Introducing the surrounding islands of Miyakojima!

Hello everyone! Around Miyako Island, there are some outlying islands called the Miyako Archipelago, which offer specialties and island-specific pleasures. In this article, we would like to introduce access and sightseeing spots to the outlying islands of Miyako Island, which offer such a variety of ways to enjoy the island.

 

Access to Irabu Island from Miyako Island

Irabu Island can be accessed from Miyako Island by crossing the Irabu Ohashi Bridge. It takes about 15 minutes from Miyako Airport to the Irabu Bridge by car. To access the island by bus, take the Miyako Kyoei Bus No. 5 Niisato-Miyakuni Line from the airport to Hirara Port, and then transfer to the Kyowa Bus bound for Sawada Shako.

 

Sightseeing Recommendations for Irabu Island

 

Sightseeing Spots on Irabu Island (1) 17 END

17END is a beautiful spot near Shimoji Airport that boasts one of the highest levels of transparency in Okinawa Prefecture. It is accessible from Sarahama Port in about 30 minutes by car. At low tide, white sands emerge from the emerald green sea, creating a beautiful contrast with the surrounding ocean. This is one of the most beautiful and photogenic spots on Irabu Island, so be sure to check it out!

 

Sightseeing Spots on Irabu Island (2) Nagayama Beach

Nagayama Beach, located in the eastern part of Irabu Island, is a beautiful beach that was featured on the cover of a Miyako Island guidebook. The sand of this beach is extremely fine and silky powdery. When you touch it, you will be impressed by its fineness. The beach field is large, allowing you to enjoy a high degree of freedom and relaxation.

 

Irabu Island Tourist Attractions (3) Sarahama Port

Sarahama Port, located in the eastern part of Irabu Island, is a fishing port where skipjack fishing is thriving. Around the fishing port, there are many restaurants serving dishes made from landed bonito. It is also used as a meeting place for activity tours, so you can enjoy a bowl of bonito rice to fill your empty stomach after your activity!

 

Access from Miyako Island to Shimoji Island

Shimoji Island can be accessed by car or bus.

(1) Use of automobiles

Miyako Island is connected to many of the surrounding islands by bridges, so Shimoji Island is also accessible by car. Therefore, a rental car is essential for getting around Miyako Island! With a rental car, you can get around Miyako Island in about 1 hour, and Shimoji Island in 15 to 30 minutes. To access Shimoji Island from Miyako Airport, you can cross the Irabu Bridge and arrive at the island in about 30 minutes.

(2) Use the bus

Miyako Kyoei Bus Route 9 (Miyako Shimojishima Airport Resort Route)

Miyako Shimojishima Airport Liner by Miyako Chuo Kotsu Co.
The former bus has a round-trip service in the morning.

Buses run at times that coincide with the arrival and departure of Shimojishima Airport. If you board from Shigira Resort, you can reach the last stop, Shimojishima Airport, in about 30 minutes.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots on Shimoji Island

 

Shimojishima Tourist Spots (1) Nakanoshima Beach (Kayaffa)

Nakanoshima Beach is located in the western part of Shimoji Island and is home to abundant coral reefs and tropical fish in the shallows. with over 100 species of coral, it is a popular snorkeling and diving spot. With few waves and shallow waters, this is a great spot for small children and those who are not good swimmers.

 

Shimoji Island Tourist Spots (2) Street Pond

Street Pond is a pond located on a small rise on the west coast of Shimoji Island, consisting of two adjacent circular ponds, the inside of which is made of Ryukyu limestone and the two ponds are connected at the bottom of the sea.

It is said that the two ponds were connected underground due to the erosion of ocean currents. The sight of the changing hues of the colors, depending on the difference in tidal levels, is impressive even just by looking at them. The site is also famous as a diving spot, and visitors can feel the color change underwater as well, creating a fantastic sight.

 

Shimoji Island Attractions (3) Obi Iwa

Obiwa-iwa is a huge rock that is said to have been washed up when Shimoji Island was submerged by the Meiwa Tsunami of 1771. At 12.5 m high and 59.9 m in circumference, it is a huge rock that gives one a sense of power, but also of the enormity of the tsunami that washed up such a large rock.

A red torii gate stands in front of the Obi-iwa, creating a solemn atmosphere. It is said that Obiwa was so named because the center of the rock is hollow and looks like a kimono sash being fastened.

 

Access from Miyako Island to Ikema Island

The main ways to access Ikema Island from Miyako Island are basically by land, such as car, local buses, and bicycle.

(1) Automobile

Ikema Island can be accessed from Miyako Island by crossing the Ikema Ohashi Bridge. The Ikema Ohashi Bridge crosses from the northern tip of Miyako Island, so it can be seen along the ocean as you drive north on Miyako Island. It takes about 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport.

(2) Route bus

There is no direct flight from Miyako Airport to Ikema Island. You can take the Miyako Kyoei Bus from the airport to Hirara City Center in about 10 minutes, transfer to the Yachiyo Bus, and reach Ikema Island in about 30 minutes.

