I think there are quite a few people who have given up on the idea of ​​going to Irabu Island because they thought they would have to take a ferry.

However, now there is a strong ally in the form of the "Irabu Bridge" connecting Irabu Island and Miyako Island!

This time, we will introduce basic information about the Irabu Bridge, as well as its convenience and appeal.

<Contents>
1. Essential Information about Irabu Bridge
1-1. Let's check where the bridge will be built!
1-2. The bridge is the longest in the country.
1-3. Construction progress information
2. The allure of the Irabu Bridge! Enjoy the view from the Irabu Bridge!
3. Let me tell you about the must-see sights on Irabu Island!
3-1. Toriike Pond
3-2. Sawada Beach
3-3. Watoguchi Beach
3-4. Touch-and-go training at Shimojishima Airport

1. Essential Information about Irabu Bridge

1-1. Let's check where the bridge will be built!

Map information: From the Okinawa Prefecture website

Located about an 8-minute drive from Miyako Airport, the Irabu Bridge (Hirara-Shimoji Airport Prefectural Road) connects the Turiba district of Hirara Port on Miyako Island with the vicinity of Nagayama Beach in the southeastern part of Irabu Island.
It is planned to become part of Okinawa Prefectural Road 252, the Hirara-Shimoji Airport Line, which is currently under construction.

1-2. The bridge is the longest in the country.

Once the Irabu Bridge is completed, the total length of the bridge will be 3,540m!
(Main bridge section 3,540m, underwater road 600m, approach bridge 170m, approach road 2,190m) making it the longest bridge in Japan.

The longest bridge in Japan to date
・New Kitakyushu Airport Access Bridge (2,100m)
The longest bridge on Okinawa Island
Kouri Bridge (1,960m)
Miyako Island's longest bridge
・Kurima Bridge (1,690m)

1-3. Construction progress information

Photo courtesy of Okinawa Prefecture

The request to build a bridge between Irabu and Miyako Island came in 49. That was 40 years ago.
On September 9, 2014, a connection ceremony was held to link the Irabu Island side and the Miyako Island side, and it was decided that the line would open on January 31, 2015!

2. The allure of the Irabu Bridge! Enjoy the view from the Irabu Bridge!

The main attractions of the Irabu Bridge are undoubtedly its length, which is the longest in the prefecture, and the scenic views you can enjoy while driving over the sea.

Miyako Island already has the iconic Kurima Bridge and Ikema Bridge, but with the addition of the Irabu Bridge, Miyako Island will have even more scenic spots.

The biggest difference between this bridge and the other two is that this bridge has a curved shape!
The difference between the lower section and the higher section for ships to pass through is more pronounced than in other bridges, and the lower section is close to sea level, offering a clear view of the blue ocean.

After the road opens, the travel time by car between the Hirara City Hall and Sarahama Fishing Port will be 14 minutes. It looks like you'll be able to enjoy a drive while gazing at the underwater scenery of Okinawa.

3. Let me tell you about the must-see sights on Irabu Island!

3-1. Toriike Pond

It is a representative tourist spot on Irabu Island and is also designated as a natural monument of Okinawa Prefecture.
Two large holes lie side by side on a high plateau of exposed limestone, holding deep cobalt blue seawater.

The inland pond is approximately 55 meters in diameter and 40 meters deep. The pond on the seaside is approximately 75 meters in diameter and 50 meters deep.
Because the pond is connected to the open sea, it's possible to enter from the sea and surface in the pond, making it a popular diving spot.

3-2. Sawada Beach

It has been selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Beaches," and you can enjoy the unique scenery of countless large rocks scattered across the shallow beach.
Sit there and relax while gazing at the sea. It will surely soothe your soul.

Additionally, Sawada Beach is a popular spot for taking beautiful sunset photos.

3-3. Watoguchi Beach

The sand at Watoguchi Beach is incredibly fine. A pristine white sand beach stretches for 800 meters in length and 50 meters in width, with a windbreak forest behind it.
The fine white sand at Watoguchi Beach has incredibly fine grains of sand, making it feel wonderful to walk on barefoot!

3-4. Touch-and-go training at Shimojishima Airport

The only pilot training ground in Japan. A sight that will thrill any airplane enthusiast!
Be overwhelmed by the roar of the jet planes flying so close you feel like you could touch them! Why not go and see them up close?

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Please make your hotel reservation here.

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