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What Is Torigoe Pond on Miyako Island? Local Staff Explain How to Get There, Parking, and the Legend
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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.
Officially known as “Shimojishima’s Toriike Pond,” it was designated on July 28, 2006 (Heisei 18),Designated as a National Scenic Spot and Natural Monumentwas done (Source:Cultural Heritage Online）。
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.
Located about a 35- to 40-minute drive from Miyako Airport, this is a popular spot that many people visit while driving across the Irabu Bridge.
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)These are two circular ponds, one large and one small (Source:Cultural Heritage Online）。
According to Miyakojima City, it is believed that this landform was created when two limestone caves connected to the sea collapsed.
In terms of size, the larger pond on the southwest side has a diameter of approximately 75 meters and a depth of about 40 meters on the seaward side, while the smaller pond on the northeast side has a diameter of approximately 55 meters and a depth of about 25 meters (Source:Miyakojima City）。
The two ponds are connected underwater, andWater depth varies with the tidesIt 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.
Both are legends that have been passed down through the ages and are featured in the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ commentary (Source:Cultural Heritage Online）。
Here, I’ll briefly introduce the stories behind these two legends.
The Legend of the Fish with a Human Face
There is a legend that, long ago, a fisherman from this area caught a mysterious fish with a human face, known as the “human-faced fish.”
The fish with a human face is believed to be the embodiment of a sea spirit, and legend has it that a tsunami struck the village as punishment for capturing it.
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 | Available (about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot to the pond) |
| Access | About a 35- to 40-minute drive from Miyako Airport (via the Irabu Bridge) |
| Notes | Toilet available |
| Map Code | 721 241 473*23 (Parking Lot) |
Access from Miyako Airport and Shimojishima Airport
From Miyako Airport, it takes about 35 to 40 minutes by car.
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.
From the parking lot, walk along the trail,About a 5-minute walk to the pondIt is.
On the car navigation system,Map Code "721 241 473*23"Enter this to set the parking lot as your destination.
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.
Tori-ike ranks alongside "The Demon King's Palace" and "Antonio Gaudí"One of Miyako Island's three major geological featuresIt is a diving spot known as...
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.
In the summer, when the south wind blows, waves tend to form, and depending on sea conditions, there may be days when diving isn't possible.
When the north wind blowsFrom October through May, the ocean tends to be calm, so there are many days when you can go diving.It's that time of year.
Precautions to Prevent Accidents
According to the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, approximately 40 percent of all diving accidents nationwide occur in Okinawa Prefecture (Source:11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters）。
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,5 Spots That Are Easy to Visit Along with Torii Pondthe following.
Nabesoko Pond
Nabesoko Pond is a small pond surrounded by rocks, located at the end of the walking path at Torii Pond.
You used to be able to get there via the walking trail, but it was damaged by a typhoon in 2016, andCurrently, you cannot reach Nabesoko Pond from the walking trail.That's the situation.
Since the surrounding area consists of rocky terrain with poor footing, please do not venture beyond the point where the path ends; instead, enjoy the view from the observation area at Toriike Pond.
Nakanoshima Beach
Nakanoshima Beach is located on the west coast of Shimojishima, just a short drive from Torie Pond.
Rocks are scattered throughout the cove, andA popular snorkeling spotThere are
At natural beaches without lifeguards, the current becomes stronger as the tide comes in, so be sure to check the tide schedule before swimming.
| address (e.g. of house) | Irabu-Sawada (Shimojishima), Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| parking lot | No dedicated parking lot (parking spaces available along the street) |
| Notes | No restrooms or showers (the nearest restroom is at the Toriike parking lot) |
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 | About a 40-minute drive from Miyako Airport (via the Irabu Bridge), and about 10 minutes from Miyako-Shimojishima Airport |
| 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.
It takes about 5 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the pond along the walking path.
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.
Although it’s a bit of a drive—about 35 to 40 minutes by car from Miyako Airport—you can enjoy it as part of a half-day outing that includes a drive across the Irabu Bridge and visits to the nearby beaches.
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.
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