Minshuku Camp Mura: Budget Cottages and a Campsite by the Sea on Irabu Island (Miyako)

Island time where you can enjoy both cottages and camping

The first time I heard the name Minshuku Camp Mura, I honestly got confused: "Wait, is it a guesthouse? A campsite?" There was barely any information online, so in the end I thought, "It's cheap, might as well give it a go", and booked it two summers ago.

When I arrived, it was nothing like I had pictured. From the name I had imagined a pitch-your-own-tent kind of campsite, but in reality there were independent cottages dotted around, with a grassy camping area further back. I remember thinking, "Oh, this could actually be rather good."

A 5-minute walk to Sawada-no-Hama, rates from the ¥3,000 range (about US$20) a night, and above all an environment where you feel Irabu Island's nature on your skin. Minshuku Camp Mura is a place I genuinely recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy Irabu Island cheaply but comfortably, while at the same time it is not for "people expecting hotel-like service".

In this article, based on actually staying twice, I will write the whole real picture of Minshuku Camp Mura: the facilities, the prices, the sightseeing spots nearby. The good points, and the slightly iffy points too, all honestly.

What kind of place is Minshuku Camp Mura? Starting with the basics

Minshuku Camp Mura is a lodging in the Kuninaka district of Irabu Island, combining cottage-type rooms with a campsite. It has been running since before the Irabu Ohashi Bridge opened in 2015, so it counts as a long-established place known even to the locals.

Address and access

Address: Irabu Kuninaka 645-1, Miyakojima City, Okinawa (some sources list Nagahama 969)
Phone: 0980-78-6008

▶Check the details on the booking site

It is about a 5-minute drive from Shimojishima Airport. From Miyako Airport, it is about 30 minutes by car across the Irabu Ohashi Bridge. With a hire car it is an easy distance to reach. That said, there is no prominent sign, so Google Maps navigation is essential. I remember driving straight past it the first time and having to do a U-turn to come back.

Layout of the facilities

Minshuku Camp Mura is broadly made up of three areas.

Cottage area (2-person units)
Western-style rooms with wooden flooring, sleeping up to two. There are two beds, plus a mini kitchen, bath and toilet, fridge, microwave, TV and wireless LAN. Each cottage is completely independent, so you don't have to worry about noise from the next room.

Cottage area (5-person units)
Larger cottages aimed at families and groups. The facilities are much the same as the 2-person units, but with more space and room for up to five people. For long-stay groups with lots of luggage, this might be the better choice.

Campsite
A grassy camping space. You can pitch tents and tarps and enjoy proper camping. Unlike beachside campsites, it is sheltered from the wind, so there is little worry about your tent being blown away.

The management building has a shared kitchen space and free washing machines, and you can use the BBQ facilities too. In summer I spotted people having grill parties together with other guests.

Pricing

As of 2025, the rates look like this (they vary by season and plan):

2-person cottage: ¥3,100–4,150 (about US$21–28) per person
5-person cottage: ¥4,000–5,200 (about US$27–35) per person
Campsite: ¥700 (about US$5) per person (hot shower included)

Room-only, with no meals provided. But as Irabu Island guesthouses go, it is in the very cheapest class. Considering that Miyakojima hotels run ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 a night, the value is excellent.

Cash payment only; credit cards are not accepted. This is a surprisingly easy thing to overlook, so take note. The first time, I ran short of cash and had to dash to the nearby A-Coop.

What are the cottage facilities actually like?

I stayed in a 2-person cottage twice, and honestly, "it is not new". The building has clearly aged somewhat, with wear on the walls and floors. But it does feel clean. The cleaning is properly done, and the plumbing all worked without issue.

Inside the room

Open the door and you step straight into a wooden-floored Western-style room. Two beds side by side, a TV, fridge and microwave. There is wireless LAN, but the signal is so-so. A bit unreliable for binge-watching videos. Fine for checking email and social media.

