What is the popular Heart Rock in Miyako Island? (Ueno German Culture Village, Ikema Island) Secrets of its popularity, how to get there, parking lot availability, etc.

What are the popular heart rocks on Miyako Island?
Are there two heart rocks?

While the beautiful ocean is the main attraction of Miyako Island tourism, the island is actually dotted with many unique landforms that you won’t find anywhere else.

Miyako Island was formed by the uplift of an underwater coral reef, and because the entire island is covered in Ryukyu limestone, it tends to feature interesting landforms.

Among these geological formations, the two heart-shaped rocks we’re introducing today are particularly popular.

Book a tour of Miyako Island!

 

Heart Rock seen at Ikema Island (Ikizu Beach)

The first, Heart Rock, can be seen at Ikizu Beach on Ikema Island, which is connected to Miyakojima by the Ikema Ohashi Bridge.

Ikidu Beach is not large in size,Location where you can see the lush green ocean in front of youIt is a popular spot in

It was also used as a filming location for NHK's television series "Jun to Ai" in 2012.
Take a tour on Ikema Island: ⬇︎

 

Spot Features

What makes this spot so special is thatThe combination of the heart rock with a heart-shaped hole and the blue sea is a spectacular sight.It is.

However, Heart Rock is only visible during low tide. Since it’s hidden by the sea at high tide, be sure to check the low-tide times in advance before visiting (we’ll explain how to check this in detail later).

If you visit during the hours when the heart appears, you can even crawl through the hole, making it one of the spots that’s especially fun to visit as a couple.

 

About Access

To reach Ikidu Beach, cross the Ikema Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island and turn left on the prefectural road once you enter Ikema Island.

After driving for a while, you'll see a sign on the left side of the road that says "Heart Rock," and there are about 10 parking spaces there.

A little over 30 minutes from Miyako Airport and 40 minutes from Shimojishima Airport.You can get there.

The address is Hirara Maezato, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture, so we recommend using a car navigation system to get there.

 

Heart Rock seen at Ueno German Cultural Village

Next, let's take a look at another heart rock, the heart rock at Ueno German Cultural Village.

The Ueno German Cultural Village on Miyako Island is a theme park that traces its origins to an incident during the Meiji era, when the people of Miyako Island came to the aid of a German merchant ship that had run aground due to a typhoon.

The park has several beautiful walking trails that leadYou can see the heart rock overlooking the sea.I am sure you will.

 

Spot Features

The Heart Rock at Ueno German Cultural Village is the kind you can only see from a distance out at sea, so you can't enjoy it by walking right up to it or diving to see it up close, as you can at Ikizu Beach.

But albeit from afar,A rock that clearly appears to be heart-shapedThe sight of it floating in the blue sea is truly impressive and is sure to become a wonderful memory of your trip.

Please note that this Heart Rock is only visible at low tide.

The Ueno German Cultural Village itself is also a popular spot, and the Museum of Philanthropy, where records of the rescue of German merchant ships can be seen, is a worthwhile exhibit.

You can also take a sightseeing boat that lets you fully enjoy the waters around Miyako Island, so why not pay a visit sometime?

 

About Access

It takes about 13 minutes by car from Miyako Airport to Ueno German Cultural Village.The first two are the following.

If you head toward the ocean side from the airport via Prefectural Routes 190 and 202, you will be able to get there without getting lost.

From Shimojishima Airport, it is approximately a little over 30 minutes along Prefectural Route 252.

The address here is 775-1 Uenomiyakuni, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan.

 

Heart Rock Highlights

When viewing Heart Rock, be sure to take a look not only at the heart-shaped hollow but also at the rock itself.

The heart rock, which is made of Ryukyu limestone, has a unique rugged texture, and you can feel the remnants of what used to be coral.

Since the entire island of Miyako is composed of this Ryukyu limestone, gazing at Heart Rock will surely give you a sense of the island’s history.

If you take a moment to reflect on the history of one of Japan’s leading tourist islands through the lens of Heart Rock, your visit to Miyako Island may become an even more rewarding experience.

