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Irabu Island (port island)
Irabu Island is one of the Miyako Islands. With the construction of the Irabu Bridge, it has become easier to visit the island from Miyako Island.
Many tourists now visit the island. What exactly is Irabu Island?
In this issue, we will focus on basic information about Irabu Island!
目次
Geography
Located about 5 km northwest of Miyako Island in the ocean, Irabu Island is an island made of raised coral, which is read as "Irabujima.
Until it was merged into Miyakojima City in 2005, it was Irabu-cho, Miyako-gun, together with the neighboring Shimoji Island,
It is now part of Miyakojima City. Population 5,054 (as of January 1, 2019).
From above, it looks as if a river is flowing through the middle of the island,
This is a 40m to 100m wide cove between Shimoji Island on the west side.
The cove is lined with mangroves, and crabs such as Sawtooth Crab are fished.
Bonito fishing is thriving at Sarahama Fishing Port, which accounts for a whopping 80% of the prefecture's share.
On January 31, 2015, the Irabu Bridge (3,540 m) opened between Miyako Island and By this,
Miyako and Irabu islands are now connected by land, making transportation very convenient. Until then, the inhabitants
The liaison boats that had been used were discontinued with the opening of the Irabu Bridge, and travel by car became the main means of transportation.
The island has a prefectural Irabu High School as well as elementary and junior high schools.
On the northwestern side of the island is Sawada no Hama (beach), selected as one of the 100 best beaches in Japan, and on the southern side is Shira
There are beautiful coastlines such as Watakuchi no Hama (beach of Watakuchi), where the sandy beach stretches for 800 meters. On the east side, there is a steep
The cliffs are a highlight. Makiyama Observatory is the most famous observatory, but there are two others.
2. Directions
○○ Airplane
Haneda⇔Miyako JTA 1 flight per day
Kansai International⇔Miyako ANA 1 flight per day
Central Japan International⇔Miyako
Naha⇔Miyako ANA 5 flights a day JTAorRAC 8 flights a day
Ishigaki⇔Miyako ANA 1 flight/day RAC 2 flights/day
circle bus
From Miyako Airport to Irabu Island, there is one transfer.
Miyako Airport → Hirara Port Miyako Kyoei Bus (about 14 min., 8 services a day, 390 yen for adults)
Route 5/Shinzato Miyakuni Line, transfer at Hirara Port bus stop.
2. hira Port → Sarahama Port KYOWA BUS (about 35 minutes, 8 services a day, 380 yen for adults)
Route 7 / For Sawada garage
Miyako Kyoei Bus Timetable
https://385kyoei.com/lib/data/time-schedule.pdf
Kyowa Bus Timetable
https://www.city.miyakojima.lg.jp/soshiki/shityo/kankosyoukou/syoukou/oshirase/files/kyouw
abustime.pdf
3. History
On the shallow coast of Irabu Island, there are large rocks lying around. This is the 1771
These rocks were washed up from the bottom of the sea by a large tsunami during a major earthquake.
This was the historic tsunami known as the "Meiwa-no-tsunami," which reportedly reached a height of 36 to 39 meters.
Although the earthquake did not cause that much damage, the tsunami caused 12,000 deaths.
The total death toll in the Miyako Islands was around 2,500, making it a very serious disaster.
Recent research has shown that the area had been hit by tsunamis many times before 1771.
Because of this history of disasters, rituals to ward off tsunamis remain throughout the island.
One of the recurring themes in history is that of the Miyako and Yaeyama Islands, which were imposed by the Ryukyu Kingdom.
The harshness of the capitation tax on farmers and the farmers' protests against it are remarkable. People
The head tax was enacted in 1637 (Kan'ei 14). The farmers' protest against the head tax was
In 1903, the Ryukyuan clan was established as a local government, and in the end, the Ryukyuan clan was overthrown and a direct petition was made to the Meiji government.
The capitation tax was abolished. The capitation tax eventually lasted 270 years.
The single-line fishing for skipjack on Irabu Island, which continues to this day, began around 1907.
In 1945, with the end of the Pacific War, it became a U.S. territory, and later reverted to Japan in 1972.
In 2005, Irabu Town will be merged into Miyakojima City through the Heisei no Daisho merger.
Thus, the present Irabu, Miyakojima City was born.
In 2015, the Irabu Bridge will be opened to traffic. Including the attached road, the total length of the bridge is 6500m,
Miyako and Irabu islands were connected by land. The construction took place over a long period of time, nine years in fact.
4. Sightseeing Spots
◉Makiyama Observatory
The Makiyama Observatory is based on the motif of the "sasiba," a bird that migrates en masse to Irabu Island in the fall.
It offers a 360-degree panoramic view. Located on the highest point of the island, it offers a panoramic view of Miyako Island, Kuruma Island, Ikema Island, and
You can see the Irabu Bridge. You can also see the Yamatoboo Rock directly below.
A walking trail has been established for visitors to stroll around the area and enjoy nature walks. The plants peculiar to Irabu Island can be seen
It is fascinating to enjoy it in the best scenery.
