Sawada-no-Hama Beach

Located on Irabu Island in the Miyako Islands, “Sawada-no-Hama Beach” opens out to crystal-clear turquoise waters. Its beauty is exceptional, so much so that it was selected as one of the “100 Best Beaches in Japan” in 1996. The gently sloping shore features a calm lagoon where you can enjoy snorkeling and swimming.

What stands out most are the countless rocky reefs carried here by the massive 1771 tsunami. The scenery—rocks of all sizes scattered across the water—is a rare sight you won’t easily see elsewhere. It’s also famous as a sunset viewing spot. The golden sea dyed by the setting sun and the countless rocks create a truly artistic scene. Nature’s art is well worth seeing.

This beach is also home to a traditional fishing method known as “Nagaki” fish weirs. Made by stacking coral reef stones, these stone walls are built in radial lines from offshore toward the shore—hidden under the surface at high tide and appearing at low tide. When fish enter at high tide, they get trapped as the tide recedes, funneled into narrow exits where they are caught in set nets—an ingenious system. Come experience this fishing method firsthand, filled with the wisdom and ingenuity of those who came before.