Enjoy Spectacular Views of Blue Seas and Starry Skies! 19 Popular Tourist Spots on Miyakojima

Miyakojima is divided into six areas, each with its own distinct appeal.
Your trip will feel different depending on which area you visit, so it’s a good idea to know their features in advance.

To help protect Miyakojima’s environment and traditional culture and build positive relationships with local residents, here are some manners and rules tourists should keep in mind.

The main way to access Miyakojima is by air. There are two airports on the island, Miyako Airport and Shimojishima Airport, which serve as the island’s gateways.
Approx. travel times from Okinawa Main Island, Tokyo, and Osaka, all of which have airports with direct flights to Miyakojima, are as follows.

Spring in Miyakojima is a season with pleasant daytime temperatures and comfortable outdoor weather.
The beaches officially open around April, so you can enjoy marine activities earlier than in many other places.
Another attraction is being able to relax and take in the peaceful scenery of sugarcane fields.
It is also a relatively quiet season with fewer tourists, making it a good choice for those who want a peaceful stay.

In summer, Miyakojima offers highly transparent blue seas and bright blue skies, creating spectacular resort-like scenery.
With comfortable water temperatures, it is also the perfect season for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
In July, the “Miyakojima Summer Festival” is held, where you can enjoy not only fireworks but also food stalls and traditional performing arts.
In addition, June through August is the season when the Milky Way looks most beautiful. At night, it is also recommended to enjoy a sky full of stars at beaches and seaside spots.
Since this is also a season with many typhoons, be sure to check the weather forecast frequently before your trip.

Autumn in Miyakojima comes after typhoon season, when the weather becomes more stable and it is easier to sightsee as planned.
Even in autumn, the sea temperature remains warm, so you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling until around October.
There are also fewer tourists than in summer, so even popular beaches and sightseeing spots feel more relaxed, which is one of autumn’s unique charms.
Stable weather also means there are many days when you can enjoy Miyakojima’s beautiful starry skies.
It is also recommended to slowly take in the sky full of stars at seaside spots such as “Higashi-Hennazaki” and “Nishi-Hennazaki.”

Winter in Miyakojima is comfortable, with temperatures around 59–68°F, and its mild climate is a major attraction compared with winter in mainland Japan.
Even in winter, there are many days when light clothing is enough during the day, making it a pleasant season for walking around.
From around late December, it is also whale-watching season, giving you a chance to see the dynamic 모습 of whales.
In addition, February to March is sugarcane harvest season, so you can enjoy views of harvesting work and island scenery while driving.

Miyakojima Underwater Park is an underwater observation facility located on the northern side of the island, about 25 minutes by car from Miyako Airport. Facing the beautiful, crystal-clear sea, this sightseeing spot lets you observe fish living in Miyakojima’s waters in their natural state.
In a spacious and relaxing setting, you can closely view colorful tropical fish, octopuses, sea snakes, and sometimes even sea turtles through 24 acrylic panel windows, each measuring 1.5 m high, 50 cm wide, and 12 cm thick.

Among Miyakojima, located between Okinawa Main Island and Ishigakijima, Yonaha Maehama Beach stands out as especially beautiful.
Just 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, it is an extremely popular spot with easy access, making it easy to visit casually.
The contrast between its Approx. 7-km stretch of pure white sand and crystal-clear emerald-green sea is so stunning that it is often called the best in the East.

Located at the easternmost tip of Miyakojima, Higashi-Hennazaki is a scenic spot that moves visitors deeply.
It has also been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Urban Parks.
From the slender cape stretching Approx. 2 km, the horizons of the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea extend endlessly, giving you a refreshing sense of nature’s grand scale. If you want to enjoy the view from a different perspective, head to the lighthouse.

Okinawa is one of Japan’s most popular sightseeing areas.
Many travelers who want to enjoy even more of its beautiful sea and sky scenery visit the Miyako Islands, about 1 hour by plane from Okinawa Main Island. The most popular island is Miyakojima, followed by Irabujima, the second largest.
Connecting these two islands is Irabu Ohashi Bridge.

