Miyako Island offers a wealth of tropical charm, from its beautiful ocean and starry skies to relaxing stays in charming hotels and delicious local cuisine.
While covering the basics of sightseeing in Miyako Island, you can create the best possible experience and time.like,A sample itinerary for a 3-night, 4-day trip to Miyako Island.I will introduce you.
▶A foolproof 3-night, 4-day Miyako Island itinerary
● Day 1
Minato Shokudo
Sunayama Beach
Ikema Bridge
OHAMA Terrace
Funakus Beach
Heart Rock
Island Terrace Neela (accommodation)
● Day 2
I participated in a half-day tour of Yabiji.
HARRY'S Shrimp Truck
Higa Road Park
Higashi-Hennazaki
Utopia Farm
Shigira Seven Miles Resort (accommodation)
Starry sky observation
● Day 3
Pumpkin Cave
Hiro-chan
Makiyama Observatory
Watoguchi Beach - Blue Turtle Cafe
17END
Toriike Pond
Hilton Okinawa Miyakojima Resort (accommodation)
Beautiful Island
● Day 4
Yonaha Maehama Beach
Ryugujo Observatory
MAHINA Island Naturals
AOSORA PARLOR
The best of the best
▶Estimated cost for a 3-night, 4-day trip to Miyako Island
▶Flights to Miyako Island
┗Which airport is better, Miyako Island's or Shimoji Island's?
▶Rental cars in Miyako Island
▶If it rains in Miyako Island
Show all table of contents
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 Cave."
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!
Day 1
Arrive at Miyako Airport around lunchtime and grab something to eat! Quickly rent a car and set off♪
↓ (approximately 15 minutes by car)
Minato Shokudo
For our first meal on Miyako Island, let's try the local specialty, "Miyako Soba."
I recommend "Minato Shokudo," located near Hirara Port.
Made from fresh bonito bones—a specialty of Miyako Island—this bonito broth is refreshing yet packed with flavor, making it an exquisite soup.
Aasa soba, topped with aosa (sea lettuce), is a popular dish.
- Address
- 593-10 Hirara Nikawatori, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-72-2755
- Business hours
- 11:00-16:00 (Last order 15:30) Irregular holidays
↓ (approximately 5 minutes by car)
Sunayama Beach
The rocky dome at the water's edge on Sunayama Beach, with its contrast of white sand, rocky crevice, and sparkling sea, is incredibly beautiful and one of Miyako Island's most iconic landscapes.
It's a west-facing beach and a great spot to watch the sunset.
- Address
- Hirara Nikawatori, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Remarks
- Nearby facilities: Parking, toilets, showers
↓ (approximately 20 minutes by car)
Ikema Bridge
The Ikema Bridge connects Miyako Island and Ikema Island. The bridge's railings, which are modeled after the patterns of "Miyako Jofu" textiles, and the Ikema Blue waters create a truly Ikema-esque landscape.
- Address
- Hirara Ikema, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
↓ (approximately 2 minutes by car)
OHAMA Terrace
Take a break at "OHAMA Terrace," which boasts the best location on Ikema Island. While there are various seating options, including rooftop and garden seating, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Ikema Blue from almost any seat.
- Address
- 1059 Hirara Ikema, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-79-9920
- Business hours
- 10: 00 ~ 17: 00, Closed:Irregularly
↓ (approximately 2 minutes by car)
Funakus Beach
If you want to feel even closer to the sea, head to Funakusu Beach, a secluded spot. Walking along a path surrounded by plants, you'll find yourself on a beach that feels like a secret hideaway!
- Address
- Hirara Ikema, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Remarks
- Nearby facilities: Parking, restrooms
↓ (approximately 4 minutes by car)
Heart Rock
If you're lucky enough to see it, you're in luck: the heart-shaped rock only appears at low tide.
Across the rocky shore lies Ikizu Beach, where the sun sinks into the sea at sunset.
▼Check the tide levels in Miyako Island here▼
Japan Meteorological Agency > Tide Table Taira
- Address
- Hirara Maezato, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
Accommodation on Ikema Island
On the first day of our Miyako Island trip, we'll spend a night on Ikema Island. I recommend "Island Terrace Neera." Enjoy your meals at the hotel and relax while savoring the island's laid-back atmosphere.
