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How Long Is the Irabu Bridge? A Local’s Guide to Crossing It on Foot or by Bike and the Best Scenic Spots
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Connecting Miyako Island and Irabu IslandIrabu BridgeIt is one of Miyako Island's most spectacular scenic spots, where you can drive straight out over the Miyako Blue sea.
I’m sure many of you are wondering, “How long is it?” and “Can you walk or bike across it?”
In this article, we’ll cover everything from basic information—such as the length of the Irabu Bridge and the year it opened—to how to cross it by car, bicycle, or on foot, safety precautions while on the bridge, and spots where you can view the bridge.
Table of Contents
What Is the Irabu Bridge? Length, Year Opened, and Pronunciation
The Irabu Bridge connects Miyako Island and Irabu IslandA bridge with a total length of 3,540 metersIt is.
There is no toll, andThe longest bridge in Japan that can be crossed for freeThe company boasts a
Construction began in March 2006, and after approximately nine years, the line opened on January 31, 2015.
| Item | Contents |
| How to Pronounce It | I Love Ohashi |
| The Island That Connects | Miyako Island and Irabu Island |
| Length | Bridge section: 3,540 m (6,500 meters, including the roads before and after) |
| Start of Construction | March 2006 |
| Opening | January 31, 2015 |
| Total Project Cost | Approximately 38 billion yen |
| Toll | free |
In addition to the Irabu Bridge, Miyako Island has other bridges connecting the islands, such as the Ikema Bridge and the Kurima Bridge.
Why the Irabu Bridge Is So Popular
The Irabu Bridge is popular because,The exhilarating feeling of driving straight across the oceanThat's because, no matter where you look, you can enjoy the expansive views of Miyako Blue.
There are no obstructions on either side of the bridge, and on a clear day, you can see the sea stretching out before you, its color shifting from the emerald green of the shallows to a deep blue.
The center of the bridge is raised high so that large ships can pass underneath, andThe view from the top of the hill is exceptional.It is.
Directions to the Irabu Bridge
The Irabu Bridge stretches from near the downtown area of Hirara on Miyako Island to Irabu Island.
To get to the “Irabu Bridge Umi-no-Eki” at the foot of the bridge on the Irabu Island side,About a 20-minute drive from Miyako Airport and about a 10-minute drive from Shimojishima AirportIt is.
If you want to explore freely, a rental car is the way to go; if you want to get there without transferring, a taxi is more convenient.
If you're taking a local bus, there is no direct bus from Miyako Airport to Irabu Island.
Take the Miyako Kyoei Bus from the airport to the city center of Hirara, then transfer to the Kyowa Bus, which crosses the Irabu Bridge.
Since Kyowa Bus runs infrequently, before you leave,Kyowa Bus Official ScheduleLet's make sure to check this.
4 Recommended Ways to Cross the Irabu Bridge
You can cross the Irabu Bridge by rental car, guided tour, bicycle, or on foot.
The best method depends on whether you want to take your time enjoying the scenery or get around quickly.
Here, we'll introduce the appeal of each travel style and the types of people they're best suited for.
(1) Rent-a-car
The easiest way isDriving a Rental CarSo, the 3.5-kilometer stretch of the bridge can be crossed in about 5 minutes by car.
Since you can also tour Irabu Island from there, we recommend enjoying a day-long drive in a convertible while feeling the sea breeze.
However,Parking and stopping are prohibited on the Irabu Bridge.So, let's wait until we've driven all the way to the foot of the bridge before taking the photo.
(2) Sightseeing Photo Tour
For those who aren't confident behind the wheel or who want to focus on the scenery,Guided Sightseeing Photo Touris recommended.
A guide living on Miyako Island will take you across the Irabu Bridge to scenic spots, and this guide—who is experienced with photography—will also take commemorative photos for you.
There is a half-day tour of Irabu Island, as well as a tour that covers both Irabu Island and Kurima Island.
