Sawada-no-Hama Observatory | A Sunset Viewpoint over the Tsunami Boulders (Irabu, Miyako)

Sawada-no-Hama Observatory is a sunset-viewing spot along Sawada-no-Hama in the north-west of Irabu Island. It is located along the coast about 500m toward Shimojishima from Fureai Plaza, with parking spaces nearby. Sawada-no-Hama is a shallow beach chosen as one of the Top 100 Beaches of Japan, where a distinctive landscape spreads out with giant boulders said to have been washed up by the Great Meiwa Tsunami of 1771. From the viewing spot you can watch the sun setting into the sea beyond those giant boulders, known as one of the finest scenic points in Miyakojima. There are no fees or entry restrictions, and anyone can view it freely. About 20 minutes from central Hirara via the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, you reach it by heading south along the coast road from Hakuchozaki. As it is a spot where the sunset is the star, visiting around an hour before sundown is recommended.

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

Open in Google Maps

Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressSawada 1726, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open). As an outdoor viewing spot there is no viewing time restriction. The sunset is the greatest highlight, and the period from about an hour before sundown until sundown is most recommended.
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingAvailable (you can use the free car park at Sawada-no-Hama and the parking spaces near the observatory)
ContactMiyakojima Tourism Association 0980-79-6611 (inquiry point for the Sawada-no-Hama area)

Visiting tips & what to bring

As the purpose is sunset viewing, the footing becomes hard to see in the dim hours around sundown. Prepare a torch or phone light and visit in easy-to-walk footwear. The coast has many rocks, which are slippery when wet, so do not get too close to the sea edge. Sawada-no-Hama is very shallow, but at the start of a spring-tide flood the seawater flows in fast, so be mindful of the tide level. As it is outdoors with no shade, in the daytime a hat and sunscreen are needed. In summer there are insects such as mosquitoes and horseflies, so take insect-repellent measures. As there may be no permanent toilet or shop near the observatory, it is reassuring to use the facilities at Sawada-no-Hama proper in advance. Depending on the weather, the sunset may not be visible.

For families with small children

Even with children aged 0 to 6, as it is close to parking and a viewing spot for gazing at the sea, a short viewing suits. However, the surroundings have many rocks with unstable footing, and it gets dim in the evening, so do not take your eyes off children and hold hands while walking. The sea edge has places where the tide moves fast, so beware of falls and getting wet. As there may be no permanent toilet nearby, a visit after taking care of things at Sawada-no-Hama proper is recommended. Aiming for sundown tends to overlap with nap and dinner time...

FAQ

Q.What is the recommended time to visit Sawada-no-Hama Observatory?

A.As the sunset is the greatest highlight, from about an hour before sundown until sundown is recommended. The sun setting into the sea beyond the giant boulders is spectacular.

Q.Is there parking?

A.Yes. You can use the free Sawada-no-Hama car park and the parking spaces near the observatory.

Q.Is there an admission fee?

A.It is free. It is an outdoor viewing spot with no entry restrictions, and anyone can view it freely.

Q.Are there toilets or a shop?

A.Sawada-no-Hama proper has toilets, showers and a shop, but there may be no permanent facilities near the observatory. It is reassuring to take care of things in advance.

Q.Can families with children enjoy it?

A.A short viewing of the sea scenery suits, but the surroundings are rocky with unstable footing, so hold hands and take care for safety.