Highlights Of Irabu Bridge & Island

The emerald-green sea captures the spotlight on this jaunt around Miyakojima and its neighboring islands that presents one picturesque setting after another. Not far from port, you will pause at Maehama Beach, a four-mile stretch of white sand that consistently ranks among the finest in all of Japan. The island that you will see to the north is Irabu, which you will reach by crossing the Irabu Ohashi Bridge. The span was constructed with a double-hump design and curved shape so it looks more like a natural feature than a concrete bridge. It leads to Makiyama Observatory, which offers spectacular sweeping views as well as Irabu Ohashi Bridge. From the sea, the observatory looks like a bird spreading its wings in flight. The twin Toriike Ponds are the must-see attraction on Shimojishima Island. An underground channel connects the ponds, and you may see adventurous divers emerging from it. Be sure to ask the guide about the mermaid legend associated with the Toriike Ponds.