A model course you must check before going on a trip to Miyako Island! From the standard course to the hidden spots, we will introduce you to the best courses!
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Hello everyone! Do you know what kind of island Miyakojima is? Miyako Island is one of the best resort islands in Japan, said to have been created by rising coral. It is one of the most transparent islands in Okinawa and is sometimes referred to as "Miyako blue.
In addition, there is Maehama Beach, the most beautiful beach in the East. This article introduces such beautiful sea and beaches, as well as various tourist spots and sightseeing courses.
What is Miyako Island like?
Miyako Island is one of the leading resort destinations in Japan, formed by rising coral reefs. It is surrounded by eight islands: Irabu, Shimoji, Tarama, Kushima, Ikema, Ogami, and Mizuna, and is called the Miyako Archipelago.
The islands of Irabu, Ikema, and Kurima in the Miyako Archipelago have bridges between them and Miyako Island. This differs from other remote islands in Okinawa in that you can go sightseeing around the surrounding islands by land as well. It is also suitable for a road trip because you can visit various places at once.
The climate of Miyako Island is very pleasant, with a mild climate throughout the year. Compared to other areas, there is almost no temperature difference between mid-summer and mid-winter, and even in January and February, the coldest months of the year, it is warm at around 15°C, which is equivalent to the weather in Tokyo around April.
Okinawa, including Miyako Island, has very strong northerly winds during the winter season, so it is advisable to bring a light jacket or windbreaker. However, you do not need a solid winter jacket like a down jacket as in mainland Japan. Even in winter, daytime temperatures exceed 20°C (68°F) and the sun is strong.
During the rainy season in May and June, the weather is dreary, with squall-like days, high temperatures, and high humidity, so it is recommended to carry simple rain gear when visiting during this time.
Best Season to Travel to Miyako Island
There is a best season for each destination. For Miyako Island, there is also a best season. Of course, if you want to view sagaribana or Yaeyama fireflies, the best season for your activities is early spring or summer.
As a tropical resort, the busiest tourist season is from July to September. During this season, the sparkling summer sun shines beautifully on the sea surface and white sand beaches.
However, I dare to say that April and November are the best months to enjoy marine activities because the number of tourists is decreasing and the opening of the sea is over before the end of spring break and before the start of GW (Golden Week). The end of November is not recommended because of strong northerly winds and cooler temperatures, but from the beginning to the middle of November, there is still warmth like summer, and marine activities can be enjoyed.
The main attractions of both seasons are that there are fewer tourists, you can experience activities with more freedom, and typhoons are not approaching. The price range is a fraction of that of the hot season, making it a good choice for those who want to visit resorts in reasonably priced, comfortable climates.
How to get to Miyako Island for travel?
Miyako Island is not accessible by boat or ferry, and must be reached by air. Flights to and from Miyako Island are available in major cities in Japan. Specifically, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Naha, and Ishigaki Island are available. Here are the details.
When accessing from Tokyo (Haneda Airport)
Tokyo offers direct flights from Haneda Airport to Miyakojima Island, with two flights per day, and boarding time is approximately 3 hours. Airfare varies depending on the season, but varies between approximately 20,000 yen and 50,000 yen round-trip; in 2019, there will be basically one flight per day to/from Narita Airport to Shimoji Airport.
When accessing from Osaka (Kansai Airport)
Direct flights to Miyakojima are also available from Kansai Airport in Osaka, with airfare ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 yen, as well as from Haneda Airport. Basically, there is one flight per day. Shimojishima Airport is also accessible from Kansai International Airport, and boarding time is approximately 2 hours.
When accessing from Nagoya (Central Japan International Airport)
Nagoya has direct flights from Central Japan International Airport to Miyakojima. Airfare from here ranges from 20,000 yen to 50,000 yen and boarding time is approximately 2 hours, which is almost similar to accessing the island from Osaka. However, there are no direct flights to Shimoji Airport, so if you want to access Shimoji Airport, you will have to use one of two routes: either fly from Osaka or go to Shimoji Airport after landing on Miyakojima.
