We will thoroughly compare the good points of Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island, respectively!

What is Ishigaki Island?

Ishigaki Island belongs to the Yaeyama Islands, the southernmost island in Japan, and is the third largest island after Okinawa Island and Iriomote Island. It is known as the gateway to Yaeyama because it is easily accessible from major cities and can be reached by ferry to other islands. Compared to other remote islands, this island is well developed, and there is no inconvenience to living there. On the other hand, the warm subtropical climate and the clear emerald green sea attract many tourists every day.

Book your Ishigaki Island tour here↓

Book activities with Ishigaki Island Tours

 

 

Characteristics of Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island has free Wi-Fi throughout the island, and the urban area is as developed as any major city on the mainland, with restaurants and leisure facilities. A little further away from the livable urban area, you will find a rich natural environment that is typical of a tropical resort. The crystal-clear waters are teeming with coral, and the area is famous as a snorkeling and diving spot, where sea turtles and manta rays can be seen.

The No. 1 tourist attraction in Ishigaki Island is Kabira Bay, which was awarded three stars by the Muran Green Guide. It is designated as a national scenic beauty spot, and the sea with seven different colors is very beautiful.

Ishigaki Island was the first place in Japan to be designated as a starry sky reserve, and 84 of the 88 constellations can be seen. The Southern Cross, which is said to be invisible in the northern hemisphere, can also be observed. Ishigaki Island has various attractions from morning to night, and it will always remain as one of the largest resort areas in Japan!

 

5 Reasons to visit Ishigaki Island

(1) Delicious island cuisine

Okinawa is famous for Goya Chanpuru (bitter melon stir-fry) and Agu, and Ishigaki Island offers such Okinawan cuisine as well as ingredients produced on Ishigaki Island. Ishigaki beef is one of the most famous. Ishigaki beef is A5 ranked black Japanese beef that is grazed in accordance with the regulations of Ishigaki JA. The restaurants that serve Ishigaki beef are crowded every day and reservations are required.

You can also enjoy fresh island vegetables and seafood. When you visit Ishigaki Island, we recommend you to go to the restaurant where you can taste Ishigaki Island's specialty foods!

 

(2) More urban areas and leisure facilities than other islands

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, Ishigaki Island is more developed than other islands and is equipped with convenience stores, karaoke rooms, and internet cafes. There are also clinics and hospitals, so you can spend your time without any inconvenience just like in the city center!

 

(iii) Easy access to various cities

Ishigaki Island has direct flights from central Tokyo and Osaka. It takes only 2 hours and 45 minutes to access the island. There are also flights to Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan from Ishigaki Airport, so it is good to visit with overseas trips.

 

(4) Plenty of activities

Ishigaki Island has a strong image of beautiful ocean and beaches, so marine activities are popular. Of course, various marine activities such as SUP, sea kayaking, marine sports, snorkeling, and so on.

But that is not all there is to do in Ishigaki Island. Ishigaki Island also offers many activities other than ocean activities such as trekking in the mountains, canyon, canyoning and sea kayaking in the river. This is because Ishigaki Island is a remote island, yet blessed with nature of ocean, mountains, and rivers. It is hard to find a place where you can enjoy activities in such a variety of fields. Please enjoy various activities when you visit.

 

(5) Easy access to other remote islands

From Ishigaki Island, there is a good access environment to the surrounding islands. There are regular boats to Iriomote Island, Hateruma Island, Kuroshima Island, Taketomi Island, and other remote islands. If you want to visit various islands, we recommend you to go to Ishigaki Island first!

 

3 recommended activities on Ishigaki Island

Recommended Activities in Ishigaki Island (1) Kabira Bay Glass Boat

Kabira Bay is a must-see spot when you visit Ishigaki Island! In Kabira Bay, there is a glass boat tour where you can observe the underwater while riding on a boat with a glass bottom. The tidal current is very fast, so it is recommended to use a glass boat for underwater observation.

The water quality is so good that it is used as a pearl farm, and you can see coral and fish swimming in the clear water even through the glass. As the No. 1 tourist spot in Ishigaki Island, there are many stores where you can stop by for souvenirs and food, so it is a good activity to take a leisurely stroll around!

Click here to book a tour of Kabira Bay ↓ Click here to book a tour of Kabira Bay

Book a Kabira Bay Tour

 

Ishigaki Island Recommended Activity 2: Phantom Island Tour

The phantom island is located just a few dozen minutes by boat from Ishigaki Island,It is an island formed by a white sandy beach that rises out of the sea only at low tide and sinks like a phantom at high tide.The crescent moon-shaped island continues to change its shape from moment to moment, attracting not only tourists but also local islanders.