(3) Bicycle rental
For those who want to take their time enjoying the view from the bridge,Crossing by bikeis recommended.
However, the center of the bridge is a steep uphill slope, and on days with a headwind, it takes more energy than you might expect, so,electrically power assisted bicycleYou can feel confident choosing this option.
Since there's nothing to block the sun, be sure to bring drinks and sunscreen.
④ On foot
The Irabu Bridge isYou can also walk across it...It takes about an hour to cover the roughly 3.5 km one-way distance.
Since there is no sidewalk and you will be walking on the shoulder at the edge of the road, please remember that cars are passing right next to you.
Since there is absolutely no shade, be sure to bring a hat and something to drink.
Precautions When Crossing the Irabu Bridge
To safely enjoy the Irabu Bridge,Don't stop on the bridge, and check the weather...is important.
If you plan to cross by bike or on foot, be sure to check the following points in advance.
① Parking and stopping are prohibited on the bridge. Please use the parking lot at the foot of the bridge when taking photos of the scenery.
② There is no designated sidewalk. Cyclists and pedestrians should walk along the shoulder at the edge of the roadway, being careful of oncoming traffic.
③ On some days, the wind can be strong out on the water. To keep your bike from wobbling, walk while pushing it—don’t push yourself too hard.
④ Since there is no shade, be sure to bring a hat, something to drink, and sunscreen.
⑤ When a high-wind warning is issued due to a typhoon, bridges may be closed to traffic.
According to the Miyako Civil Engineering Office in Okinawa Prefecture,When a storm warning is issued and winds reach 25 m/s, the Irabu Bridge is closed to traffic.will be.
We receive advance notice about two hours before the gate is closed, and even if an alarm is triggered or canceled, the gate will not open or close immediately (Okinawa Prefecture Miyako Civil Engineering Office）。
When a typhoon is approaching, check the TV or radio for road closure times.
A scenic spot with a view of the Irabu Bridge
The Irabu Bridge isn't just for crossing—Taking a step back to see the big pictureis also recommended.
Since you can't stop your car on the bridge, stop at the foot of the bridge on either side or on a hilltop to take photos.
Here, we’ll introduce three spots where you can enjoy views of the Irabu Bridge.
Irabu Ohashi Sea Station
"Irabu Ohashi Umi no Eki" is a rest area located at the foot of the bridge on the Irabu Island side; from Nagayama Beach, which is right nearby, you can look up at the bridge from below.
From the observation plaza and the second-floor terrace,You can enjoy a view of the Irabu Bridge and the "Miyako Blue" sea right before your eyes.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
Local specialties are sold on the first floor, and at the restaurant on the second floor, you can enjoy dishes made with ingredients such as bonito caught off the coast of Irabu Island.
| address (e.g. of house) | 1092-1 Ikemazoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Access | About a 20-minute drive from Miyako Airport and about a 10-minute drive from Shimojishima Airport |
| Notes | The first floor has a shop selling local specialties, and the second floor has a restaurant. |
Makiyama Observatory
The Makiyama Observation Deck is,The Highest Point on Irabu IslandIt is an observation deck located there.
From this vantage point, you can look out over the Irabu Bridge as it stretches toward Miyako Island.
Since the observation deck faces east, we recommend getting up early to enjoy the view of the sunrise over the Irabu Bridge.
| address (e.g. of house) | Irabu Ikema-zoe, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan |
| Access | About a 3-minute drive after crossing the Irabu Bridge |
Miyako Sunset Beach
Miyako Sunset Beach is a beach located near the entrance to the Irabu Bridge on the Miyako Island side.
Close to the city center,Enjoy the sunset while gazing at the Irabu BridgeIt's a popular spot.
If you're not sure where to watch the sunset on Miyako Island, be sure to add this spot to your list of options.
| address (e.g. of house) | Kugai, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan |
| Access | Right next to the entrance to the Irabu Bridge on the Miyako Island side |
PiPi also offers sunset SUP and canoe tours where you can watch the sunset over the ocean in the evening.