Toriike Pond, a nationally designated natural monument on Shimojijima, a remote island of Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture, is a mystical spot that looks as if two dragon eyes are lined up side by side.
In fact, the two ponds are connected underground, and they are also connected to the sea.
Because of this unique structure, it is also extremely popular as a dream spot for divers.

Located on the southern coast of Miyakojima, “Imgya Marine Garden” is a seaside park built around a natural inlet.
“Imgya” means “enclosed spring water,” and locals affectionately call it “Ingya.”
The waves are calm, so even small children can play here safely.

Miyakojima lies southwest of Okinawa Main Island. With so much untouched nature still remaining, this island is extremely popular with travelers.
Many scenic beaches are scattered around the island, and Aragusuku Coast is one of them.
The biggest appeal of Aragusuku Coast is, above all, its highly transparent sea.
The emerald-green water is calm and is also known as a great spot for snorkeling.

Crossing the 1,690-meter Kurima Ohashi Bridge from Miyakojima in Okinawa brings you to Kurimajima.
On a hill there stands a striking building: “Ryugujo Observatory,” inspired by Ryugujo, the undersea palace from a Japanese folktale.
When you step into the three-story observatory, “Yonaha Maehama Beach,” said to be the most beautiful in the East, spreads out below you.
The gradient created by the white sandy beach and cobalt-blue sea is sure to capture your heart.

Located on Irabujima in the Miyako Islands, “Sawada no Hama Beach” features a transparent turquoise-blue sea.
Its beauty is exceptional, and in 1996 it was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches.
The shallow beach has a calm lagoon where you can enjoy snorkeling and swimming.
One of its distinctive features is the countless reefs carried here by the great tsunami of 1771. The scene of rocks of various sizes scattered across the beach is a rare sight you won’t find elsewhere.

Painagama Beach, located in Miyakojima’s urban area, is a relaxing spot loved by locals.
Its official name is “Minaminagama Beach,” but in the Miyakojima dialect, “Pai” means south and “Nagama” means long beach, which is why it is called this.
The biggest appeal of this beach is its easy access. Since it is within walking distance of central Miyakojima city, you can visit it casually.

A museum and shop attached to the salt factory that produces “Yukishio,” a local specialty made from Miyakojima seawater.
“Yukishio” is made using a method that leaves in the nigari components usually removed, so it contains as many as 14 seawater-derived minerals.
Its fine, snow-like texture is a distinctive feature, and it is also popular as a souvenir appreciated for its beauty benefits.
“Yukishio Museum” was created as a place where visitors can enjoy learning about how “Yukishio” is made, how to use it, and how to enjoy its flavor.

“Yoshino Coast,” on the eastern coast of Miyakojima, is a popular beach with crystal-clear water and beautiful coral reefs.
There are coral reefs close to shore, so with just a short swim you can see colorful tropical fish and coral up close.
The sea is shallow and the waves are often calm, making it a great place for families and beginners to enjoy snorkeling with peace of mind.
Since sea conditions change depending on the tides, it is best to check the timing before you visit.

At “Miyakojima City Tropical Plant Garden,” which covers Approx. 120,000 square meters, you can enjoy tropical flowers and trees as well as around 1,600 species of subtropical plants.
The park also has rows of deigo trees, which bloom with vivid red flowers in spring, creating beautiful scenery.
At the Miyakojima City Craft Experience Village on the grounds, you can also try traditional Miyakojima crafts such as pottery, dyeing, and weaving. It is also easy to access, just Approx. 10 minutes by car from Miyako Airport.

A 1,690-meter-long bridge connecting Miyakojima and Kurimajima. Opened in 1995, it is popular as one of Miyakojima’s most scenic driving spots.
From the bridge, you can take in panoramic views of Yonaha Maehama Beach with its beautiful white sand, as well as the emerald-green sea.
On sunny days, another highlight is how the color of the sea changes depending on the light.
Of course, it is great for driving, but since sidewalks are also maintained, you can explore it on foot or by bicycle as well.

