How to enjoy a rainy day trip to Miyako Island! Spots and activities you can enjoy even in the rain!

Miyako Island enjoys a warm climate throughout the year. When you travel to Miyako Island, you can expect blue skies and blue seas, right?
However, depending on the weather, it can certainly rain, and especially in the summer, you may sometimes be hit by sudden downpours like squalls.

It's a shame that it rained on our trip... It really dampens the spirits,Even if it rains, Miyako Island has plenty to offer! There are marine leisure activities you can enjoy even in the rain!
This article will introduce ways to spend a rainy day in Miyako Island, as well as recommended spots and activities!

<Table of Contents>
1. How it rains in Miyako Island
2. You can still go into the sea even if it rains! What are the criteria for canceling snorkeling or diving activities?
3. Recommended spots and activities for rainy days
Final thoughts

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!

1. How it rains in Miyako Island

image for interaction

Rain in Miyako Island is usually short in duration and tends to be heavy.
Especially in summer, it often rains heavily for about an hour in the afternoon. This is because the heat during the day warms the ground, causing the moist air to evaporate rapidly and create rain clouds.
Therefore, flexibility is required when planning a trip to Miyako Island.
Of course, it's important to check the weather forecast and determine whether the rain will be short-term or long-term before deciding how to spend the day. However, it's also a good idea to keep in mind that this area is prone to sudden rain showers, and to allow for flexibility in your itinerary or prepare a rain-related plan in advance so you can cope with sudden weather changes.

2. You can still go into the sea even in the rain! What are the criteria for canceling snorkeling and diving tours?

The sea around Miyako Island retains its beauty even when it rains.
Rain itself is rarely a problem for snorkeling and diving; rather, wind and wave conditions are more important factors.
While sea activities may be canceled when the waves are high or the wind is strong, activities can still be held even if it's raining, as long as the wind and waves are calm.

If you have booked a tour, before you lament, "Oh no, it's raining," check with the tour operator to see if the tour will proceed.
Furthermore, rainy days offer unique experiences such as raindrops hitting the water's surface and the chance to encounter fish that you might not normally notice.

Here's a piece of advice.
If you're planning your travel schedule before you even know the weather forecast for your trip,It's recommended to schedule marine activities in the first half of your trip..
Even if you encounter bad weather, there is room to change your itinerary during your stay in Miyako Island.
If you're traveling with children, you'll likely enjoy beach activities more if you try them in the first half of your trip when they're more energetic and excited.

3. Recommended spots and activities for rainy days

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Miyako Island, even on rainy days! Let's introduce some recommended spots and activities!

Miyakojima Underwater Park

Miyakojima Marine Park is a spot on Ikema Island where you can see marine life. It's especially popular with families, and you can encounter fish and other marine creatures swimming at a depth of about 3 to 5 meters. If you're lucky, you might even see a sea turtle! There are staff members on site who can explain things, so you can enjoy a stroll in the sea while fully clothed.

Miyakojima Underwater Park

Address: 2511-1 Hirara Karimata, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture

HP: https://miyakojima-kaichukoen.com/

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.

Pumpkin Cave Tour

Pumpkin Cave, as its name suggests, is a cave system shaped like a pumpkin, accessible only from the sea. To visit, you'll need to join a tour. Since it's a cave, rain won't be a concern once you're inside. It's a highly recommended activity for enjoying marine sports without worrying about the weather.

Craft experience / Yachimun pottery making experience

Since you've come all the way to Okinawa, why not try a traditional craft experience? Among them, making Shisa (Okinawan lion-dog statues) and Yachimun pottery are particularly popular activities. Popular shops can get crowded during peak season, so if you're thinking, "It might rain... what should I do?", we recommend making a reservation early!
▶Find craft experiences around Miyako Island (Tabi Plus One)

Snow Salt Museum

Made from the rich minerals harvested from the seas of Miyako Island, this salt is a popular souvenir. Let's visit the Yukishio Museum! There are many unique experiences to be had here, such as soft-serve ice cream made with hibiscus and other Miyako Island ingredients, and the chance to touch the fluffy Yukishio salt to your heart's content! Limited edition items are also available!

Snow Salt Museum

Address: 191 Hirara Karimata, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-72-5667

HP: https://museum.yukishio.com/

Business hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closes at 5:00 PM from September to March)

Shigira Golden Hot Spring

Located within the Shigira Resort, Shigira Golden Hot Spring is a natural hot spring resort facility popular with both tourists and locals. It offers a year-round warm jungle pool where families and couples can swim in their swimsuits, as well as traditional open-air baths, saunas, massage services, and more, allowing guests to relax and unwind.

Shigira Golden Hot Spring

Address: 1405-223 Ueno Shinri, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-74-7340

HP: https://shigira.com/onsen

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

Utopia Farm Miyakojima

This tourist farm focuses on tropical flowers and fruits. Visitors can learn about the growth of fruits like mangoes while touring the greenhouses, and be soothed by the vast expanse of flowers. The cafe, which uses fruits grown on the farm, is popular for its parfaits and other sweets.

Utopia Farm Miyakojima

Address: 1714-2 Ueno Miyakuni, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture

TEL: 0980-76-2949

HP: https://www.utopia-farm.net/

Business hours: 10:00-17:00 (Last admission 16:30) Closed on Sundays

Remarks: Admission fee: Adults 480 yen, Children 240 yen

Final thoughts

If you've been caught in the rain during your trip to Miyako Island, it's a little disappointing, but there are charms to Miyako Island that can only be experienced on a rainy day, so try to change your mindset and fully enjoy your stay in Miyako Island!