daiku 
Obiiwa is a massive rock located in Irabu, Miyakojima City, about 800 meters south of Tōriike (Tōri Pond). According to legend, this enormous boulder was thrust onto the shore by a giant tsunami triggered by the 1771 Great Earthquake (Meiwa 8). The tsunami that struck the Miyako Islands at that time is said to have reached a height of approximately 85 meters. Obiiwa still stands today as a powerful symbol of nature’s overwhelming force.
The rock measures about 13 meters in height, around 60 meters in circumference, and weighs several dozen tons. Visitors are often awestruck by its sheer size. Standing before it, one cannot help but feel the terrifying scale of the tsunami’s destructive power. Obiiwa serves as both a reminder of the awesome force of nature and a historical landmark preserving the memory of past disasters.
Today, Obiiwa is designated as a local cultural heritage site. It is also a place of worship, where local people pray for maritime safety and family well-being. Standing at this site, you can sense both reverence for nature and the deep connection the community holds with its history.
Visiting Obiiwa offers a profound experience—witnessing the grandeur of the Miyako Islands’ natural landscape while reflecting on the power of history and disaster. When exploring Miyako Island, don’t miss the chance to visit this monumental rock and feel the awe-inspiring presence of nature and time.
Location: Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
⸻