Alongside Ishigaki Island, Miyakojima is a popular Okinawan outlying island, attracting countless visitors with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, known as “Miyako Blue.” Home to natural coral reefs like Yabiji, it’s a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
This guide recommends must-visit attractions in Miyakojima and shares practical tips for planning your trip! From local cuisine to exciting activities and classic itineraries, check it out now!
What Makes Miyakojima So Special? Must-See Highlights!
Formed by uplifted coral reefs, Miyakojima features flat terrain with no high mountains. Its pastoral landscapes surrounded by “Miyako Blue” seas, vast sugarcane fields, and dazzling starry skies draw numerous visitors.
Miyakojima is also connected to nearby islands like Kurima, Ikema, and Irabu via bridges, making them easily accessible by car. The Ikema Bridge to Ikema Island and the Irabu Bridge to Irabu Island are popular driving routes and photo spots due to their stunning scenery.
Best Time to Visit Miyakojima? How Many Days Are Ideal?
Famous for its captivating beaches, Miyakojima opens its beaches in early April, with marine activities available until October. However, early spring may feel chilly in just a swimsuit. July to September is the peak tourist season, bustling with energy. Note that mid-May to mid-June is the rainy season, and July to October is typhoon season, with frequent rain and potential flight cancellations or itinerary changes, which may affect photography.
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing. Beyond beaches, Miyakojima boasts numerous stunning attractions and diverse activities. Winter sees fewer tourists, ideal for travelers seeking a tranquil experience.
Itinerary Suggestion:
A 2-night, 3-day trip is sufficient to explore Miyakojima’s main attractions and nearby islands, fully immersing in its island charm.
Recommended 2-Night, 3-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at Miyako Airport, drive to Irabu Island for sightseeing, then cross the bridge to Shimoji Island to visit the mysterious Torike Pond and Nakano Island Beach. Return to Miyakojima in the evening and stay in the Hirara area.
Day 2: Visit Yonaha Maehama Beach and Kurima Island, explore Ryugu Castle Observatory, Imgya Marine Garden, Yukishio Salt Factory, Ikema Island, and Sunayama Beach.
Day 3: Head to Higashi Hennazaki Observatory at dawn for sunrise, visit any remaining attractions, shop for souvenirs, and depart from Miyako Airport.
Top Recommended Attractions in Miyakojima
Higashi Hennazaki: Miyakojima’s Stunning Eastern Cape
Located at Miyakojima’s easternmost tip, “Higashi Hennazaki” is a magnificent 2-km-long cape, a signature landmark of the island. It’s listed among Japan’s “Top 100 Urban Parks” and designated as a national historic site and natural monument.
The well-maintained trail from the cape to Hennazaki Lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the azure sea, with waves crashing dramatically against the cliffs.
Surrounded year-round by clusters of “Ten no Umenoki,” an Okinawan natural monument, the cape also blooms with white teppo lilies from April to May.
Basic Information
Address: Bora, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: Approx. 40 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Yonaha Maehama Beach: The Most Beautiful Beach in the East
Miyakojima boasts many enchanting beaches, with Yonaha Maehama Beach, dubbed “the most beautiful in the East,” being a must-visit. Located near the Kurima Bridge connecting Kurima Island to Miyakojima, it’s also the starting point for the Miyakojima Triathlon.
The contrast of pristine white sand and emerald waters is breathtaking. In summer, beach huts offer banana boat rides and jet skiing. With calm waves, it’s ideal for swimming and family outings.
Basic Information
Address: 1199-1 Yonaha, Shimoji, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: Approx. 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Imgya Marine Garden: A Natural Coastal Paradise
“Imgya Marine Garden” is a coastal park built around a natural bay, surrounded by rocky hills, with trails and observatories, making it a beloved attraction. From the lookout, you can admire Miyakojima’s southern coast, with its dramatic cliffs and distant coral reefs, showcasing stunning topography.
The bay’s beach feels like a natural pool isolated from the open sea, perfect for families with kids. It’s also a habitat for法规, making it a popular snorkeling spot.
Basic Information
Address: 605-2 Tomori, Gusukube, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: Approx. 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Irabu Bridge: A Scenic Ocean Corridor
Opened in 2015, the “Irabu Bridge” connects Miyakojima to Irabu Island in the northwest, stretching 3,540 meters, making it Japan’s longest toll-free bridge. Driving across offers panoramic views of Miyakojima’s azure seas, making it a must-visit attraction.
The “Turibar Sunset Beach” on the bridge’s north side is an ideal spot to view the bridge’s full grandeur, especially at sunset when the bridge and horizon glow together, recommended for evening visits.
Basic Information
Address: Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: Approx. 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Sawada Beach: A Sunset Haven with Unique Rock Formations
“Sawada Beach” on northwest Irabu Island is one of Japan’s “Top 100 Beaches,” famous for its unique landscape of countless large rocks scattered across the shallows. At low tide, the rock formations appear even more surreal. Legend says these rocks were swept ashore by the 1771 Meiwa Tsunami triggered by the Yaeyama Earthquake.
Due to shallow waters, it’s not ideal for snorkeling but is Miyakojima’s premier spot for sunset viewing, with the coastline glowing under the evening sky.
Basic Information
Address: 1725 Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: Approx. 45 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Torike Pond: Shimoji Island’s Mysterious Twin Pools
In 2019, Shimoji Island Airport’s terminal was newly opened, and “Torike Pond” is a famous attraction on the island, listed as a Japanese national scenic spot and natural monument. These two ponds, each over 50 meters in diameter, shimmer with vibrant cobalt blue, exuding a mystical aura.
