Discover the allure of Miyako Island, a tropical paradise famed for its pristine beaches and rich marine biodiversity. Spend your days exploring stunning coastal landscapes, indulging in thrilling diving experiences, and embarking on scenic self-drive adventures across the island. Immerse yourself in the island's vibrant culinary scene, sampling local delicacies and traditional beverages.
Welcome to Miyako Island, a tropical paradise 300 kilometres southwest of Naha, known for vivid blue water and stunning white sand beaches. It’s a relatively small island that can be crossed by car in only 45 minutes, home to beautiful scenery and exciting activities.
Upon arrival, pick up the rental car at the airport and drive to the hotel, which is located on the famous Maehama Beach, celebrated as one of East Asia's most beautiful.
Overnight on Miyako Island
Inclusions:
Days 2 and 3 are self-guided days.
Suggested Sightseeing: Beaches and Diving
Miyako Island is home of some of Japan’s best beaches.
Sunayama Beach: Known for its unique coral reef cave, white sands, and clear blue waters, this beach offers a stunning view from its sandy dunes.
Painagama Beach: Close to Miyakojima City, this beach is a favourite spot for relaxation among both locals and visitors.
Yoshino Coast and Aragusuku Seashore: Ideal for snorkelling, these beaches boast calm waters and a vibrant underwater world of corals and tropical fish.
Ingya Marine Garden: A serene snorkelling spot with calm waters, surrounded by inlets and rock formations. Walking trails and scenic viewpoints are also available.
For diving enthusiasts, Miyako Island is home to several unique dive sites featuring underwater caves and caverns. Numerous dive shops can assist with exploring the region’s rich marine life. For travellers without a diving license, these shops can provide snorkeling tours to experience coral gardens and sea turtles.
Beach Safety Tips
In summer, beware of jellyfish drifting with strong currents. Watch out for strong tidal currents and sudden drop-offs, especially with young children. Avoid swimming at isolated beaches to prevent accidents.
Suggested Sightseeing: Explore the Island by Car
Discover Miyako Island and its neighbouring islets by car via a network of bridges, including the longest toll-free bridge in Japan, the 3,540-meter Irabu Bridge. Additional connections lead to Shimoji Island, offering more beach choices and the unique Tooriike ponds, linked by an underwater cave system.
Visit Higashi-Hennazaki, a narrow cape extending 2 kilometers between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. On the island's northwestern tip, serene Cape Nishi-Hennazaki offers panoramic views of several small islands and the Ikema Bridge. Driving from one cape to another is a great way to experience Miyako Island's stunning landscapes.
The Island is also home to several local history museums, a farmers market, and a botanical garden.
Suggested Dining: Miyako Island’s Food and Drink Traditions
Nishizato Street is the oldest shopping street on the island. As the main street of Miyakojima City, it’s full of inviting restaurants and shops. This is the perfect district to try some of the island’s favourite dishes, like Miyako beef, giant mangos, and coconut crab. Shimozato Boulevard, just 300 meters west, also has many popular spots to eat and shop. These two streets are the heart of Miyakojima City's downtown area.
Awamori, an alcoholic drink made from black malted rice, is very common in Okinawa and a must-try while in the islands. Miyakojima City is home to six distilleries where this beverage is produced. There is a special way of drinking awamori on Miyako Island, a drinking game called otori where friends offer toasts and pour drinks for the group. Any local bar will be happy to introduce guests to this lively way to enjoy a few cups of this delightful drink.
Drinking and driving in Japan is strictly prohibited. Please take a taxi if you plan on drinking.
Overnight on Miyako Island
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast
Today is at leisure until check out. Drive to Miyako Airport to return the car before catching a flight onward to the next destination.
Inclusions:
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