◉Yamatoboo Oiwa
The huge rock below the Makiyama Observatory is called Yamatubugis, and the people who settled in Irabu eye
The rock is said to have been used as a marker. Its size is 25 m high, 18 m in diameter, and weighs 30,000 t. The coal rock,
It was exposed on the ground due to crustal movement. The name comes from the shape of the sails of the Yamato, or Japanese circumnavigation ship
Some believe that the name came from the similarity.
◉Shiratorizaki
It is located on the north side of the island. Recommended for those who love the rough sea. Parking lot and boardwalk are in place.
The area is called the West Coast Park, where you can take a walk while enjoying the view of the ocean. This area is called the West Coast Park, and is a great place to take a walk while enjoying the view of the ocean.
It has become popular as just the right spot.
There are some famous diving spots nearby.
If you are a diver, please visit.
◉Funaunauna rabbitanaata
This observatory is located on the north side of the island. Like the Makiyama Observatory introduced earlier, this observatory is also a place where migratory birds, such as the "sasiba" (a species of buzzard), can be seen as a motive for migrating.
The blue gradient of the coral is beautiful. You can enjoy the beautiful coral blue gradation.
Heisei no Mori Park
Located near the beach in Sawada, various events are held on the island. This is also where the great Sasiba
The slides are conspicuous.
◉Sawada beach
In 1996, it was selected as one of the 100 best beaches in Japan. The sea is crystal clear, and in some places
It is dotted with huge rocks from the Yaeyama Earthquake Tsunami of 1771. The coast is shallow and the water is very shallow.
The area is not suitable for snorkeling or swimming due to strong currents during certain times of the day. Not suitable for snorkeling or swimming due to strong currents at times. Sunset photo s
It is famous as a pot. It is adjacent to Shimojishima Airport.
◉Watari-guchi beach
The gently arching sandy beach stretches for about 800 meters and is breathtakingly beautiful. The beauty of silky white sand
It is also famous for its clarity and transparency. On the opposite shore, Miyako Island and Kurema Island are visible. The sandy beach
At the western end of the site is Norise Utaki, which is thought to date from the 16th century.
It is a historical site in Miyakojima City.
Gourmet Introduction
◉Fisherman's house
This is a restaurant directly managed by the fishing port in front of Sarahama Fishing Port. You can eat fish caught in the sea right away.
The pink outer wall of the restaurant is a landmark, and the main attraction is the "tuna ipponage" (deep-fried tuna), which is made by frying a whole tuna!
Reservations are required for this one, so please make a reservation in advance before you go.
Business hours: 9:30 - close when sold out
Open daily
TEL：080-6485-0853
◉Irabu Island Fisherman's Direct Sales "Fish Market Ichikawa
A direct sales outlet at Sarahama Fishing Port, where about 80% of Okinawa's skipjack are landed. The menu includes tuna and
Bonito tub bowl, fried fish set meal, boiled fish set meal, crab soba, Irabu mazesoba, and more,
The specialty is a bowl of rice topped with a tub of seafood. It also has a unique "fisherman's sauce" and is served with gusto.
Parking is free and can hold up to 4 cars.
Business hours: 11:00-15:00 (L.O.), 18:00-22:30 (L.O.)
Open daily
TEL:: 0980-73-3909
◉Blue Turtle
This restaurant is right in front of Watakuchi beach. Miyako beef steaks, hand-kneaded hamburgers, curry
etc., and smoothies are available for take-out. You can also take out and eat on the beach.
There is a free parking lot for about 10 cars.
Business hours: 11:30 - 17:00 (L.O.), Lunch time - 15:00 (L.O.)
Wednesdays and Thursdays, Wednesdays in summer (with extra closing in winter)
TEL: 0980-74-5528
Maruyoshi Guest House
The inn offers local cuisine. Meals only are also available.
With many mega portions on the menu, the restaurant is very popular among those who value volume.
You can always taste dishes made with island ingredients.
Five free parking spaces are available.
Business hours: 11:00-15:30 (L.O.15:00), Izakaya time in the evening 18:00-22:30 (L.O.21:00)
Closed on Mondays
TEL: 0980-78-5567
◉BOTTA
This authentic pizza restaurant is located in front of Sawada beach. On the terrace seats, you can enjoy the flight of Shimojishima Airport
It is also a pleasure to watch the arrival and departure of row planes. The oven-baked pizza, decorated with arugula from Miyako Island, is a must.
There is free parking for about 8 cars.
Hours of operation: 11:30-16:00
Closed on Tuesdays
TEL: 0980-78-5010
◉insula
The hamburger made with shira is very popular and is unique to Irabu Island.
The owner is from Irabu Island and has been working on devising a menu that brings the ingredients and the goodness of Irabu Island to the forefront.
He is working hard.
Parking is free and can hold up to 8 cars.
Business hours: 11:30 - 16:00 (L.O.)
Open daily
TEL：090-7381-4001
5. Summary
There are countless diving spots, sea kayaking, SUP, and other activities.
It's also a great way to spend time relaxing under the bright blue sky while looking out at the colorful and beautiful sea.
It will be a great experience for you. Step out from Miyako Island and enjoy Irabu.
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