- Address
- 317-1 Hirara Maezato, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-74-4678
- In/Out
- 15:00/11:00
Day 2
I participated in a half-day tour of Yabiji.
Join a half-day snorkeling tour at Yabiji, one of Japan's largest table coral reef systems! The stunningly beautiful ocean is a major draw, but the fact that the coral reef is relatively shallow allows for a close-up view of the underwater world. You might even consider diving! Sea turtles, tropical fish, giant corals—all the wonders of Miyako Island's ocean come together here.
↓ (Approximately 10 minutes by car from Ikema Island)
HARRY'S Shrimp Truck
For lunch, I went to the popular kitchen bus HARRY'S in Nishihira Anazaki and had their famous garlic shrimp.
After enjoying our meal in the open air, we strolled along the walking path on the cape.
- Address
- 358-1 Hirara Karimata, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture (In front of Nishihira Anasaki Observatory)
- TEL
- 0980-72-5610
- Business hours
- 11:00 - 17:00
↓ (approximately 30 minutes by car)
Higa Road Park
This scenic spot is located on the east coast of Miyako Island. Below the steep cliffs lies a sea so clear that you can see the coral reefs on the seabed.
- Address
- Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
↓ (approximately 15 minutes by car)
Higashi-Hennazaki
This long, narrow cape, stretching approximately 1.8 km into the beautiful sea, is home to unique plants that have thrived in a harsh environment of wind and sea, and is designated as a natural monument of Okinawa Prefecture. At the tip of the cape, there is a walking path and a lighthouse (interior tours available/fee required).
- Address
- 1221-14 Bora, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Remarks
- Park entrance fee (optional): 300 yen / Donation for visiting Higashi-Hennazaki Lighthouse: 300 yen
- Business hours
- 東平安名埼灯台 9：30～16：30 ただし3月～9月の土日等は9：30～17：00
*Entry closes 15 minutes before the end of the visit.
↓ (approximately 25 minutes by car)
Utopia Farm
Utopia Farm is a tourist farm themed around tropical fruits and plants such as mangoes, but in recent years it has also become a popular spot for Instagram photos. The greenhouse filled with flowers blooming overhead is a breathtaking sight. At the cafe, you can enjoy sweets made with plenty of fruits grown on the farm.
- Address
- 1714-2 Ueno Miyakuni, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-76-2949
- Business hours
- 10:00-17:00 (Last admission 16:30) Closed on Sundays
- Remarks
- Admission fee: Adults 480 yen, Children 240 yen
↓ (approximately 25 minutes by car)
Stayed at Shigira Seven Miles Resort
While Shigira Seven Miles Resort offers various accommodations including condominiums and villas, this time we'll introduce "Shigira Bayside Suite Allamanda." All guest rooms are suites, and the daybeds by the windows create an exquisite resort atmosphere.
Shigira Seven Miles Resort boasts a wide range of facilities, including Shigira Beach, Kogane Onsen (hot spring), a zip line, and a food stall area, so enjoy this big resort as much as your time allows.
- Address
- 926-25 Ueno Shinri, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-74-7100
- In/Out
- 14:00/11:00
Starry sky observation
At night, enjoy the magnificent starry sky that only an island with few city lights can offer. You can enjoy the dazzling starlight that seems to spill from the sky all year round, but there are also constellations that tell the story of the seasons, such as the Southern Cross (April to June) and the Milky Way (June to November).
If you want to capture the perfect photo, we recommend joining a stargazing tour.
Day 3
Pumpkin Cave
Head to Miyako Island's power spot! You'll reach the entrance to a cave that only appears at low tide by sea kayak, and inside lies a vast limestone cavern shaped by eons of time.
The symbolic large stalactite has a rounded, pumpkin-like shape, as the name of the spot suggests, and offers a wild and mystical landscape.
- Address
- 1139-1 Bora, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
↓ (approximately 20 minutes by car)
Hiro-chan
For lunch, we went to "Hiro-chan," a local diner.
They offer a wide variety of Okinawan dishes, including various champuru (Okinawan stir-fries), pork and egg dishes, and soba noodles, allowing you to experience the local atmosphere.