“Toguchi no Hama Beach” on Irabujima is a beach Approx. 800 m long. Its white, fine sand stretches wide, and feels comfortable even when walking barefoot.
From the shore, you can look out over the cobalt-blue sea to the lush greenery of Shimojijima, Kurimajima, and Miyakojima.
The shallow water and relatively calm waves make it popular with people enjoying swimming and beach walks.
It not only has parking, but also an adjacent cafe, making it a convenient beach to stop by during a drive.

“Ikema Ohashi Bridge” is a 1,425-meter-long bridge connecting Miyakojima and Ikemajima. Opened in 1992, it links the Karimata area at the northern tip of Miyakojima’s main island with Ikemajima.
From the bridge, you can enjoy views of the highly transparent sea, a gradient of turquoise blue and emerald green often called “Ikema Blue.” Another feature is how the colors change depending on the time of day and sunlight.
Sidewalks are also maintained, so you can also take a leisurely walk across the bridge while enjoying the ocean scenery.

Located in southern Miyakojima, “Maipari Miyakojima Tropical Fruit Park” grows a wide variety of fruits, including mangoes, papayas, bananas, starfruit, and dragon fruit.
A “Tropical Guide Tour” takes visitors around the park by special cart, and during the tour you can interact with Miyako horses, one of Japan’s native horse breeds.
Not only that, but you can also enjoy seasonal fruit-picking experiences.
Another attraction is the attached cafe, where you can enjoy ice cream and juice made with fruit grown in the park.

“Shigira Kogane Onsen” is a day-use hot spring facility in the Approx. 11-km-long resort area “Shigira Seven Miles Resort” in southern Miyakojima.
It is Japan’s southernmost and westernmost natural hot spring, with a strong sodium chloride spring that wells up from Approx. 1,250 m underground.
The spring water temperature is Approx. 122°F, and it boasts an abundant supply of Approx. 800 tons of water per day. The golden color of the water is also striking.
There are open-air baths, panoramic baths, a pool area, and swimsuit-required zones where you can enjoy the golden-colored water, making it easy for families and couples to visit. The open setting surrounded by tropical plants is another attraction.
It can also be used by non-guests, making it a hot spring facility visited by many tourists.

“Miyako Shrine” is the only shrine still existing on Miyakojima and is also the southernmost shrine in Japan.
It is a central local shrine with a long history, founded around 1590 during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. The enshrined deities are the three Kumano gods and the three Toyomioya gods, for a total of six deities.
The current shrine building was rebuilt in the late 1960s and underwent major renovation in 2014.
The shrine grounds are located on a hill in central Hirara, and the views over the town and sea are also part of its appeal.

Located on the western side of Kurimajima, “Nagama Beach” is a beach with open views stretching to the horizon, and is known as one of Miyakojima’s best stargazing spots.
With almost no streetlights around and little impact from artificial light, you can clearly see the Milky Way and countless stars.
When conditions are right, you can also enjoy the magical sight of stars reflected on the sea surface.

A rest area located along Prefectural Route 83 in Gusukube, Miyakojima City.
Since it sits at the highest point on the outer ring road, you can enjoy panoramic sea views in the daytime and beautiful starry skies at night.
The wide-open view allows the shining stars to fill your field of vision.
With parking and restrooms available, it is one of the easiest stargazing spots to stop by by car.

Located at the northwestern tip of Irabujima, “Shiratorizaki” is also known as a diving spot with complex terrain, and during the day it is a cape where you can enjoy underwater scenery and dynamic landforms.
After sunset, you can take in a sky full of stars from this wide-open location.
One of its attractions is the grand view of the stars stretching almost to the horizon.

