Shimojishima Airport, which is located on Shimoji Island (Shimojishima) connected with Irabu Island (Irabujima) by bridges, is a popular place for beautiful ocean and sunset.
Shimojishima Airport can be accessed from Miyako Island (Miyakojima) via Irabu Bridge. After crossing Irabu Bridge, turn left and go straight on the road along the sea in Irabu Island. Cross a small bridge near Toguchinohama Beach to Shimoji Island. Follow along the road and head to the direction of Toriike Pond, and soon after passing Toriike Pond, you will find the entrance to the peripheral road of Shimojishima Airport.
The northern edge of Shimojishima Airport is called 17 End (one seven end). The name comes from the 170 degree (north is 0 degree) to which airplanes are landing.
There is an induction pier at Shimojishima Airport 17 End. The clear sea around the airport is one of the bests in the islands of Miyakojima.
Shimojishima Airport induction pier
It was the first sunny day in a while, so I visited Shimojishima Airport at around 5 p.m. to take the photos of sunset. The sunset time in the island is just before 6 p.m. as of November. I parked a motorbike near the induction pier, and decided to walk around the airport while waiting for the sunset. There were many people parking their cars around the airport and enjoying the beautiful scenery as well.
Peripheral road of Shimojishima Airport
There is a beach near the induction pear (west side) which appears only during low tide. Due to high tide on this day, I could barely see the sands of the beach. You will need to go down the tetrapods to go to the beach, so be careful not to fall from them.
Beach near 17 End
I think the best place to watch the sunset is between the beach and the induction pier. As evening approached, many people were gathering to watch the sunset like me, but there were still some spaces left around 17 End (there are usually few tourists on November).
People are gathering in the early evening
Sunset viewed from Shimojishima Airport 17 End
There is nothing to obstruct the view from Shimojishima Airport 17 End, so you can enjoy the beautiful sunset from here.
Sun goes down over the emerald green sea
I saw a lot of clouds in the sky while staying in Miyako Island on November this year, and though it was bit regrettable that the point where the sun goes down was covered by clouds, I still could enjoy the emerald green sea around Shimojishima Airport and the dynamic sunset over the sea.
Sun set down
If you are looking for a beautiful sunset while staying in Miyakojima, I strongly recommend you visit Shimojishima Airport 17 End!