From its appearance, the phantom island is"Phantom beaches floating on the sea."The area surrounding the island is home to an abundance of tropical fish. The area around the island is home to an abundance of tropical fish, and offshore is the largest coral reef area in Japan, Shihsei Lagoon, which is world-class with over 400 species of coral and a wide variety of life that attracts many divers from Japan and abroad every year.

The island is surrounded by unobstructed views of pure white sandy beaches, turquoise clear ocean, and white clouds blowing in the Ishigaki Island winds. Such a phantom island is one of the spots you must visit at least once in your lifetime!

Click here to book a tour of Phantom Island.

Book a Phantom Island Tour

Ishigaki Island Recommended Activity 3: Jungle Trekking

Ishigaki Island is not as large as Iriomote Island, but most of the island is covered with jungles of subtropical plants. In addition, there are many beautiful mountains such as the highest mountain in Okinawa Prefecture and a spectacular spot where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from the top of the mountain. All of the mountains are not very high, so trekking can be easily enjoyed.

Many of them can be driven up to near the 8th mountain, so you can choose a course according to your physical strength and have a trekking experience. Trekking, which can be enjoyed by everyone from small children to the elderly, is a popular activity comparable to marine sports in Ishigaki Island!

Click here for trekking in Ishigaki Island↓.

Book a trekking trip to Ishigaki Island

 

What is Miyako Island?

Miyako Island was formed by the uplift of coral reefs, and is a remote island surrounded by a beautiful sea with coral reefs growing all around it. On the island, you can see mangroves, banyan trees, and other subtropical plants, and when you go out to sea, you can enjoy the gradation of the ocean from emerald green to cobalt blue depending on the depth of the water between the beach and the offshore area.

The crystal-clear waters allow you to see colorful coral reefs and colorful tropical fish swimming around them even from the sea. Of course, you can also observe them up close and personal by snorkeling or diving. It is no exaggeration to say that Miyakojima is the most satisfying resort where you can fully enjoy such beautiful sea!

 

 

Characteristics of Miyako Island

Miyako Island has one of the clearest and most beautiful seas in Okinawa, known as "Miyako blue. There are many beaches, including Maehama Beach, which is said to be the most beautiful beach in the East. The contrast between the powdery sandy beach and the emerald green sea with its high transparency is spectacular.

Marine sports and activities are also popular, and the beach is crowded with many tourists every day. It is a beautiful beach that not only attracts many tourists but is also frequented by sea turtles, which shows how well it is preserved and properly used by tourists and local residents.

In addition to Maehama Beach, there are numerous other beaches, many of which are calm beaches where you can enjoy leisurely swimming and activities. In the northern part of Ikema Island, there is the largest table coral in Japan, which offers a spectacular underwater exploration experience that will make you feel like you are in a real dragon's palace.

Miyako Island has a well-developed culinary culture, with exquisite delicacies such as Miyako beef, kaki dako (octopus), and Miyako soba (buckwheat noodles) available only on Miyako Island and the surrounding islands, making it a very satisfying place to eat. Please visit the very popular resort island of Miyako.

 

5 Reasons to visit Miyako Island

(1) Clear and transparent sea

Miyako Island is known as "Miyako blue" for its clarity, which is particularly high among the remote islands of Okinawa. Miyako Island has Maehama Beach, called the most beautiful beach in the East, with its beautiful powdery white sand and emerald green ocean. Even those who are not good at swimming can enjoy the corals growing in the shallows!

 

(2) Calm sea

Miyako Island has many beaches, but they are all inner bays and coral reefs are abundant, so many are suitable for swimming.

 

(iii) Not too crowded

Miyako Island is a popular tourist destination, so it has an image of being crowded, but compared to Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, the number of tourists is small. During the hot season, the island is crowded with tourists, but not so many that you can enjoy sightseeing and activities with a high degree of freedom!

 

4) Easy sightseeing in the surrounding islands

Dotted around Miyako Island are various outlying islands known as the Miyako Archipelago. Many of them are connected by bridges and can be accessed by car or bus. While Ishigaki Island's outlying islands are basically accessible by boat, Miyako Island is more convenient because you can go whenever you want. You can also enjoy the spectacular scenery and specialties that are unique to each of the islands.

