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Miyakojima, 3 years old
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Are there tours that can be experienced by children as young as 3 years old?
Work, housework, childcare, socializing, and just living a normal life in today's society can be exhausting.
To forget such a daily routine and relieve fatigue, we would like to travel once in a while and enjoy an extraordinary experience.
However, it is during childcare that it becomes more difficult to travel.
Especially when children are young, they tend to hesitate to travel because of the many hassles involved.
It is difficult to enjoy a trip until the child is 1 or 2 years old because of the many restrictions that may be placed on the trip, but when the earliest stage is over and the child is around 3 years old, one can hope to go on a trip. However, when they reach around 3 years of age, when the earliest stage of earaching is over, they may begin to have more hope of going on a trip.
Miyakojima Island is located about 300 km further southwest of the main island of Okinawa.
There are many reasons why Miyako Island is suitable for travel with children, but the first that cannot be overlooked is the stable climate.
Miyako Island has a subtropical climate, with high temperatures often exceeding 20°C throughout the year.
Children as young as 3 years old are still prone to getting sick.
Especially during travel, one's stamina is depleted by doing unfamiliar things, and the cold has caused one to catch a cold at the destination! There are also cases where the cold isNot a few.
In this respect, Miyakojima is warm enough to be spent in short sleeves even in the middle of winter, so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest without worrying about your child's health.
Miyako Island Activities for Ages 3 and Up
When it comes to travel, there are various activities that cannot be missed.
To enjoy the Miyako blue sea and the great nature of Miyako Island, you should definitely join us.
In this article, we would like to introduce a selection of activities that children under 3 years old can participate in.
glass boat
The first activity I would like to introduce is the glass boat.
A glass boat is a boat with a transparent glass bottom.
The highly transparent sea of Miyakojima can be observed through the glass of the ship's bottom.
This is an activity that even small children, who are not yet able to swim, can enjoy to the fullest, as they can observe marine life and landforms from inside the boat.
Also, since there is no need to worry about makeup falling off because there is no risk of getting wet, it is recommended for those who tend to hesitate to participate in activities because of the difficulty of fixing their makeup with children in tow.
The glass boat tour will cruise around the blue cave and coral colony area, so you will be able to take your time and enjoy the beautiful sea of Miyako Island.
Sunset Canoeing
The next activity we will introduce is sunset canoeing, which allows you to enjoy the evening sea to the fullest.
The canoes used for the activity can accommodate two people, so parents and children can participate without problems by getting in and paddling together.
Canoeing is highly stable, so there is basically no risk of capsizing, and since life jackets are worn during this activity, there is no need to worry even if the canoe should tip over.
The beach of Miyako Island, which is lively and bustling during the day, becomes less crowded in the evening.
As the boat paddles out to sea from the quietness of the beach, the sky, sea, white beach, and grass and trees will gradually turn into Akane (red) colors, creating a memory that will last a lifetime for parents and children.
On Miyako Island, you may encounter a rare phenomenon called "green flash," in which the edges of the sunset glow green or golden just before sunset, and it may be fun to watch the sunset with your children.
Sagaribana Light-up Tour
Sagaribana is a typical summer flower in Okinawa, including Miyako Island.
Sagaribana is a flowering tree native to wetlands in subtropical climates and is a fragile flower characterized by its ability to bloom and disperse overnight.
In Miyako Island, many of them are planted along a road called "Soedo Sagaribana," where they grow in colonies. During the blooming season from late June to mid-July, they are illuminated at night.
The flowers do not bloom until nighttime, so inevitably the time of the tour is also at night.
The memory of an extraordinary experience of going out with one's mother and father at a time when they are usually already asleep can be vividly remembered even in adulthood.
Sagaribana petals are very beautiful and colorful, white, red, and pink, and they give off a sweet vanilla-like fragrance that makes you very happy.
Furthermore, the language of flowers of the sagaribana is very happy, "good luck will come to you.
If you were able to witness the full bloom, then good luck may be in your child's future.
cruising
How about making memories with your children at a tropical resort with a little luxury cruising on Miyako Island?
Miyako Island was created by the uplift of coral reefs and has a flat topography with no mountains or rivers on the island.
As a result, soil and sand do not flow out of the river into the sea, keeping the seawater clear and unclouded.
A cruise ship ride on the Miyako blue sea, which is the result of such a process, will surely give you the most euphoric experience.
