Miyako Island, a very popular remote island in Okinawa, is a popular destination not only for tourists but also as a place to live.

Miyako Island's rich natural environment, warm climate, and laid-back atmosphere are surely what attracts so many people.

Many people who have traveled to Miyako Island have probably thought, "I want to live here!"
Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to spend your time doing what you love in a place you love?

This article introduces the characteristics and attractions of living on Miyako Island, the advantages and disadvantages of moving there, and tips and advice for a successful relocation!

<Table of Contents>
1. Characteristics of Miyako Island
2. Advantages of moving to Miyako Island
3. Disadvantages of moving to Miyako Island
4. Tips and advice for a successful relocation

Show all table of contents

Characteristics of Miyako Island

When considering relocating, it's crucial to first thoroughly understand the characteristics of the area.
Let's learn about Miyako Island from the perspective of its living standards.

How big is Miyako Island?

The Miyako Islands consist of Miyako Island, Irabu Island, Shimoji Island, Ikema Island, and Kurima Island, which are connected by bridges, as well as Ogami Island, Tatara Island, and Minna Island, which are accessible by boat and plane.
Many of the migrants have established their homes on Miyako Island.
The main commercial area is called "Nishizato," which has government offices and the port (Hirara). Residential areas are increasing in the surrounding areas of Nishizato, including Kugai, Shimosato, Nishinakasone, Higashinakasone, and Nikawatori.

What's the weather/climate like?

Miyako Island has a hot, humid, subtropical oceanic climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year and an average temperature of around 23 degrees Celsius.
The rainy season is from May to June, roughly the same time as on Okinawa Island, and about 20% of the annual rainfall occurs during this period.
Typhoons are frequent, and September in particular is typhoon season, which can bring strong winds and salt damage.

What is the going rate for rentals?

Rent in Miyako Island continues to rise due to excessive demand, giving the impression that it is expensive despite being a rural area.

[Estimated monthly rent in Miyako Island]
・1R 65,000 yen
・1K 75,000 yen
1LDK 100,000 yen

Furthermore, there is limited property information available on major rental portal sites, making it difficult to find suitable options online alone.
Once you've narrowed down your choices to a specific area and floor plan, try contacting a real estate agent in Miyako Island.
If you happen to know someone in Miyako Island, it might be a good idea to try asking them for help.

[Real estate agent in Miyako Island]
・Kokuwa City, a real estate agency in Miyako Island
・Take-chan Home
・Livplus Co., Ltd.
・Chura Island Total Support

Also, some companies provide dormitories, so one option to consider as a stepping stone to moving to Miyako Island is to first take a job that offers dormitory accommodation.

What kinds of industries are there?

It is said that many people in Miyako Island work in agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.
Because Miyako Island is known for its stunning natural beauty, it's highly likely that the jobs people take after moving there will be related to these things. Among these, jobs in the tourism industry are particularly popular.
Many people are captivated by the beauty of Miyako Island's ocean, and a lot of them become marine activity instructors or staff!

Reference: Okinawa Prefecture Official Relocation Support Site Okinawa Island Life

What about interaction with local culture and community?

In Miyako Island, ancient traditions and culture are still strongly present in daily life, and by participating in local festivals and events, you can have deep interactions with the local people.
However, to put it another way, because the community ties are so close, people sometimes feel stressed by differences in their sense of personal space with others.
If you live in an old settlement, you may have to be prepared for a certain degree of scrutiny.

Keep this in mind when considering relocating.

Advantages of moving to Miyako Island

Achieve physical and mental well-being in the midst of abundant nature.

Undoubtedly, the biggest advantage, and the main reason many people choose to move to Miyako Island, is its magnificent natural beauty. Spending your days on this island surrounded by coral reefs, with its clear, crystal-clear waters and abundant plants and animals, will undoubtedly relax both your body and mind in a way that the hustle and bustle of city life can't compare to.

You can turn your passion into your job.

Many people who move to Miyako Island initially come on a trip, and based on their experiences, they end up working there as an extension of that experience. Others research Miyako Island and come looking for work because they want to turn their hobbies into a career.
For example, someone who loves the ocean and became an instructor in the beautiful Miyako Island. While the job may have its challenges, being able to swim in the ocean they love every day must be wonderful.

The people are warm and welcoming, and subsidies are generous. It's a child-friendly environment.

Many people in Miyako Island are very generous and have a strong sense of mutual support.
Since 2022, the medical expense assistance system has been expanded, and support for work-life balance for dual-income families with children has been increased, creating a more child-friendly environment.

Disadvantages of moving to Miyako Island

Prices are high. Living expenses are higher than I expected.

Because Miyako Island is an outlying island, the prices of daily necessities and food are inevitably higher than on the mainland. Furthermore, land prices have risen in recent years due to resort development, resulting in higher rents. Travel expenses to the main island or other destinations will also be high, so be prepared for potential financial burdens.

A driver's license is required! You can't go anywhere without a car.

There are no trains on Miyako Island. There are bus routes, but they are not very frequent.
A car will likely become essential for daily life.

Common characteristics of island nations: susceptible to typhoon damage.

Like Okinawa Island, this island tends to experience typhoons several times a year. Depending on the scale of the typhoon, power outages can take a long time to restore, and because it's an island, logistics can be disrupted, sometimes leading to food shortages. Also, if bridges are closed, people can become stranded on the island.

Tips and advice for a successful relocation

To make your relocation a success, it's essential to first carefully consider the pros and cons for yourself.
With that in mind, before making a full-fledged move to Miyako Island, why not visit several times and spend a few months or even a few years there to get a feel for the place and see if the lifestyle suits you? During this time, it's also very important to communicate with the locals and gather information. By becoming friends with them, you might receive various forms of assistance or even job referrals.

Final thoughts

If you're considering moving to Miyako Island, please use this article as a reference and take your time to consider your move. We hope that you won't end up going there only to find that it's not the life you dreamed of! With the cooperation of the islanders, you'll be able to enjoy a wonderful life on Miyako Island.