 

Great for social networking! Enjoy taking pictures!

One of the most enjoyable aspects of visiting Heart Rock is taking pictures of its unique and distinctive form.

Especially at the Heart Rock at Ikidu Beach, which can be reached right in front of you, you will be able to take a variety of interesting pictures depending on your ideas.

Take a picture in front of the unusual heart-shaped rock,It will definitely look great on Instagram and other social networking sites!Wouldn't this be one of them?

While taking advantage of the blue and beauty of the ocean and sky, we encourage you to try to capture one of the best shots you can.

 

Power spot for love

Heart Rock is known as a power spot for romance, and if you visit as a couple, it will surely help you maintain a harmonious relationship.

Also, if you want to find a lover, why not visit Heart Rock and make a wish?

Whether you're traveling alone or with friends, at Heart Rock...Praying for the fulfillment of love will surely be a lot of fun!It is!

 

Let's check the time of low tide in advance.

Both Ikidu Beach and Ueno German Cultural Village, Heart Rock can only be seen at low tide.

So, how do you find out when low tide is?

We recommend the information released by the Japan Meteorological AgencyUsing the "Tide Table"Here's how.

The Japan Meteorological Agency's tide tables let you check the exact low tide times for each region, so if you narrow down the area and check carefully, you'll be able to visit at the right time.

 

Around Ikema Island (Ikizu Beach)
Popular Tourist Spots

When visiting Heart Rock at Ikizu Beach, we recommend planning ahead to include other spots you’d like to see.

If you know the popular tourist spots in the vicinity, you will be able to experience a variety of fun in an efficient manner.

We have picked out three spots here, so let's check them out in order.

 

Funakusu Beach

The first spot I’d like to recommend as a place to visit along with Ikizu Beach is Funakusu Beach, where you can enjoy an atmosphere reminiscent of a private beach.

There is a pile of blocks at the entrance to this beach, and since it serves as a landmark, the beach itself is also known as “Ikemma Blocks.”

 

Spot Highlights

Since Funakus Beach was originally difficult to find and not very well known,A hole-in-the-wall spot for those in the knowIt was a place visited by only a very small number of people.

However, in recent years, awareness has grown—in part due to photos being posted on social media—and the number of visitors has been increasing.

As a result, signs and a parking lot were installed, making it a more accessible destination.

Still, it is because it offers a more secluded atmosphere than the famous beaches that appear in guidebooks,A great spot for those who want to enjoy a quiet trip.It can be said that

It's also a great spot for snorkeling, where you can take your time observing the coral reefs and tropical fish; however, since there are no lifeguards on duty at this beach, please take extra care to ensure your safety.

 

Basic Information

When heading to Funakusu Beach, cross the Ikema Ohashi Bridge and then continue to the north coast of Ikema Island.

Taking the clockwise route is slightly shorter; it takes about 7 minutes to get there.

The address is Ikema, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture.

 

Nishiheirenaizaki

Nishi-Henna-zaki, located just before the Ikima Bridge—which you’ll inevitably cross on your way to Ikizu Beach—is a recommended spot that’s easy to visit whether you’re heading there or coming back.

There is an observation deck at Nishi-Hezanazaki, located at the northern tip of Miyako Island, andOne of the most spectacular views on the islandcan be seen.

 

Spot Highlights

From the observation deck at Nishi-Hezanazaki, you can enjoy a distinctive view of the Ikemajima Bridge—a massive bridge nearly 1.5 km long that connects Miyako Island and Ikemajima.

The view of the extremely beautiful ocean of Miyako and Ikema Islands with an ocean view and a huge bridge passed over it is a spectacular and extraordinary sight.

It is difficult to witness in other lands,A perfect location that symbolizes Miyako IslandIt can be said that this is the case.

It is also interesting to note that the colors and appearance change depending on the amount of sunlight at different times of the day, so it is recommended to visit both on the way there and on the way back to compare the differences.

 

Basic Information

To reach Nishiheinanazaki from downtown Miyakojima, first head north on Prefectural Road 83.