- Address
- 746-9 Ueno Miyakuni, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-76-3565
- Business hours
- 11: 00-20: 30
↓ (approximately 30 minutes by car)
Makiyama Observatory
We crossed the Irabu Bridge to the Irabu Island and Shimoji Island area. First, we headed to the Makiyama Observatory on a hill on the island. We replayed the first half of our trip while gazing at the city of Miyako Island and Kurima Island spread out before us!
- Address
- Ikemazoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
↓ (approximately 10 minutes by car)
Watoguchi Beach - Blue Turtle Cafe
Blue Turtle is located right next to Watoguchi Beach, a popular swimming spot on Irabu Island. Enjoy a café time on the terrace with its spectacular ocean views.
In recent years, it has become a popular destination for anime fans, further boosting its popularity.
- Address
- 1352-16 Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-74-5333
- Business hours
- 11: 00-22: 00
↓ (approximately 10 minutes by car)
17END
The western area 17END at Miyako Shimojishima Airport gets its name from the runway identification number "17" and "end," which refers to the end of the runway.
When the tide goes out, a pristine white sand beach, a "phantom beach," appears beyond the tetrapods.
Furthermore, worn-out runway lights stretch across the sea along the extension of the runway, and the combination of the beautiful sea and rusty man-made structures is a unique sight only found at 17END.
*Check the tide level if you want to see the sandy beach.
Japan Meteorological Agency > Tide Table Taira
- Address
- Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Remarks
- Nearby facilities: Parking space
↓ (approximately 10 minutes by car)
Toriike Pond
Toriike Pond is said to have been formed when the ceiling of an underwater limestone cave collapsed. The two ponds, one large and one small, are connected to the sea underground, and the water level of the ponds rises and falls just like the tides.
The area underwater is also a famous diving spot.
- Address
- Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
↓ (approximately 12 minutes by car)
Hilton Okinawa Miyakojima Resort
Our third night's accommodation was the Hilton Okinawa Miyakojima Resort, which opened in 2023.
From our rooftop bar with its spectacular views, you can enjoy the changing sky from dusk to night and the scenery of the Irabu Bridge. Why not spend some time contemplating the twilight?
- Address
- TEL
- 0980-75-5500
- In/Out
- 15:00/11:00
Beautiful Island
For your last night on Miyako Island, let's have a great time at a folk song izakaya in Nishizato, the city center. Even if you're shy, once you raise your hand, you can just go with the flow and enjoy the Miyako Island night.
Restaurants in Miyako Island are often crowded, so just like with flights and hotels, it's best to make reservations in advance for dinner.
- Address
- 303 Hirara Nishizato, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-79-9788
- Business hours
- 18:00 - 0:00 Closed on Thursdays
Day 4
Yonaha Maehama Beach
Often described as "the most beautiful beach in the Orient," Yonaha Maehama Beach boasts approximately 7 km of beautiful white sand and is a representative beach of Miyako Island, popular for marine sports. With cafes and marine shops around the beach, it's the perfect place for enjoying the sea.
- Address
- 1199 Yonaha, Shimoji, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Business hours
- The beaches typically open on April 1st (March 31st in 2024).
- Remarks
- Nearby facilities: Parking, restrooms, showers, shop, barbecue, cafe
↓ (approximately 8 minutes by car)
Ryugujo Observatory
Cross the Kurima Bridge (you might even spot sea turtles from the bridge!) to reach Kurima Island. From the Ryugujo Observatory, which is modeled after the Dragon Palace, you can see Yonaha Maehama Beach straight ahead.
- Address
- Shimoji Kurima, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
MAHINA Island Naturals
MAHINA Island Naturals, located right next to Ryugu Observatory, sells products made from natural materials.
The goods featuring motifs of Miyako Island's nature and wildlife are so cute you'll want to take them all home!
- Address
- 8 Shimoji Kurima, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Business hours
- 9:00-18:00 (10:00-17:00 in winter)
↓ (approximately 2 minutes by car)
AOSORA PARLOR
AOSORA PARLOR, which serves smoothies overflowing with fruit, is filled with vibrant colors inside. Cool down with a refreshing, vitamin-rich smoothie. The adjacent affiliated general store sells a wide variety of cute Okinawan pottery (Yachimun).