It’s said the ponds are connected underground, hence the name “Torike Pond.” The water links to the sea via caves, making it a haven for divers.
The takeoff and landing of planes on Shimoji Island is a unique sight—don’t forget to snap a photo to share on social media!
Basic Information
Address: Sawada, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: Approx. 35 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Seasonal Recommended Attractions in Miyakojima
Spring: Romantic Stargazing and Beaches
Spring in Miyakojima is warm and pleasant, ideal for tourism. Beaches open in April, allowing visitors to enjoy marine activities. With minimal street lighting and clear air, Miyakojima is perfect for stargazing.
The Southern Cross and Milky Way, rarely visible in mainland Japan, are clearly seen here. Yonaha Maehama Beach, Higashi Hennazaki, and 17END in northern Shimoji Island are not only daytime scenic spots but also popular stargazing locations at night.
Summer: Beach and Adventure Extravaganza
Led by Yonaha Maehama Beach, dubbed “the most beautiful in the East,” Miyakojima boasts numerous captivating beaches. Summer is the peak season for swimming and water activities, attracting many visitors. From the centrally located Painagama Beach to snorkeling-friendly Aragusuku and Yoshino Beaches, each has unique charm, catering to varied interests.
Nighttime jungle tours offer a glimpse into the subtropical nocturnal wildlife, full of adventure and perfect for families, making summer a memorable experience.
Autumn: Cultural and Athletic Festivals
Autumn is cool and comfortable, with fewer typhoons, making it a golden season for visiting Miyakojima. Marine activities are available until October.
Every October weekend, Miyakojima hosts the “Paantu Festival,” a unique event listed as a Japanese Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, famous for participants smearing mud on each other to ward off evil spirits, steeped in tradition.
Additionally, the mid-to-late October “Eco-Island Miyakojima Marathon” combines environmental awareness with sports, running along Kurima Bridge and the coastline, offering stunning sea views.
Winter: Tranquil and Budget-Friendly Enjoyment
Winter is Miyakojima’s off-season, with fewer tourists, making popular dining and attractions more serene, while travel costs are more economical.
With a wetsuit, snorkeling or diving is still possible in winter. Joining a local small group tour led by terrain-savvy guides to prime spots like Nakano Island Beach or Yabiji, with equipment rentals included, ensures safety and convenience.
Top Recommended Self-Driving Attractions in Miyakojima
Miyakojima is connected to outlying islands like Kurima, Ikema, and Irabu via bridges, boasting numerous stunning self-driving attractions. Japan’s longest toll-free bridge, Irabu Bridge (3,540 meters), and Kurima Bridge, linking Miyakojima to southwest Kurima Island, offer exhilarating drives with seamless sea-and-sky vistas.
Bika Road Park, along Route 83 on Miyakojima’s east coast, is a must-visit, with its observatory overlooking crystal-clear coral reef waters, offering breathtaking scenery.
A round-island drive takes about 4 hours, with attractions scattered along the way, making it ideal for leisurely sightseeing.
Note: Renting a car in Japan requires being at least 18 years old and holding a Japanese driver’s license or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Top Recommended Activities in Miyakojima
Miyakojima’s transparent waters make Yoshino Beach and Yabiji prime spots for snorkeling and diving, offering close-up views of vibrant coral reefs and colorful tropical fish.
Additionally, you can enjoy SUP, transparent kayaking, glass-bottom boat tours, and fishing, indulging in diverse marine fun. Unique experiences like making brown sugar and banana desserts from harvested sugarcane are also popular among visitors.
Note: After diving, wait at least 12 hours (or 18 hours for multiple or consecutive dives) before flying to avoid decompression sickness. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
Must-Try Cuisine and Recommended Souvenirs in Miyakojima
When in Okinawa, Okinawan soba is a household name, but in Miyakojima, don’t miss “Miyako soba.” This dish, with its light broth and flat noodles, is a local favorite. Try it at renowned spots like Kosetsu Soba Shop, and explore different shops for varied flavors. Irabu Island produces bonito year-round, and freshly caught tuna and other seafood are also must-tries.
The island’s mineral-rich soil yields top-quality seasonal vegetables and fruits. Yukishio salt is a Miyakojima specialty, and its yukishio soft-serve ice cream is a popular treat, sweet yet refreshing.
Though small, Miyakojima offers a wide array of souvenirs. Yukishio soft-serve ice cream and banana cakes from Monte d’Or Patisserie are classic choices, with small packs ideal for sharing. Bonito broth, oil miso, and Okinawan-style fried fish cakes (locally called “tsukeage”) are also popular.
Seasonal fruits like mango and dragon fruit can be bought fresh when in season, while jams and juices are available year-round.
Recently, merchandise featuring the island’s mascot, “Miyakojima Guardian,” has gained popularity.
Transportation Information for Miyakojima
Miyakojima has two air gateways: Miyako Airport and Shimoji Island Airport. Both offer direct flights from Haneda Airport, with a flight time of about three hours.
Miyako Airport, located in the island’s center, is the main hub. Shimoji Island Airport, on Shimoji Island, was renovated in 2019 and currently serves low-cost carriers, offering a tropical paradise vibe upon arrival, about 55 minutes from Naha Airport.
Hong Kong Express resumes seasonal [Hong Kong–Shimoji Island] flights on June 27, 2025—consider it for your Miyakojima trip!
The island’s main transport options are buses and taxis. For efficient travel, rent a car or take a taxi. For leisurely exploration, rent a bicycle to cycle around the island.
Visit Miyakojima to savor gourmet cuisine and stunning views, bringing home unforgettable tropical memories!
