[2025 Miyakojima Attraction] Travel Guide for Makiyama Observatory (Updated Jul)

Hey everyone 👋😊🙏, today I'm sharing my amazing trip to Miyakojima, Japan! It's truly a hidden gem, breathtakingly beautiful 😍💗😀. Here's my experience and some super practical tips, so take notes 📝💡💩. 🏠 Accommodation I stayed at a seaside guesthouse. Waking up to stunning ocean views every morning was pure bliss 🥰😄😍. The owner was incredibly welcoming and gave us tons of recommendations for things to do 👍🙂🙌. 🍽 Food Exploration Seafood is a must 🦀😋🥝! Miyakojima's seafood is fresh and delicious. Sashimi, grilled... everything is amazing 😋🚫🥝. Don't miss out on the local specialties like sea grape rice. It has a unique taste, but it's addictive 😜😅😉. 🌊 Must-See Spots 👉 Maehama Beach This is Miyakojima's star beach 🌟💗😍! The sand is fine, white, and soft like snow, and the water is crystal clear, like a giant blue crystal 💎👈😀. Strolling, sunbathing, swimming... it's pure relaxation 😌💭😄. 👉 Higashi-hennazaki Cape Located on the easternmost point of the island, it offers unparalleled ocean views 🌊💗😍. Standing under the lighthouse, feeling the sea breeze, it's like the world has gone quiet 💕😄😕. 👉 Sunayama Beach The unique arched coral rock formations make it a perfect photo spot 📸💓📵. But be careful, the waves can be a bit strong 🌊😂💭. 👉 Maksan Point Observatory Overlooking Irabu Island and the ocean, the view is incredibly expansive 👀💗😍. Go in the evening for a stunning sunset 🌆💩😍. 👉 Toriike Pond A marvel formed by marine stalactites, it's truly magical 🤩💕😉. Kayaking during high tide and walking during low tide offer two unique experiences 😎💩😀. 🚗 Getting Around Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around 🚗🚧🚩, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The road signs are clear, so no worries about getting lost 😉🚀😄.

Makiyama Observatory (牧山展望台／Makiyama Observatory) is located on Irabu Island in Okinawa Prefecture. It is an excellent spot to admire the stunning Irabu Bridge and the iconic Miyako Blue sea views, making it a hidden gem for photography enthusiasts and self-driving travelers. From the observatory, you can overlook the Irabu Bridge, which connects Miyako Island and Irabu Island. The bridge spans approximately 3,540 meters, making it Japan's longest free cross-sea bridge. Its curved design resembles waves, extending into the endless azure sea. Paired with the unique "Miyako Blue" hue of the ocean, the scenery is breathtakingly surreal. Especially during sunny afternoons or at dusk, the sunlight shimmering on the sea creates the perfect moment to capture the magnificent interplay of the bridge and ocean. The observatory is situated within the elevated "Makiyama Forest Park" on Irabu Island. The park features parking spaces, walking trails, and rest platforms. Although a slight uphill walk is required, the path is surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll to enjoy the view. 📍Address: Kuninaka, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture 🚗Transportation: About a 30-minute drive from Miyakojima City. Cross the Irabu Bridge to reach the Makiyama Observatory parking lot. 🕰️Opening Hours: Open year-round, all day (recommended to visit during daylight hours as there is no lighting at night) 💰Admission: Free 💡Tips: During summer, be mindful of sun protection and hydration. On windy days, exercise caution for safety. It is not recommended to bring strollers uphill.

📍Makiyama Observatory This is the highest point on Irabu Island, and is shaped like a Japanese sparrowhawk. You can see the Irabu Bridge, Miyako Island, and even Ikema Island and Kurima Island on a clear day. The surrounding area is a promenade, and you can enjoy a pleasant stroll surrounded by tropical flowers and greenery. It is the highest point on Irabu Island, and was designed to resemble the town's symbol, the Japanese sparrowhawk, flying with its wings spread. To the east, you can see Miyako Island, Kurima Island, and Ikema Island, and the beautiful sea and clear blue sky stretch out as far as the eye can see. #0yentravelFebruary2025

Makiyama Observatory is a white observation deck located on Irabu Island in Miyako Island, and its design is inspired by the migratory bird, the grey-faced buzzard☝🏽 It is the highest point on the island, and you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Miyako Island, Ikema Island, Kurima Island, and more🥹 In particular, you can see the 3,540-meter-long Irabu Bridge, and the majestic view fascinates all who visit! The observation deck is also equipped with a parking lot and toilets! 　　 If you come to Miyako Island, be sure to enjoy the spectacular view from Makiyama Observatory! #0 yen trip January 2025