- Address
- 104-1 Shimoma Kurima, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Business hours
- 10: 00-12: 00, 13: 00-17: 00
↓ (approximately 18 minutes by car)
The best of the best
It's almost time to head to the airport, but before that, we'll stop at the Miyako Island Station for lunch and to look for souvenirs.
In addition to a wide variety of souvenirs, this shopping spot brings together all the charms of the island, including a food court, prepared foods, and fresh produce.
- Address
- 870-1 Hirara Kugai, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-79-5151
- Business hours
- 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (closes at 6:00 PM from October to May) *Hours may vary by store.
↓ (approximately 10 minutes by car)
Miyako Airport
A tour around all five islands of the Miyako Islands: Miyako Island, Ikema Island, Irabu Island, Shimoji Island, and Kurima Island.
Customize our model itinerary to create the perfect Miyako Island trip!
Please refer to the map for the route we introduced!
2. Estimated cost for a 3-night, 4-day trip to Miyako Island
When planning a trip to Miyako Island, the first thing that comes to mind is how much it will cost, right?
If departing from Tokyo, the package includes round-trip flights, 3 nights in a hotel, and a rental car.
At least 10 yen per personIt's probably best to anticipate that possibility.
Of course, prices vary greatly depending on the time of year, the hotel, and the class of rental car.
| Accommodation hotel class | Off-season | On-season |
|---|---|---|
| casual | ¥80,000 | ¥200,000 |
| advanced | ¥160,000 | 500,000 JPY ~ |
The off-season is from November to February, excluding the New Year's holiday period. The peak season is during Golden Week, Obon (summer holiday), and the New Year's holiday period.
In March, July through September, the water level is about 70-80% of the peak season. From April through June and in October, the water level is 50-60% of the peak season.
*Prices may be higher during long weekends.
*This does not include meals, souvenirs, or local experience tours.
3. Flights to Miyako Island
There are two airports around Miyako Island: Miyako Airport and Miyako Shimojishima Airport.
Miyako AirportIt is located roughly in the center of Miyako Island and has many direct flights to and from major airports outside Okinawa Prefecture.
[Outside Okinawa Prefecture]
Haneda Airport, Kansai International Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport |ANA/JTA
[Within Okinawa Prefecture]
Naha Airport, Ishigaki Airport, Tarama Airport |ANA/JTA/RAC
Miyako Shimojishima AirportIt is located near the tip of Shimoji Island, which is connected to Miyako Island and Irabu Island by a bridge.
[Outside Okinawa Prefecture]
Haneda Airport, Kobe Airport, Fukuoka Airport (seasonal flights) |Skymark
Narita Airport |JETSTAR
[Within Okinawa Prefecture]
Naha Airport |Skymark
There are few direct flights from outside Okinawa Prefecture to Miyako Island, so most people arrive by connecting through Naha Airport.
When booking your flight, be sure to pay attention to the layover time.
Which airport is better, Miyako Island's or Shimoji Island's?
If you plan to rent a car during your stay, there won't be much difference between using either airport.
One thing to be aware of is transportation from the airport to the hotel if you don't have a rental car.
Shigira Seven Miles Resort cannot be accessed via the "Miyako Shimojishima Airport Resort Line," the only bus route that operates to and from Miyako Shimojishima Airport.
4. Rent a car in Miyako Island
Renting a car is practically essential for a trip to Miyako.
During peak season, it's not uncommon for rental cars to be in short supply, so be sure to book your rental car along with your flights and hotel.
Both Miyako Airport and Miyako Shimojishima Airport have several rental car companies in the surrounding area, so searching on a portal site makes it easier to compare them.
▶Search for rental cars on Rakuten Travel
[Selected rental car companies around Miyako Airport]
・ORIX Rent-a-Carー
・Toyota rent-a-car
・Pine Rent-A-Car
・OTS Rent a Car
・Nissan rent-a-car
・Times Car Rental
・J Net Rental Car
・Sky Rent-A-Car
・Budget car rental
・Aqua Rent-a-Car
・Miyako Island Airport Rent-a-Car
[Selected rental car companies around Miyako Shimojishima Airport]
・ORIX Rent-a-Carー
・Toyota rent-a-car
・OTS Rent a Car
・Pine Rent-A-Car
If it rains in Miyako Island
A trip to Miyako Island primarily involves enjoying the sea and visiting natural and scenic spots centered around the ocean.
