20 Sightseeing Spots in Miyako Island! Recommended model courses with spectacular views, carefully selected by our local staff.
Table of Contents
- 1 Selected 20 recommended sightseeing spots in Miyako Island♪
- 2 What is Miyako Island like? Basic information you need to know before sightseeing
- 3 You can see a superb view!
10 recommended sightseeing spots in Miyako Island
- 3.1 1. Yonaha Maehama Beach A spectacular beach with white sand called "the best in the East
- 3.2 2. Higashi Heiannazaki A spectacular spot with a magnificent view of the sea and lighthouses
- 3.3 3. Irabu Bridge Enjoy the spectacular view by driving!
- 3.4 Ikema Island & Ikema Ohashi Bridge Clear water and local island time
- 3.5 5. Kushima Island & Kushima Ohashi Bridge A popular hidden tourist spot full of photo spots
- 3.6 6. sand hill beach Beautiful reflection spot with natural rock arches
- 3.7 7. Yabiji A group of coral reefs called a snorkeling sanctuary
- 3.8 8. the Blue Cave of Miyako Island Mysterious underwater spot surrounded by blue light
- 3.9 9. Makiyama Observatory Panoramic view of the magnificent nature of Miyako Island
- 3.10 10.17END (One Seventh End) A spectacular spot with beautiful sunsets and quiet sea
- 4 Fun even on a rainy day!
5 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Miyako Island
- 4.1 1. Miyakojima City Tropical Botanical Garden Tropical nature and healing space
- 4.2 2. Miyakojima City Museum A valuable spot to experience history and culture
- 4.3 3. ueno German Cultural Village A unique sightseeing spot with an exotic atmosphere
- 4.4 4. Miyakojima Underwater Park Underwater exploration spot where you can meet colorful fish
- 4.5 5. Snow Salt Museum A unique facility where you can learn about the charm of snow salt from Miyako Island
- 5 Holey Sightseeing Spots!
5 places to enjoy the hidden charms of Miyako Island
- 5.1 1. Shigira Beach Hidden beach with quiet sea and beautiful sandy beach
- 5.2 2. Bora Spring Beach A quiet beach with crystal clear waters and white sand
- 5.3 3. Miyako Shrine A spot where you can feel the historic local faith
- 5.4 4. Street Pond A hole-in-the-wall spot surrounded by self-mystifying silence
- 5.5 5. Heart Rock A spot with lovely scenery
- 6 Sea Activities in Miyako Island
- 7 No worries even if it's your first time! Introducing a model course for sightseeing in Miyako Island
- 8 Notes on visiting tourist attractions
- 9 About Miyako Island Tourism Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 10 summary
Selected 20 recommended sightseeing spots in Miyako Island♪
Miyako Island, a remote island in Okinawa Prefecture, is popular as a resort area surrounded by beautiful sea and nature, and bustling with tourists throughout the year.
In this article, we will discuss the Miyako Island sightseeing20 carefully selected recommended spots that you must not miss!I will do so.
In addition, popular ocean activities and a model sightseeing course that can be fully enjoyed on a day trip are also described!
Interested in a spectacular view spot for social networking?
◆Activities and tourist attractions information seekers
◆Those who want to enjoy a short trip efficiently by referring to a model course
⬇︎Find the 50 best sightseeing spots on Miyako Island here: ⬇︎
Special SALE is now being held!
Click here to see the popularity ranking of Yaebise tours.
What is Miyako Island like?
Basic information you need to know before sightseeing
Miyako Island is located approximately 300 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa and is a tropical resort island with beautiful beaches, coral reefs, rich nature, and a mild climate.
In addition to the main island of Miyako, Miyakojima City is connected to Irabu Island, Ikema Island, Kurima Island, Shimoji Island, and other islands by bridges, making the entire island one large tourist area.
It is warm throughout the year, especiallyThe season from April to October is the peak season for marine activities.Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as snorkeling and diving in the beautiful ocean, sightseeing by driving, eating local food, and visiting places with spectacular views.
In terms of access, there are direct flights via Naha or from major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, making it surprisingly easy to reach.
You will be met with a spectacular view!
10 recommended sightseeing spots in Miyako Island
Miyako Island is home to many breathtakingly beautiful scenic spots. Many of them are scattered along the sea or on small islands and are accessible by car or rental car.
There is also a wide variety of scenery woven by nature, photo spots that are sure to be Instagram-worthy, and secluded spots that offer tranquil healing!
These 10 choices are not only popular as tourist destinations, but are also beloved by the locals. You can enjoy an extraordinary trip while experiencing the nature and culture unique to Miyako Island.
Tourist attractions are efficiently visited!