(iii) Bicycle

Weather permitting, you can reach Ikema Island from Miyako Island by bicycle in 1.5 to 2 hours. There are a couple of bike rental stores in the downtown area of Miyakojima, so you can use them. Since Ikema Island is not that big and there is not much parking on the beach, bicycles can be used to visit the island without hesitation.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots on Ikema Island

 

Sightseeing Spots on Ikema Island (1) Ruins of Ikema Island Observation Deck

The site of Ikema Island Observatory is located at the southernmost tip of Ikema Island. From the observatory, built on a small hill, one can see Ogami Island to the east and Hirara, the city center of Miyako Island, to the south. The observatory was used to operate ships and to detect and monitor foreign ships. At that time, common people were assigned to the watchman's position by turns. When a ship's shadow could be seen on the sea, a signal was sent by raising a wolfsbane.

 

Sightseeing Spots on Ikema Island (2) Ikema Island Lighthouse

Ikema Island Lighthouse is located at the northernmost tip of Ikema Island. It is a very prominent landmark on Ikema Island, which is mostly flat. The lighthouse stands 23 meters high and provides weather conditions.

It is also the turnaround point for circling Ikema Island, so it would be a good place to stop and take a short break. There are also natural beaches nearby, such as Ikizu Beach and Funakusu, so you may feel like stopping by while playing in the ocean at the beach!

 

Sightseeing Spots on Ikema Island (3) Ikeda Bamboo

Ikeda Bridge is said to be the southernmost stone bridge in Japan. According to records, the bridge was built 250 years ago, and according to oral tradition, 400 years ago. The Ryukyu limestone is beautifully joined together, showing the high level of masonry techniques of the time. Because of its beauty and deep history, it is designated as a historical site and cultural asset of Okinawa Prefecture, and is considered a valuable cultural asset from an academic standpoint as well.

 

Access from Miyako Island to Kushima Island

Access to Kurima Island is also by land, by car, local bus, or bicycle.

(1) Automobile

Kushima Island can be visited by crossing the Kushima Ohashi Bridge, which was built from Miyako Island. Take the Miyakojima Airport exit on the right, turn left on Route 390, go straight for 4 km, and then turn right to access the Kurema Ohashi Bridge.

(2) Route bus

There is no direct bus service to Kushima Island, so you need to change buses at Hirara in the city center. From Miyako Airport, take the Miyako Kyoei Bus on the Niisato-Miyakuni Line, change to the Yonaha-Kadekari Line at Hirara, and get off at the "Kurima" stop. It takes about one hour to get there, including the ride over.

(iii) Bicycle

Bicycles can also be used to access Kuruma Island by heading to the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge in the same way as cars. It takes less than one hour from the airport, so it is easy to visit the island.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots on Kushima Island

 

Sightseeing Spots on Kuruma Island (1) Cat's Tongue Beach

Cat's Tongue Beach is a beach for swimming located near Raima Port. It was named Cat's Tongue Beach because the beach is shaped like a cat's tongue. There are not many coral reefs or fish, so it is often visited by locals for swimming rather than snorkeling or diving. The clarity of the water is very high, so just looking at it is a healing experience.

 

Sightseeing Spots on Kushima Island (2) Octopus Park

Octopus Park is symbolized by a monument of an octopus. Nearby is a beach, which is also known as a snorkeling spot because of its large population of tropical fish and coral reefs. Since the beach is rocky, it is better to wear beach sandals or marine shoes. Since there is not much shade, you may want to use Octopus Park when taking a break after playing on the beach.

 

Sightseeing Spots on Kuruma Island (3) Kuruma Rural Park

Kurema Rural Park is located uphill after crossing the Kurema Ohashi Bridge. The park is only a small space, but there is a large parking lot and vending machines, so it is a good place to stop by for a rest after a drive. From the parking lot, visitors can climb a flight of stairs to an observation deck from which they can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge and the harbor. You can also see the strait, so please enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kirama when you stop by.

 

Access from Miyako Island to Ogami Island

Ogamijima is not connected to Miyakojima by a bridge, so it is necessary to go there by boat. There is a regular ferry service from Miyakojima, so it is best to use that service. It takes only about 15 minutes by boat from Miyakojima to Ogamijima, and the one-way fare is reasonable at 350 yen for adults and 180 yen for children, so it is a good idea to visit the island casually.

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

■Timetable (Ogamijima - Miyakojima (Shimajiri Port))
Summer
Departure from Miyakojima ⇔ Departure 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⇔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

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots on Ogami Island

 

Tourist Spots on Ogami Island (1) Oddly shaped stones (notches)

Oddly shaped rocks (notches) are found on the west coast of Ojinshima. They are dotted with mushroom-shaped rocks that are hollow at the base. The rocks fell into the sea about 200,000 years ago when the island was created by the uplift of a coral reef, and were then eroded by waves over several thousand years, resulting in this unusual shape.