The mini kitchen has a single IH hob, so you can do simple cooking. You can borrow pots and frying pans from the management building. Basic seasonings are kept in the shared space too, so you can manage even arriving empty-handed. I bought ingredients at the nearby supermarket and cooked in the cottage: instant Miyako soba, deli items from the local supermarket, that sort of thing.

The bath and toilet are a combined unit bath. The shower pressure is normal. The hot water comes out fine. You are better off bringing your own towels; the supplied ones felt bare minimum.

There is a hairdryer too, but the airflow is weak. If you have long hair, bringing your own will be less stressful, I think.

Air conditioning and dealing with insects

The air conditioning works well. Summer on Irabu Island is hot, so this really matters. That said, it is an older unit, so it is a bit noisy. If that bothers you, earplugs might help.

Insects... well, they show up. That cannot be helped. It is a place surrounded by tropical nature, so especially in summer, geckos and small insects sometimes get into the room. If you are not good with insects, bring insect repellent spray, or buy some at a convenience store for peace of mind.

Shared facilities in the management building

The management building has a large kitchen stocked with cooking utensils and seasonings. There are free washing machines too, so being able to do laundry even on a long stay was a help. However, there are a limited number of machines, so at busy times you need to pick your moment.

There are BBQ grills and charcoal available, and you should be able to use them if you arrange it in advance. In summer, around early evening, I often saw families and groups doing a BBQ outside. I remember thinking, "This is less a guesthouse and more an outdoor base camp."

What is the campsite like?

I am a cottage person so I did not camp, but they let me look around the facilities. There is a spread of grass with plenty of space to pitch tents. There is shade too, so even on a strong-sun day you could probably get by without a tarp.

Campsite users can use the management building's shower and washing machines, and there is a toilet nearby. At ¥700 per person, it is among the cheapest campsites in Okinawa. And with a hot shower included, you can freshen up after playing in the sea.

That said, the campsite is fully in nature. It is pitch-dark at night, and there are plenty of insects. Unless you are used to the outdoors, it might be a touch tough. Put the other way, for people who want "camping that feels like camping", it is a superb environment.

Irabu Island at Night: Silence, Stars and the Plane-Sound Gap (Miyako)

Irabu Island near Miyakojima goes silent at night, with only insects and waves. A guide to the starry sky, stargazing spots, night tours and the Shimojishima Airport gap.

Nearby sights and the great location

Minshuku Camp Mura's greatest appeal, I think, is its location. A 5-minute walk to Sawada-no-Hama, a 5-minute drive to Shimojishima Airport, about a 10-minute drive to Toguchi-no-Hama. For touring the main spots of Irabu Island and Shimojishima, it is in an incredibly convenient spot.

Sawada-no-Hama

A 5-minute walk from the guesthouse, this beach was chosen as one of "Japan's Top 100 Beaches". Across the shallow sea lie scattered enormous boulders, a landscape utterly different from other beaches. These rocks were apparently carried here by the Great Meiwa Tsunami of 1771.

It is not suited to swimming, but it is a superb spot for the sunset. Towards evening, locals and tourists gather to watch the sun set quietly. I dropped by almost every day before heading back to the guesthouse.

Toguchi-no-Hama

Irabu Island's number-one beach, about a 10-minute drive away. Fine white powder sand stretches for 800 m, and the water is extremely clear. There are toilets, showers and a kiosk, making it ideal for a swim.

With the money you save by cooking at Minshuku Camp Mura, it is worth splashing out at the Toguchi-no-Hama kiosk on shaved ice or hiring a beach parasol.

17END (Shimojishima Airport)

A scenic spot at the end of Shimojishima Airport's runway. You can see aircraft up close, and the colour of the sea is truly beautiful. It is about a 10-minute drive from the guesthouse, just the right distance to pop over to early morning or evening.

