Local Column
COLUMN
宮古島の通り池とは？行き方・駐車場・伝説を現地スタッフが解説
Hello everyone!
One of the largest activity stores in Miyako Island
Miyako Island ADVENTURE PiPiIt is!
I’m sure many of you have come across the name “Toriike” while researching tourist attractions on Miyako Island.
Toriike is located on Shimojishima, which is connected to Irabu Island by a bridge,Two Ponds Connected to the OceanIt is.
In this article, we’ll introduce the highlights and legends of Toriiike, how to get there from Miyako Airport, diving, and recommended spots in the surrounding area.
Since this is a place we visit on the Irabu Island sightseeing tour offered by Miyakojima ADVENTURE PiPi, I’ve put together this summary from the perspective of our local staff.
Table of Contents
What is Street Pond in Miyako Island?
Torii-ike consists of two circular ponds—one large and one small—located on Shimojishima Island in Miyakojima City.
正式には「下地島の通り池」といい、2006年（平成18年）7月28日にDesignated as a National Scenic Spot and Natural Monumentされました（出典：文化遺産オンライン）。
The pond, surrounded by rocks, is a deep blue, and when viewed from the observation deck, it has a breathtaking presence that makes you feel as if you might be sucked right in.
宮古空港から車で約35〜40分の場所にあり、伊良部大橋を渡ってドライブがてら訪れる人が多いスポットです。
The Origins of the Two Ponds Connected to the Sea
According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Torii-ike isFormed by a series of dolines (hollows created by the dissolution of limestone)大小2つの円形の池です（出典：文化遺産オンライン）。
宮古島市によると、海とつながる鍾乳洞の2か所が崩れ落ちてできた地形と考えられています。
大きさは、南西側の大きい池が直径約75mで水深は海側で約40m、東北側の小さい池が直径約55mで水深約25mです（出典：Miyakojima City）。
2つの池は水中でつながっていて、潮の満ち引きによって水深が変わるIt is also characterized by
The ever-changing appearance of the pond with every visit
The appearance of the water's surface at Torii Pond changes depending on the weather, the time of day, and how the light hits it.
On sunny days, the blue is deep during the daytime, while on cloudy days it takes on a more subdued hue, and so on,Even the same place looks different every time you visitshows us.
If you want to take photos, we recommend visiting during the daytime on a sunny day.
Why Torii Pond Is Said to Be "Scary" and Two Legends About It
The reason Torii Pond is said to be “scary” is not only because of the eerie atmosphere of a deep pond with an invisible bottom, but also because,There are two legends with sad endings that have been passed down.From.
どちらも昔から語り継がれてきた言い伝えで、文化庁の解説でも紹介されています（出典：文化遺産オンライン）。
Here, I’ll briefly introduce the stories behind these two legends.
人面魚の伝説
昔、この地の漁師が、人の顔をした不思議な魚「人面魚」を釣り上げたという言い伝えがあります。
人面魚は海の霊の化身とされ、それを捕らえた罰として村に津波が押し寄せたと伝えられています。
It is said that Toridai Pond was formed when the ground collapsed at the site where the fisherman’s house once stood.
The Legend of the Stepchild
Another legend involves a mother who resented her stepchild (her husband’s child from a previous marriage).
The mother tried to push her stepchild into the pond, but,I mistook my own child for someone else's and accidentally dropped them into the pond.It is reported that...
This sad legend is also one of the reasons why Torii Pond is said to be a mysterious and somewhat eerie place.
Etiquette for Visitors
Tori-ike is a place designated as a National Scenic Spot and Natural Monument, and it is carefully preserved.
When you visit,View the scenery from the walking paths and observation areas; do not step outside the railings or throw objects over them.Make sure to do so.
Since this is a place steeped in legend, please visit with the intention of quietly enjoying the scenery.
How to Get to Toriiike, Parking, and Travel Time
To get to Toriiike, cross the Irabu Bridge from Miyako Island, pass through Irabu Island, and head toward Shimojishima.
Since it's difficult to get there by public transportation,It's convenient to rent a car or take a sightseeing tourIt is.
