Hi travelers! My name is Kenji and in this travel guide I will be highlighting the best things to do in Miyako-jima: the Okinawan island with the most stunning sea! I’m a photographer originally from the Iwate Prefecture but I moved to Okinawa six years ago. It was actually while looking at the beautiful scenery of Miyako-jima that I became interested in photography.
Today, I run tours on Miyako-jima including location photo tours, general tours and starry sky photo tours. These experiences can be booked with me via my Instagram DM. The main reason people love Miyako-jima is for its crystal-clear waters and for it’s accessibility with two airports.
My favorite place here is Shimojishima Airport RW17 End. Shimojishima is an island just off Miyako-jima and at the airport you can see planes landing close to the beautiful sea! But by no means is this the only experience Miyako-jima has to offer. Below I outline the top 10 things to do:
Top 10 Things To Do in Miyako-Jima
1. Sightsee Around the Island with a Tour Guide
Don’t just skim the surface of Miyako-jima! Joining a tour with a local guide unlocks hidden gems and a deeper appreciation for the island. Imagine a knowledgeable guide like myself whisking you away to witness not just the iconic Yonaha Maehama Beach, but also secluded coves teeming with life. We’ll navigate the island’s wonders, from Cape Higashi-Hennazaki to the colorful reefs, ensuring you experience the true magic of Miyako-jima.
2. Snorkel Around Miyako-Jima on a Local Tour
Dive into a technicolor wonderland on a Miyako-jima snorkeling tour! Witness a spectacle beneath the water. Coral reefs teeming with life come into view – a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. Schools of fish flit among the coral, their scales shimmering in the sunlight. Explore hidden coves and discover a secret underwater world. Local guides will ensure your safety and show you the best spots, making this an unforgettable experience!
3. Take a Boat Tour to the Yabiji Coral Reef
Immerse in the underwater wonders of Japan with a boat tour to the Yabiji Coral Reef. Located north of Miyako-jima, this sprawling reef system boasts the title of Japan’s largest. Since you can only reach it by boat, a guided tour is your key to unlocking its treasures. Prepare to be dazzled by the coral formations teeming with colorful fish as sunlight filters through the crystal-clear water. Joining a local tour ensures you visit the most breathtaking spots and get expert advice on navigating this paradise.
4. Go Diving and Marvel at the Sea Topography
Renowned for its sea topography, the island offers a feast for the eyes. Imagine swimming through crystal-clear waters, coral reefs teeming with life and dramatic rock formations creating a captivating underwater landscape. Explore hidden caverns, where sunlight filters through creating an ethereal glow, and encounter a kaleidoscope of colorful fish darting through the coral. It’s an experience that will leave you in awe!
5. Stargaze with the Help of Local Photographers
Head to the darkest areas of Miyako-jima, where there is no light pollution, and witness a blanket of stars sprawling across the black canvas of the night sky. Capture this scene with the help of local photographers. Their expertise, and the island’s beauty, will ensure you return home with stunning starry sky photos – a lasting memento of your trip.
6. Glide Across the Silky Water on a SUP
Glide across the crystal-clear waters of Miyako-jima on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Imagine yourself surrounded by colorful coral reefs teeming with fish, all visible from the water’s surface. SUP tours offer a unique perspective of Miyako-jima’s gorgeous coastline, letting you explore hidden coves and secluded beaches inaccessible by land. With tours catering to all experience levels and plenty of SUP rentals for independent trips, you can choose a leisurely paddle or a more adventurous one.
7. Discover the “Pumpkin Hole” Cave of Miyako-Jima
Miyako-jima is home to a limestone cave called “Pumpkin Hole”, one of the island’s top hidden gems! Kayaking to a secluded entrance in a limestone cliff leads you to the aptly named “Pumpkin Hole”. This mysterious cave boasts unique stalactites resembling pumpkins. Explore its chambers with a guided tour, venturing into a world sculpted by time and water. Since access depends on tides, tours are essential for this subterranean journey.
8. Watch a Majestic Sunset on the Beach
In Miyako-jima, the beaches are the perfect spot to catch the sunset. As the day winds down, the sun dips towards the ocean, painting the sky with striking tones of orange and red. Many people gather on the sand, some relaxing with towels spread out, others strolling along the shore. The sight is peaceful, the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the island.
9. Head to Payao for a Bit of Tuna Fishing
Miyako-jima offers an unforgettable fishing adventure for all skill levels. Experienced anglers can battle enormous tuna at the nearby Payao (floating reefs), while beginners and families can join guided tours with all equipment provided – enjoying the beautiful scenery and the thrill of catching fish. The tranquil waters and abundant sea life that surrounds Miyako-jima make it a prime destination for a rewarding fishing experience.
10. Get Your Caffeine Fix at the Many Stylish Cafes
Not only does this island boast epic beaches but also fantastic cafes. Imagine hopping from one stylish spot to the next, sipping on coffee and indulging in delectable treats. Many of these cafes are located by beaches, helping you get your caffeine fix in between your beach activities.
Where to Stay in Miyako-Jima
There are many wonderful places to stay in Miyako-jima but the first one that comes to mind is the Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort, which opened last year. It offers beautiful sea and sunset views from the room terraces. Other options include Feliz Villa Suite Miyakojima Ueno coming with its own private pool, Feliz Villa Suite Irabu Sawada overlooking Sawada Beach and a few others under the Feliz Villa Suite brand.
Food Scene of Miyako-Jima
Miyako-jima offers a delicious blend of Okinawan and island-specific specialties. Pork features prominently, starring in dishes like Miyako soba (noodles in a light broth) and nakajiru (vegetable and pork soup). The crystal-clear waters around Miyako-jima provide another key ingredient: sea grapes, a type of seaweed enjoyed for its refreshing texture and briny flavor. Also, don’t miss Miyako beef, renowned for its tenderness.
Tips for Your Visit to Miyako-Jima
The first thing to keep in mind for your Miyako-jima trip is that there is only one way to get there: by plane. There are two airports on the island called Miyako Airport and Shimojishima Airport. Miyako Airport has flights from Haneda Airport (Tokyo), Chubu Centrair International Airport (Tokoname), Kansai International Airport (Osaka) and Naha Airport (Okinawa).
Shimojishima Airport has flights from Haneda Airport and Naha Airport, and during the summer it also has flights from Narita Airport (Tokyo) and Fukuoka Airport (Fukuoka). There will even be flights to Miyako-jima from Incheon International Airport (Seoul) beginning from May this year!
In regards to the best time of year to visit Miyako-jima, that is in the months of March and April (before the rainy season starts) or from mid-June to October (after the rainy season ends). September and October are typhoon seasons and traveling in these months may affect your itinerary.
It’s important to arrange your rental car before you arrive. In recent years, the number of tourists here has increased and there is now a shortage of cars. So, I recommend making reservations as early as possible! Apart from that, book all the tours you can and try to get a local’s perspective of this amazing island. Miyako-jima certainly won’t disappoint you!
