Hotel South Island: A Practical, Affordable Base on Irabu Island (Miyako)

A Hotel of Overwhelming Convenience with a Supermarket on the Ground Floor

Right after check-in, putting my luggage in the room, I thought, "ah, I have to buy drinks."

I go down the stairs. From the third floor to the second, then to the first. And there's a supermarket right in front, with a sign reading "Maruki Supermarket." There really is a supermarket on the hotel's ground floor.

Open the door and it's an ordinary supermarket, with ingredients, alcohol, snacks and daily goods all there. It's apparently "the island's only large supermarket," and the range is good.

I buy 2 Orion Beers, 1 juice and a few snacks, and queue at the checkout. Locals are shopping too, and although it's the hotel's ground floor, locals use it too, so I thought it's a proper supermarket.

Back in the room I put the beer in the fridge and open the window. There's an inlet in front, quiet, and the wind feels good. I open the can with a "psht" sound and take a sip. "Ahh, the best," a voice slipped out.

This convenience is amazing. With a supermarket on the hotel's ground floor, you don't have to drive out to shop, you can buy right away if you forget something in the room, and you can buy right away if you're a bit peckish at night.

Hotel South Island is a pink building in the central part of Irabu Island, and it's not exactly a "luxury resort" feel, but I thought this convenience and practicality are the best as a sightseeing base.

The next morning I ate breakfast at the second-floor restaurant, with many small dishes lined up, Okinawan food using island ingredients, full of volume. I thought "do I eat all this?" but it was all delicious.

It's a 10-minute walk to Toguchi-no-Hama, so you can walk to Irabu Island's most beautiful beach. I strolled before breakfast, no one was there, and it was like a private beach.

25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, 10 minutes from Shimojishima Airport, so the access isn't bad. The car park is free too, so it's convenient.

The rooms are old. Honestly, they're old, but spacious and clean, and the unit bath was apparently just replaced recently and was beautiful. There's no lift, so for third- or fourth-floor rooms you carry luggage by the stairs, which is a bit tough.

But with this convenience and this reasonable price — from ¥11,650 (about US$78) a night, and from ¥13,032 (about US$87) even with breakfast — this price on Irabu Island helps.

In this article, I'll write all of Hotel South Island's appeal. The convenience of the ground-floor supermarket, the second-floor restaurant breakfast, the room atmosphere, access to Toguchi-no-Hama, and the suitabilities too.

There are reviews like "the rooms are old but spacious and clean, and shopping is easy with a supermarket right below" and "the simple breakfast is delicious," and I think it's truly so.

It's not a perfect luxury resort, and the building is old too. But this practicality, this convenience and this price are truly convenient as a sightseeing base. For people who want to "stay reasonably" on Irabu Island, people who value the convenience of shopping and meals, and people looking for a sightseeing base, Hotel South Island will surely meet your expectations.

Hotel South Island Is a Practical Hotel in Central Irabu Island

Hotel South Island is a hotel in the central part of Irabu Island, marked by a pink building.

A Location Facing a Quiet Inlet

The location faces a quiet inlet, along the channel running between Irabu Island and Shimojishima. There was a review saying "it's like a resort hotel from a bygone era," and indeed it has that atmosphere. But that's not a bad thing — it has a nostalgic feel and is calming.

The address is 1493-1 Irabu, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, and the access is 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, 10 minutes by car from Shimojishima Airport. It's about 10 minutes by car after crossing the Irabu Bridge, so with a rental car there's no problem.

Free Parking for About 10 Cars

The car park is free, for about 10 cars. It's wide, so a normal-sized car can park with room to spare. No booking needed, so it's fine whenever you go.

I've visited several times, but the car park was never full. Irabu Island is an area with few tourists, so it rarely gets crowded.

Check-In and Check-Out

Check-in: 14:00–22:00
Check-out: 11:00

Check-in is 14:00 to 22:00, check-out 11:00. Check-out at 11:00 is a nice point, letting you spend the morning slowly.

The reception is on the second floor, up an outdoor staircase. There are many reviews saying the staff response is good — "brisk response," "they exchange greetings frequently," "they explained politely."

A 3-to-4-Storey Building with No Lift

The building is 3 to 4 storeys, with rooms on the third and fourth floors. There's no lift, only stairs. With heavy luggage it's a bit tough, but apparently the staff sometimes help.

