Noose Bridge | A Footpath Bridge by Toguchi-no-Hama on Irabu Island (Miyako)

Noose Bridge (Nushi-hashi) is an Okinawa prefectural-road bridge over the channel separating Irabu Island and Shimojishima. The new bridge entered full service on 16 March 2019, and of its 117-metre length and 10-metre width, 2 metres is laid out as a footpath. The total project cost was about 1.4 billion yen, and it was built as a replacement for the old bridge, which was demolished in 2013 due to deterioration. The bridge end is near the west entrance of the popular Toguchi-no-Hama beach, and both vehicles and pedestrians can cross and view it freely. From the bridge you can gaze at the clear channel separating the two islands and the surrounding sea scenery, an easy spot to drop by together with a Toguchi-no-Hama stroll. It is not a sacred area or private land, so no special worship etiquette is needed and you can cross casually.

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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 passable, free bridge-top viewing)
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingThere is no dedicated car park at the bridge itself. It is common to use the free car park at Toguchi-no-Hama (near the Irabu Island-side entrance) and visit on foot.
ContactMiyakojima City Hall Irabu Branch 0980-78-3201

Visiting tips & what to bring

As it is a prefectural-road bridge, there is vehicle traffic. The footpath is on one side only and narrow at 2 metres wide, so when viewing or photographing, do not stray into the carriageway and stay within the footpath. Avoid parking and stopping on the bridge and roadside parking, as they obstruct traffic and are dangerous; park at the Toguchi-no-Hama car park and visit on foot. Take care not to lean out over the railing, and in strong winds beware of falls. There is no shade and the sun is strong in summer, so take a hat, drinks and sun protection. Some people fish around the bridge, but do not carelessly approach the slippery revetment.

For families with small children

As it is a road bridge with a footpath, a pushchair can cross too, so families with children aged 0 to 6 can drop by. It suits a short stroll as a set with Toguchi-no-Hama. However, it is adjacent to the carriageway and the footpath is narrow, so always hold small children's hands and take care they do not go out onto the carriageway side. The gaps in the railing and the revetment are dangerous too, so it is important not to take your eyes off them. There is no shade, toilet or shop on the bridge, so use the facilities on the Toguchi-no-Hama side.

FAQ

Q.Where is Noose Bridge?

A.It is a prefectural-road bridge over the channel separating Irabu Island and Shimojishima, near the west entrance of the popular Toguchi-no-Hama beach. You can drop by on foot from Toguchi-no-Hama.

Q.Can cars and pedestrians cross freely?

A.Yes. It is a prefectural-road bridge, and both vehicles and pedestrians can cross and view it freely. Of its 10-metre width, 2 metres is laid out as a footpath.

Q.Is there parking?

A.There is no dedicated car park at the bridge itself. It is common to park at the free Toguchi-no-Hama car park and visit on foot. Avoid parking and stopping on the bridge as it is dangerous.

Q.When was the bridge completed?

A.The current new bridge entered full service on 16 March 2019. At a total project cost of about 1.4 billion yen, it was built as a replacement for the old bridge demolished in 2013 due to deterioration.

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

A.As a prefectural-road bridge, it is free and you can cross and view it 24 hours a day. It is not a sacred area or private land, and no special worship etiquette is needed.