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Mc681 / CC BY-SA 4.0
Nakanoshima Beach (Kayaffa Beach)
中の島ビーチOkinawa
A small, high-walled cove on Shimoji Island's southwest coast, nicknamed the "natural aquarium" for its dense coral cover and over 100 species of tropical fish in a sheltered bay only 2-4m deep near shore. Considered the top snorkeling spot in the Irabu/Shimoji area. Typhoon season runs roughly June to October, and a passing storm can cancel ferries, flights and all marine activity across the islands at a day's notice — check the forecast before you rely on this stop.
- Crowd level
- Hidden gem
- Rating
- 4.6· 18 reviews
- Opening hours
- Daily Open 24 hours
- Admission
- Natural cove beach on Shimoji Island — no admission. Free (no facilities/lifeguards). Parking free.
- Nearest station
- ~25 min by car from Miyako city center via Irabu Ohashi Bridge, then ~10 min further; roadside parking only (~10-15 cars, fills early Jul-Sep)
Usual hours — confirm with the official site for holidays + seasonal closures.
Today
Open 24 hoursFreeStored weekly hours
Daily Open 24 hours
How to get there
bridge access only, no ferry
Tags
beachswimming
Location
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