Turn left toward Ikema Island following the sign to Prefectural Road No. 230, and follow the road until you see Nishiheinanazaki before the bridge.

The address is Hirara Karimata, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture. If you're unsure of the way, use a GPS or similar navigation system.

 

eight-holed arrow whistle

The third place I’d like to introduce is the one often referred to as “Japan’s Great Barrier Reef.”One of the largest coral reef spots in JapanThe Yabiji is a small, flat, and narrow strip of land on the coastline of the Yabiji River.

Yaese extends into the sea north of Miyako Island, and while you can reach it from various locations via snorkeling tours and other means, the shortest route is from Ikemajima.

Book a Yaebise tour!
Click here for recommended plans

 

Spot Highlights

At Yaese, an enormous number of coral colonies thrive across a vast area stretching a full 25 km, making it a spot where you can experience beauty beyond imagination.

One of the main features of Miyakojima is the clear sea with no impurities mixed in because of its topography, which prevents sediment from flowing out into the sea.

The table-shaped coral reefs that stretch across those crystal-clear waters are home to a variety of marine life, including clownfish—known from the movie *Finding Nemo*—and yellow tangs.

If you're lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle! ◎Their adorable appearance is sure to be a sight to behold.

 

Basic Information

Ikeman Port, the departure point for tours to Yaese, is just a short drive away if you cross the Ikeman Bridge and follow the road to the left.

The address is Hirara-Ikema, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan.

 

Around Ueno German Cultural Village
Popular Tourist Spots

Next, let's take a look at popular tourist spots that can be easily visited in conjunction with Ueno German Cultural Village.

 

Utopia Farm Miyakojima

Utopia Farm Miyakojima is a tourist farm where visitors can get an up-close look at lush tropical fruits and vibrant tropical plants in full bloom.

The many plants unique to Miyako Island are carefully managed,The brightly colored appearance and aromatic fragrance attract visitors.The company will do this for you.

 

Spot Highlights

A visit to this space, where hibiscus, bougainvillea, and a wide variety of other flowers display their beauty in every season, will bring about a deep relaxation of both body and soul.

Tropical fruits like mangoes, bananas, and dragon fruit aren't just for looking at—you can also enjoy them as desserts.

The fruit soft-serve, mango pudding, and parfaits served at the fruit parlor are all absolutely delicious, and you’ll definitely want to try a variety of items on the menu.

A wide variety of souvenirs are available for sale.Highly recommended spot that can meet all your sightseeing needs at once.The first two are the following.

 

Basic Information

When heading to Utopia Farm Miyakojima, it is recommended to go via Prefectural Route 190 to Route 202.

The address is 1714-2 Miyaguni, Ueno, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan.

 

hardy begonia (Begonia grandis)

The last farm I’d like to introduce is Shiro Farm, which spans a whopping 7 hectaresThe largest aloe vera growing spot in Japan.It is.

The soil of Miyako Island is extremely suitable for growing aloe vera, and the spectacular aloe vera fields spreading all over the island will leave you speechless.

 

Spot Highlights

At Shiro Farm, which grows aloe vera on a large scale, you can purchase rare aloe vera seedlings, fresh leaves, and delicious, healthy aloe juice.

Light snacks such as frappes and bagels made with aloe are also offered, and you will be captivated by their healthy and gentle sweetness.

This farm is also a goat petting farm, where many goats graze on the land to eat weeds that interfere with the growth of aloe vera.

Rabbits are also kept with them, and their heartwarming atmosphere will surely make your cheeks relax.

Each goat is given a name and is treated like a family member, making it a very cute and relaxing spot.

 

Basic Information

If you exit Ueno German Cultural Village, turn left and go west, you will soon reach Shirou Farm.

The address is Uenomiyakuni, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture.

 

summary

In this article, we introduced the two Heart Rocks—one of Miyako Island’s most iconic tourist attractions—and other nearby attractions.

Heart Rock is a very impressive spotSo, if you build your itinerary around that area, you'll be able to enjoy a fulfilling sightseeing experience.

Please visit Heart Rock and enjoy a moody moment!

↓Click here to read the article.