Miyakojima 4-day itinerary

Higashi-Hennazaki Cape

Higashi-hennazaki is a narrow, 2km long (1.24mi) cape which extends out of the eastern side of Miyako island. The cape has the Pacific Ocean on one side, and the East China Sea on the other. Along the coast line of the cape are large rocks, scattered in the mesmerizing blue water. At the tip of the cape, a slim and elegant, 24.5m tall, white lighthouse protrudes from the ground. The cape is designated a national place of scenic beauty.

Location: see map.

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Imgya Marine Garden

Imgya Marine Garden is a small, protected area of water (almost like a natural harbor) and is ideal for snorkeling – especially for beginners. There are also some beautiful walking trails which can be enjoyed here. The location can be a little tricky to find – there are two beaches with this name. The neighboring resort has a beach which uses the same name – but this is not where you want to go. Instead continue past the resort and past the diving center eastward on route 235. 100m east of the diving center is a parking lot – this is where you can access Ingya Marine Garden.

Facilities: Showers, Toilets, Parking.

Location: see map.

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Utopia Farm

A fruit and flower farm which is open for tourists. It is possible to walk through parts of the green houses and enjoy the many types of hibiscus flowers and fruit trees. There is a decent sized cafe attached were you can get ice creams, smoothies etc. made with their delicious fruit. It’s a great place to try out some of the fresh, exotic fruit of Miyako.

Location: see map.

Maehama Beach

Maehama beach, located with a view of Kurima Island, is one of the most iconic beaches on Miyakojima. The white, sandy beach is supposed to be 7km long, so despite being the most visited beach on the island, you are likely to find some privacy.

Facilities: Showers, Toilets, Parking

Location: see map.

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Kurima Bridge

Kurima bridge connects Kurima island to Miyako island. The bridge is 1’690m. long and opened in 1995. It has a beautiful shape, with a bump on the middle, from where there is a great view over the strait. Read more about the bridges of Miyakojima.

Location: see map.

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Kurima Island

Kurima Island is a small island, located just off the coast of Miyako island. 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 town on the north-eastern side of the island has a few cafes and souvenir shops for the occasional tour bus which decides to come by.

Location: see map.

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Stargazing

Miyakojima has one of the darkest night skies in all of Japan. It’s the perfect place to gaze at the millions of stars, and dream yourself to other worlds. It’s also a great opportunity for photographers to experiment with night sky photos.

Location: away from the city and hotels. If you are staying near Kurima island, then Nagamahama Beach is a good spot. It’s far away from any towns, and faces the open sea (no disturbing lights from neighboring islands).

Sunayama Beach

This beautiful white beach, with it’s crystal clear, blue water, takes its name from the sand dune “mountain” which is also found here (yama means mountain). There is a fascinating “gate cliff” on the beach, which gives it a unique look. This beach, on the northern part of the island, is no secret location, and is well-visited all season.

Facilities: Showers, Toilets, Parking.

Location: see map.

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Miyakojima Botanical Garden and Crafts Village

This 120,000 m² large botanical garden was established in the 60’s. The garden boasts 1’600 species of plants from all over the world. Across the garden is spread a large number of local crafts workshops, which work to preserve Miyako culture. You can experience traditional fabric production, wood carving, ceramic works etc. The garden is completely free to enter.

Location: see map.

Irabu Bridge

This 3’540m. long bridge connects Miyako island and Irabujima. The bridge opened in 2015, and is probably as close as a bridge ever comes to being art. It curves its way over the water like it is a natural feature. Before crossing the bridge, stop at the parking lot on the Miyako side to enjoy the magnificent view.

Location: see map.

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Makiyama Observation Deck

Makiyama observatory, which is shaped like a bird, overlooks Miyako island and is the only place where you can see both Irabu bridge, Kurima bridge and Ikema bridge at the same time. The mountain on which it sits, is named after the Maki bird (grey-faced buzzard) which comes here in the fall to rest before moving on. There is also a nature trail near the observatory.

Location: see map.

Nakanoshima Beach

Nakanoshima beach is an amazing snorkeling location. While the beach is not ideal for sunbathing, it does have an incredible coral and fish life. Nakanoshima is probably one of the best beach-access snorkeling spots in all of Miyakojima.

Facilities: Roadside parking.

Location: see map.

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Obi-Iwa Belt Rock

This gigantic rock is supposed to have arrived here with the tsunami that hit Miyako in 1771. It is fascinating to stand next to this massive natural feature, and imagine the ocean moving it. Over the years, the stone has become a place of prayer for good fishing.

Location: see map.

Toriike Pond

Toriike Pond is on the cover of many brochures in Miyako, and for good reason. It is truly a beautiful, natural area. There appears to be two separate ponds, however they are connected underground. There is also an underwater cave associated with the pond, which has made it a highly regarded diving spot. The spot is designated a Natural Monument of Okinawa – and it has a legend of a mermaid!

Location: see map.

Runway 17 end

This is a fun spot on Shimoji island. At the northern end of the airport runway, a road wraps around the edge of the tarmac and allows you to come really close to the runway. You can get an up-close view of the light-guide which is installed over the water, to guide the planes in. While Shimojijima airport isn’t used so frequently yet, you might still be able to see a plane land if you are lucky.

Location: see map.

Cape Shiratori-zaki Park

This beautiful area is a great place to go on a little nature walk and enjoy some of Irabus nicest coast line. There is a network of small paths to be found here.

Location: see map.

Funausagi Banata Observation Deck

Funausagi Banata is the second observatory in the shape of a bird. In fact, it is the same type of bird as the observatory on Makiyama – however a little more realistic representation this time. Funausagi Banata means “cliff for seeing off a ship” and hence would be the place where you would say farewell to a ship leaving the island (probably because it’s so high).

