Summary of remote islands accessible by ferry from Miyako Island! Recommended sightseeing spots are also introduced!

Hello everyone! Some islands in the Miyako archipelago are connected by an overpass and can be accessed by car, but there are also remote islands that must be visited by ferry across the sea. In this article, we would like to introduce some of the islands in Miyako Island that can be reached by ferry.

Access from Miyako Island to Tarama Island

To access Tarama Island from Miyako Island, you will need to fly or take a ferry. Access information for each is as follows.

airplane

Time required: Approximately 20 minutes one way (between Miyako Airport and Tarama Airport)
Number of trips: 1 round trip in the morning and 1 round trip in the afternoon
Fee one way: 5,000 yen one way: 9,000 yen round trip

Ferry (Ferry Taramayu)

Time required: about 2 hours one way (between Taira Port and Maedomari Port)
Number of trips: 1 round trip per day (not available on Sundays)
Fare: One-way: Adult: 2,470 yen, Child: 1,240 yen

5 Sightseeing Spots on Tarama Island

Sightseeing Spots on Tarama Island (1) Tarama Mamoru-kun

Miyakojima Mamoru-kun is an idol of Miyakojima Island. Tarama Mamoru-kun is the brother of Miyakojima Mamoru-kun, and works as a standing guard on Tarama Island. Since they are brothers created by cloning technology, Mamoru-kun's siblings look almost the same, but if you look closely, you will see that their expressions are slightly different.

Tarama Mamoru-kun was transferred to a position near Tarama Airport in 2010 due to a personnel change, and has been working there ever since. He is called one of the best looking of the 19 brothers and sisters, so please take a picture of him when you visit Tarama Island.

Tarama Island Tourist Spots (2) Yaeyama Observation Deck

Yaeyama Observatory Observatory is a conspicuous symbolic place in Tarama Island where there are many flatlands. At 33 meters above sea level, Yaeyama Observation Deck is the highest point on the island, offering a panoramic view of the entire island. Since it is an observatory, the unobstructed 360 degree panoramic view is just beautiful. On a clear day, you can see as far as Ishigaki Island.

Next to the observatory are the ruins of a toomidai, a piled-up Ryukyu limestone platform that was built around the 1700s to watch for incoming and outgoing ships and foreign vessels. The surrounding sightseeing spots are another attraction. The Yaeyama Observation Deck is the best place to see the whole island!

Tarama Island Tourist Spots (3) Shiokawa Utaki and Fukugi Namiki

On Tarama Island, Shiokawa Utaki is located where there is a row of fukugi trees. Utaki is a sacred place like a shrine and an object of worship in Okinawa, where there are few shrines. Shiokawa Utaki is said to have been built when two spirit traces flew to this place and settled down. It is located far from the village and has long been known as a sacred place to offer prayers to the gods. The approach leading to Shiokawa Utaki is lined with fukugi trees, some of which are estimated to be 200 years old.

Tarama Island Tourist Spots (4) Dohara Utaki

Dohara Utaki is a Utaki built at the birthplace of Toyomichika Dohara, a powerful family that unified Tarama Island in the first half of the 16th century and a famous island hero. The Utaki is also used as a venue for the annual August Odori dance. Large trees such as akagi (redwood), banyan, fukugi (Japanese angelica), deigo, and inumaki (dogwood), which are estimated to be 250 years old, stand in a row.

Tarama Island Tourist Attractions (5) JAWS II

Tarama Island is called Tarama Blue and is a very beautiful place with its high transparency and cobalt blue ocean hues. You can observe more than 350 species of corals, tropical fish, and sea turtles living in the diving sites of Tarama Island.

You can also encounter migratory fish, so it is good to look for them. JAWSII, a scuba diving store, is indispensable for diving in such waters of Tarama Island. We also offer guided diving tours, which are a great way to enjoy the blue waters of Tarama at a reasonable price.

Charge

Fun diving 1 boat DIV: 8,800 yen (tanks, weights, guide, drinks, facility fee)
2 Boat DIV: 14,000 yen (tanks, weights, guide, lunch, drinks, facility fee)
Night DIV: 9,800 yen (tanks, weights, guide, drinks, facility fee), Experience Diving: 16,000 yen

List of recommended places to visit and things to do in Tarama Island!Tarama Island is the farthest away from Miyako Island in the Miyako Islands, and even repeat visitors to Miyako Island do not often go to Tarama Island!

Access from Miyako Island to Ogami Island

To access Ogami Island from Miyako Island, regular flights are available.

regular service

Fees (one-way)
Adults: 350 yen
Child: 180 yen

Timetable (between Ogamijima and Miyakojima)

Summer
From Miyakojima: From Ogamijima

08:30 ⇔ 08:00

11:00 ⇔ 10:20

13:30 ⇔ 13:00

15:40 ⇔ 15:10

17:20 ⇔ 17:00

Winter

From Miyakojima: From Ogamijima

09:00 ⇔ 08:15

11:40 ⇔ 11:00

14:15 ⇔ 13:45

16:45 ⇔ 16:20

Summer: April through September
Winter: October through March

Five sightseeing spots on Ogami Island

Sightseeing Spots on Ogami Island (1) Oddly shaped rocks (notches)

Kii-iwa are strangely shaped rocks along the west coast of Ogamijima. After landing on Ojinshima by regular ferry, walk along the paved road to the left, and you will see a series of mushroom-shaped rocks with a hollowed-out base. They are also called "notches" because of their hollowed-out base. The name "notch" comes from the English word "notch," meaning "cut," "notch," or "depression.

