Irabu Island
Island Ryukyu island linked to Miyako by bridge, beaches
A Miyako Islands isle in Okinawa connected by bridge, known for white beaches, coral reefs and local fisheries. Divers and beach tourists come for reef snorkelling and island cuisine.
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Irabu Island is one of the Miyako Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, known for its beaches, coral reefs and subtropical marine environment. The island forms part of a small island group valued for diving, snorkeling and coastal scenery.
A long bridge provides a direct road connection to neighbouring Miyako Island, giving easy vehicle access for visitors and enabling transfers from Miyakojima’s transport links. The island’s shoreline features sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and lagoon reefs.
Local communities and guest facilities support tourism focused on marine activities, beach visits and scenic drives around the island. The island is administered as part of Miyakojima city in Okinawa Prefecture and is accessible from the main island’s ports and airport.
- Improved access: The fixed road link to Miyako Island transformed access and tourism, making beach and reef sites on Irabu reachable by car from Miyakojima.
What to See #
- Irabu Bridge: A long vehicular bridge completed in the 2010s that links Irabu Island to nearby Miyako Island, providing direct road access and enabling day trips by car between the islands.
How to Get to Irabu Island #
Irabu is reached from Miyako Island via the Irabu Bridge (car access) or by ferry from neighboring islands. The nearest major airport is Miyako Airport; from there, drive or take local transit across the bridge to Irabu Island.
Tips for Visiting Irabu Island #
- Rent a car or use local minibuses to explore multiple beaches and viewpoints; public transit on the islands can be limited.
- Try local dishes that use fresh-caught seafood and Ryukyuan staples (goya chanpuru is a regional speciality).
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen; marine environments and coral reefs around the island are sensitive.
Best Time to Visit Irabu Island #
Best visited from late spring to early autumn for beach activities; spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Irabu Island #
Irabu Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 15°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2195 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (219 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (204 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (248 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (216 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (211 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