I've stayed in a third-floor room too, and going up the stairs was a bit tough. But I think it's a level no problem for young people.

21 Rooms in Total, by Type

There are 21 rooms in total, 16 Western-style and 5 Japanese-style. You can choose from single, twin and Japanese-style, accommodating everyone from solo travellers to families.

Single room: ideal for solo travel or business use
Twin room: for couples, married couples, or long stays for marine sports
Japanese-style room (6–8 tatami): for groups and families

The view from the room is the inlet side, ocean view, but not exactly a "superb view." You can see the quiet inlet, calm scenery.

Wi-Fi Fully Equipped and Free

Wi-Fi is fully equipped and free, so you can work too. The speed is no problem, and I've worked on a laptop, which ran smoothly.

I think it suits people on a long stay for remote work too.

Reasonable Pricing

Rates:

Room only: from ¥11,650 for 2 adults per night (from ¥6,319 for single use)
With breakfast: from ¥13,032

The rates are reasonable, from ¥11,650 for 2 adults per night room-only. From ¥13,032 even with breakfast, so this price on Irabu Island helps.

I thought "no complaints at this price." It's not a luxury resort, but the value is good.

High Review Ratings

The review ratings are 4.29 on Rakuten Travel and 3.42 on Kakaku.com, with the convenience and value rated highly.

There's a review phrase "for relaxing at a reasonable price, this is good," and I think it's apt. It's not perfect, but at this price with this convenience it's plenty.

5–10 Minutes on Foot to Toguchi-no-Hama

It's 5–10 minutes on foot to Toguchi-no-Hama, so you can walk to the beautiful beach also called "Irabu Island's Maehama." You can go for a morning stroll, go swimming in the afternoon, and it being within walking distance is convenient.

I've strolled Toguchi-no-Hama before breakfast too, and no one was there, like a private beach. The white sand and blue sea were beautiful, and I thought I was glad I got up early.

Good Access to Sightseeing Spots Too

It's 3 km to Tada-no-Hama and 5.5 km to Toriike Pond, so access to sightseeing spots isn't bad either. With a rental car, you can easily go to Irabu Island's main sightseeing spots.

There's rental cycle too, so you can go around the island by bicycle. Being an area where cycling is popular, sightseeing by bicycle is fun too.

24-Hour Front Desk

There's a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage, so the fine services are properly there too. You can leave your luggage and sightsee after check-out, so you can use the last day effectively too.

I've left my luggage after check-out, swum at Toguchi-no-Hama and then headed to the airport. It was convenient.

The Biggest Feature Is the In-Building Convenience

The biggest feature is "Maruki Supermarket" on the ground floor and "Restaurant Irie" on the second floor. Everything is completed within the building, so you can eat and shop without going out. This convenience is, I think, Hotel South Island's biggest appeal.

▶Check the details on the official site

The Ground-Floor Maruki Supermarket Is the Strongest Convenience

Hotel South Island's ground floor has a supermarket called "Maruki Supermarket."

Shopping at the ground-floor supermarket

Opening Hours 8:00–20:00

Opening hours: 8:00–20:00

The opening hours are 8 to 20, open from morning to night. Being long, it helps. Shop a bit before breakfast, go buy something if peckish at night — you can use it anytime.

When I thought "I want one more beer" at night too, I could go buy it right away, which was convenient.

The Island's Only Large Supermarket

The official site says "the island's only large supermarket," and it's apparently wider with more variety than other supermarkets. The reviews said so too.

Indeed the range is good, with ingredients and daily goods all there. The convenience store is about 6 km away, so having this supermarket is truly convenient.

Overwhelmingly Convenient Being on the Hotel's Ground Floor

What's convenient is that, being the hotel's ground floor, you can shop just by going down the stairs from your room. You don't have to drive out, and it's fine even if it rains.

You don't need to stock up on ingredients on Miyako Island before check-in, you can buy right away if you run short, and buy right away if you forget something. This convenience is truly welcome.

The Ingredients Are Substantial

The ingredients are substantial, with vegetables, meat and fish all there. There are local ingredients and Okinawan ingredients too. For people who self-cater, I think it's the best environment.