 

(5) Delicious island cuisine

This is a point common to Ishigaki Island as well, but the island cuisine is delicious anyway. Miyako Island has specialties such as Miyako beef and Miyako soba noodles. Also, on the island of Ogami, known as "God's Island," a smoked octopus specialty called "kaki-dako" is popular. There are many delicious foods in the Miyako Archipelago, and you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious foods!

 

3 recommended activities in Miyako Island

Recommended Activities in Miyako Island (1) Pumpkin Cave Caving

When visiting Miyako Island, a caving experience at the Pumpkin Cave, one of the most famous power spots on Miyako Island, is a must-do activity! The entrance to the Pumpkin Cave is in the ocean, so you swim to enter. As soon as you enter the cave, you will see a huge pumpkin-shaped stalactite in front of you, which is the origin of the name "Pumpkin Cave. Visitors can climb up the stalactites to explore the different stalactites and dive into the sea from the top of the stalactites.

It is said that if you jump into the pumpkin hole, your wish will come true, so be sure to think about your wish when you visit! Also, mud packs called "Kucha" are very popular because they make your skin smooth and smooth!

 

Recommended Activity on Miyako Island (2) Yaebise Snorkeling

Yabiji is the largest tabletop coral reef in Japan, located in the northern part of Miyako Island. It has a circumference of approximately 25 km and is home to more than 100 pristine coral formations of all sizes, as well as an abundance of tropical fish in the surrounding area. Because of its beauty, it is also called Japan's Great Barrier Reef and was designated as a national natural monument in 2013.

From Ikema Island, take a snorkel boat to access the Yaebise for a snorkeling experience! You can observe colorful coral reefs and colorful tropical fish. You can also admire the very popular tropical fish, the bear flea, and the brightly colored spiny dogfish. There are world-class snorkeling spots within the Yaebise that attract many divers.

 

Recommended Activity on Miyako Island (3) Mermaid Photo Tour

Miyako Island has one of the most beautiful seas among the remote islands in Okinawa Prefecture, and is famous for its many beautiful beaches and photo spots that look great on SNS. Maehama Beach, which is reputed to be the most beautiful beach in the East, is sure to impress you with its overwhelmingly clear waters and pure white sandy beach.

Mermaid photos will be taken with such a spectacular view in the background. With a wide variety of costumes, you will be able to find a mermaid costume exactly to your liking. It is also a good idea to bring a friend to join you! In addition to costumes, props such as flower crowns and seashell floats are also available, so you are sure to look great in your photos.

Let's become a real Little Mermaid at the most beautiful spots in Miyako Island!

 

Comparing the good points of Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island

Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island are two of Japan's most popular resort destinations! Both are remote islands full of charm. Let's compare the good points of each!

Compare the island's representative beaches

Miyakojima Island: Yonaha Maehama Beach

Yonaha Maehama Beach on Miyako Island is renowned as the most beautiful beach in the East. The white sand on the beach is powdery, and the way it rolls up in the waves is very beautiful. The contrast between the white sand beach and the crystal clear ocean is impressive!

 

Ishigaki Island: Yonehara Beach

Yonehara Beach on Ishigaki Island is home to hundreds of species of coral and an abundance of tropical fish. It is a place where there is a large colony of blue coral, which is rare in the world and considered very valuable from a scientific point of view. It is also known as a great spot for snorkeling!

 

Compare recommended attractions

Miyako Island: Irabu Bridge

The Irabu Bridge connects Miyako Island and Irabu Island, located northwest of Miyako Island. With a total length of 3,540 meters, it is the longest bridge in Japan that can be crossed free of charge. Visitors can enjoy an exhilarating drive surrounded by the spectacular view of the sea. With few tourists on Irabu Island, you can have the beautiful beaches that dot the island all to yourself.

 

Ishigaki Island: Kabira Bay

Kabira Bay is a representative scenic spot of Ishigaki Island and is so beautiful that it was selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan. In addition, it is a spectacular spot that has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide. Kabira Bay is a beautiful spot that changes its color in seven different shades, and the observatory in Kabira Park offers a panoramic view of Kabira Bay.

Kabira Bay is also a popular destination for activities such as SUP and glass boats, so enjoy activities in the excellent transparency of Kabira Bay!

Click here to book your Kabira Bay tour

Book a Kabira Bay Tour

 

in the end

We introduced Miyako Island and Ishigaki. How was it? Both resorts are full of their own charms, aren't they? Which of these islands caught your attention? If you have a chance, please visit them.

Thank you for reading to the end.