Susabi Myaaka | A Megalithic Tomb in the Fields of Irabu Island (Miyako)

Susabi Myaaka is a megalithic tomb (myaaka) still standing in the fields east of Aza Irabu on Irabu Island. Estimated to have been built around 1600, it is said to be the largest in scale and the finest in stonemasonry among the surviving myaaka of the Irabu district. The outer enclosure stonework has a double structure; the outer one is about 10.8m east-west, about 7.2m north-south and about 1.8m high, with tatami-sized giant stones stacked up. The interior of the stone coffin is about 90cm long, about 1.5m wide and about 75cm deep. It is a Miyakojima City-designated historic site (there is also a note that it was registered as an Okinawa Prefecture cultural property in 2009), and the origin of the interred is not clear. Turn right in front of the entrance to the Miyako Sugar Manufacturing factory, proceed about 350m along the path through the fields, and it is on the right, where viewing from outside is possible. Standing quietly in the plain farmland, it is a valuable historic site conveying the tomb customs and stonemasonry culture of Miyako and Irabu to the present.

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Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressHigashikata-bara 1304, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open, outdoor historic site)
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingNone (as it is a path through the fields, consideration is needed for temporary roadside parking so as not to obstruct traffic or farm work).
ContactMiyakojima City Board of Education, Lifelong Learning Promotion Division (Cultural Properties) 0980-72-3751

Visiting tips & what to bring

As it is both a historic site and a tomb, do not climb the stonework or touch the stones; view it quietly from outside. It is in the fields, so do not enter private land or among the crops without permission. The surroundings are insufficiently paved farm road with vehicles passing and crossing and farm-vehicle traffic, so take great care with your stopping position. There is no dedicated car park, toilet or shop. In summer the sun is strong with little tree shade, so prepare a hat and drinks, and long sleeves, long trousers and easy-to-walk footwear give peace of mind against insect bites and the habu snake in the grass. Signage is scarce and it is easy to miss, so check the coordinates on a map app before heading over.

For families with small children

As it is a tomb and historic site with no playground equipment or facilities at all, and viewing finishes in a short time, it is not a place where infants can enjoy themselves for long. The farm-road footing is poor and a pushchair is unsuitable. With children aged 0 to 6, given that it is a tomb, keep to quietly viewing from outside and take care not to let them climb the stonework. A short drop-by is possible if you can be mindful of insect bites, the sun and passing vehicles, but for sightseeing aimed at children, combining it with the nearby Toguchi-no-Hama is recommended...

FAQ

Q.Can you view Susabi Myaaka freely?

A.It is an outdoor historic site, always open and free to view from outside. However, as it is a tomb, do not climb or touch the stonework; view it quietly.

Q.Please tell me how to get there.

A.Cross the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, proceed along Prefectural Route 204, turn right in front of the entrance to the Miyako Sugar Manufacturing factory, and proceed about 350m along the path through the fields; it is on the right. The guideline is about 26 minutes by car from Miyako Airport.

Q.Are there parking and toilets?

A.There is no dedicated car park, toilet or shop. As it is a farm road in the fields, consideration is needed for temporary stopping in a position that does not obstruct traffic or farm work.

Q.What kind of historic site is it?

A.It is a megalithic tomb estimated to have been built around 1600, a Miyakojima City-designated historic site with the largest scale and finest stonemasonry among the myaaka of the Irabu district. Its feature is a structure of tatami-sized giant stones stacked in a double layer.

Q.How long does a visit take?

A.It centres on viewing the exterior, about 5 to 10 minutes. Touring it together with nearby spots such as Toguchi-no-Hama or Noose Utaki is recommended.