Shimochijima Island

Shimoji Island, one of the Miyako Islands, is a small island located next to Irabu Island.

With the opening of the Irabu Bridge, it has recently become easier to visit Shimoji Island.

The number of visitors is steadily increasing.

So, what kind of attractions does Shimojishima have to offer?

 

1. Geography

The island is part of the city of Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It has 95 inhabitants (as of Jan 1, 2019) and no villages.

It is adjacent to Irabu Island across a 40m-100m wide, 3.5km long channel.

The area is very small, covering only 9.68㎢.

Then, in 2015, the Irabu Bridge opened, connecting Miyako Island via Irabu Island.

The Irabu Bridge is the longest free bridge in Japan.

The island was formed by the uplift of coral reefs and is covered with Ryukyu limestone. The island has no ups and downs.

The western side of the island is covered by sea cliffs, and the northern side is the runway for Shimoji Airport.

The island is located in the southwestern part of the country. 98% of the area is public land, and most of the island is under

Island Airport. The "17 End," as it is commonly called, stretching from the northern end of the airport to the sea, is a spectacular photo spot.

It is also well known as a "green" place to live.

The waters around Shimoji Island are also famous as a mecca for "cave diving.

 

2. Traffic

Shimoji Island has an airport called Miyako Shimoji Airport.

Originally, it was a training airfield designed to train pilots in Japan,

It was privatized and remains so today, with the opening of the new terminal in 2019.

Regular flights are now in service, making it very convenient.

 

<Domestic Routes

Jetstar Airways Shimojishima Airport ⇔ Narita Airport 1 round trip per day

Shimojishima Airport ⇔ Kansai International Airport 1 round trip per day

Skymark Airlines Shimojishima Airport ⇔ Haneda Airport 1 round trip per day

Shimojishima Airport ⇔ Kobe Airport 1 round trip per day

Shimojijima Airport ⇔ Naha Airport 2 round trips per day

<International Lines

Hong Kong Express Airlines Shimojijima Airport ⇔ Hong Kong International Airport 1 round trip per day

 

In addition, buses are available from Miyakojima Airport and Hirara Port.

There are no regular service routes in service.

 

3. History

In early modern times, a resident of Irabu Village purchased two bulls and two cows in Yaeyama and grazed them.

In 1771, a tsunami about 40 meters high hit the island.

The pastures and fields were all submerged, and horses, cattle, and sheep drowned. On the west bank, the sea at that time

The huge boulders lying on the ground were launched from the This is the large band rock, which will be introduced later.

The "Meiwa Tsunami" that has been mentioned many times on this site is a recurring theme in the history of the Miyako Islands.

Along with this tsunami survey, a survey of the "Kidomari Village Site" is being conducted on Shimoji Island.

On Shimoji and Irabu islands, there is a "Yonatama lore" that has been preserved that relates to a village called Kidomari Village,

A survey was conducted to clarify the situation in the village of Kidmari.

The village of Kidomari is now abandoned, but the ruins where the village is said to have once stood are still visible.

It was left behind. By investigating the remains of this village, we attempted to elucidate the tsunami situation at that time and the history of Shimoji Island.

In fact, there is very little official information left about the existence of a settlement on Shimojishima Island.

For the first time, the name "Kidmari Village" appears. It is not clear when this village existed and when it was abandoned.

However, the fact that there is a village there and that it was affected in some way by the big tsunami is not clear.

We have finally come to understand this in recent years.

 

 

4. Sightseeing Spots

Please note that there are no lifesavers on the island beaches. You are responsible for your own safety.

Please be careful. Please be careful.

Shimojishima Airport

The airport terminal does not have a boarding bridge to the aircraft.

Boarding and disembarking is on foot. The premises are open to the public, and stores and cafes are located in the center.

It's a spirit.

The approach end of runway 17, known as "one-seven end," is known for its spectacular views.

Popular spots for SUP, kayaking, diving, etc. Cars are close by.

You cannot enter until the Walk or rent a bicycle from the airport terminal to the end of the runway.

The road will be closed to vehicular traffic. Starting March 23, 2019, all roads around the 17 end will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Please be aware that you are not allowed to drive in.

The plane comes down from the "35 END" side on the other side only in the north wind, so winter is the best time to visit.

The result will be the same as the previous one.

Shimojishima Airport has now been closed since JAL and ANA withdrew from the training business in 2012 and 2015, respectively.