There is a slightly unexpected place hidden within the grounds of Makiyama Observatory, a spectacular spot on Miyakojima. That is the Happy Air Raid Shelter. 🌿 This air raid shelter was actually used during wartime, and you can feel the history, but it is a unique place in that it was named after "Happy". There is not much talk about why it was named this way, but one theory is that it was not used during wartime, but it seems to be filled with the thoughts of the local people. While not forgetting the memories of the war, it may also express hope for the peaceful times we live in now✨🌍 From Makiyama Observatory, you can see the beautiful sea and islands of Miyakojima, and you will be surprised to find this historical spot in the midst of such a view. It is a place where you can have a mysterious experience where history and nature intersect. It is also recommended to touch on a little bit of history while enjoying the magnificent scenery of Miyakojima. 📍 Location: Inside Makiyama Observatory Makiyama, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture It's dark inside, so we recommend bringing a smartphone light or a flashlight☝️A magnificent view awaits you beyond♡ #domestictrip #miyakojima #okinawatrip #japantrip #japan #trip

As for observation decks, the next one I would recommend after the "Ryugujo Observatory" on Kurima Island is the "Makiyama Observatory". An observation deck that overlooks Miyako Island from Irabu Island👀 You can look down on Miyako Island, the ocean of Miyako, and the Irabu Bridge from above🏖️ The road from the parking lot to the observation deck is also atmospheric. There is also a food truck in the parking lot, so you can use it when you're thirsty or hungry! 📍Makiyama Observatory Address: Irabuikemazoe, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture Opening hours: 24 hours #0 yen trip #domestic travel #great views of Japan #Okinawa sightseeing

Every autumn, the migratory grey-faced buzzards that come to Irabu Island are a symbol of the island. The Makiyama Observatory is located at the highest point of Irabu Island, and its structure is designed to resemble the soaring posture of the grey-faced buzzards, offering visitors a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the entire island's landscape. From here, one can not only gaze upon Miyako Island, Ikema Island, and Kurima, but also take in the entire view of the Irabu Bridge.

This is the highest observation deck on Irabu Island, shaped like a bird called a "grey-faced buzzard." You can see the Irabu Bridge and the blue ocean of Miyako. It's on high ground, so the wind blows through easily. You can also take a walk along the promenade leading to the observation deck, feeling the nature of the subtropical virgin forest, or enjoy forest bathing. Facility name: Makiyama Observatory Address: 923-1 Ikemazoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture Access: ・About 21 minutes by car from Miyako Airport ・About 13 minutes by car from Shimojishima Airport ・About 14 minutes by car from Hirara Port #Miyakojima trip #Miyakojima #domestic trip #japan #spectacular spot #spectacular view #couple trip #girls trip #Sakura2024 #Makiyama Observatory

#Japan and Korea City Attractions #Miyako Island #Makiyama Observatory #Natural Beauty #Ocean #Travel #Hiking #Sunrise and Sunset #Peace of Mind Makiyama Observatory is located on a hilltop on Miyako Island and is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty. When I climbed up to the observation deck, I was shocked by the view. The endless sea stretches to the horizon, and the blue water and the blue sky complement each other, which is breathtakingly beautiful. Standing here, I feel the greatness and grandeur of nature. 🌄🌊😍 The Mushan Observatory also provides an excellent location to watch the sunrise and sunset. Early in the morning when the sun rose from the sea level, I witnessed a magnificent sunrise. The golden sunlight shining on the ocean is like a beautiful oil painting, which makes me feel peaceful and calm. In the evening, as the sun sets, the sky turns into a sea of ​​orange and pink, and I am mesmerized by the majestic sight. These beautiful sunrises and sunsets make me feel the passage of time and the beauty of life. 🌅🌞🌇 In addition to the beautiful views of the ocean, the Makiyama Observatory is surrounded by lush green trees and flowers, adding to the natural atmosphere. I also encountered some cute wild animals such as birds and squirrels, which were hopping happily among the branches. This close contact with nature makes me feel calm and happy. 🌳🐦🐿️ If you like natural beauty, the ocean, and spiritual tranquility, I highly recommend visiting the Makiyama Observatory on Miyako Island. It will give you an unforgettable journey! 🌄🏞️🌊

Makiyama Observatory is located at the highest point on Irabu Island, Okinawa Prefecture. It is shaped like a Japanese sparrowhawk bird, and is a scenic spot where you can see not only the Irabu Bridge and Miyako Island, but also Ikema Island and Kurima Island if it is sunny. The weather was good, and I was able to see the entire Irabujima Bridge, which is the longest in Japan, while enjoying the beauty of the Miyako blue. The surrounding area is a promenade, surrounded by tropical flowers and greenery, and you can enjoy a pleasant walk while feeling the island's natural beauty. ---------------------------------------------------- [Access 🚗] Drive from Miyako Airport towards Irabu Island for about 25 minutes. ---------------------------------------------------- #OkinawaTrip #MiyakoIslandTrip #MiyakoIsland #IrabuIsland #IrabuBridge #MakiyamaObservatory #IrabuIslandScenery #Drive #DriveTrip #BreathtakingView #CameraTrip #CameraTrip #SingleLensReflex #canoneoskissx9i #TravelRecord #IslandTrip #CutoutWorld #ILoveTravel #ILoveTravel #ILoveNature #japan #japantravel