The sashimi is fresh, and there was a review phrase "the sashimi in particular is fresh and outstandingly delicious." Locals come to buy too, which means the quality is that good.

Plenty of Alcohol Too

There's plenty of alcohol too, with Orion Beer, awamori and various others. It's chilled, so you can drink it right away. You can toast right after returning to your room.

I bought an Orion Beer too and drank it in the room while seeing the sea. It was the best time.

There Are Deli Dishes and Bento Too

There are deli dishes and bento too. There was a review phrase "in the afternoon, buying deli dishes at the ground-floor supermarket and drinking Orion Beer in the hotel garden is nice too," and I get it. The best way to spend time.

When the restaurant is on its closed day (every Wednesday), having this supermarket means you won't be stuck for meals. You can buy deli dishes and eat in the room too.

Daily Goods Are in Place Too

Daily goods are in place too — shampoo, toothbrush, towels — so you can buy right away if you forget something. I forgot toothpaste and bought it at the supermarket. It was truly convenient.

Locals Use It Too

Locals shop here too, and although it's the hotel's ground floor, locals use it. It functions as an ordinary supermarket, so the range and prices are reliable.

When I was queuing at the checkout too, I was queuing with locals and thought "locals use this place." That's how convenient a place it is.

Maruki Supermarket: Shopping Like a Local on Irabu Island (Miyako)

Maruki Supermarket on Irabu Island near Miyakojima is the islanders go-to store: opening hours, parking, deli bento, pork-tamago onigiri, Orion Beer and handy tips.

Enjoy Breakfast at the Second-Floor Restaurant Irie

Hotel South Island's second floor has "Restaurant Irie," which serves breakfast.

A Restaurant with the Sea Spreading Before You

Restaurant Irie has the sea spreading before it, with the inlet visible from the window. You can eat breakfast while gazing at the view, so you feel good from the morning.

I thought "what a nice view" while seeing the sea and eating breakfast too. A quiet inlet, the sound of the waves coming, you can relax.

A Japanese Breakfast with Many Small Dishes

Breakfast has many small dishes lined up, Okinawan food using island ingredients. It's full of volume, enough to make you think "do I eat all this?"

But it's all delicious and you finish it. A simple taste, a breakfast gentle on the body.

You Can Taste Local Dishes

You can taste local dishes too, like menus using fresh local fish and Miyako soba. An Okinawan-style breakfast where you can taste the travel mood.

I've eaten Miyako soba for breakfast too, and it was a gentle taste and delicious. I think it's a breakfast that satisfies from the morning.

The Breakfast-Included Plan Is a Good Deal

The breakfast-included plan is from ¥13,032, only ¥1,382 more than room-only. It's a good deal, so the breakfast-included plan is recommended.

If you try to eat breakfast out, you have to travel by car to a restaurant, so being able to eat breakfast at the hotel is convenient.

The Closed Day Is Every Wednesday

Restaurant Irie is closed every Wednesday, so if you stay on a Wednesday, breakfast isn't served. In that case you need to buy ingredients at the ground-floor Maruki Supermarket and prepare it yourself.

A review also said "as it was a stay on a no-dinner day, I had to drive to a convenience store about 6 km away to buy dinner," so if you stay on a Wednesday, care is needed.

The Rooms Are Old but Spacious and Clean

Hotel South Island's rooms are old, but spacious and clean.

The Rooms Are Old but Spacious

The rooms are old. Honestly they're old, but spacious. Even a single room is roomy with no sense of pressure.

I thought "at this size it's comfortable." There's room to spare even spreading out luggage, so it suits a long stay too.

Cleanly Maintained

The building is old, but the interior and rooms are properly cleaned. A review also said "the building is old but the interior and rooms are properly cleaned," with a clean feel.

When I entered the room too, I thought "old but clean." Cleaning is properly done, so you can spend it pleasantly.

The Unit Bath Is New

The unit bath was apparently just replaced recently and is beautiful. With an old building, beautiful plumbing is a nice point.

A review also said "the bath unit is new too," and indeed it was new and clean.

Flat-Screen TV Equipped

The rooms have a flat-screen TV. The aircon is fully equipped too, so you can spend it comfortably even on hot days.

Bed linen and towels are provided too, with everything you need in place.