With a parking lot and restrooms, it's a spot that's easy to stop at even while out for a drive.
| address (e.g. of house) | Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture (Shimojishima) |
| parking lot | あり（駐車場から池まで徒歩約5分） |
| Access | 宮古空港から車で約35〜40分（伊良部大橋経由） |
| Notes | Toilet available |
| マップコード | 721 241 473*23（駐車場） |
Access from Miyako Airport and Shimojishima Airport
宮古空港からは、車で約35〜40分が目安です。
It takes about 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport to the Irabu Bridge, and once you cross the 3,540-meter-long bridge, you’ll arrive on Irabu Island.
Shimojishima also has Shimojishima Airport (Miyako Shimojishima Airport Terminal), andIf you're using Shimojishima Airport, you'll arrive directly on Shimojishima Island, where Toriike Pond is located.I will do so.
Since the airport names are similar, be careful not to go to the wrong rental car pickup location.
Parking Lot, Restrooms, Walking Trails
There is a parking lot and restrooms at Torii Pond.
駐車場からは遊歩道を歩いて、池まで徒歩約5分It is.
カーナビでは、マップコード「721 241 473*23」を入力すると駐車場を目的地に設定できます。
Since there isn't much to block the sun along the walking trail,Bring a hat and something to drinkIt is safe to do so.
Duration of the tour
On our Irabu Island sightseeing tour, the itinerary is designed so that we head to the next stop, 17END, about one hour after arriving at Toriiike (including travel time).
Including the time spent walking along the trail, admiring the pond, and taking photos,If you set aside about an hour, you can enjoy it at a leisurely pace.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
Many people combine this with nearby spots like 17END and Watari-guchi Beach to explore the area in about half a day.
Diving at Toriiike is for advanced divers only.
通り池は、「魔王の宮殿」「アントニオ・ガウディ」と並ぶ宮古島の三大地形ポイントの1つとして知られるダイビングポイントです。
Because the topography connects the deep pond to the open sea underwater,Specialized dive sites where you dive with a guide from a dive shopIt is considered to be a
If you have little diving experience, we recommend starting with a try-dive in Miyako Island.
The Appeal of Diving at Toriiike
When diving at Toriiike, you can experience a unique underwater landscape—where the pond opens up into the open ocean—that’s rarely seen anywhere else.
The scenery created by the light streaming in from above and the deep blue is,It’s a completely different world from the view of Tori-ike seen from landIt is.
南風の吹く夏は波が立ちやすく、海況によっては潜れない日があります。
北風の吹く10〜5月ごろは海が落ち着きやすく、潜れる日が多いシーズンです。
Precautions to Prevent Accidents
第十一管区海上保安本部によると、全国のダイビング事故の約4割が沖縄県で起きています（出典：第十一管区海上保安本部）。
In the Miyako Islands as well, 10 people were involved in diving accidents over the five-year period from Reiwa 3 to Reiwa 7, and three of them died or went missing.
When diving at a site with a topography similar to a pond,Choose a dive site that matches your experience level, and be sure to dive with a local guide.It is important to
If you're not feeling well or haven't gotten enough sleep, don't push yourself, and avoid drinking alcohol the day before a dive.
Nearby Attractions to Visit Along with Torii Pond
Shimojishima, home to Torii Pond, and the neighboring island of Irabu are both home to many scenic spots.
Here,通り池とセットで回りやすい5つのスポットthe following.
鍋底池
鍋底池は、通り池の遊歩道の先にある、岩に囲まれた小さな池です。
以前は遊歩道で行けましたが、2016年の台風で遊歩道が壊れ、現在は遊歩道から鍋底池へは行けない状態です。
周りは足場の悪い岩場なので、通行できない先へは立ち入らず、通り池の展望スペースから景色を楽しみましょう。
Nakanoshima Beach
中の島ビーチは、通り池から車ですぐの下地島の西海岸にあるビーチです。
入り江の中に岩が点在し、シュノーケリングスポットとして人気There are
ライフガードのいない天然のビーチで、満ち潮に向かうと潮の流れが速くなるため、泳ぐときは潮の時間に注意しましょう。
| address (e.g. of house) | Irabu-Sawada (Shimojishima), Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| parking lot | 専用駐車場なし（道路沿いに駐車スペースあり） |
| Notes | トイレ・シャワーなし（最寄りのトイレは通り池の駐車場） |
17END
17END is a scenic coastline located at the northern tip of Shimojishima.
When the tide goes out, a pristine white sandy beach emerges, creating a beautiful contrast with the crystal-clear ocean—it’s a popular spot for photos.
