Full article about this spot
Map & Access
Basic Information
- Location (Island)Irabu Island
- AddressAza Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
- Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open). It is an outdoor historic site and cave with no facility manager or gate. As the footing cannot be seen after sunset and is dangerous, viewing only during bright daytime hours is recommended.
- ClosedNone (always open)
- FeeFree
- ParkingNone (no dedicated car park). The surroundings are a farm road amid sugarcane fields, so you park briefly on a widened road shoulder beside the farm road so as not to obstruct farm-vehicle traffic or work. As it is a land-improvement district and farmland, take great care with the parking position.
- ContactMiyakojima City Board of Education, Lifelong Learning Promotion Division (Cultural Properties Section) 0980-72-3764
Visiting tips & what to bring
You need to descend a narrow, steep slope from the thicket beside the farm road toward the cliff face of the collapse doline, with a danger of slipping and falling. Slopes wet just after rain or with morning dew are especially slippery and dangerous. Wear non-slip sports shoes or trekking shoes, and keep luggage minimal so both hands are free. The cave interior has rockfall, collapse and unstable footing, so avoid entering and keep to viewing the exterior. As it is a subtropical thicket, in summer beware of horseflies, mosquitoes, the habu snake and the like, and long sleeves, long trousers and insect repellent are recommended. After sunset the footing cannot be seen at all and is dangerous, so daytime only. As the surroundings are farmland and a land-improvement district including private land, do not enter fields or sugarcane, and be considerate so as not to obstruct farm work. Collecting or taking away cultural properties and fossils is prohibited. There are no toilets or vending machines, so take care of things in advance.For families with small children
It is unsuitable for families with small children aged 0 to 6. You need to descend a narrow, steep slope from the thicket, the footing is poor with a danger of slipping, a pushchair cannot be used and even carrying is dangerous. The cave interior cannot be entered due to rockfall and falling dangers. It is a shadeless farm road with many insects in summer and no toilets or rest facilities. For elementary-school-age and older children interested in geology and fossils, accompanied by a guardian, it can be a place of learning, but avoid viewing with preschoolers and spend time safely at places such as Sawada-no-Hama...FAQ
Q.Can you go inside the cave to view it?
A.Avoid entering the interior. There is rockfall, collapse and unstable footing with a danger of falling. Viewing the exterior of the cave opening in the cliff face is the basis.
Q.Is the location easy to find? Is there a sign?
A.Yes, a sign is now in place and it is listed on Google Maps, making it far easier to find than before. The landmark is about 500m to the north-east of the intersection of the Sawada Line and the trunk farm road.
Q.Is there parking?
A.There is no dedicated car park. As the surroundings are a farm road amid sugarcane fields, park briefly on a road shoulder so as not to obstruct farm work or traffic. As it is a land-improvement district and farmland, consideration of the parking position is needed.
Q.What clothing and items should I bring?
A.As you descend a narrow, steep slope, non-slip sports shoes or trekking shoes are essential. In summer there are many insects, so bring long sleeves, long trousers, insect repellent and drinks. Avoid it after rain as it is slippery and dangerous.
Q.What fossils were found here?
A.In a 1977 University of the Ryukyus survey, fossil fragments of the Miyako muntjac (a deer), and in 1999 a fossil human tooth, were found. It is a valuable geological and archaeological site for considering the ancient Ryukyu archipelago and human migration. Collecting fossils is prohibited.