Sarahama Village | A Maze-Like Fishing Town and the Ya-gama Ku-gama Walking Tour (Irabu, Miyako)

Sarahama village is a historic fishing town on the north-east of Irabu Island, where houses cluster densely on a steep slope overlooking Sarahama Port. It is a village built by the "Ikema people" who crossed over from Ikemajima in 1720, and it flourished on bonito fishing. Stone walls stacked with table coral, stone stairways barely wide enough for one person, ishiganto charm stones, and utaki sacred prayer places interweave like a net, creating a distinctive, maze-like landscape. From its colourful rows of houses it is also called "the Santorini of Japan" and is popular with photography lovers. The village can be freely strolled at all times, and a walking tour, "Ya-gama Ku-gama" (meaning to amble while dropping in at houses here and there), in which a local guide shows you the lanes and homes, is also run daily from 11:30. Through interaction with the grandfathers and grandmothers, you can have an experience found nowhere else, touching the island life and the pride of a seafaring people.

Full article about this spot

Uoichiba Ichiwa: The 900-Yen Tub Sashimi Bowl by Sarahama Fishing Port on Irabu Island (Miyako)

A review of Uoichiba Ichiwa by Sarahama Fishing Port on Irabu Island near Miyakojima: a now-closed diner famous for a 900-yen tub-piled tuna and bonito sashimi bowl with four ways to eat it.

Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressAza Maezato-soe 1, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening timeThe village is 24 hours (always open, free to stroll). The Ya-gama Ku-gama walking tour runs daily 11:30 to 13:00 (about 90 minutes).
ClosedNone (the village is always open). The tour requires booking the day before, so check whether it is running.
FeeStrolling the village is free. The guided Ya-gama Ku-gama walking tour is 2,500 yen (about US$17) per person (runs with 2 or more people).
ParkingAvailable, free (multiple parking spaces around Sarahama Port). As parking is not possible within the lanes, park on the port side and explore on foot.
ContactIrabu Fisheries Cooperative TEL 0980-73-7311 (tour bookings and inquiries; book by 17:00 the day before)

Visiting tips & what to bring

As stone steps and narrow lanes continue on a steep slope, easy-to-walk trainers are essential. There are many slopes and steps; sandals and heels are dangerous. There is little shade, so prepare a hat and water in summer. As it is a place where people live, consideration is needed: do not be loud, do not enter private property, and do not photograph residents or homes without permission. Public toilets can be used around the Sarahama Port terminal. The lanes cannot be entered by car, so park on the port side and explore on foot.

For families with small children

Steep stone steps and narrow slopes run continuously, and a pushchair cannot be used. Even with a baby carrier, going up and down the slope is a big burden, so it is somewhat unsuitable for families with children aged 0 to 6. As they are living lanes, watch for small children running out. The guided tour walks for about 90 minutes, which can feel long for preschoolers. It is recommended to combine it with viewing around the port and using the diner, and keep it to a manageable short stroll.

FAQ

Q.Do I need to book the walking tour?

A.Yes, you need to book by phone with the Irabu Fisheries Cooperative (TEL 0980-73-7311) by 17:00 the day before. It runs with 2 or more people, at 2,500 yen per person. For just strolling the village, no booking is needed and you can walk freely.

Q.What clothing and items should I bring?

A.As there are many steep stone steps and slopes, easy-to-walk trainers are essential. As there is little shade, prepare a hat, drinks and sunscreen. With the slope climbs, easy-to-move clothing is recommended.

Q.Can you drive into the village? Is there parking?

A.The lanes are narrow and cannot be entered by car. There are multiple free parking spaces around Sarahama Port, so park there and explore on foot. It is about 10 minutes by car from the Miyakojima side across the Irabu Ohashi Bridge.

Q.How long does a stroll take?

A.For a free stroll, about 30 minutes to an hour to enjoy the main lanes and the port view. The guided Ya-gama Ku-gama tour is about 90 minutes from 11:30 to 13:00 and includes home visits and interaction with residents.

Q.What are the highlights of Sarahama village?

A.The colourful rows of houses on the steep slope overlooking the fishing port, the table-coral stone walls, ishiganto charm stones and utaki sacred places, with island life breathing through maze-like lanes. The view of the port and sea from the high ground is a photogenic, spectacular spot.