When you arrive at Ogamijima by regular flight, walk along the paved road to the left, and you will find the strange stones in your line of sight. Each of the multiple odd-shaped stones has its own name, so it is a good idea to ask the locals about them.

 

Tourist Spots on Ogami Island (2) Toomidai

Tohmidai is located on a 74.5-meter-high hill about 6 minutes by car from the Ogami Fishing Port. The summit is accessed by a flight of stairs, which takes about 30 minutes to climb.

It takes a lot of energy to reach the top, but after the climb, the 360-degree panoramic view is inevitably impressive. You can see the beautiful emerald green ocean in all directions.

 

Tourist Spots on Ogami Island (3) Ogami Island Multipurpose Plaza

The Ogamijima Multipurpose Plaza is a large plaza that stretches out in front of you as soon as you land on Ogamijima. From this plaza, you can see the sea dotted with rocks and the beautiful arc of the coastline.

There is also a natural pool tide pool surrounded by rocks on the coast. It is a popular spot to overlook the ocean of Ogami Island with its excellent transparency and water quality. The multipurpose plaza is equipped with toilets, running water, and showers, and there are benches and tables in the pavilion where you can take a rest, making it a good place to relax.

Access from Miyako Island to Tarama Island

Tarama Island, like Ogami Island, is not connected to Miyako Island by a bridge. Tarama Island is served by an airport, so visitors can fly or take a ferry to the island.

(1) Airplane

Access from Miyako Airport to Tarama Airport is by Ryukyu Air Commuter's propeller-driven aircraft. The one-way flight takes about 20 minutes, making it easy to access. However, there are only two round trips per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Check the times to make sure you don't miss it. The fare is between 5,000 and 9,000 yen one way.

(2) Ferry

To access Mae-domari Port on Tarama Island from Hirara Port on Miyako Island, use the ferry Taramayu. Information on using the ferry Taramayu is as follows.

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

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots on Tarama Island

 

Sightseeing Spots on Tarama Island (1) Yaeyama Observatory Observation Deck

The Yaeyama Observatory Observatory is the symbolic spot of Tarama Island that stands out at an elevation of 33 meters above sea level. Since it is the highest point on the island, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. On a fine day, you can see Ishigaki Island, and right next to the observatory are the ruins of a viewing platform made of Ryukyu limestone. For those who want to enjoy the most spectacular view of Tarama Island, we recommend visiting here.

 

Tarama Island Tourist Spots (2) Shiokawa Utaki and Fukugi Namiki

On Tarama Island, there is Shiokawa Utaki, which is said to have been built after two spirit traces flew over the island and settled here. The approach to the Utaki is lined with fukugi trees that are estimated to be 200 years old, creating a very atmospheric atmosphere. The Utaki is located far from the village and has long been known as a sacred place to offer prayers to the gods.

 

Tarama Island Tourist Spots (3) Dohara Utaki

Dohara Utaki is a Utaki built on the birthplace of Dohara Toyomichika, an island hero who unified Tarama Island in the early 1600s. Like Shiokawa Utaki, it is vegetated with giant trees such as akagi (akagi), banyan, fukugi (fukugi), deigo (dago), and inumaki (dogwood), which are estimated to be as old as 250 years. This Utaki is also used as a venue for the annual August dance.

 

Access from Miyako Island to Mizuna Island

Since there are no regular boats to Mizuna Island, you can either ask Mr. Miyakuni, a resident of Mizuna Island, to pick you up from a chartered boat or use a pick-up service provided by a tour. If you take a chartered boat, you can get from Tarama Island to Mizuna Island in about 15 minutes. Without prior notice, it is often difficult to be picked up on short notice on the day of the tour, so be sure to check with the boat well in advance.

 

Recommended Sightseeing Spots on Mizuna Island

 

Sightseeing Spots on Mizuna Island (1) Mizuna Island Lighthouse

Mizuna Lighthouse is located about a 15-minute walk from the harbor of Mizuna Island. It is not open to the public and there is nothing special around it, but the panoramic view is just beautiful.

 

Sightseeing Spots on Mizuna Island (2) Seagull Rock Beach

Seagull Rock Beach is a sandy beach where, as the name suggests, seagulls fly about. It is a 30-minute walk from the harbor, but it is a secluded beach where you can enjoy the feeling of a private beach because it is rarely visited by people. It is recommended for those who want to relax and enjoy their own time!

 

Sightseeing Spots on Mizuna Island (3) Croissant Island

Croissant Island is a popular general store and dive store on Mizuna Island! It sells beautiful accessories made of glass beads and postcards depicting the spectacular scenery of Mizuna Island.

They also offer guided diving experiences, so you can feel the beautiful sea of Mizuna Island with your whole body. Reservations are required, so be sure to make a reservation in advance before visiting.

 

summary

How was it? All of the islands that can be reached from Miyakojima are very attractive and can be enjoyed for sure! Since you have the opportunity to come to Miyakojima, let's visit all of them and enjoy Miyakojima to the fullest. Thank you for reading.