Full article about this spot
Map & Access
Basic Information
- Location (Island)Irabu Island
- AddressAza Ikemazoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
- Hours / Opening time24 hours (no set viewing time as it is an outdoor natural coast. However, there is no maintained path, so limit visits to bright hours and low-tide times).
- ClosedNone (always open)
- FeeFree
- ParkingNone (no dedicated car park, signage or promenade at all. The nearest is the Sawada-no-Hama car park, and beyond that you push through trackless bush).
- ContactMiyakojima Tourism Association 0980-79-6611
Visiting tips & what to bring
It is not an off-limits zone, but it is an unmaintained, high-difficulty secluded place with a high level of danger. Seawater flows into the sea cave interior at high tide, with a risk of being swept away by waves, so always check the low-tide time on the tide table in advance. Reaching it requires crossing trackless jungle, steep slopes, mud, sharp plants and hard coral reef, the entrance is extremely hard to find and GPS is essential. Cases of getting lost and rescue have actually been reported. Avoid casual solo action, and accompaniment by an experienced person who knows the terrain is recommended. Long sleeves, long trousers, non-slip marine shoes (no beach sandals), gloves, drinking water, insect repellent and a power bank are essential. Going deep into the abu (hole) risks rockfall and falling and is dangerous. Note that the nearby Iguana Rock and Sankakuten are designated off-limits by the Miyakojima Tourism Association. Do not enter private land or farmland, and always take your rubbish home. There is also a way to head over from the sea side by SUP, but watch for sudden changes in sea conditions.For families with small children
It is unsuitable for families with small children aged 0 to 6. There is no maintained path, handrail, toilet or parking at all, and you need to cross trackless jungle steep slopes, mud, sharp plants and hard coral reef for a long time, with a risk of getting lost. Seawater flows into the cave at high tide, with a risk of being swept away by waves. A pushchair cannot be used, and crossing while carrying a child carries a high risk of falls and injury and is dangerous. Families with small children should head to the nearby Sawada-no-Hama or Makiyama Observatory...FAQ
Q.Can anyone easily go to Usunusunbuu?
A.No. There is no maintained path, signage or parking, and you need to cross trackless jungle, steep slopes and coral reef. Cases of getting lost have been reported, and accompaniment by an experienced person who knows the terrain is strongly recommended.
Q.Can you go inside the cave?
A.At low tide the sand appears and you can go in, but at high tide seawater flows in. Always check the low-tide time on the tide table in advance and leave before high tide. There is a risk of being swept away by waves.
Q.Is it the same place as Iguana Rock?
A.Usunusunbuu is a coastal cave-like shore, also called Dragon Rock. The cliff-top lookout Iguana Rock, on the other hand, is a different point, designated off-limits by the Miyakojima Tourism Association for safety reasons. Take care not to confuse them.
Q.What clothing and equipment should I bring?
A.Long sleeves, long trousers, non-slip marine shoes (no beach sandals), gloves, insect repellent, drinking water, and a smartphone with a power bank for GPS are essential. Also take sun-protection measures.
Q.I heard there is a way to go from the sea by SUP.
A.Yes. There is a way to access from the sea side by SUP from places such as Hazama Beach. It avoids the land jungle, but you need to watch for sudden changes in sea conditions and currents, and accompaniment by an experienced person is reassuring here too.