When it comes to the seas around Miyako Island, the unique underwater topography and the giant coral reef "Yaebise" are well-known, but are you familiar with another place called "Pumpkin Hole"?
The seas around Okinawa are vast! But Pumpkin Hole is a one-of-a-kind spot on Miyako Island.

This time, I participated in a tour organized by the marine shop "Aqua Base" in Miyako Island and went to Pumpkin Hole. The experience was far more impressive than I expected; it felt more like an adventure than a tour!

*Photography is currently strictly prohibited inside Pumpkin Hall. Some of the images used in this article were taken before the restrictions were put in place.

Provided by: AQUA BASE

We offer marine activities that even beginners can enjoy with peace of mind, focusing on Miyako Island's two major marine spots, "Yabiji" and "Pumpkin Hole."
Last-minute and same-day reservations are welcome! We also have excellent facilities including parking and hot showers!Formula HPBooking through us is the most economical option!

What is Pumpkin Hole? ~A limestone cave accessible only from the sea~

Pumpkin Hole is a limestone cave located in Bora, southeast of Miyako Island.

While there are several limestone caves scattered throughout the Miyako Islands, Pumpkin Hole is a very rare cave that can only be accessed from the sea at low tide.

As you enter the cave,The large, rounded stalactite that gave the place its name, "Pumpkin."It will appear.
Above the pumpkin-shaped stalactite, several water basins are lined up, creating a mystical landscape unique to limestone caves, which is one of the highlights of the cave.
This landscape, formed over long periods of time by the dissolution of limestone components contained in the geological layers, is truly a work of art created by the Earth.

*Due to a conservation agreement established in 2022, access to Pumpkin Hall is only possible by participating in a tour operated by a company that has signed the agreement.

Highlights of the Pumpkin Hall Tour

The Pumpkin Hole itself is a highlight of the tour, but the sea kayaking before and after the hole, as well as the activities inside the cave, are also part of the appeal. So, let's introduce them based on personal experiences.

① Preparation and registration

The meeting place for the tour I participated in was Boraga Beach, which is also the starting point of the tour.It's about a 35-minute drive from the city center of Miyako Island (Nishizato).

The tour lasts approximately two hours, but the start time varies from early morning to afternoon depending on the day, as it coincides with low tide. On the day I participated, the meeting time was 1 PM.

The basic attire for the tour is a swimsuit plus a rash guard and sunscreen for sun protection.
If you'd rather avoid wearing a swimsuit, you can participate in short sleeves and shorts (with a rash guard over them).
Please bring your own towels and water.
Wetsuit (winter) and water shoes rentals are included in the tour.

Aqua Base's tours have a dedicated parking lot close to the beach, and there are simple changing rooms and showers. I was also happy that the toilets were clean!
With other companies, you might not be able to use showers or changing rooms, so when choosing a tour, be sure to check not only the content and price, but also whether or not showers and changing rooms are available.

At the reception desk, you will fill out an application form with your contact information and health status, and then pay the tour fee.
The going rate for a Pumpkin Hall tour is around 9,000 yen per person.

Once we've put on our water shoes and life jackets and made sure we're hydrated, we'll all head out to sea!

②. Head towards the entrance by sea kayak | Full of marine life!

You enter the sea from the beach in a kayak. The instructor will carefully teach you how to get in and paddle the kayak, as well as safety precautions.
I wasn't very good at getting a tan, but thanks to the instructor, I was able to get through the rocky area successfully!

On the way to the cave, the instructor will carefully explain about the coral and marine life.
This is a type of coral called a mushroom coral. (It's a species known as a soft coral, and it has a soft texture.)

Along the way (or perhaps underwater?), you can also find "star sand."

After paddling for about 10 minutes, you'll arrive near the entrance to Pumpkin Hall.

③ Now, let's go inside Pumpkin Hall.

I was surprised by how small the entrance was.

As soon as you pass through the small entrance, you'll be greeted by the iconic giant stalactite!
The water even seems to glow with a faint blue light... There's a snorkeling spot called the "Blue Cave" on Okinawa Island, but this is a different kind of sparkle in the sea (it's a shame the photo doesn't capture it!).

This alone is quite impressive, but next we're going to climb on top of this stalactite.

When climbing, be careful as a small waterfall flows down from above. However, everyone helped each other and used the ladder to reach the top safely.

Climbing onto the stalactites reveals an even wider space. Several water basins are stacked on top of each other, like terraced fields.
This is a landform created by a type of calcareous rock called travertine, and it is known as a "travertine altar."

Further inside is the source of the spring water.
Apparently, in the past, before there was running water on Miyako Island, the spring water from this cave was used as drinking water.

The limestone cave contains a fine-grained clay-like mud called "kucha," which is said to remove dirt from pores and leave skin smooth when applied to the skin.

The main event is jumping from atop a stalactite!
(It's practically just an afterimage now...)

Among the participants this time was a fourth-grade elementary school student, who seemed to be having a lot of fun jumping in.
They say that if you jump in while making a wish, your wish will come true...?! Why not try making a wish at this power spot...?

Summary

Although I had researched Pumpkin Hall before joining the tour, the actual experience was overwhelmingly impressive, and I felt a mystical quality that cannot be conveyed through photographs.
Pumpkin Hall continues to exist today as an object of worship for the local people.
This precious spot is highly recommended and something you should definitely experience when you travel to Miyako Island.