The View from the Room Is the Inlet

The view from the room is the inlet, where you can see the quiet sea. It's not exactly a "superb view," but it's calm scenery and soothing.

I opened the window and drank beer while seeing the sea too, and it was quiet and the wind was pleasant, and I could relax.

There's a Room-Wear Gown

There's a room-wear gown too, but a review said "the room-wear gown had no tie," so the condition may differ by room.

The room I stayed in was fine, but I think if it bothers you, telling the front desk gets it handled.

Fridge Equipped

A fridge is equipped too, so you can chill the drinks and ingredients bought at the ground-floor supermarket. This is truly convenient, and being able to chill beer is the best.

I bought a few beers and put them in the fridge too. Being able to drink a chilled beer anytime is happiness.

Note the Lack of a Lift

Hotel South Island has no lift, so you need to carry luggage by the stairs.

The Third and Fourth Floors Are Stairs Only

The rooms are on the third and fourth floors, and with no lift you carry luggage by the stairs. This is a bit tough.

I stayed in a third-floor room too, and carrying a big suitcase up the stairs was a bit tough. But I think it's a level no problem for young people.

The Staff Sometimes Help

The staff sometimes help, so people with heavy luggage can consult at the front desk. A review also said "the staff are pleasant," so I think they'll respond kindly.

Caution for the Elderly and Those Not Confident in Their Fitness

For the elderly and those not confident in their fitness, the lack of a lift might be inconvenient. It's best to check in advance and consider whether you can carry luggage by the stairs.

I was fine being young, but people with concerns about their legs might be better off considering another hotel.

The In-Building Facilities Are Substantial

Hotel South Island has substantial in-building facilities and is convenient.

There's a Laundry Corner

There's a laundry corner where you can do laundry. For people on a long stay, it's a convenient facility.

When I stayed a week too, I did laundry at the laundry. Being a coin laundry, you can use it casually.

There's a Vending Machine

There's a vending machine too, so you can buy drinks right away. Even when the supermarket is closed, you can buy drinks at the vending machine, which is convenient.

There's a Microwave

There's a microwave too, so you can heat up the deli dishes bought at the ground-floor supermarket. It's convenient when eating in the room.

I've heated up deli dishes bought at the supermarket and eaten them in the room too. With the feel of being able to self-cater at the hotel, it suits a long stay.

There's a Mini Kitchen

There's apparently a mini kitchen too, where you can do simple cooking. For people who want to self-cater, it's a nice facility.

I didn't use the mini kitchen, but I think it's convenient for people who want to self-cater on a long stay.

There's a Terrace

There's a terrace too, where you can spend time outside. A review said "in the afternoon, buying deli dishes at the ground-floor supermarket and drinking Orion Beer in the hotel garden is nice too," so I think spending time on the terrace or in the garden is pleasant too.

There's a Diving Shop Too

There's a diving shop on the ground floor, where you can enjoy diving too. A review said "there's a diving shop on the ground floor, and 7 divers used it that day, all of whom were Hotel South Island guests," so it seems to be a hotel popular with divers.

For people who want to enjoy marine sports too, I think it becomes a convenient base.

Toguchi-no-Hama Is Within Walking Distance

It's 5–10 minutes on foot from Hotel South Island to Toguchi-no-Hama, so you can walk there.

Irabu Island's No.1 Beach

Toguchi-no-Hama is Irabu Island's No.1 beach, also called "Irabu Island's Maehama." The white sand and blue sea are beautiful, with high transparency.

800 metres of white sand continues, and being a shallow flat with calm waves, it's easy to swim. It's chosen among Japan's 100 Best Shores too.

Ideal for a Morning Stroll

It's ideal for a morning stroll, and early morning is quiet with few people. I've strolled Toguchi-no-Hama before breakfast too, and no one was there, like a private beach.

Strolling while seeing the morning sun, I thought "to be able to spend such luxurious time." Having such a beautiful beach within walking distance is the best.

You Can Go Swimming in the Afternoon

You can go swimming in the afternoon, putting on a swimsuit at the hotel and walking there with a towel. There's no need to travel by car, so it's easy.

I've swum at Toguchi-no-Hama in the afternoon too, and the sea was incredibly beautiful and I was moved. The transparency was high, and I could see fish swimming.