Nakanoshima Beach

A beach famous for snorkelling. Plenty of fish swim here, so anyone with an underwater camera absolutely should go. It is about a 15-minute drive from the guesthouse.

Nearby supermarkets and convenience stores

Important information for the self-catering crowd. Within a 5-minute drive of Minshuku Camp Mura is "A-Coop Irabu". It is a local supermarket stocking food, drinks and daily essentials. Opening hours are 9am to 8pm.

Irabu Island's only convenience store (FamilyMart) is also about a 5-minute drive. The selection is not as full as a mainland convenience store, though, so it is safer to buy what you need on Miyakojima before crossing over.

Nearby places to eat

Sometimes you want to eat out rather than cook. Here are a few spots close to the guesthouse.

BOTTA
About a 5-minute drive. A casual Italian with delicious pizza and pasta. You can see the sea from the terrace seats, and the atmosphere is lovely. It gets busy at lunch, so booking is recommended.

Irabu Soba Kame
About a 7-minute drive. A locally popular Miyako soba shop. Simple, but the broth has a good depth of flavour and is delicious. You can eat from around ¥400, so the value is good too.

Nakayukui Shoten
About a 3-minute drive. A local shop, but it also sells deli items and bento. A lifesaver when you suddenly cannot be bothered to cook.

The pros and cons, written honestly

Here is a summary of the pros and cons I felt from staying twice.

Pros

1. The price is cheap
Among Irabu Island's lodgings, it is in the cheapest class. Room-only, but being able to stay from the ¥3,000 range (about US$20) a night is genuinely welcome. You can put the money you save towards activities, and enjoy eating out too.

2. The location is good
A 5-minute walk to Sawada-no-Hama, a 5-minute drive to Shimojishima Airport. Access to the main spots of Irabu Island and Shimojishima is outstanding. As a sightseeing base, the location is perfect.

3. Independent cottages, so no need to mind others
Each cottage is independent, so you don't have to worry about noise from the next room. Whether you talk late into the night or leave early in the morning, you are not bothering anyone.

4. You can self-cater
With a mini kitchen, you can do simple cooking with ingredients bought at the supermarket. Eating out every day on a long stay is tough, so being able to self-cater is a real help.

5. There are free washing machines
The management building's washing machines are free to use. Being able to wash swimwear after a day in the sea, and your everyday clothes, is welcome for long stayers.

6. You can feel nature
The surroundings are quiet, and at night the stars are stunningly beautiful. An environment where you hear the sounds of nature, insects chirping and birds singing. You really feel, "I have come to Irabu Island."

7. Pets allowed (confirm in advance)
A welcome point for anyone who wants to travel with their dog or cat. Do call to confirm beforehand, though.

Cons

1. The facilities are old
The building itself has aged. If you expect a sparkling room like a new hotel, you may be disappointed. But it feels clean, so it did not bother me.

2. No meals provided
It is room-only, so you need to sort out breakfast and dinner yourself. No problem for people who can self-cater or have the budget to eat out daily, but otherwise, plan ahead.

3. Insects show up
It cannot be helped in the tropics, but insects appear, especially in summer. It might be a bit tough for people who dislike insects. Insect repellent spray is an essential item.

4. Nothing around
Being surrounded by nature means, flipped around, "there is nothing nearby". The convenience store is a 5-minute drive, and there are no shops open late at night. Inconvenient without a car.

5. Service is minimal
The check-in handling is courteous, but do not expect the attentive service of a hotel. If you have a problem, you can ask at the management building and they will help, but it is basically self-service.

6. The wireless LAN signal is weak
You can use the internet, but the speed is slow. It may be tough for people who want to binge videos, or who exchange large files for remote work.

7. Cash payment only
Credit cards are not accepted, so you need to bring plenty of cash. Genuinely take note of this.

Who is it right for? And who is it not for?