When accessing via Naha
Miyako Island can also be accessed via Naha Airport. Since it is closer to Miyako Island than other major cities, a round trip to Miyako Island costs less than 20,000 yen, even during the peak season when crowds are at their peak. In the off-season, you can visit Miyako Island for less than 10,000 yen.
The airline operates a large number of flights, with more than 10 flights daily. Miyako Islanders often use this air route because it is easy to visit the main island of Okinawa from Miyako Island. This is the recommended access route for those who wish to visit the main island of Okinawa as well.
Miyako Island Royal Tourist Routes
We will introduce a sightseeing course while introducing some of the can't-miss spots on Miyako Island.
8:00 City (Taira) Wake up and depart
8:20 Arrival at Primrose, Morning
Primrose
Primrose opens at 8:00 a.m. and has an extensive morning menu, so it's hard to decide which one to choose. It is also located 10 minutes from the city center, so it is a great place to get hungry while considering a sightseeing course! Primrose is popular for its pancake sets, which are gently sweet and refreshing without being cloying. Get a good dose of sugar and enjoy your trip to Miyako Island with your mind fully occupied!
Address: 631-18 Kakawatori, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Phone number: 080-7983-7527
Hours of operation: 8:00-16:00
Closed: Thursday
Parking: Available
Duration: 40 minutes
9:30 Arrive at Kushima Island and enjoy the sunrise from Kushima Ohashi Bridge
Kaima Island
From the city center, head in a southwesterly direction where the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge is located. Cross the 1,690-meter-long Kuruma Ohashi Bridge while enjoying the beautiful sunrise. The ocean seen from the bridge is crystal clear, emerald green, and sparkling at sunrise, making it a truly spectacular sight. Kushima Island is 9 km in circumference, so it takes about 15 minutes to complete a round trip by car.
Many of the beaches are quiet, so it is nice to spend a relaxing morning. There are also several fashionable cafes, so after enjoying a drive, you may want to enjoy breakfast or lunch while taking in the beautiful scenery.
10:00 Enjoy the spectacular view from the Ryugujo Observation Deck
Ryugujo Observation Deck
The Ryugujo Observatory is an observatory built in the motif of the Dragon's Palace. The observatory is a three-story building and is the highest point on Kuruma Island, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can see a variety of views such as the ocean, the Ohashi Bridge, and sugar cane fields. The gradation of the beautiful sea is truly spectacular!
Address: Shimoji Raima, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Phone number: 0980-73-1881 (Miyako Island Tourist Association)
Duration: 70 minutes
11:20 Lunch at Farmhouse Restaurant Rakuen no Kajitsu
Farmer's Restaurant Rensouran Rakuen no Kajitsu
There are many stylish cafes on Kuruma Island that are perfect for lunch, but we would like to introduce Farmer's Restaurant Rakuen no Kajitsu. Farmer's Restaurant Rakuen no Kajitsu is a cafe directly operated by a mango farm near the Ryugu Observatory. Because it is directly operated by a farmer, you can enjoy fresh and lush mango sweets.
In addition to mango pudding and gelato, you can enjoy many other fruits made from tropical fruits from Miyako Island, such as papaya and dragon fruit. Among them, the mango parfait using a whole mango is very popular! In addition to sweets, the restaurant also offers steak bowls made with Miyako beef, which is perfect for lunch!
Related Rankings:cafe | Miyakojima City
12:40 Arrive at Higashihennazaki
Higashi Heian-Nanazaki
Higashi Heiannazaki is a long stretch of cape at the easternmost tip of Miyako Island. From the Kurema Bridge, you can exit to Route 390 and continue toward the east for a while to reach it. Below the cape, a group of coral reefs surrounded by Ryukyu limestone cliffs is so beautiful that it has been selected as one of the 100 best city parks in Japan and designated as a national historic site of scenic beauty and a natural monument. Please enjoy one of the most spectacular views of Miyajima.
