A list of places to go, things to do, and recommendations for getting to Mizuna Island!
Table of Contents
Two water islands!
What is Mizuna Island in the Miyako Islands?
Source:4travel
Did you know that there are actually two islands in Okinawa named "Mizuna Island"?
One is Mizuna Island, an uninhabited croissant-shaped island that can be reached from Motobu Port on Okinawa's main island. The other is the Croissant-shaped uninhabited island of Mizuna Island, which can be reached from Motobu Port on the main island of Okinawa.Mizuna Island" located near Tarama Island in the Miyako IslandsIt is.
Many people may have confused this island with Mizuna Island on the main island of Okinawa, but Mizuna Island in the Miyako Islands is full of different attractions!
Learn more about how to get there and recommended places to visit.
Mizuna Island, which can be reached from the main island of Okinawa.
For more information
What is Mizuna Island? (Location and climate)
Mizuna Island in the Miyako Islands is located about 8 km north of Tarama Island (about 67 km west of Miyako Island and about 35 km northeast of Ishigaki Island) in the sea (26°38' N, 127°E).
Sweet potato shapeIt is a small island with a circumference of about 7 km and a size of about 2.15 square kilometers.
It has a hot and humid subtropical maritime climate that is warm throughout the year.
In summer, it is very hot with strong sunlight, but if you stay in the shade of trees, you can enjoy the moderate sea breeze and have a pleasant time.
History of Mizuna Island
With a maximum elevation of 13.2 meters, the terrain is extremely flat, and it is said that the entire island was swallowed by the Meiwa Tsunami of 1771.
Mizuna Island, together with Tarama Island, belongs to Tarama Village, Miyako County, Okinawa Prefecture, and at one time had a population of just over 250 people.
However, after the typhoon damage in 1961, 18 families moved to Miyako Island, partly on orders from the government, and after that, people continued to leave the island, with only one family now living there, who runs a Japanese cattle ranch.
How to get to Mizuna Island
Source:4travel
Conclusions,Mizuna Island can only be reached via Tarama Island.
Tarama Island also has no direct route or air route to the main island of Okinawa, so it is necessary to go through Miyako Island.
↓arrow (mark or symbol)
Take a charter boat from Tarama Island to Mizuna Island (about 15 minutes)
Click here for directions to ⬇︎ Tarama Island
The route to Mizuna Island is also not a regular route,Only charter boats with advance reservations required.It is.
Charter boats can be picked up by Miyakuni-san, an island resident, or by Tarama Island Marine Service, which provides transportation and tours to and from Mizuna Island.
On the way to the destination by chartered boat, you can enjoy the ocean breeze and the spectacular view of the ever-changing blue sea, making the trip itself a time to enjoy the scenery as if you were on a cruising tour.
Upon arrival at the harbor, proceed to the village through a 100-meter long tunnel of terihabok tide protection forest.
Here is Mr. Miyakuni's house, and to the right of the house stands a huge teriha-bok tree reaching 15 meters in height.
In addition, on the site of the former elementary and junior high school, there is a plaza where only the iron bars remain, and cottages for overnight stays.
Things to do on Mizuna Island
Mizuna Island can be enjoyed as a day trip or an overnight stay. Here are three recommended ways to enjoy the island♪
Stay and enjoy things as they are.
For overnight stays, you need to call Mr. Miyakuni to inquire about a cottage owned by him, who is also the only island resident.
Because there are no restaurants, no supermarkets, no vending machines, etc,Procure food, etc. in advance at supermarkets, etc. on Tarama Island.Then, cook your own meals at the cottage.
In the sea around Mizuna Island
Snorkeling with spectacular views!
Depending on the sea conditions, we may be allowed to snorkel in the ocean on the way to Mizuna Island!
The sea is beautiful with numerous tropical fish and branch corals. The table corals are also magnificent, and you can sometimes see sea turtles.
Since the tides around Mizuna Island are fast in some areas, enjoy the ocean safely and securely at the locations recommended by those who are familiar with the ocean conditions around Mizuna Island!
Island time with animals
The island isLots of goats in the wildYou will be amazed at the number of animals that spend their time freely in the park, including cows, cats, hermit crabs, and more. You can also see cows, cats, hermit crabs, and many other animals, so this is the perfect place for those who enjoy observing living creatures!
You can relax on the beach, play in the ocean, go sightseeing, or just enjoy the luxury of having the whole place to yourself.
Popular Spots on Mizuna Island
Although Mizuna Island has not been developed as a tourist destination, there are several tourist attractions scattered throughout the island.
Here are some spots you should visit when you go to Mizuna Island!
Hamasaki Beach
Source:4travel
The contrast between the silky white sand and the blue of the ocean on the west side of the island is beautiful. You can see the beautiful sunset on the horizon. There is not much shade, so please seek shade as much as possible and stay hydrated.
There are even traces of sea turtles that have come ashore on the beach! In some cases, on the way by boat from Tarama Island, they may stop by this beach before going to the harbor.
⬇︎ for more information on Hamasaki Beach.
Hanarezaki (Panarizaki)
Hanarezaki is located on the east side of the island, a scenic spot on the east side of the island, and is considered sacred.
Near the cape areThe Rocks of HanareThe Mizugampi, which covers the rocks, is a natural monument because of its branches, which grow like a normal tree, and its appearance, which is not like a shrub.
Another attraction is the beautiful sunrise!
⬇︎ for more information on Hanarezaki (Panarizaki)
Teriha Bok Seawall Forest & Giant Teriha Bok Trees
The tunnel of the tidebreak forest of teriha-bok trees that stretches 100 meters from the port is a spectacular sight! And in front of Mr. Miyakuni's house, a huge 15-meter-high teriha-bok tree with branches stretching out in all directions is a powerful sight to behold.
Terihaboku is written in Kanji (Chinese characters) as Teruhaboku, and in the Miyako dialectYarraboo."It is called. An evergreen tree with leaves similar to those of Fukugi, it is resistant to typhoons and sea breezes, is suitable as a tide barrier, and is a protector of Mizuna Island.
⬇︎ for more information on the Teriha Bok seawall forest.
Mitake Utaki
Mizuna Utaki is a village-designated cultural property and a sacred place that enshrines Minna Pensu, an uncle of Toyomichika Shihara, who ruled Tarama Island in the late 15th century.
A torii gate was also built,Mizuna ShrineThe Ryukyu Utaki and the mainland shrine are originally completely different. It is said that the Ryukyu Utaki and the mainland shrine were originally completely different, but the torii gate was retrofitted by some intention of the mainland government.
⬇︎ for more information about Suina Utaki.
Miyako Mizuna Island Lighthouse
This lighthouse is the tallest on Mizuna Island at 22 meters above sea level. It is still lit properly and contributes to the safety of vessels navigating in the area. It is also famous as a symbol of the island.
⬇︎ for more information about Miyako Mizuna Island Lighthouse.
summary
Landing on Mizuna Island is a bit of a hurdle, but there are sights and experiences that can only be seen and experienced here, and the air is unforgettable.
For a special moment, why not plan your landing with a generous schedule, taking the weather into consideration?
⬇︎ Read the article at ⬇︎
