Sights Irabu Island

Oyadomari Beach | A Hidden Beach Beneath the Irabu Ohashi Bridge (Miyako)

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Oyadomari Beach is a little-known natural beach along the coast, right after you cross the Irabu Ohashi Bridge. It is one of the few beaches from which you can look up at the 3,540-metre Irabu Ohashi Bridge from directly below, and the contrast woven by the magnificent bridge and the highly transparent sea is a spectacular view unique to here. With few tourists, its appeal is that you can spend a quiet, relaxed time as if on a private beach. You can also pick up beautiful coral fragments and shells, perfect for those who want to relax while gazing at the sea. At the afternoon low tide, the water draws back and the scenery transforms, and you can enjoy the spread of rocks and sand too. Very close by is the city-designated historic site Yamatobu Oiwa Rock, which is also recommended to tour together. As there are no facilities such as toilets or showers, do visit it as a hidden spot to drop by during Irabu Island sightseeing.

Full article about this spot

Map & Access

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Basic Information

  • Location (Island)Irabu Island
  • AddressIkemazoe 923, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
  • Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open)
  • ClosedNone (always open)
  • FeeFree
  • ParkingNone (there is no clear car park; you park on the road shoulder a little before the beach. The parking place is hard to find).
  • ContactNone

Visiting tips & what to bring

There are no facilities at all such as toilets, showers or changing rooms. As it is a natural beach with many rocks and gravel and places where the footing is unstable, marine shoes or easy-to-walk footwear are safer than beach sandals. As you descend to the beach from the foot of the bridge, non-slip footwear is recommended. Tree shade is scarce and the direct sun is strong, so bring a hat, sunscreen and drinks. There is no lifeguard, so be mindful of waves and currents. In the afternoon the scenery changes with the low tide, so checking the tide table is recommended. As the car park is unclear and the parking place is hard to find, take care not to obstruct traffic. Always take your rubbish home.

For families with small children

With no facilities at all and no place for toilets, breastfeeding or nappy changes, it is unsuitable for families with children aged 0 to 6. With unstable footing on rocks and gravel, no lifeguard, and the need to mind waves and currents, it would be a big burden for families with small children. The scenery of seeing the Irabu Ohashi Bridge up close can be enjoyed with the family, but for sea play, a well-equipped beach such as Toguchi-no-Hama is more reassuring. Consider it a spot for a short drop-by or photography.

FAQ

Q.Are there toilets or showers at Oyadomari Beach?

A.There are none. It is a natural beach with no facilities at all such as toilets, showers or changing rooms. If you plan to enter the sea, take care of things at nearby facilities in advance and bring drinks and a towel.

Q.Is there parking? How do you get there by car?

A.There is no dedicated car park; you park on the road shoulder a little before the beach. As the parking place is hard to find, cross the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, head toward Yamatobu Oiwa Rock, and park where you will not obstruct traffic.

Q.What clothing and items should I bring?

A.As there are many rocks and gravel, marine shoes or easy-to-walk, non-slip footwear are recommended. As there is little shade, a hat, sunscreen and drinks are essential. If entering the sea, bring your own marine gear.

Q.What are the highlights and a good time to visit?

A.The greatest highlight is the spectacular view of looking up at the Irabu Ohashi Bridge from directly below. At the afternoon low tide the water draws back and the scenery transforms, and you can enjoy collecting coral and shells. Checking the tide table and aiming for around low tide is recommended.

Q.How long does a visit take?

A.About 20 to 30 minutes for viewing the scenery and taking photos. If you enjoy sea play or shell collecting, allow about an hour. Touring it together with the nearby Yamatobu Oiwa Rock is also recommended.