Obiiwa Rock | A Giant 20,000-Tonne Tsunami Boulder on Shimojishima (Miyako)

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2026年06月19日

Obiiwa Rock is a giant tsunami boulder soaring on the west coast of Shimojishima, a Miyakojima City-designated historic site. With a diameter of 59.9m, a height of 12.5m and an estimated weight of about 20,000 tonnes, it is said to have been washed up from the sea by the Great Meiwa Tsunami of 1771. The central part of the rock is slightly hollowed, and because it looks like a person wearing an obi (sash), it is called "Obiiwa", and a torii is now enshrined as an object of folk faith praying for household safety, a big catch and safe voyages. It is located on the west side of Shimojishima Airport, about 800m south of Toriike Pond, and you can easily drop by by car by crossing the Irabu Ohashi Bridge and proceeding along the perimeter road. Only about 50m from the coast, it is a powerful spot where you can experience the threat of nature and history. It can be viewed free at all times, in an area easy to fit into a Shimojishima sightseeing route together with Toriike Pond and Nakanoshima Beach.

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Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Shimojishima
AddressAza Sawada 1742, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open)
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingAvailable, free, space for a few cars in front of the rock (not laid out in marked bays)
ContactMiyakojima City Board of Education Lifelong Learning Promotion Division 0980-72-3764 / https://www.city.miyakojima.lg.jp/soshiki/kyouiku/syougaigakusyu/syougaikakusyu/ShimojishimaKyogan.html

Visiting tips & what to bring

It is an outdoor nature and historic-site spot with no toilets or shop. You can approach close to the rock, but the footing is unpaved gravel and grass, so easy-to-walk trainers are recommended. In summer there is no shade and the direct sun is strong, so bring a hat, sun protection and drinks. There are insects such as mosquitoes in the grass, so insect repellent gives peace of mind. There is a torii as an object of faith, a sacred place where locals offer prayers, so refrain from acts such as climbing the rock. The parking space is not laid out in marked bays, with a few cars on the road shoulder, so use it considerately.

For families with small children

Viewing finishes in a short time and you can park very close and gaze at the giant rock, so it is an easy spot to drop by even with small children. However, the footing is unpaved, a pushchair is hard to push, and there are no baby chairs, toilets or breastfeeding facilities. The area around the rock is grassy with insects, so viewing while carrying or holding hands is reassuring. As there is no shade, keep viewing short in the hot season and be mindful of frequent hydration.

FAQ

Q.Please tell me how to get to Obiiwa Rock.

A.Cross the Irabu Ohashi Bridge to Shimojishima and proceed along the island perimeter road. It is on the west side of Shimojishima Airport, about 800m south of Toriike Pond, a dozen or so minutes by car from the bridge. Travel by hire car is convenient.

Q.Is there parking or an admission fee?

A.Admission is free and you can view it freely 24 hours a day. There is space for a few cars in front of the rock, but it is not laid out in marked bays, so use it considerately.

Q.How long does a visit take?

A.About 10 to 15 minutes is enough to gaze at the giant rock and take photos. It is efficient to tour it together with the nearby Toriike Pond and Nakanoshima Beach.

Q.Are there toilets or a shop?

A.There are no toilets, shop or vending machines on site. It is reassuring to take care of things in advance at the Miyako Shimojishima Airport Terminal and prepare drinks.

Q.What clothing and items are recommended?

A.As the footing is unpaved, easy-to-walk trainers are reassuring. As there is no shade, a hat, sunscreen and drinks, and insect repellent in the grass, let you view it comfortably.