What to do on Miyako Island

Miyako Island, located in Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture, is an enchanting island offering a wide range of exciting experiences. With its snow-white beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, the island attracts tourists looking for the perfect tropical experience. Yonaha-Maehama beach, one of the best on the island, is famous for its silky sand and crystal-clear waters.

Miyako is also famous for snorkelling and diving, with plenty of opportunities to admire the rich marine life in the area. There are also some activities such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, which are very popular along the coast.

Besides water activities, Miyako also offers many opportunities to discover the local Japanese culture. The Suzumisaki Temple is one of the main historical sites on the island, offering a guided meditation experience and an impressive view of the surrounding sea.

Metatron, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Maehama Beach

Maehama Beach on Miyako Island is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. With its fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it offers postcard-perfect scenery. The beach stretches over seven kilometres and offers enough space to relax and enjoy the sun. Whether you are interested in taking a walk on the beach or swimming in the warm waters, Maehama beach will captivate you with its natural beauty and relaxing ambience.

TomazVajngerl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Yoshino Beach

Yoshino Beach on Miyako Island, located in the Okinawa Sea in Japan, is famous for its crystal-clear waters and white sand. The beach is also popular with surfers for the waves that form during windy periods. Visitors are offered the opportunity to enjoy various water sports, from kayaking to parasailing. The area around the beach is also ideal for relaxing walks and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

Sunayama Beach

Sunayama is one of the most famous beaches on Miyako Island, located in the Okinawa Sea in Japan. The fine white sand forms a breathtaking landscape together with the crystal-clear turquoise water. The beach is ideal for swimming and relaxing in the sun. In addition, a walk across a wooden bridge leads visitors to a sea-view rock that offers a spectacular panorama of the Miyako coastline.

As6022014, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Cape Higashi-Hennazaki

Cape Higashi-Hennazaki is one of the most scenic attractions on Japan’s Miyako Island. Located at the eastern end of the island, it is a tongue of land surrounded by emerald waters. The lighthouse at the end offers spectacular views of the sea and its surroundings. The surroundings of Higashi-Hennazaki are idyllic places for walking and photography, with abundant wildlife and tropical flowers adding a splash of colour to the landscape.

Kaz Ish, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

	Lighthouse
	9:00-16:30
	150 Yen

Tomb of Tuyumya

The Tuyumya Tomb is an important historical site on the island of Miyako, Japan. This site, dating back to the Josei era (1606-1681), is a raised rectangular terrace where the royal tombs of Miyako reside. In addition to its historical importance, the tomb offers a peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views of the sea. It is an educational and cultural site not to be missed by anyone visiting Miyako Island.

Tropical Botanical Garden

The Tropical Botanical Garden on Miyako Island is an oasis of peace and beauty for nature lovers. Located in the Okinawa Sea in Japan, it offers over 1,600 species of tropical plants including orchids, hibiscus and palm trees. Walking along shady and scenic paths, visitors can appreciate and learn about different plant species locally and from around the world.

Ikema and Kurima Bridges

Miyako Island is connected to the neighbouring islands by the Kurima and Ikema bridges. The Kurima Bridge, almost 3 km long, offers beautiful views of the turquoise sea and the surrounding nature. The Ikema Bridge, almost 1.5 km long, also offers beautiful views, but is most famous for its U-shape. Crossing these bridges allows one to explore the surrounding islands and appreciate the natural beauty of this corner of the world.