Address: Jobe Yora, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Duration: 60 minutes
14:00 Arrive at Yoshino Beach
Yoshino Coast
A 20-minute drive north from Higashiheiannazaki will take you to Yoshino Beach. Yoshino Beach is located in the eastern part of Miyako Island, making it a beautiful beach for sunrise.
In addition, many visitors come to Miyako Island for snorkeling, as it is one of the most abundant places on the island in terms of coral reefs and tropical fish. Even in shallow waters, there are many coral formations, so children and those who are not good swimmers can enjoy snorkeling without anxiety. However, because of the shallow waters, it is recommended to visit at high tide, as the coral dries out at low tide and can be dangerous if you come in contact with it.
Address：Yoshino, Jobe, Miyakojima City
Access: 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Length of stay: 120 min.
16:40 Arrive at Shimanoeki Miyako and purchase souvenirs.
Island Station Miyako
After enjoying snorkeling at Yoshino Beach, head to the Island's Station Miyako in Hirara, the city center of Miyakojima. Island Station Miyako offers a wide variety of Miyako Island specialties and gourmet foods. Souvenirs and island vegetables can be purchased at reasonable prices, and you can also have a meal on the terrace, which resembles a food court.
We carry many of the island's best-known products, such as Uzumaki sandwiches, a specialty of Irabu Island, snow salt Baumu Hen, Miyako Island's specialty mango jam, Miyako Island cider, and more!
Address: 870-1 Kugai, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Hours of Operation:
June-September: 9:00-20:00
October - 5: 9:00 - 19:00
Regular holidays:-.
Duration: 30 minutes
17:30 Arrive at Shima Oden Takara
Island Oden Takara
Island Oden Takara is one of the island's best izakayas (Japanese style pubs), located on the north side of downtown Hirara and well known by the locals. In addition to the famous island oden, Miyako beef steaks are also served. Of course, you can also enjoy dishes using agu pork and chanpuru, a typical Okinawan local dish, at reasonable prices.
Related Rankings:oden | Miyakojima City
Miyako Island Tourist Hot Spots
6:20 City (Taira) Wake up, prepare, and depart
6:40 Arrive at Takano Fishing Port and watch the sunrise
Takano Fishing Port
Takano Fishing Port is a fishing port located on the east coast of Miyako Island where you can view beautiful sunrises. Although it is a sunrise spot, it is a fishing port that is rarely visited by tourists. When you visit, you will find that there are almost no visitors, and only the occasional local fisherman comes here to fish. You can feel a very laid-back atmosphere. It is a good idea to bring your own fishing gear and enjoy fishing while soaking up the morning sun of Miyako Island.
Also, at the beginning of the year, a morning cruise is operated on a sightseeing cruise ship at the Takano Fishing Port, so if you have a chance, please join us.
Address: Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 10 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Fee: Free of charge
Parking: Available
Toilet: Yes
Shower: Available
Duration: 80 minutes
8:40 Arrive at 17 END, walk around
...17 END
Next, we will visit 17END on Shimoji Island, which offers one of the most spectacular views in the Miyako Archipelago. 17END is located on Shimoji Island and is the most northwesterly point, so it is a distance from Takano Fishing Port, but it can be reached by car in about 30 minutes.
17END is located near Shimoji Airport and offers one of the clearest ocean views not only in Miyakojima but also in Okinawa Prefecture. The view changes with the ebb and flow of the tide. At low tide of the high tide, white sands emerge from the clear emerald green sea, creating a beautiful contrast with the sea, so it is recommended to visit at low tide of the high tide.
Address: Irabu Sawada, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 30 minutes by car from Sarahama Port
Duration: 90 minutes
10:15 Arrive at Street Pond and walk around
Street Pond
Street Pond is a pond located on a small rise on the west coast of Shimoji Island, just a short 3-minute drive from 17 END. The ponds are two circular ponds adjacent to each other. The two ponds are connected by tidal erosion in the basement, which is made of Ryukyu limestone. It is said that the ponds were named "Doriike" because of this feature.
The pond is also a popular diving spot, and can be enjoyed from the ground as well, as the tint of the pond is said to change depending on the difference in tidal levels.