Recommended for

People who want to enjoy Irabu Island on a budget
Ideal for anyone who wants to save on lodging and put that towards activities and meals.
People who can self-cater, or who want to enjoy eating out
With a mini kitchen you can self-cater. Equally, it suits people who want to enjoy touring the nearby restaurants.
People who want to relax in nature
A superb location for anyone wanting to spend time in a quiet environment, feeling Irabu Island's nature.
People who like the outdoors
You can camp, and you can BBQ. A fun facility for outdoor types.
People who want to stay long-term
The free washing machines mean you will not struggle even on a stay of a week or more.
People looking for a sightseeing base for Irabu Island and Shimojishima
With good access to the main spots, it is perfect as a touring base.
People who want to travel with a pet
Advance confirmation is needed, but being able to stay with a pet is rare.

Not for

People who want new, pristine facilities
Being aged, it lacks the comfort of a new hotel.
People who dislike insects
Surrounded by nature, insects are unavoidable. Insect-haters need to be prepared.
People without a car
With nothing nearby, getting by on foot alone is tough. A hire car is essential.
People who expect hotel-like service
Self-service is the norm, so do not expect attentive service.
People for whom a Wi-Fi environment matters
For anyone wanting comfortable remote work or video viewing, the internet may fall short.
People looking for a place with meals
It is room-only, so you need to sort out food yourself.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the check-in and check-out times?

Basically, check-in at 15:00 and check-out at 10:00. That said, if you contact them in advance, they sometimes accommodate flexibly. When I stayed, I asked for an early check-in and they obliged.

Q2: Is there parking?

Yes. You can park near each cottage, and it is free. There is ample parking space, so even a large vehicle is no problem.

Q3: Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes, but the speed is slow. It is fine for checking email and social media, but video viewing or video calls may be tough.

Q4: Are towels and amenities provided?

Minimal towels are provided, but do not expect much in the way of quality. Bringing your own towel is best. Shampoo and body soap are provided.

Q5: Are there convenience stores or supermarkets nearby?

Within a 5-minute drive there is "A-Coop Irabu" and a "FamilyMart". The opening hours are limited, though, so it is safer to buy what you need early.

Q6: What should I do about meals?

It is room-only, so self-cater or eat out. With a mini kitchen, you can do simple cooking with ingredients from the supermarket. There are also a few restaurants in the area.

Q7: Can I bring a pet?

Basically yes, but it is best to call and confirm beforehand. There may be restrictions depending on the type or size of pet.

Q8: Can you really see fireflies?

From June to September, fireflies apparently appear around the pond at Camp Mura. I stayed in summer, but sadly did not get to see them. It may come down to timing and luck.

Q9: Is there a cancellation fee?

It is best to confirm the cancellation policy directly with the facility. Generally, last-minute cancellations often incur a charge, so if your plans change, get in touch early.

Q10: What is the access from central Miyakojima?

About a 30-minute drive across the Irabu Ohashi Bridge. Just crossing the bridge is a thrill, so the drive itself is enjoyable.

Time to face nature on Irabu Island

Minshuku Camp Mura is not a perfect guesthouse. The facilities are old, insects show up, and the Wi-Fi is slow. But as a place to spend relaxed time at your own pace, feeling Irabu Island's nature on your skin, I think it is a genuinely good option.

You can stay from the ¥3,000 range (about US$20) a night, walk to Sawada-no-Hama in 5 minutes, and easily reach the nearby sights. Self-catering makes a long stay realistic, and the independent cottages let you spend your time without minding others.

For people who do not want a "relax at a luxury resort" trip but rather a "spend time in Irabu Island's nature, in your own style" trip, I think Minshuku Camp Mura is a perfect choice.

Next time I go to Irabu Island, I plan to stay here again. This time I am thinking of hiring a 5-person cottage and having a BBQ with friends. On a summer night, drinking beer on the grass and looking up at the stars... just imagining it is exciting.

If you are looking for a guesthouse with "just the right sense of distance" on Irabu Island, Minshuku Camp Mura is worth checking out, I think.