If the weather is fine, you can have an unforgettable time, but if bad weather hits, your plans can be ruined in an instant.
If the weather during your trip looks uncertain, it's a good idea to check a few things just in case.
Miyakojima Underwater Park
This facility allows you to enjoy the underwater world of Miyako Island without even putting on a swimsuit. You can see around 60 species of marine life, including tropical fish (the number varies depending on the season). The facility also offers handmade craft experiences, and the Shisa statues and photo frames made from seashells make perfect souvenirs.
- Address
- 2511-1 Hirara Karimata, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Business hours
- 9: 00-17: 00
- Remarks
- Admission fees: Adults 1,000 yen, high school students 800 yen, elementary and junior high school students 500 yen, children under 6 years old free.
Shigira Golden Hot Spring
This is Japan's southernmost and westernmost natural hot spring facility, perfect for a day trip. Some areas require swimwear and are co-ed. It's a great place to relax and unwind after a long day of travel.
- Address
- 1405-223 Ueno Shinri, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-74-7340
- Business hours
- 11:00-22:00 (Last admission 21:30)
- Remarks
- Outpatient admission fee: Adults (12 years and older) 2,000 yen, Children (4-11 years old) 1,000 yen
Mont Blanc
The cruise ship "Mont Blanc" departs from Hirara Port, which is located right in the city center.
The nearby area is a glass-enclosed lounge where you can enjoy a short underwater stroll over the Miyako Sea. Lunch or dinner cruises are also available (reservations required).
- Address
- 108-11 Hirara Shimozato, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture (boarding location)
- TEL
- 0980-72-6641
- Business hours
- Telephone reception hours 9:00-17:00
- Remarks
- Advance reservations are required. The closing time varies depending on the course.
Miyakojima City Hands-on Craft Village
Eight workshops, including pottery, woodworking, weaving, and indigo dyeing, are scattered throughout the botanical garden, allowing visitors to experience crafts while immersing themselves in Miyako Island's nature and culture.
While reservations are generally required, same-day participation is possible if there are vacancies.
- Address
- 1166-286 Hirara Higashi Nakasonezoe, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- Business hours
- 10:00-18:00 (may vary depending on the workshop)
- Remarks
- For details and reservations, please contact each workshop directly.
Pumpkin Hole
Even if it rains, there are marine activities you can still do as long as the waves are calm.
Pumpkin Hole is especially recommended. Stepping into this cavern, which is only accessible at low tide, you'll find a massive, round stalactite. Climbing onto the stalactite with the help of a guide is a real adventure.
- Address
- 1139-1 Bora, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
Utopia Farm Miyakojima
This tourist farm features tropical flowers and fruits. You can see how Miyako Island's specialties, such as mangoes and pineapples, grow, and your stomach will be satisfied with sweets served in a greenhouse full of flowers.
- Address
- 1714-2 Ueno Miyakuni, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-76-2949
- Business hours
- 10:00-17:00 (Last admission 16:30) Closed on Sundays
- Remarks
- Admission fee: Adults 480 yen, Children 240 yen
Miyakojima City Museum
This museum offers a comprehensive learning experience about Miyako Island's history, culture, and nature. Doing some research beforehand might deepen your appreciation of the island's scenery.
- Address
- 1166-287 Hirara Higashi Nakasonezoe, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-73-0567
- Business hours
- 9:00-16:30 (Last entry 16:00) Closed: Mondays, public holidays, and New Year holidays. If Monday is a public holiday, closed on the following Tuesday.
- Remarks
- Admission fees: Adults 300 yen, High school and university students 200 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 100 yen
Snow Salt Museum
This is a place where you can learn about, buy, and eat "Yukishio" (snow salt), made from seawater around Miyako Island. In addition to the salt itself, they offer a wide variety of products, including numerous sweets and skincare items. Be sure to try the soft-serve ice cream topped with Yukishio!
- Address
- 191 Hirara Karimata, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
- TEL
- 0980-72-5667
- Business hours
- 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closes at 5:00 PM from September to March)
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