What is Yashigani (coconut crab) in Miyako Island? This section explains about coconut crab tours!
Table of Contents
- 1 About coconut crab in Miyako Island
- 2 Characteristics of Miyako Island coconut crab
- 3 5 Yashigani spots in Miyako Island
- 3.1 Yashigani (coconut crab) spots on Miyako Island (1) Aragusu Coast
- 3.2 Miyako Island Yashigani (Coconut Crab) Spot (2) Hakuai Fishing Port
- 3.3 Yashigani (coconut crab) spot on Miyako Island (3) Manatsu Beach
- 3.4 Miyako Island's Yashigani (coconut crab) spot (4) Boragabichi Beach
- 3.5 Miyako Island's Coconut Crab Spot (5) Sunayama Beach
- 4 What is a coconut crab tour?
- 5 summary
- 6 Started handling rental cars!
About coconut crab in Miyako Island
Hello everyone! Have you ever heard of the hermit crab? They are listed as an endangered species II and look like a much larger version of the hermit crab. Unlike hermit crabs, however, they do not have an appropriate inn for their size, so they sometimes use coconuts as their inn.
Another characteristic is their huge scissors, which are powerful enough to sever even a human finger. Palm crabs are omnivorous, eating anything that can fit in their mouths, even rotten food, and they do not necessarily eat only palm nuts as their staple diet. Today, due to the development of resorts and roads, coconut crabs are rarely found.
In Miyako Island, the catching of coconut crabs has been completely prohibited since 2011 under the coconut crab protection ordinance. During the breeding period, catching coconut crabs in protected areas and regardless of size is a violation of the ordinance and carries a fine of 100,000 yen. We have set up a bulletin board in the target area and assigned monitors to patrol and monitor the area to prevent the crabs from being caught, and at the same time, we are strengthening our understanding of their habitat status and protection management, so please do not catch them even if you find them on the roadside!
Characteristics of Miyako Island coconut crab
Coconut crabs on Miyako Island vary in color from brown to blue, depending on the individual. The most noteworthy features are their huge bodies and scissors. The body length is about 40 cm, and when its legs are spread out, it is said to be more than 1 meter long.
They are also heavy, with some individuals growing up to 4 kg. Their scissors are very strong and can generate 40 times their weight in force, making them the strongest crustaceans. They have a long life span and can live up to 50 years.
In Miyako Island, it is customary to catch and boil coconut crabs in the summer and eat them. In Miyako Island, they are caught and boiled in summer and eaten as a delicacy, but their hard shells cannot be broken with scissors, so a hammer is used. The taste is similar to that of shrimp or crab, and the coconut crab miso is very tasty. We will now introduce some recommended spots for coconut crabs!
5 Yashigani spots in Miyako Island
Now, we will explain about palm crab spots on Miyako Island and points where they are easy to spot. The breeding season is from July to August, so it is recommended to aim for the summer vacation season.
■Points for discovering coconut crabs
Hours are after 8:00 p.m.
Find a place where there are red ripe "adan nuts".
Look for it when it's more humid after a rain than when it's sunny.
Yashigani (coconut crab) spots on Miyako Island (1) Aragusu Coast
Aragusuku Beach is known as one of the top two beaches on Miyako Island. It is located on the east side of Miyako Island, about 30 minutes by car from the city center. There are several tours to see coconut crabs, and you can make your own plans according to your activities.
There are also many nice spots during the daytime, such as beaches and coral reefs, so be sure to visit. Please note that if there are things you want to buy or need at the stores, be sure to prepare them in advance!
For more information about Shinshiro Beach, click here↓.
Address: Shinshiro, Jobe, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Parking: Available (30 spaces)
Miyako Island Yashigani (Coconut Crab) Spot (2) Hakuai Fishing Port
Hakai Fishing Port is located on the south side of Miyako Island. It is famous as a fishing spot, but you can also see coconut crabs. Rather than Hakuai Fishing Port, coconut crabs can be seen around Hakuai Fishing Port. By joining a tour, you can search for coconut crabs while following a guide, making it possible for beginners to join the tour.
Address: Ueno, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Access: 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Yashigani (coconut crab) spot on Miyako Island (3) Manatsu Beach
Manatsu Beach is a secluded spot located in the northern part of Miyako Island. It is also called "secret beach" because it is not well known to many people even though it is a beach with a great view. It is recommended for those who want to relax in a place where there are not many people.
Nearby is the popular café, restaurant, and "Oshokujiro Manatsu" where you can enjoy a lobster set meal.
Address: Hirara Karimata, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Miyako Island's Yashigani (coconut crab) spot (4) Boragabichi Beach
Bora Spring Beach (Bora-Ga-Bi Beach) is a great beach for families. The beach offers close-up views of coral reefs and tropical fish, and snorkeling is also available. The beach is staffed by a resident staff member, making it a great place for families.
There is a pool that uses natural spring water around it and various activities such as exploring limestone caves. Coconut crabs have been spotted walking on the beach even during the daytime.
Click here for more information about Hora Izumi Beach ↓ Click here for more information about Hora Izumi Beach
Access: 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Miyako Island's Coconut Crab Spot (5) Sunayama Beach
Sunayama Beach is a famous beach that is a popular tourist spot. It is a mountain of sand and can be reached on foot as it is only 3 km from downtown Miyakojima.
It is characterized by rock arches created by wave erosion. You can also take Instagram-worthy photos in the evening on the fine white sand beach. Walking to the top of the sand mountain on a wooded trail on the way to the summit, you may encounter coconut crabs and insects.
For more information about Sunayama Beach, click here↓.
Address: Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Parking: Available
What is a coconut crab tour?
On Miyako Island, tours are offered to look for subtropical creatures such as coconut crabs. During the tour, you will see not only coconut crabs but also flying flying foxes, which adds to the atmosphere. You can explore the night of Miyako Island while listening to the guide's commentary on the flora and fauna. This activity is very popular among children and men because it arouses their curiosity.
Miyako Island is also famous for having the best view of the starry sky in Japan, and you will surely be moved when you see the sky full of stars. Why not go on an adventure to search for coconut crabs under a sky full of stars?
To book a night tour, click here↓.
summary
How was it? This time, I introduced the coconut crab of Miyako Island. It is an endangered species and a precious creature that we would like to encounter at least once in our lifetime.
However, as explained at the beginning of the tour, please be careful not to do anything dangerous like getting caught in the scissors of a coconut crab. Safety comes first in both observation and touching, so first-time visitors may want to have a guide lead them through this valuable touching experience.
Started handling rental cars!
We'll also reserve a rental car, which fills up quickly!
↓Click here for more information.
