Nakanoshima Beach (Kayaffa) | A Natural Aquarium Snorkel Spot on Shimojishima (Miyako)

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2026年06月19日

Nakanoshima Beach is a natural beach on the west coast of Shimojishima, locally called "Kayaffa". With a cove-shaped landform and calm waves, and a coral reef spreading out into the shallows, you can see colourful tropical fish including clownfish up close, so it is a popular snorkelling spot praised as a "natural aquarium". With high transparency and varied underwater terrain, it can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced snorkellers alike. Admission is free and you can visit it year-round. On the other hand, there are no facilities at all such as toilets, showers, changing rooms or a shop, and no beach house. As the footing is rough with rocks and coral, preparing marine shoes and gloves gives peace of mind. It is located beside the runway of Shimojishima Airport, with sights such as Toriike Pond dotted nearby. With untouched nature remaining, it is a hidden, spectacular spot where you can fully enjoy the Miyako Blue underwater world.

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Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Shimojishima
AddressSawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open)
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingAvailable, free, about 5 to 6 cars on a gravel road shoulder (early morning recommended in high season)
ContactNone

Visiting tips & what to bring

There are no toilets, showers, changing rooms or shop at all, and no beach house. For toilets, use the public toilets at the Toriike Pond car park a few minutes away by car. The seabed is rough with rocks and coral, so bare feet or sandals are dangerous and marine shoes and gloves are essential. As there is almost no shade, take a hat, rash guard and sun protection. Bringing fresh water for a simple rinse is handy. As sea conditions change with currents and weather, check the ebb and flow and the wave conditions and do not force your way out to sea. Bringing drinks and food is also recommended.

For families with small children

Being cove-shaped with calm waves and many shallows, it suits tide-pool play and snorkelling debuts with small children. However, there are no toilets, nappy-change, breastfeeding facilities or shade at all, and the footing is rough with rocks and coral, so children's marine shoes, sun shade and drinks are essential to prepare. You can enjoy it if you can manage safety, such as taking care of toilet needs in advance and finishing in a short time while watching the tide conditions.

FAQ

Q.Are there toilets or showers?

A.There are no toilets, showers or changing rooms at the beach. For toilets, use the public toilets at the Toriike Pond car park a few minutes away by car. If you need a shower, it is reassuring to check paid facilities near Toguchi-no-Hama in advance.

Q.Is there parking?

A.There is a free gravel parking space beside the road, holding about 5 to 6 cars. As the number is limited, visiting early in the morning is recommended, especially in the summer high season.

Q.What do I need to bring?

A.As the footing is rough with rocks and coral, marine shoes and gloves are essential. Besides a snorkel set, bringing a hat, rash guard, sunscreen, fresh water, and drinks and snacks will help you spend a comfortable time.

Q.Is it okay for snorkelling beginners?

A.As it is cove-shaped with calm waves, beginners and children can enjoy the shallows. You can see coral and tropical fish from the shallows. However, there are places with currents, so it is important not to go out too far and not to overdo it.

Q.What is the access and travel time?

A.From central Miyakojima, cross the Irabu Ohashi Bridge and proceed along the coast of Irabu Island and Shimojishima, about 30 minutes by car. A hire car is the basis, and it is located beside the runway of Shimojishima Airport.