Irabu Island, accessible via the Irabu Bridge
Irabu Island, located just beyond the Irabu Bridge, is an island northwest of Miyako Island.
It is connected to the neighboring Shimojishima Island by a small bridge, andScenic spots such as Watari-guchi Beach, Sawada Beach, Toriiike Pond, and 17END...are all available.
You can also reach Irabu Island via “Miyako Shimojishima Airport” on Shimojishima, where the terminal opened in March 2019.
Recommended Activities on Irabu Island
After admiring the "Miyako Blue" from the Irabu Bridge,Activities that involve playing in the oceanis also recommended.
Miyako Island ADVENTURE PiPi is a shop certified by the Okinawa Prefectural Public Safety Commission as an “Outstanding Marine Leisure Provider (Maru-Yu)” (as of November 2025).
All of our guides are certified snorkeling guides and are trained in water rescue, so even first-time participants can join with confidence (as of August 2026).
If you want to spend a full day having fun, try snorkeling at the Blue Cave combined with mangrove SUP or canoeing
Known as Sapphire CaveSnorkeling in the Deep Blue CaveThis is a one-day tour where you can enjoy SUP and canoeing along the tranquil mangrove waterways.
This is perfect for those who want to enjoy both the ocean and the forest.
If you're new to SUP or canoeing, try the half-day mangrove SUP/canoe tour
Along the tranquil waters of the mangrovesA Half-Day Tour by SUP or CanoeIt is.
The guide will help you with the rowing technique, so this is a great option for first-timers and families with children.
If you want to enjoy the waters of Miyako Blue, try snorkeling at the Blue Cave combined with SUP or canoeing at a scenic beach.
Snorkeling at the Blue Cave, and,SUP and Canoeing at a Scenic BeachThis is a tour that lets you enjoy all of this in a single day.
This is ideal for those who want to glide over the crystal-clear Miyako Blue waters, beyond the mangroves.
If you want to explore caves, try the Blue Cave Snorkeling & Pumpkin Limestone Cave Exploration Tour
Snorkeling at the Blue Cave and a pumpkin-shaped limestone caveExploring "Pumpkin Hall"This is a tour that lets you enjoy all of this in a single day.
Since we’ll be traveling to Pumpkin Hole by sea kayak, this is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the ocean, caves, and kayaking all at once.
If you want to combine it with sightseeing, try a half-day snorkeling tour at the Blue Grotto
The mysterious Blue Grotto and the fish that live in the surrounding seaCan be enjoyed in half a dayThis is a snorkeling tour.
Another reason we recommend it is that it’s easy to combine with a drive across the Irabu Bridge or sightseeing on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Irabu Bridge
There is no dedicated sidewalk, so you'll be walking on the shoulder at the edge of the road; please be very careful of cars.
The time it takes to ride a bicycle varies significantly depending on the uphill slope in the middle and the strength of the headwind.
Since this isn't the longest bridge in Japan when you include toll bridges, let's just remember it as "the longest bridge in Japan that you can cross for free."
If you want to take photos, use the parking lot at the base on the Miyako Island side or the “Irabu Bridge Umi no Eki” on the Irabu Island side.
Even after an alert is lifted, roads may not reopen immediately, so be sure to check the opening and closing times on TV or the radio.
Before the road opened, people used to travel back and forth between Miyako Island and Irabu Island by boat.
in the end
The Irabu Bridge is Japan's longest bridge, with a total length of 3,540 meters, and it's free to cross. Whether you're driving, biking, or walking, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the "Miyako Blue."
Since you can't stop on the bridge, take your photos at Umi-no-Eki or the Makiyama Observation Deck, and while on Irabu Island, be sure to enjoy activities like the Blue Cave and the mangrove tour as well.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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