⬇︎Recommended bus tours are here: ⬇︎
1. yonaha maehama beach
The most spectacular white sand beach in the East
Yonaha Maehama Beach isDescribed as "the most beautiful in the Orient.It is Miyako Island's representative tourist spot, with its pure white sandy beaches and emerald green sea.
The 7-km long beach is perfect for taking a leisurely stroll or enjoying a swim. The spectacle of the sun setting over the ocean is also breathtaking and popular with couples and families.
Access: 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
⬇︎Recommended plans for Yonaha Maehama Beach: ⬇︎
2. east Heiannazaki
A spectacular spot with a magnificent view of the sea and lighthouses
Higashi Heiannazaki, located on the eastern edge of Miyako Island, is a spectacular spot where the precipitous cliffs and the blue of the sea are in harmony.
Walking along the 2-km-long cape, you can see the lighthouse, the blue sky, and the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea.Famous as a sunrise spotI also recommend an early morning stroll at ◎.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
3. the Irabu Bridge
Take a drive and enjoy the spectacular view!
The 3,540-meter-long Irabu Bridge is a spectacular driving spot connecting Miyako and Irabu islands.
From the bridge, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the crystal clear ocean and coral reefs through the car windows. Driving by rental car is common,Photo taking at the parking space on the way is also a standard practice.Â
Access: 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
⬇︎Recommended plans for Irabu Island: ⬇︎
Ikema Island & Ikema Ohashi Bridge
Clear waters and local island time
Ikema Island, which stretches across the Ikema Ohashi Bridge, is a remote island with a charm of simple nature and tranquility!
The view from the bridge is spectacular and perfect for driving or cycling. The island is dotted with eateries offering exquisite seafood dishes and souvenir stores with a handmade feel!
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
⬇︎Recommended plans for Ikema Island: ⬇︎
Kushima Island & Kushima Ohashi Bridge
A popular hidden tourist destination full of photo spots
Kurema Ohashi is a 1.7-km-long bridge connecting Miyakojima and Kurema Island, and is a popular driving spot for tourists!
Kushima Island is dotted with fashionable cafes and general merchandise stores, where you can aim for a good Instagram picture. This is a great place to spend a relaxing time on the island.
Access: 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
⬇︎Recommended plans for Kushima: ⬇︎
6. sand hill beach
Beautiful reflection spot with natural rock arches.
Sunayama Beach, which emerges over a hill of white sand, features a dune-like entrance, as the name suggests!
The natural rock archway on the beach is a famous photo spot♪
Swimming is prohibited on days when waves are high.
Access: 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
7. yabiji (Yaebiji)
Coral reef group called a snorkeling sanctuary
Yaebise is one of the largest coral reef groups in Japan, with crystal clear waters and abundant marine life♪
If you join a snorkeling tour, you can swim with colorful fish. Another highlight is the fantastic sandbar that appears when the tide ebbs and flows!
Access: Tour participation is mandatory.
⬇︎Recommended plans for the Yaebise event are here: ⬇︎
8. Blue Cave on Miyako Island
Mysterious underwater spot surrounded by blue light
Miyako Shrine is the oldest shrine on Miyako Island and is well known to many locals and tourists as the island's guardian deity.
Praying for travel safety in a serene atmosphere is also an exciting experience. Some of the surrounding areas still retain traditional townscapes!
Access: 13 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
9. Makiyama Observatory
Panoramic view of the magnificent nature of Miyako Island
Makiyama Observatory is the highest observatory on Irabu Island.
Miyako Island, Shimoji Island and other surrounding islands, and even the distant horizon,It offers a spectacular view of the city!
Access: 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
10.17END (One Seventeen End)
A spectacular spot with beautiful sunsets and a quiet sea.
17END" is located at the end of the runway of Shimojishima Airport,A spectacular spot with pristine nature and crystal clear watersIt is!
Access: 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Enjoyable even on rainy days!
Five recommended sightseeing spots in Miyako Island
Even on a rainy day, there are ways to enjoy the charms of Miyako Island to the fullest! Even if the weather outside is bad, there are many sights where you can have a memorable experience♪
Here are some places where you can relax indoors and enjoy the beautiful scenery that can only be experienced in the rain. Let's enjoy Miyako Island to the fullest even in the rain!
1. Miyakojima City Tropical Botanical Garden
Tropical Nature and Healing Spaces
The Tropical Botanical Garden is a 10-minute drive from Miyako Airport,A healing spot where visitors can enjoy plants and flowers unique to the tropics!
The expansive grounds include a boardwalk and observation deck, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Recommended for families and nature lovers◎
Access: 8 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
2. Miyakojima City Museum
A valuable spot to experience history and culture
Miyakojima City Museum is located in Miyakojima City.The largest museum on Miyako Islandand experience the culture and history of the area.