There were concerns about the future of the company, but starting in 2019, the "Miyako Shimojishima Airport Term

Jetstar Japan has changed its name to "JETSTAR Naru" and Jetstar Japan has changed its name to "JETSTAR Narita" at Narita Airport and Kansai International Airport.

and Hong Kong Express Airlines will begin scheduled flights to Hong Kong, and

I was very pleased with the results.

Although the airport is a regional airport, it is a full-fledged 3,000-meter class airport capable of landing and taking off large aircraft.

Until 2015, it was primarily used for airplane landing and takeoff training.

 

◉ Street Pond

These are mysterious ponds with legends of mermaids. There are two circular ponds, one large and one small, near the north shore.

The pond on the ocean side (south) is 75m in diameter and 45m deep. The pond on the ocean side (south) has a diameter of 75 m and a depth of 45 m. The pond on the land side (north) has a diameter of 55 m and a depth of

The two ponds appear to be side by side, but they are connected under the surface.

It is also connected to the sea. Originally a limestone cave on the coast, it was flooded by waves.

The ceiling has collapsed due to erosion. The water temperature changes rapidly with depth,

The color changes greatly due to the large variation in salinity. This property also allows for a variety of

Fish species live in the area. Changes in the color of the water due to the "thermocline," the boundary line between water temperatures

It is a popular spot known by overseas divers because it can be enjoyed. It is a natural monument of the prefecture and

The temple is also known as a power spot. It is also known as a power spot.

Further along the promenade from the Street Pond is "Nabesoko Pond". The pond has long been visited by worshippers.

The first time I visited the site, I was the subject of a conversation with the owner of the site.

 

large rock

Was washed up by the Yaeyama earthquake of 1771 or the tsunami that preceded it.

It is a huge rock weighing approximately 20,000 tons. With a diameter of 59.9 m and a height of 12.5 m, it is truly a huge rock.

In the local language, okoskbiji (a rock with a large band) and numamiji (a rock guarding a horse).

It is called It has long been revered as a "sacred body" and is used to pray for a big catch of fish and for safety in the home.

The prayer is made for the A red torii gate stands in front of the large rock.

 

Nakanoshima Beach

Nakanoshima Beach (also known as Kayaffa Beach), located along the perimeter road, is surrounded by reef and

It is a calm cove with a clear and clear water. It is highly transparent and has a variety of corals and tropical fish.

You can see. It is a great place for diving and snorkeling. Toilet and Sha

There are no wars, etc. Parking is available in a nearby vacant lot.

If you want to snorkel, bring your own equipment as there are no rental stores.

You will need to be at the hotel when you arrive. No lifesavers are available.

The roadside bears a fruit called adang, which resembles a pineapple. But you can take it and eat it.

Don't have it! They say you will regret it if you eat it.

 

○Gourmet

Restaurant Sashiba [in Shimojishima Coral Hotel

Morning breakfast, lunchtime island meals such as "Irabu soba", and evening meals and tavern menus

and more. You can also enjoy island gourmet foods such as barbecue and Miyako beef sukiyaki on the terrace.

Business hours: Morning: 07:00 - 08:30, Lunch: 11:30 - 14:00, Dinner: 18:00 - 22:30 LO22:00

Closed: Thursday

 

◉Restaurant Dragon

This is a cafeteria adjacent to the Hotel Teida no Sato. The "Irabu Soba" is made with herbs.

The hot summer days are also very appetizing.

Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, national holidays, and days before holidays: 12:00-13:3018:00-20:00
Closed: No holidays

 

0 Accommodations

◉Hotel Tida no Sato

Accommodations on Shimoji Island, located about 3 minutes by car from Shimoji Airport.

All rooms at Hotel Teida-no-Sato have ocean views and offer the unchanged scenery of Shimojishima Island.

You can take your time to enjoy it.

The hotel has a total of 12 rooms: 2 special Japanese/Western rooms, 4 Western-style rooms, and 6 Japanese-style rooms,

There are no large baths, but you can enjoy a relaxing time on Shimojishima Island.

It will be the perfect place.

 

5. Summary

The sunset on Shimoji Island is highly recommended. We highly recommend visiting at sunset time. Full at night

The stars in the sky The sky is dark and full of stars. The best starry sky can be seen from anywhere on the island.

You can enjoy not only the blue sea during the daytime, but also the starry sky. Enjoy not only the blue sea during the daytime, but also the starry sky.