Kanamara Abu | A 54-Metre Vertical Cave and Fossil Site on Irabu Island (Miyako)

Kanamara Abu is a Miyakojima City-designated historic site (natural cave) at Nagayama on the south side of Irabu Island. It is a 54.5m vertical shaft, with a narrow cave mouth 0.8m wide by 1.8m long, reaching the first landing point about 35m directly below. From around 20m down, side passages develop to the west and south-west, where you can observe stalactites, stalagmites and stone pillars, and it is also a roost for bats. Many fossil bones, including human bones and those of the Reeves's muntjac and the Miyako little horseshoe bat, have been excavated from inside, and the human bones are estimated to be about 20,000 years old, an extremely valuable site in archaeology and natural history. It is in forest and farmland along a farm road; you can view the surface cave mouth and surrounding exterior, but there is no developed viewing facility. As it is a deep vertical shaft, descending inside carries a high risk of falling, and general entry is not permitted.

Full article about this spot

Uoichiba Ichiwa: The 900-Yen Tub Sashimi Bowl by Sarahama Fishing Port on Irabu Island (Miyako)

A review of Uoichiba Ichiwa by Sarahama Fishing Port on Irabu Island near Miyakojima: a now-closed diner famous for a 900-yen tub-piled tuna and bonito sashimi bowl with four ways to eat it.

Map & Access

Open in Google Maps

Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressAza Nagayama, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time24 hours (always viewable as an outdoor historic site. However, entry inside is not permitted).
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingNone (no dedicated car park. Stop along the farm road).
ContactMiyakojima City Board of Education, Lifelong Learning Promotion Division 0980-72-3764

Visiting tips & what to bring

It is a 54.5m vertical shaft, and descending inside without specialist equipment such as ropes and a guide is extremely dangerous. Entry inside by general tourists is not permitted; do not peer into or enter the cave mouth, and always view only the exterior from a safe distance. As there is a risk of falling accidents, do not take your eyes off small children. As a city-designated cultural property, with regard for preserving its current state, do not take away fossils, stalactites, earth or other objects. The surroundings are forest, farmland and farm road, with poor footing and thick vegetation. Prepare long sleeves, easy-to-walk footwear and insect repellent, and in summer take sun shade and hydration. As farm vehicles use the farm road, park considerately so as not to obstruct parking or traffic, and do not enter private farmland. After sunset there is no lighting nearby and it is dangerous. There are no toilets or vending machines.

For families with small children

It is unsuitable for families with children aged 0 to 6. It is a 54.5m vertical shaft, with no railing or developed viewing path around the cave mouth and a very high risk of falling. A pushchair cannot be used on the farm road or in the forest, and the footing is unstable. There are no viewing facilities, toilets or shade, and it is not suited to a long stay with small children. If you must visit, always have an adult firmly hold the child's hand and never let them near the cave mouth.

FAQ

Q.Can you go inside the cave to view it?

A.No, you cannot. It is a 54.5m vertical shaft, and descending without specialist equipment and a guide is extremely dangerous. Entry inside by the general public is not permitted; you can view only the surface cave mouth and surrounding exterior.

Q.Is there an admission fee or opening hours?

A.As an outdoor historic site, admission is free and there is no time restriction; it is always viewable. However, there is no caretaker or viewing facility, and after sunset there is no lighting and it is dangerous, so a visit during bright hours is recommended.

Q.Are there parking and toilets?

A.There is no dedicated car park, toilet or vending machine. As it is along a farm road, stop briefly with consideration so as not to obstruct farm-vehicle traffic or private farmland.

Q.In what way is it a valuable historic site?

A.It is an extremely valuable vertical-shaft cave in archaeology and natural history, where many fossil bones were excavated, including human bones estimated at about 20,000 years old, and those of the Reeves's muntjac and the Miyako little horseshoe bat. It is a Miyakojima City-designated historic site.

Q.The location is hard to find. Is there a landmark?

A.It is in forest and farmland about 300m north from the middle of Farm Road 78, in the Nagayama area on the south side of Irabu Island. Signage is scarce and it is hard to find, so entering the coordinates (24.810752, 125.207049) into your car navigation or phone map is reliable.