The exhibits are divided into two main sections: the primary exhibition room for archaeology, history, folklore, and traditional events, and the secondary exhibition room for natural science, arts and crafts. A wealth of materials and exhibits allow visitors to learn more about Miyako Island.
Access: 10 minutes by car from Koheira Port
3. ueno German Cultural Village
Unique tourist attractions with an exotic atmosphere
German Village is a theme facility built to commemorate the friendship between Miyako Island and Germany!
The medieval European-style buildings and museum are popular as photo spots with their exotic atmosphere☆.
It is a great place to visit for families with children.
Access: 13 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
4. Miyakojima Underwater Park
Underwater exploration spots where you can interact with colorful fish
This facility allows visitors to view the underwater world through a glass window and observe tropical fish and corals without diving.
The attraction is that it can be enjoyed by both children and adults, regardless of the weather.
This is a unique hands-on spot on Miyako Island where you can feel the natural ecology of the sea up close and personal.
Access: 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
5. Snow Salt Museum
Unique facility to learn about the charm of Miyako Island snow salt.
At the Snow Salt Museum, visitors can learn how snow salt is made and how to use it in a fun and free way!
proud ofsoft serve ice cream with snow saltindicates object of desire, like, hate, etc.Please taste it!
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
A hole-in-the-wall tourist spot!
5 choices to enjoy the hidden charms of Miyako Island
Sightseeing spots are not the only attractions of Miyako Island. It is still a little-knownOff-the-beaten-track spotis filled with quiet, beautiful nature and hidden charms where you can enjoy meeting the local people.
Here are five special places that are less touristy, hidden away, and that you may want to keep a secret from others... ♪
1. Shigira Beach
Hidden beach with quiet sea and beautiful sandy beach
Shigira Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Miyako Island, but behind it lies an as yet undiscovered hideaway.
Here,Relax in a quiet environment with a view of the oceanThe place is loved by the locals.
Access: 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
2. Bora Spring Beach
Quiet beaches with crystal clear waters and white sand
Natural beach near a spring called Bora Spring (Boraga). It is famous for its kayaking.
pumpkin holeIt is famous as a power spot with a limestone cave called
The Pumpkin Hole can only be reached at low tide, but the pristine limestone caves are well worth a visit.
Access: 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
⬇︎ for tours held at Pumpkin Hall.
3. Miyako Shrine
A spot where you can feel the historic local faith.
Miyako Shrine stands on top of a small hill, which at a quick glance looks like a private house.The southernmost shrine in Japan!
During the year-end and New Year's holidays, the area is crowded with tourists and locals,location thought to be flowing with mystical energyIt is also known as
I will make love to you because it is located on a small hill and has a beautiful view of the Irabu Bridge on the left and Hirara Harbor on the right.
Access: 10 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
4. Street Pond
A hole-in-the-wall spot surrounded by self-mystifying silence
A mysterious pond created by nature on Shimoji Island.
Two huge ponds created by the erosion of limestone by rainwater can be seen.
Both ponds are connected to the open sea at the bottom,Mysterious place with mermaid legendsIt is also a popular spot among divers as a
Access: 10 minutes by car from Miyako Shimojishima Airport
5. Heart Rock
A spot with lovely scenery
It appears only at low tide.Heart Rock, a heart-shaped rock created by nature, is the talk of the town!
The hole in the middle of the rock is heart-shaped.It is also popular as a power spot for love fulfillment and matchmaking because it looks like a
Access: 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Sea Activities in Miyako Island
The biggest attraction of Miyako Island is the marine activities that allow visitors to enjoy the emerald green sea to the fullest!
The crystal clear waters and gentle waves offer a variety of activities for beginners and experts alike, making it a very popular destination for families, couples, and female travelers.
Many tour companies have good safety measures,Beginners can also participate with ease.
We encourage you to try multiple experiences during your stay and enjoy the charm of the sea of Miyako Island to the fullest!
Special SALE is now being held!
Click here to see the popularity ranking of Yaebise tours.
snorkeling
The waters of Miyako Island are extremely clear and perfect for snorkeling where you can enjoy encounters with coral reefs and tropical fish♪
Popular spots include Yaebise, Yoshino Beach, and Aragusuku Beach. A wide variety of tours for beginners are available!
Click here for ⬇︎ recommended snorkeling plans.
diving
Some world-famous spots for diving include the "Street Pond" and the "Palace of the Demon King!
Miyako Island, where terrain diving can be enjoyed by everyone from advanced divers to beginners. Licenses are also available, and more and more people are taking up the challenge during their stay.
Click here for ⬇︎ recommended diving plans
SUP
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) is,This activity is perfect for Miyako Island with its calm sea surface!