Address: Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Duration: 90 minutes
12:00 Arrive at Irabu Soba Kame, brunch
Irabu Soba Kame
Irabu Soba Kame is a popular soba restaurant on Irabu Island. Since Irabu Island is connected by land to Shimoji Island, where the street pond is located, Irabu Soba Kame can be reached in less than 20 minutes.
As the name suggests, Irabu Soba is served here. The base of Irabu Soba is Soki Soba, and the melt-in-your-mouth Yushi Tofu is also outstandingly delicious. The salty, gentle flavor is irresistible. The bonito broth soaks through.
Related Rankings:Okinawa soba (thick noodles served in a pork soup) | Miyakojima City
13:00 Arrival at triangle point
Triangulation point
After lunch, we will relax and enjoy the spectacular view at Triangle Point. The triangular point is the most spectacular spot on Irabu Island, and the thrilling and beautiful view from the 70-meter-high precipice is a must-see.
It used to be a hole-in-the-wall spot, but recently it is gaining recognition as a photo spot on Miyako Island as it is often featured in guidebooks and on SNS. Since it is on a cliff and the number of people who can be accommodated is limited, be sure to take your turn to admire the view!
Address: Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Duration: 40 minutes
14:00 Arrive at Wataguchi Beach
Watariguchi Beach
After admiring the spectacular view at the triangular point, we will head to Watakuchi no Hama. Watakuchi no Hama is a crystal clear beach characterized by a beach made of powdery sand. The sand is so fine that it rolls up with every lapping of the waves. It is crowded during the summer season, but other than that, it is basically not so crowded and can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Address: 1352-16 Irabu Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Length of stay: 120 min.
16:30 Arrive at Miyako Sunset Beach
Miyako Sunset Beach
After enjoying marine activities at Watakuchi no Hama, head to Miyako Sunset Beach. As the name suggests, Miyako Sunset Beach is famous as a sunset spot where one can enjoy a beautiful sunset.
This beach is equipped with a permanent human guard and nets to prevent habu jellyfish invasion, so you can enjoy swimming and other activities in peace. It is recommended to visit before evening for sunset views. The sunset with Irabu Island and Shimoji Island in the background is beautiful.
Address: 5500-11 Kugai, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Tel: 0980-72-4876 (Miyakojima City Construction Department, Harbor Division)
Hours of Operation:
July and August: 9:00-19:00
September and October: 9:00-18:00
Swimming period: 7/1-10/31
Fee: Free of charge
Parking: Available
Shower: Available
Toilet: Yes
Changing rooms: Available
Length of stay: 120 min.
19:00 Hirara (downtown) Park your car at the hotel
19:15 Arrive at Miyako Beef Yakiniku Kihachi for dinner
Miyako Beef Yakiniku Kihachi
After enjoying a beautiful sunset at Miyako Sunset Beach, return to the city center for a delicious dinner. At Miyako Beef Yakiniku Kihachi, you can enjoy Miyako beef, a rare and rare Japanese beef that is hard to find outside of Miyako Island.
There are only a few restaurants that serve Miyako beef, and Miyako Beef Yakiniku Kihachi is one of them. Since Kihachi buys Miyako beef from a single source, it offers a wide variety of dishes such as Kalbi, Sirloin, Misuji, Kawara, Habaki, Shikinbo, and many more. We hope you will enjoy Miyako beef, the gourmet food representing Miyako Island!
Related Rankings:yakiniku | Miyakojima City
21:45 Arrive at hotel in Hirara (downtown) and go to bed
summary
We have introduced information on travel to Miyako Island. How was it? Miyako Island is home to many coral reefs and tropical fish, and there are many spots where marine activities such as snorkeling are popular.
There were also sunset spots and hole-in-the-wall spots rarely visited by tourists. Please visit the travel spots according to your purpose, whether you want to enjoy gutsy activities or visit a hole-in-the-wall spot to quietly enjoy the private beach atmosphere! Thank you for reading to the end.