7 Minutes on Foot from the Beach

Official info says "7 minutes on foot from Toguchi-no-Hama," and it's really close. After swimming at the beach, you can return to the hotel right away and shower, so it's convenient.

I thought "if it's this close, I can go to the sea any number of times." You can go to the sea twice, morning and afternoon.

Toguchi-no-Hama: Irabu's Powder-Sand Beach So Fine It Made Me Laugh

Toguchi-no-Hama on Irabu Island near Miyako has flour-fine white powder sand and emerald sea. The two entrances, Blue Turtle cafe, photo breakwater and 7 tips.

Access to Nearby Sightseeing Spots

Access to nearby sightseeing spots from Hotel South Island is good too.

3 km to Tada-no-Hama

It's 3 km by car to Tada-no-Hama, so you can get there quickly. Tada-no-Hama is a hideaway-like beach, quiet with few people.

I've visited Tada-no-Hama too, and truly no one was there, like a private beach. I think it's a hidden gem.

5.5 km to Toriike Pond

It's 5.5 km by car to Toriike Pond, Shimojishima's representative sightseeing spot. Two circular ponds, large and small, connect to the sea through a cave on the sea side, where you can enjoy mysterious scenery.

I've visited Toriike Pond too, and it was a strange sight and impressive. Being close to the hotel, it's easy to sightsee.

Toriike Pond: The Mysterious Indigo Karst Pond of Shimojishima (Irabu, Miyako)

Toriike Pond on Shimojishima near Irabu Island and Miyakojima is a deep-indigo karst doline linked to the sea. Its colour, legends, diving, the walkway and visiting tips.

About 15 Minutes by Car to 17END

17END is the tip of the Shimojishima Airport runway, a superb-view spot representing Irabu Island. The colour of the sea is Miyako blue and beautiful.

It's about 15 minutes by car from the hotel, so you can get there quickly. You can see planes taking off and landing up close too, a photogenic spot.

17END: The Reality Behind Irabu's Famous Beach (Miyako)

17END near Irabu Island and Miyakojima is stunning, but the photos hide the reality: a 15-min walk, zero facilities, tetrapods. Low-tide timing, tips and FAQ.

About 10 Minutes by Car to Sawada-no-Hama

Sawada-no-Hama is about 10 minutes by car from the hotel, a beautiful beach chosen among Japan's 100 Best Shores. Tsunami boulders are dotted about, where you can enjoy distinctive scenery.

It's known as a place with a beautiful sunset, so visiting in the evening is recommended.

Sawada-no-Hama: Go for the Sunset, Not Midday (Irabu, Miyako)

Sawada-no-Hama on Irabu Island looks plain at midday but stuns at sunset. Why to go in the evening at low tide, the tsunami stones, and tips near Miyakojima.

About 10 Minutes by Car to the Irabu Bridge

The Irabu Bridge is about 10 minutes by car from the hotel, a bridge connecting Miyako Island and Irabu Island. At 3,540 metres total, it's Japan's longest toll-free bridge.

The view from atop the bridge is beautiful, and it's popular as a drive course. I've crossed the Irabu Bridge many times too, and each time I think "this view is the best."

Irabu Bridge Drive: The Thrill of Flying Over the Sea, and Why the Wind Is Scary (Miyako)

Driving the Irabu Bridge near Miyakojima: Japan longest toll-free bridge at 3,540 m. The exhilaration over the sea, the danger of strong wind, photo spots and safety tips.

Touring the Island by Rental Cycle

Hotel South Island offers rental cycle, so you can tour the island by bicycle.

An Area Where Cycling Is Popular

Irabu Island is an area where cycling is popular, and sightseeing by bicycle is fun too. With few traffic lights and few cars, it's ideal for cycling.

I've used rental cycle too, and touring the island while feeling the wind felt good.

You Can Go to Toguchi-no-Hama by Bicycle

You can go to Toguchi-no-Hama by bicycle, so you can go to the beach casually. Go to Toguchi-no-Hama by bicycle in the morning, stroll, and return to the hotel. That way of spending time is nice too.

You Can Tour Sightseeing Spots by Bicycle Too

You can tour sightseeing spots like Toriike Pond and 17END by bicycle too. Even people without a rental car can sightsee with a bicycle, so it's convenient.

