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?

Many people may think of the beauty of the ocean as the highlight of Miyako Island tourism, but in fact, Miyako Island is not only home to the ocean, but also to many other attractive natural landscapes on the island.

In addition to the many rare tropical plants that can be seen, there are a number of uniquely shaped landforms that are particularly eye-catching.

Miyako Island was created by the uplift of coral reefs on the ocean floor, and the land is shaped by a type of rock called Ryukyu limestone.

Therefore, on Miyako Island and the surrounding islands, one can see interesting landforms that one would not encounter elsewhere.

Among these landforms, the two heart-shaped rocks introduced here are beloved by many people.

When you hear the words "heart rock," you may think of a heart-shaped rock.

However, this Heart Rock is not a heart-shaped rock itself, but a rock with a heart-shaped hole in it.

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, but it is a popular spot for its location where visitors can see the lush blue ocean right in front of them.

It was also used as a filming location for NHK's television series "Jun to Ai" in 2012.

Spot Features

The most unique feature of this spot is the spectacular view of the heart-shaped hole in the rock combined with the blue ocean.

Heart Rock cannot be seen at any time of the day, and its unique appearance can only be seen during low tide.

During high tide, the Heart Rock is hidden by the sea, so you will need to check the time of low tide before visiting.

If you visit during the time when the heart appears, you can go through the hole, making it one of the most exciting spots for couples to visit.

 

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 a short distance you will find a sign placed to the left of the road that says Heart Rock and about 10 parking spaces.

It takes a little over 30 minutes from Miyako Airport and 40 minutes from Shimojijima Airport.

The address is Hirara Maesato, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture, so we recommend that you use your car navigation system's search to visit.

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.

Ueno German Cultural Village on Miyakojima is a theme park that was inspired by an event in the Meiji era, when the people of Miyakojima saved a German merchant ship that had run aground in a typhoon.

There are several beautiful walking trails in the park, from which you will be able to see the Heart Rock overlooking the ocean.

 

Spot Features

The Heart Rock at Ueno German Cultural Village is meant to be visible underwater in the distance, and cannot be enjoyed by going to or diving in front of it like at Ikidu Beach.

However, even from a distance, the sight of the clearly visible heart-shaped rock floating in the blue ocean is very impressive and will surely become a wonderful memory of your trip.

The Heart Rock can only be seen at low tide, so it is best to check the time of day carefully before visiting.

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 ride on an underwater sightseeing boat to fully enjoy the sea of Miyako Island, so why not visit us?

 

About Access

The distance from Miyako Airport to Ueno German Cultural Village is approximately 13 minutes by car.

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 looking at Heart Rock, look not only at the heart-shaped cavity, 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.

The entire island of Miyako is made up of this Ryukyu limestone, so if you look at the Heart Rock, you will be able to feel the history of the island itself.

The fact that you can think about the history of one of Japan's most famous tourist islands through the Heart Rock may make your visit to Miyakojima even more enjoyable.

 

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.

If you take a picture in front of the unusual heart-shaped rock, it will surely be all over Instagram and other social networking sites, won't it?

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 called a power spot for love, and if couples go to see Heart Rock together, it will give them a boost to continue their amicable romantic relationship.

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

Whether you are traveling alone or with friends, visiting Heart Rock and praying for the fulfillment of your love life is sure to be a lot of fun!

 

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.

But even if we are told the time of low tide, how do we find out?

To find out the time of low tide, it is recommended to use the tide table published by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The tide tables of the Japan Meteorological Agency allow you to find out the exact time of low tide for each area, so if you narrow down your area and do your research properly, you can visit at the appropriate time.

 

Popular Tourist Spots around Ikema Island (Ikizu Beach)

When viewing the Heart Rock at Ikidu Beach, it is recommended that you also visit the other spots you would like to see in advance.

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 would like to introduce to you as a combination of Ikidu Beach and Funakusu Beach, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of a private beach.

The beach itself is also called "Ikema Block" because of the blocks piled up at the entrance to this beach that mark the beach.

 

Spot Highlights

Originally, Funakusu Beach was not well known because it was difficult to find, and only a few people in the know visited this secluded spot.

In recent years, however, the number of visitors has been increasing as people become aware of the area through the posting of photos on social networking services.

As a result, signs and parking lots have also been installed, making it an easy spot to visit.

Still, it is a good spot for those who want to enjoy a quiet trip, as it offers a more secluded atmosphere than the famous beaches listed in guidebooks.

It is also a good spot for snorkeling, where you can closely observe coral reefs and tropical fish, but be aware that the beach is unsupervised and safety precautions should be taken.

 

Basic Information

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

It is slightly closer to the city by taking the right-hand road, which takes about 7 minutes.

The address isIt is located in Hirara-Aza Ikema, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture.

 

Nishiheirenaizaki

Nishihennazaki, located just before the Ikema Ohashi Bridge, which you must pass through on your way to Ikidu Beach, is a recommended spot to visit both on your way out and on your way back.

Located at the northern tip of Miyako Island, Nishiheiannazaki has an observatory that offers one of the most spectacular views on the island.

 

Spot Highlights

At the observatory on the cape of Nishiheinanazaki, you will encounter a distinctive view of the Ikema Ohashi Bridge, a large bridge of nearly 1.5 km that connects Miyako Island and Ikema Island.

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 a perfect location that symbolizes Miyako Island, which is difficult to witness in other places.

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 do not know the way, use a car navigation system.

 

eight-holed arrow whistle

The third place I would like to introduce is Yabiji, one of the largest coral reef spots in Japan, also known as the "Great Barrier Reef of Japan.

The Yaehase extends from Miyako Island to the northern sea, and can be reached from various places by snorkeling tours, but the shortest distance to the Yaehase is from Ikema Island.

 

Spot Highlights

The Yaebise is a spot where you can encounter unimaginable beauty, with a huge number of atolls clustered together in a vast area stretching a whopping 25 kilometers.

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 corals spreading out in such clear waters are home to a variety of creatures, including clownfish and snapping turtles known from the Finding Nemo movie.

If you are lucky, you may even encounter sea turtles, whose adorable appearance is sure to be a sight to behold.

 

Basic Information

Ikema Port, the starting point for tours to the Yaegase, will be reached quickly by crossing the Ikema Ohashi Bridge and taking the road around to the left.

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

 

Popular Tourist Spots around Ueno German Cultural Village

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

We have picked out two spots with much to see, and hope you will find them useful in your sightseeing!

 

Utopia Farm Miyakojima

Utopia Farm Miyakojima is a sightseeing farm where visitors can enjoy a close-up view of tropical fruits in abundance and tropical plants in full bloom.

Carefully managed, the many plants unique to Miyako Island attract visitors with their vivid colors and aromatic fragrance.

 

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 such as mangoes, bananas, and dragon fruits can not only be admired but also tasted as sweets.

The fruit soft serve, mango pudding, and parfaits offered at the fruit parlor are all excellent, and you will want to try many different items on the menu.

The area also sells a wide range of souvenirs, making it a highly recommended spot for satisfying various tourist needs at once.

 

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 spot we would like to introduce is Shirou Farm, which is the largest aloe vera grower in Japan, covering a whopping 7 hectares.

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 Shirou Farm, which grows aloe vera on a large scale, you can purchase precious aloe vera seedlings, fresh leaves, and delicious and 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 issue, we have introduced two of Miyako Island's representative tourist attractions, the two heart-shaped rocks and the nearby sightseeing spots.

Heart Rock is a very impressive spot, so you can enjoy a fulfilling sightseeing tour by making a plan around it.

Please visit Heart Rock and enjoy a moody moment!