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1977 aerial survey, Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (retouched by Wikimedia user Paipateroma) — historical photo, attribution required
Toori-ike (Twin Ponds)
通り池Okinawa
Two sinkhole ponds on Shimoji Island's west coast (75m and 55m diameter) formed when a limestone karst cave system collapsed; they're connected to each other underground and to the open ocean via a submerged cavern. Designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument since 1979. 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
- Moderate
- Rating
- 4.2· 2,908 reviews
- Opening hours
- Daily Open 24 hours
- Admission
- Free — natural monument with a free car park and a ~300 m boardwalk to the viewing gazebo; no admission charge.
- Nearest station
- ~30 min by car from Miyako Airport via Irabu Ohashi Bridge; large paved bus-accessible lot with accessible restrooms; ~5 min walk on maintained boardwalk
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
Tags
scenicgeology
Location
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