After returning my rental car, I've sightseen nearby by bicycle too. Being able to tour the island casually is nice.

Who Hotel South Island Suits and Doesn't Suit

Let me sum up who Hotel South Island suits and doesn't suit.

People It Suits

People who want to stay reasonably
From ¥11,650 a night, and from ¥13,032 even with breakfast, so the value is good.

People who value the convenience of shopping and meals
With a supermarket on the ground floor and a restaurant on the second floor, everything is completed within the building.

People looking for a sightseeing base
Toguchi-no-Hama is within walking distance, and access to nearby sightseeing spots is good too, so it's convenient as a sightseeing base.

People who want a long stay
Long-stay-convenient facilities like a laundry corner, mini kitchen and microwave are in place.

Divers
There's a diving shop on the ground floor, where you can enjoy diving too.

Solo travel or business use
There are single rooms and Wi-Fi is fully equipped, so it suits solo travel and business use too.

People It Doesn't Suit

People who want a luxury resort
The building is old and not exactly a "luxury resort" feel. It doesn't suit people who seek a sense of luxury.

People who need a lift
With no lift, third- and fourth-floor rooms require carrying luggage by the stairs. It's inconvenient for the elderly and those not confident in their fitness.

People who want a superb ocean view
The view from the room is the inlet, where you can see the quiet sea, but it's not exactly a "superb view." It might be lacking for people who want a superb ocean view.

People who want a new building
The building is old, so it doesn't suit people who want a new building. However, cleaning is properly done, so there's a clean feel.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Let me sum up and answer questions often asked about Hotel South Island.

Q1: Where is Hotel South Island?
The central part of Irabu Island. The address is 1493-1 Irabu, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa.

Q2: What's the access?
25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, 10 minutes by car from Shimojishima Airport.

Q3: Is there parking?
Yes. Free, for about 10 cars. No booking needed.

Q4: What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in 14:00–22:00, check-out 11:00.

Q5: Is there a lift?
No. Stairs only.

Q6: Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes. Free with no problem with speed.

Q7: What's the rate?
Room-only from ¥11,650 for 2 adults per night. From ¥13,032 with breakfast.

Q8: What are the ground-floor supermarket's hours?
8:00–20:00.

Q9: What's the restaurant's closed day?
Every Wednesday.

Q10: How many minutes to Toguchi-no-Hama?
5–10 minutes on foot.

Q11: Is there rental cycle?
Yes. You can tour the island by bicycle.

Q12: Can I dive?
You can. There's a diving shop on the ground floor.

The Best as a Sightseeing Base with Overwhelming Convenience

What I felt most strongly from visiting Hotel South Island many times is that this is the best place as a sightseeing base, with overwhelming convenience.

With Maruki Supermarket on the ground floor, you can shop just by going down the stairs from your room. You don't have to drive out, and it's fine even if it rains. You don't need to stock up on ingredients on Miyako Island before check-in, you can buy right away if you run short, and buy right away if you forget something.

The ingredients are substantial, with vegetables, meat and fish all there. The sashimi is fresh, and locals come to buy too. There's plenty of alcohol too — Orion Beer, awamori — and it's chilled so you can drink it right away. There are deli dishes and bento too. Daily goods are in place too — shampoo, toothbrush, towels — so you can buy right away if you forget something.

With Restaurant Irie on the second floor serving breakfast. The sea spreads before you, with the inlet visible from the window. Many small dishes are lined up, Okinawan food using island ingredients, full of volume. A simple taste, a breakfast gentle on the body.

There are reviews like "the rooms are old but spacious and clean, and shopping is easy with a supermarket right below" and "the simple breakfast is delicious," and I think it's truly so.

For people who want to "stay reasonably" on Irabu Island, people who value the convenience of shopping and meals, people looking for a sightseeing base, people who want a long stay, divers, and people on solo travel or business use. Hotel South Island will surely meet your expectations.

If you come to Irabu Island, I want you to definitely stay at Hotel South Island. And I want you to experience all of it — the convenience of the ground-floor supermarket, the second-floor restaurant breakfast, the closeness to Toguchi-no-Hama. Because Hotel South Island is a place that teaches us something important.