Nagayama Beach | A Hidden White-Sand Bay by the Irabu Ohashi Bridge (Miyako)

Nagayama Beach is a white-sand beach spreading across the east coast of the Ikemazoe area, right after you cross the Irabu Ohashi Bridge and land on Irabu Island. The fine, powdery sand and the gradation of the highly transparent sea known as Miyako Blue are beautiful, and it is known as a hidden spot that has even been used on the cover of a Miyakojima guidebook. Located at the foot of the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, the composition of the sea with the bridge as a backdrop is also outstandingly photogenic. As it is a natural beach rather than a maintained bathing beach, there are no facilities such as showers or lifeguards, but in return there are few people and you can spend a quiet time. You can use the parking at the adjacent Nagayama Port, and Makiyama Observatory and Yamatobu Oiwa Rock are very close too. It is a spectacular, easy-access beach you can drop by right after crossing the bridge.

Full article about this spot

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Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressAza Ikemazoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open)
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingAvailable, free (use the parking at Nagayama Port)
ContactNone

Visiting tips & what to bring

It is a natural beach with no facilities such as showers, toilets, changing rooms or lifeguards (check the Nagayama Port side for toilets). Swimming is at your own responsibility; be mindful of currents and the shallow tidal range, and for snorkelling, wearing marine shoes or a life jacket gives peace of mind. There is almost no shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen and drinks. There are spots at the water's edge mixed with coral fragments and rocks, so avoiding bare feet is safer. Always take your rubbish home.

For families with small children

As you can park at the foot of the Irabu Ohashi Bridge and step straight onto the sand, it is an easy beach to visit even with small children, with little travel burden. Being shallow with relatively calm waves, it suits sand play and tide-pool play at the water's edge. On the other hand, there are no toilets, showers or shade and no lifeguard, so prepare in advance for nappy changes and changing clothes. With marine shoes, a hat and drinks, and a guardian always accompanying, even preschool children can enjoy it.

FAQ

Q.How do you get to Nagayama Beach and is there parking?

A.It is right after you cross the Irabu Ohashi Bridge onto Irabu Island, in the Ikemazoe area along Prefectural Route 252. About 20 to 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport. There is free parking at the adjacent Nagayama Port, and you can step onto the sand right from there.

Q.Are there facilities such as toilets and showers?

A.The beach itself has no bathing-beach facilities (showers, changing rooms, lifeguards). Check the neighbouring Nagayama Port side for toilets. It is reassuring to assume you should bring your own clothes to change into and sun shade.

Q.Can you swim or snorkel?

A.With white sand and high water clarity, it is a hidden spot suited to snorkelling. However, as it is a natural beach with no lifeguard, it is at your own responsibility, and wearing a life jacket and marine shoes and being mindful of currents are recommended.

Q.What should I bring?

A.A hat, sunscreen, drinks and marine shoes are essential. As there is almost no shade, a sun shade is comfortable to have. Snorkel gear and a leisure sheet will also let you spend a relaxed day.

Q.Does it get crowded? What is a good time to visit?

A.As it is not a maintained famous beach, there are relatively few people and it is a quiet hidden spot. The sea colour shows best from late morning to around noon when the sun is high. For photos with the bridge as a backdrop, aim for the time when the light is behind you.