This is a weekend itinerary for Miyakojima. The itinerary assumes arrival Friday afternoon and departure Sunday evening. It includes the absolute highlights of Miyakojima, of course including the stunning beaches and beautiful nature. Miyakojima, a part of Okinawa Prefecture, is a group of paradise islands located far south, just a few hundred kilometers off the …
Miyako Island (Miyakojima)
Miyako island is a paradise island sprinkled with hibiscus and lilies, perfect white sand beaches, surrounded by turquoise water with sea turtles and a rich coral life. The island has a Japanese-style Hawaii feel to it, but with much fewer tourists and a much more authentic local life. Facts about Miyako Island Size: 158,9 km²Population: …
Ikema Island (Miyakojima)
Ikema island is the northern-most island in the Miyako island group. The island is connected to Miyakojima by the 1’425m long Ikema bridge. Ikema is a must-visit area for nature lovers. The entire island is a designated wildlife refuge, and the Ikema wetland is home to a large number of birds, making it perfect for birdwatching. …
Irabu island (Miyakojima)
Irabu island is the second largest of the islands in the Miyako island group. It lies on the western side of Miyakojima to which it is connected by a 3’540m (2.2mi) long bridge. On the western side of Irabu is the smaller Shimoji island, where there is an international airport. The size of Irabu island …
Kurima Island (Miyakojima)
Kurima Island is a small island, located just off the coast of Miyakojima. It is quite a remote island, with few inhabitants and visitors. The island is mostly covered by sugar cane and tobacco fields. However, Kurima has some of the most beautiful beaches and views of the Miyako island group. The small and drowsy …
Kenroku-en Garden
Kenroku-en (兼六園) is a beautiful Japanese Garden located in the city of Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is considered one of Japans most beautiful gardens and it is part of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan”. Kenroku-en is known for being beautiful through all seasons, hence it’s open year-round. The gardens most famous sight might …
Beaches of Miyakojima
One of the main reasons visitors come to Okinawa is to enjoy the picture-perfect beaches. Miyakojima probably has the most beautiful beaches in all of Okinawa and yet remains nearly undiscovered by non-Japanese tourists. No matter what kind of beach-goer you are, Miyakojima has something for you. If you prefer a sunbed and a beautiful …
Kuronagi Onsen
Kuronagi Onsen is a secluded Ryokan and onsen located remotely in the forests of the Kurobe Gorge, in Toyama prefecture, Chubu. It sits on a riverbank, cozily nestled between tall trees, and with a view of the steep, foresty mountainside across the river. This classic, but basic, Ryokan is isolated in a small side valley …
Beach safety in Okinawa
Going to the beach is enjoyable and fun – and probably a huge part of why you want to go to Okinawa in the first place. While you shouldn’t be scared to go to the beach in Okinawa, it is necessary to be aware of some dangers associated with the beach and sea, hence this …
Kurobe Gorge
Kurobe Gorge is a highly scenic, and nearly uninhabited, gorge in the the Toyama Prefecture in Chūbu. The gorge (a canyon with a river flowing in it), which was formed by the Kurobe river, has mesmerizing steep sides, covered in wild forrest, which is especially scenic during the fall time when the leaves turn red. …