Quietly located on the western side of Kurimajima, “Musunun Beach” is a peaceful beach that has not been developed as a tourist site.
With almost no artificial light reaching it, you can clearly see the brilliance of stars spreading across the entire night sky.
Its calm setting with few people also makes it a wonderful place to spend luxurious time slowly gazing at the stars.

Located on the north side of Shimojishima Airport’s runway, “17END” is also called the “phantom beach” because its pure white sandy shore appears only at low tide.
The name comes from the runway identifier “17,” which faces 170 degrees, and “Runway End.”
At night, a special view unique to 17END spreads out, combining the airport runway lights, airplane lights, and the starry sky.

“Uni no Hama” is a sandbar that appears offshore from Irabujima only at low tide. Because it looks as if it is floating on the sea, it is also called the “phantom island.”
It is difficult to access on your own, so taking a boat tour is essential.
The view from its white sand, surrounded by the sea on all sides, is highly photogenic and has become popular on social media.
Another attraction is that the shape of the sandbar changes each time it appears, so you can enjoy scenery unique to that day and time.

“Nudokubiabu” is quietly tucked away in a corner of the sugarcane fields on Irabujima.
It is a vertical cave designated as a city historic site by Miyakojima City, with a depth of Approx. 22 m.
There are two cave openings: the larger opening is 3 m wide and 25 m long, with stairs leading down from the northeast side.
The other is a well-like vertical shaft, 3 m wide and 7 m long, divided by a natural bridge.
Inside the cave, stalactite-like rock formations are scattered throughout, and together with banyan roots hanging from the ceiling, they create unique shadows on the rock walls. At times when sunlight streams in, a mysterious scene unfolds inside the cave.

Nanimata Coast features cliffs rising Approx. 30 m high. The observatory at “Muigaa Cliff” along this coast is popular for its spectacular views.
The highlight is the beautiful contrast between the rugged rocky coast, formed over long years by uplifted coral reefs, and the Miyako blue sea.
At the base of the cliff is a spring called “Muigaa,” and scattered nearby are ruins said to be traces of people who once lived in this area.

Doug’s Burger Miyakojima Main Store is an American-style burger shop located about 5 minutes by car from Miyako Airport.
Committed to local production for local consumption, it uses yellowfin tuna from Miyakojima and Japanese black wagyu beef from Taramajima as its main ingredients.
The naturally fermented buns and richly flavorful fillings are highly appealing, and whichever menu item you choose is satisfying.
The menu item especially recommended is the “Doug’s Tuna Steak Burger.”
Its distinctive feature is tuna marinated in wasabi soy sauce and Japanese karashi mustard used instead of regular mustard, giving this American-style burger a Japanese flavor.

Koja Soba Shop is a long-established restaurant with a history of more than 80 years, located Approx. 10 minutes by car from Miyako Airport.
Here you can taste Miyako soba, a local soul food featuring light broth, flat noodles, and toppings such as pork belly and kamaboko placed beneath the noodles.
The restaurant has an Okinawan-style exterior and a calm interior. From the window seats, you can look out over a garden planted with subtropical plants.
The most popular item is, of course, Miyako soba. The “Soba Set,” which includes Miyako soba and daily side dishes, is also recommended.

Maruyoshi Shokudo is a long-established soba shop with over 60 years of history.
Its popular menu items are “Miyako soba” and “Soki soba.”
Both are famous local dishes of Miyakojima and Okinawa, and “soki” refers to spare ribs.
The broth is based on pork bones blended with chicken bones and bonito, with grated garlic added as a secret ingredient for a rich flavor.
The firm, smooth noodles pair perfectly with the punchy soup.
Known as a famous spot for Miyako soba and soki soba, Maruyoshi Shokudo attracts not only locals but also many tourists.
Table turnover is good, but since it is a popular restaurant, there may be a line, so it is best to visit with extra time.