The rocks tumbled down when the coral reef was uplifted and the island was created about 200,000 years ago, and wave erosion over hundreds to thousands of years has created these unusual shapes. There are a number of oddly shaped rocks scattered around the island, each with its own name, so it is best to ask the locals about them.

Oddly shaped rock notches of tourist attractions on Ookami Island. Source: 4travel What is Kii-iwa Notch? The oddly-shaped rock notch on Ogami Island, which is only about 15 minutes away from Ogami Fishing Port by regular boat (4.5 services a day), is a place where you can see rocks that look like mushrooms in the sea. Also known as [...].

Sightseeing Spots on Ogami Island (2) Ogami Island Multipurpose Plaza

Ogamijima Multipurpose Plaza is a plaza overlooking the sea dotted with rocks. The coastline is a beautiful arc, and there is a natural pool tide pool surrounded by rocks. Compared to other islands, the clear waters and water quality are outstanding, and it is an excellent snorkeling spot with abundant coral and tropical fish.

There is almost no current and the water is only about 2 meters deep at high tide, so you can enjoy snorkeling safely. On the other hand, the water becomes too shallow at low tide, so check the tide table and visit at high tide.

Because the islands are not connected by a major bridge, they have fewer tourists than other islands in the Miyako Archipelago and are characterized by their clean waters. The multipurpose plaza has benches and tables in a pavilion where you can take a leisurely rest in addition to toilets, running water, and showers.

Tourist Attractions on Ogami Island (3) Toomidai (Tumpara)

The Toomidai on Ogami Island is located on a hill at an elevation of 74.5 meters and has a very long stairway leading up to it. It takes about 30 minutes to climb to the top, so patience is required to reach the summit. However, once you reach the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view.

Yaebise, Ikema Island, and Miyako Island can be seen to the west, and Kamikakis can be seen below to the south-southeast. No matter which direction you look, you will see the beautiful emerald green ocean. The sheer beauty of the place is enough to wash away your mind and body. However, the large rock near the top is considered sacred, so do not climb it.

A sightseeing spot on Ogami Island, Toomidai-.   Source: 4travel What is Toomidai? Toomidai is a 20-minute walk from the port of Ojinshima. Walking through the jungle, you will suddenly be greeted by a spectacular view, and the scenery from Toomidai offers a 360-degree panoramic view. The lush green islands and the clarity of the sea [...].

Tourist Spots on Ogami Island (4) Opuyu Restaurant

Opuyu Shokudo opened in 2013 and is the only restaurant on Ojin Island. Although it is a diner, it also serves as a store, selling daily necessities and beverages, and can also be used as a guest house with a total of two rooms. Tourist guides for Ogamijima are available, so call at least one day in advance to make a reservation before you visit. Since Ogamijima is called God's Island and there are many sanctuaries that are off-limits to non-island visitors, it is better to visit the island with a guide.

Opuyu Shokudo's standard menu item is the khaki dako donburi! The island's specialty, khaki dako is a smoked octopus caught in the ocean of Ojinshima. It is a hearty and very flavorful dish that is very satisfying! In addition to the kaki dako donburi, the restaurant also offers a variety of Okinawan dishes such as mozuku vinegar from Ogami Island, Miyako soba noodles, Orion beer, and awamori (Okinawa-style rice wine).

Related Rankings:Bowl of rice topped with a bowl of soup (other) | Miyakojima City

Sightseeing Spots on Ogami Island (5) Sandy beach on the west

West Sand Beach, as its name suggests, is located in the western part of Ogami Island. It is an unusual beach because Ogami Island is an island with many rocky shores. The beach is littered with floating coral fragments and other debris, and it is recommended that visitors wear flip-flops or other footwear, as walking barefoot can result in injury from stepping on coral shells and other debris. You can take a leisurely stroll in the sea breeze and enjoy the view of the crystal clear ocean.

A list of places to go, things to do, and recommendations for getting to Ogami Island!Ogami Island" is a sacred island that is home to one of the most famous power spots in Okinawa. It is said to be an island where God dwells, with many sanctuaries and unspoiled nature. Let us introduce you to the charms of Ogamijima!

summary

We introduced the islands accessible by ferry on Miyako Island. There is Ogami Island, which is called "God's Island," and Tarama Island, which can be accessed by both ferry and airplane. Each of them has many attractive spots. You can enjoy a high degree of freedom in sightseeing because the islands are less crowded than those accessible by car. We hope you will extend your visit. Thank you for reading to the end.