Since the scenery changes dramatically with the tides,Check the low tide times before you visitLet's do it.
| address (e.g. of house) | Irabu-Sawada (Shimojishima), Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| parking lot | There are free parking spaces just before the parking barrier (limited availability). |
| Access | 宮古空港から車で約40分（伊良部大橋経由）、みやこ下地島空港から約10分 |
| Notes | No restrooms, showers, or snack bar (the nearest restroom is in front of the Toriike parking lot) |
Watakuchi Beach
Watariguchi Beach is a white-sand beach on Irabu Island that curves like a bay.
The beautiful contrast between the crystal-clear sea and the white sandy beach makes this one of Irabu Island's most iconic beaches.
There are restrooms, showers, and a convenience store, so,It's a great place to stop by for a break while enjoying the beachIt's the beach.
| address (e.g. of house) | Irabu, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| Access | Approximately 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Notes | Restrooms, showers, and a convenience store are available |
Sawada Beach
Sawada Beach is a beach on Irabu Island that was selected as one of the “100 Best Beaches in Japan” in 1996.
It is a mysterious landscape dotted with several large rocks in the sea; these rocks are believed to have been washed ashore by the Meiwa Tsunami.
Since the incoming tide is fast and there are currents further out to sea,Be mindful of the tide schedule when going into the ocean.Let's do it.
| address (e.g. of house) | 1725 Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan |
| Access | Approximately 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport |
| Notes | Be careful when swimming, as the incoming tide is fast and there are strong currents offshore. |
You Can Even Take a Tour to Toriiike! Recommended Activities on Irabu Island
For those who “aren’t confident behind the wheel” or “want to see the sights efficiently,” we recommend a guided sightseeing tour.
At Miyako Island ADVENTURE PiPi,A Sightseeing Tour of Irabu Island’s Scenic Spots, Including Torii PondWe are currently offering this tour.
On Irabu Island, you can also enjoy water activities.
Miyako Island ADVENTURE PiPi has been designated as an “Outstanding Marine Leisure Service Provider” (“Maru-Yu”) by the Okinawa Prefectural Public Safety Commission (as of November 2025).
Irabu Island Sightseeing Photo Tour
This is a half-day sightseeing tour that takes you across the Irabu Bridge and visits Watari-guchi Beach, Torii Pond, and 17END in that order.
A local guide will take you to recommended photo spots, andWe'll also give you the photo files for freeThe company is doing so.
Transportation is provided to hotels on Miyako Island and Kurima Island; the trip takes about 3 hours, and the tour is open to guests aged 2 to 75.
There's also a one-day tour that takes you all the way to Kurima Island.
Blue Cave Snorkeling
At the Blue Cave on Irabu Island, you can enjoy snorkeling in the sea, which glows blue as sunlight streams in.
There are many fish around the cave, andExperience snorkeling and cave exploration all at onceCan be done.
The tour lasts about 2 hours, is open to participants ages 3 to 59, and the meeting point is the Sabautsuga Parking Lot on Irabu Island.
Seaman Grove SUP
This is a tour unique to Irabu Island that takes you on a SUP adventure through both the ocean and the mangrove forests.
From the Miyako Blue sea, we make our way into the green mangroves,A course where the changing scenery is a delightIt is.
The activity takes about 2 hours, and is suitable for ages 3 to 59.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Toriike Pond on Miyako Island
Most people spend about half a day touring this area along with nearby spots like 17END and Watari-guchi Beach.
駐車場から池までは、遊歩道を歩いて約5分です。
Since this site has been designated as a National Scenic Spot and Natural Monument, please be quiet while visiting.
We'll cross the Irabu Bridge, pass through Irabu Island, and head toward Shimoji Island.
First, get used to the ocean by trying a trial dive on Miyako Island, and then talk to a dive shop.
If you are staying on Irabu Island or Shimoji Island, you will be outside the shuttle service area, so please consult with our staff regarding the meeting location.
in the end
Torii-ike is a famous attraction on Shimojishima Island, featuring two ponds connected to the sea and home to a mysterious legend.
宮古空港から車で約35〜40分と少し距離はありますが、伊良部大橋のドライブや周辺のビーチと合わせて半日ほどで楽しめます。
If you're unsure about driving or want to make the most of your time, we highly recommend taking a guided sightseeing tour.
Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.
This article was written by.