“Miyako Beef Teppanyaki Yukishio Steak” in downtown Miyakojima is a teppanyaki specialty restaurant where you can indulge in Miyako beef.
With a style in which the chef grills the food right in front of you across the counter, you can enjoy a lively dining experience.
From Miyako beef and Ishigaki beef steaks to dishes made with fresh local vegetables and even Yukishio ice cream, you can enjoy a full lineup of flavors unique to Miyakojima.
The “Yukishio” in the restaurant’s name is a local salt made from underground seawater in Miyakojima, known for its mild taste. This Yukishio enhances the natural umami of Miyako beef.

“Rakuen no Kajitsu” is a restaurant on Kurimajima run by a farm.
You can enjoy dishes and sweets made generously with fruits from Miyakojima and ingredients from Okinawa.
The signature menu item is the seasonal ripe mango parfait, available only in summer.
They also offer a wide variety of parfaits and gelato made with seasonal fruits such as dragon fruit, melon, and island bananas.
In addition to sweets, the restaurant also has a full menu of meals such as pasta, gapao rice, and Agu pork rice bowls.

“Shima no Eki Miyako” is a farmers’ market operated by JA Okinawa.
It is a popular spot among tourists, offering not only fresh vegetables and fruits from Miyakojima but also a wide variety of local specialties and souvenirs.
Inside the store, you’ll find seasonal fruits such as mangoes, melons, and dragon fruit, which you can enjoy on the spot or during your stay.
There is also a full selection of Miyakojima specialties such as Yukishio, brown sugar, awamori, and Miyako soba, making it perfect for souvenir shopping.
You can also buy snacks loved by locals, such as Okinawan tempura and island bananas.

“Atarasu Market” takes its name from “atarasu,” a word in the Miyakojima dialect meaning “beloved.”
It is a farmers’ market with excellent access, located very close to Miyako Airport.
Fruits and vegetables from Miyakojima, including the island’s specialty mangoes, are lined up in abundance.
In addition to classic souvenirs, another attraction is finding bento boxes and prepared foods where you can enjoy local flavors.

Located in the center of downtown Miyakojima, “Nishizato Odori Street” is the island’s oldest shopping street.
There are many souvenir shops selling awamori, Ryukyu glass, Miyakojima-style T-shirts, and miscellaneous goods, so you can enjoy picking out souvenirs while strolling through town.
It is also appealing that well-known eateries where you can taste Miyakojima specialties are scattered throughout the area, letting you enjoy both shopping and food.
After evening, izakayas and bars begin to open, and the street changes into a place to enjoy dinner and drinks at night. It is a street with a different atmosphere depending on the time of day.

“SHIGIRA BAYSIDE SUITE ALLAMANDA” is located in the Approx. 11-km-long resort area “Shigira Seven Miles Resort” on the southern coast of Miyakojima.
Not only can you enjoy sweeping views of the beautiful sea and swaying tropical trees, but the luxurious atmosphere truly feels like a high-end resort.
More than half of the guest rooms come with private pools, and on terraces with jacuzzis you can relax while taking in Miyakojima’s spectacular scenery.
At the hotel’s five restaurants, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine and teppanyaki highlighting Miyakojima ingredients, as well as Italian dishes.

Like SHIGIRA BAYSIDE SUITE ALLAMANDA, “Hotel Shigira Mirage” is located in Shigira Seven Miles Resort.
Guest rooms are available in three types: the “Bayside,” closest to the sea, the “Mirage Floor,” which offers more enhanced services than the Bayside, and the “Pool Villa Premier,” equipped with a private pool and daybed.
No matter which type you choose, you can fully enjoy Miyakojima’s beautiful sea and sky, making your time on the island feel special.
Another highlight is the exceptional dining experience, from the resort’s only seafood restaurant to teppanyaki where you can enjoy premium ingredients including Miyako beef.

“Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel & Resorts” is a resort hotel adjacent to Maehama Beach, located Approx. 10 minutes by car from Miyako Airport.
The time spent watching the sunset over Maehama Beach, famous for its beauty as the “best beach in the East,” from your room’s balcony is pure bliss.
The buffet-style dining is another highlight, especially the topping omelets served at breakfast.
The hotel also offers excellent services and facilities, including events where you can enjoy traditional Okinawan performing arts and a spa where you can experience premium relaxation.
Be sure to try one of the marine activity programs available at Maehama Beach as well.

Located a little away from central Miyakojima, this condominium-style hotel offers creative rooms unified around three theme colors: pink, blue, and greige.
Not only the rooms but also places throughout the hotel, such as the pink front counter, are filled with playful designs and touches, making it a highly photogenic stay that is sure to look great on social media.

A resort hotel adjacent to Miyako Sunset Beach. It is conveniently located Approx. 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport and close to the city center.
In guest rooms with balconies, you can spend relaxing time while taking in spectacular views of the emerald-green sea, Irabu Ohashi Bridge, and the sunset.
Another attraction is its five varied pools, including a kids’ pool with a slide and a calm pool area for adults.
At the breakfast buffet, you can enjoy not only Okinawan dishes such as Miyako soba but also Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine.

“Yukishio (Powder),” a specialty product of Miyakojima, is a fine, powdery salt born from Okinawa’s beautiful seawater.
Unlike ordinary salt, it contains nigari components that are usually removed, giving it a mild sweetness and rich flavor within its saltiness.
Yukishio melts softly in the mouth and is a versatile seasoning that enhances the flavor of ingredients. Sprinkle it on tempura, sashimi, salads, and more to boost the taste even further.

A popular Okinawan souvenir made with “Yukishio,” a salt born from Miyakojima seawater.
“Yukishio” is a salt containing seawater minerals, crystallized into powder form using a unique method with seawater pumped up from 22 m underground.
Making use of Yukishio’s ability to bring out the best in ingredients, “Yukishio Sando” was created by pairing it with milk, butter, and eggs, which go perfectly with it.

“Banana Cake” is the signature item of a long-established Western confectionery shop in Miyakojima, handmade one by one by skilled artisans.
It is a famous sweet in Miyakojima, also loved as a gift item.
Fluffy yet moist, it offers two textures at once, and because it uses plenty of ripened bananas, the rich natural banana aroma spreads beautifully.
No artificial flavoring, coloring, or margarine is used. It is also nice that even small children can enjoy it with peace of mind.

A traditional event held every year around June at fishing ports across Miyakojima, praying for safe voyages and abundant catches.
Haarii is a race held using haryusen boats decorated with dragon motifs or small fishing boats.
The boat race, with participants boarding brightly decorated haryusen and racing across the sea with powerful oar strokes, is full of excitement.
Other highlights include the traditional performing art “Kuichaa” held before the race and the fishing boat parade.

The island’s largest summer festival, held every year around late July in central Miyakojima.
The main venues, “Nishizato Odori,” “Shimozato Odori,” and “Ichiba Street,” become pedestrian-only zones,
where you can enjoy various live performances and traditional Miyakojima dances such as “Kuichaa.”
The “East-West Great Tug-of-War,” using a massive rope measuring as long as 110 m, is also held, and one of the event’s attractions is being able to experience island culture through its diverse programs.
Food stalls line the streets, so you can also enjoy Miyakojima’s local food. Of course, the biggest highlight is the fireworks launched on the final day.

A traditional event on Taramajima held every year for three days from August 8 on the lunar calendar.
During the period, various performances are presented, including folk dances and kumiodori.
The origin of these folk dances dates back to the 1600s, when the Yaeyama region, including Taramajima, suffered under heavy taxes.
After taxes were paid in the seventh lunar month, an event became established in the eighth lunar month to report this and pray for a good harvest the following year.
It is said that the folk dances, “Hachigatsu Odori,” began naturally as people shared their joy and encouraged one another at the gathering.
Today it is also registered as a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and during the event period the island becomes lively with not only residents but also many tourists.