There are many spots around Irabu Island and Kuruma Island where beginners can safely try their hand, and sunset SUP is also popular.
Click here for ⬇︎ recommended SUP plans
Pumpkin Hole Cave Exploration
The Pumpkin Hole, created by nature on Miyako Island, is a mysterious limestone cave that can be accessed depending on the tide level♪
Only guided tours are allowed in, allowing visitors to explore in safety!
Learn more about exploring the Pumpkin Cave
Click here for ⬇︎ recommended pumpkin cave exploration plans.
Yaebiji (Yaebiji) Tour
To visit the Yaebise, you must join a boat tour!
Snorkeling tours that visit multiple points and tours with drone photography are also popular.
The sandbar that appears when the tide is low is a spectacular sight not to be missed☆.
Learn more about Yaebise tours
Click here for ⬇︎ recommended Yaebise plan
No worries even if it's your first time!
Introducing a model course for sightseeing in Miyako Island
It's my first time on Miyako Island, how should I get around? Here is a model course for those who are wondering, "Where should I go for my first visit to Miyako Island?
We have planned this tour so that even travelers with limited time can enjoy a good balance of spectacular scenery, gourmet food, and activities.
By referring to these model courses, you can enjoy the charms of Miyako Island efficiently and without waste, so please take advantage of them if you are a first time visitor♪
No worries even if it's your first time!
⬇︎Recommended bus tours in Miyako Island are here: ⬇︎
One Day Plan] A condensed version of the "One Day Plan" that includes a spectacular view and gourmet food!
One-day Miyako Island Model Course
Even if you only have one day, you can enjoy the charms of Miyako Island by focusing on specific points.
Morning: Walk with the sunrise at Yonaha Maehama Beach
→ Spectacular drive in Higashiheirayana-zaki
In the morning, I woke up early and went to "Yonaha Maehama Beach. During the time when there are few people,Enjoy the white sand beach, reputed to be the most beautiful in the EastLet's do it!
Then head to "Higashi Heiannazaki" to enjoy the spectacular view from the cape and lighthouse.
Lunch: Lunch of island foods at a cafe on Kurema Island
Cross the Kurema Ohashi Bridge to "Kurema Island.
You can enjoy the open atmosphere and island time at the island teahouse Yakka Yakka on Kurema Island.
The "Spicy Taco Rice with Vegetables" and "Miyako Beef Curry" are also recommended!
Enjoy a relaxing moment while gazing at the sea☆.
Access: 13 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Afternoon: Irabu Bridge - Drive around Irabu Island
→ Sunset view at Sunayama Beach
In the afternoon, cross the Irabu Bridge to Irabu Island. On the way, you will be impressed by the spectacular view from the bridge!
On the way back, enjoy the sunset at "Sunayama Beach" to end the day.
Notes on visiting tourist attractions
Miyako Island is an island rich in nature, but there are a few things to keep in mind when sightseeing.
First, sunscreen and hats are essential to protect against strong sunlight and UV rays!
In addition, from the viewpoint of nature conservation, please observe the manners of entering the coral reefs and taking garbage home with you.â
For driving sightseeing, be very careful when driving a rental car, even if traffic is light.
About Miyako Island Sightseeing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Although there are some who say that Miyako Island is boring, it is in fact a popular island with many repeaters who visit again and again. There are many ways to enjoy the island, such as driving around the island, visiting island cafes, and of course, enjoying the ocean. To get the most out of your visit, we recommend that you decide on a route and book a tour in advance.
Miyako soba noodles, island vegetable dishes, agu pork, seafood, and snow salt sweets are popular. There are also many cafes where visitors can enjoy lunch and sweets.
Winter (December to February) is also a great time to visit Miyakojima. There are many days when you can swim in the ocean if you wear a wetsuit, and snorkeling is popular in winter because of the high transparency of the ocean. If you make a plan that focuses on driving, viewing points, and gourmet food, you will have a more comfortable time.
Yes, there are places on Miyakojima where you can have fun even on rainy days. For example, the Miyakojima City Museum, Miyakojima Underwater Park, and hot spring facilities are just a few of the many indoor tourist attractions that can be enjoyed.
You can also enjoy the area with your children. There are many family-friendly spots such as well-maintained beaches, underwater parks, and museums to choose from on rainy days.
summary
Miyako Island is a tourist destination that combines a variety of attractions such as spectacular beaches, coral reefs, driving, and gourmet food.
There are many sightseeing spots that can be enjoyed in harmony with nature, and no matter how many times you visit, you will always find something new to discover!
If you are a first-time visitor, please start with the classic spots introduced in this article and enjoy a memorable trip☆.
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