) and insect repellent give peace of mind. As there is no toilet, shop or vending machine, it is reassuring to take care of things in advance. Some footing along the coast is unpaved, so easy-to-walk footwear is recommended. As it is not a sacred area there are no particular worship-etiquette restrictions, but take care not to damage the adjacent monument or the surrounding nature and private land.

For families with small children

It is an easy spot to drop by even with children aged 0 to 6 for a short viewing. As it is just viewing the stone monument and taking a commemorative photo with the sea and the Irabu Ohashi Bridge as a backdrop, it is not a dangerous cave or sacred area. However, as there is no dedicated car park and you park on the road shoulder, pay close attention to traffic when getting in and out of the car. There are places by the sea without railings, so do not take your eyes off small children. As there are no toilet or breastfeeding/nappy-change facilities, it is not suited to a long stay.

FAQ

Q.When was the Irabu Ohashi Bridge Opening Monument built?

A.It commemorates the opening of the Irabu Ohashi Bridge on 31 January 2015, and the unveiling was held on 28 January that year.

Q.Is there parking?

A.There is no dedicated car park. As you park on the road shoulder to view, take care of the parking space and safety in peak season.

Q.Are there toilets or a shop?

A.There are no toilets, shop or vending machines on site. It is reassuring to take care of things in advance at the nearby Irabu Ohashi Umi-no-Eki.

Q.Is there a fee or time restriction for viewing?

A.As an outdoor stone monument, it is free and you can view it freely 24 hours a day. There are no closing days either.

Q.How should I get there?

A.Cross the Irabu Ohashi Bridge onto Irabu Island, turn right at the T-junction, and it stands a few minutes along the coast, just before Yamatobu Oiwa Rock. Beside it stands the Mainland Reversion Commemorative Project monument.