Location: see map.

Yamatobu Crag

Yamatobu is a massive boulder of 25m x 18m and it is really hard to miss. You can’t drive past it without wanting to stop. The rock looks beautiful with the turquoise water under it and covered in lush greenery. The stone is thought to have marked the entrance to an area where the first people on Irabu settled.

Location: see map.

Shimajiri Mangrove Forest

A beautiful Mangrove forest, located on the northern cape of Miyako island. There is a nice footpath which makes it possible to enjoy the beautiful nature and rich animal life of the mangrove. There are high chances of seeing mudskippers and herons. The walk won’t take much more than 20 minutes.

Location: see map.

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Miyakojima Aquarium

If snorkeling or diving isn’t really your thing, but you still want to experience the magical sea life of Miyakojima, then head to Miyako Aquarium. Here 24 large windows are placed in an under-water bunker out in the sea, so you can enjoy the real, untouched marine life. It is a very unique experience if you aren’t used to diving. Even if you don’t normally like aquariums, this place might still be something for you because of the different approach to showing marine life.

Location: see map.

Nishihenna Cape

A long, beautiful cape extending from the northern tip of Miyako island. Three large wind turbines are installed on the cape, harvesting the strong winds blowing across the sea. There are parking facilities near the tip of the cape, making it easy to explore the beautiful landscape.

Location: see map.

Ikema Bridge

The 1’425m. long bridge to Ikema is a work of art. With its elegant bump on the middle, it has connected Ikema island to Miyako island since 1992. It is best viewed from the Ikema Island drive-in. Read more about the bridges of Miyakojima.

Location: see map.

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Ikema Drive-in

Immediately after crossing Ikema bridge, there is a parking lot with a number of colorful buildings. This is the so-called Ikema “drive-in”, a rest-stop where locals sell souvenirs, food etc. It is a really nice place to grab a snack, and enjoy the fantastic view of Ikema bridge and the turquoise water. There is a nice sand beach just below the drive-in area.

Location: see map.

Ikema Heart Rock

On the islands western side, by Ikizu beach, is a rock formation with a hole shaped like a nearly perfect heart. The “heart rock” as it is called, has become quite an attractions – especially for lovers. The beach itself is definitely also worth a visit. Parking is available.

Location: see map.

Ikemajima Lighthouse

On Ikemas north-western side stands a 22.8m tall, slim lighthouse. Ikema lighthouse was the first lighthouse in the Sakishima Islands when it opened in 1940. It was destroyed during the second world war, but was reconstructred in the 1960’s and completely rebuilt in 1986. The light sits in a height of 41.99m above the ocean. There is no access to the tower for visitors, but it’s still an impressive sight.

Location: see map.

Ikema Wetlands

Ikema-shitsugen is the largest wetland in Okinawa. The wetland hosts a large number of migrating birds, which like to rest here before continuing their journey. This is one of the reasons why Ikema Wetland and the entire island of Ikema has become a wildlife refuge. Ikema used to be 2 islands, separated by a channel. The channel was gradually closed off from the sea over the centuries for land reclamation. In the 1980’s it was completely disconnected from the sea and the wetlands now stand as a unique bubble of life in the middle of the island. It is home to several types of crabs, including the huge coconut crab.

Location: see map.

Funakusu Beach

This beautiful beach on Ikema island is a great snorkeling spot, and isn’t overrun by tourists. It makes for a great stop along the way when you explore Ikema, so bring your bathing suit and snorkeling gear. 

Facilities: Toilets, Parking.

Location: see map.

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Ikema Whale Rock

Just south of the famous Funakusu beach is a famous rock-formation sticking out of the coastline. The formation kind-of looks like a whale, and has been named “whale rock” for that reason. It is a fun little side excursion from your beach day at Funakusu. You have to find the right angle to view it, to really see the similarity. 

Location: see map.

Ueno German Culture Village

On the southern coast of Miyako Island there is a German culture park, complete with a fake castle, “schlager” music and endless cheesy references to German culture. Inside the castle is a museum about Germany – and there is even a section of the Berlin wall on display. The park has come to exist as a result of a German shipwreck in 1873. The islanders saved the German sailors, and the German emperor was so thankful that he had a monument errected. Today, the location of the monument has turned into a kitschy German theme park.

Location: see map.

Taragawa Awamori Brewery

At the Taragawa Awamori brewery it is possible to experience the production of authentic Awamori – an Okinawan type of Sake. There is also a shop where you can taste and buy their award-winning products. When Awamori is aged more than 3 years it is called kusu, meaning “old licquor”. The Kusu made at Taragawa is especially delicious. If you have extra time, then there is a historic site with ancient structures on a wooded hill nearby (follow the signs to “Uipiya yama ruins“). 

Location: see map.

Aragusuku Beach

After visiting a few attractions, what would be better than taking a swim in the beautiful blue waters. Aragusuku beach is located on the eastern tip of Miyako island. The beach is faced north-northeast and is protected by a coral reef, shielding it from big waves. At high tide it is a great place for beginners to snorkel as there are plenty of coral and fish on low water. There are also beach chairs and tables – some free of charge. It is possible to rent snorkeling equipment on the parking lot. Don’t miss the cool Shisa lion statues made out of corals and shells. 

Facilities: Parking, Changing rooms, Gear rental.

Location: see map.

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Hirara City

End the day by exploring Hirara, the main city of Miyakojima. There are a few streets with shops and restaurants, and it is a great place to get some souvenirs before leaving. Typical souvenirs from Miyako are small Shisa lion figures, special Okinawa food items and the paranku small handheld drum. You can easily finish your day off with dinner in the city, and some sunset watching at Sunset beach.

Location: see map.