Of course, children as young as 3 years old can enjoy this cruise safely, as they are traveling on a stable cruise ship.
There are various types of cruising on Miyako Island, including plans that offer sunset views and plans that allow you to enjoy the boat trip while enjoying a drink buffet.
There will be live music and live performances by the staff, so be sure to take a break from the daily grind with an elegant cruise.
Night Tour
Miyako Island is famous for its starry sky at night, and many night tours are offered to view the stars.
For example, the Jungle Night Tour allows visitors to explore a tropical jungle and encounter unusual creatures such as coconut crabs and Yaeyama flying foxes.
At the age of three, some children begin to take an interest in unusual creatures.
If your child has a regular interest in the ecology of living creatures, a jungle night tour is a highly recommended activity.
After enjoying observing living creatures, look up at the starry sky from the darkness of the jungle.
In the night sky of Miyako Island, you can observe not only the northern hemisphere constellations seen on the mainland, but also the Southern Cross and many other constellations that can only be seen in the southern hemisphere.
We hope you will consider participating in the Jungle Night Tour, which is not only fun but also a great learning opportunity for children.
Sightseeing spots for children as young as 3 years old
Next to the activities, we will introduce you to the sights.
Tourists with young children are always faced with the problem of toileting.
With this in mind, we would like to pick out some of the best places to visit.
Yonaha Maehama Beach
A major staple of Miyako Island travel is Yonaha Maehama Beach, a 20-minute drive from Miyako Airport.
This beach is said to be the most beautiful beach in the East, and the contrast between the 7-km-long pure white sand beach and the jewel-like blue sea creates a landscape that is worthy of the accolade of being the best in the East.
The beach has shallow waters and gentle waves, making it safe for even small children to enjoy swimming.
In addition, since many people visit this beach as a tourist beach, it is a very excellent spot in terms of convenience, with well-equipped showers and restrooms.
Of course, you can also enjoy marine sports and activities, and we also recommend the Mermaid Experience, an unusual event where you can have your picture taken wearing a suit that resembles a mermaid.
You can watch the sunset on the horizon, and there are so many things to do and see there that you might want to spend a whole day there!
Location: Shimoji Aza Yonaha, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Miyakojima Underwater Park
Miyakojima Underwater Park is a hands-on facility where visitors can learn about the sea and resources of Miyakojima, and observe the 4-meter-deep world through 24 acrylic panels located underground.
The colorful tropical fish, sea snakes, octopus and, if you are lucky, sharks can be seen up close and personal.
This is a good spot to bring children who cannot swim yet, as they can meet the creatures of Miyako Island without going into the sea.
There is an observation deck space and a dining area inside the building, and of course, restrooms are provided since it is an indoor facility.
Since travel on Miyako Island is basically by rental car, it is recommended to incorporate it into your travel plan as a relay point where you can stop to use the restroom without fail.
Location: 2511-1, Aza-Karimata, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 28 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilets:
ant
treasure house
Located next to the Hora River Beach, the Kaiho Kan, also known as the Shell Museum, is a museum that collects and displays shells from all over Japan.
The shells on display here are collected from all over the country through exchanges and purchases, and also include many that the curator himself collected as a diver in the ocean.
There are also exhibits of shellfish that are not usually seen, such as the giant mussel, the cowrie, and the whelk mussel, with a total of 6,000 species on display.
There are a variety of shells, so visitors can learn about what kind of shells can be found in which ocean.
You can also make accessories using seashells, and it would be a good idea to participate with your children to leave behind a tangible memory of your trip to Miyako Island.
There is also a restaurant next to the Kaiyokan where visitors can taste fresh fish dishes from the waters around Miyakojima.
It is a spot where visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, as there is also a well-stocked souvenir shop.
Location: 591-1 Aza-Hora, Jobe, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 1) 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, 2) 20 minutes on foot from the Hora bus stop
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Snow Salt Museum
The Snow Salt Museum is a facility where visitors can observe the refining process of fine, silky salt called snow salt, and where products related to snow salt are sold.
Snow salt is so famous that it won the Monde Selection gold medal.
Visitors can observe the actual production of snow salt and drink snow salt water for free!
The store sells snow salt soap, snow salt chinsuko, snow salt soft serve ice cream, and other products made with snow salt.
Some products are sold online, but some are available only at the factory.
Near the Snow Salt Museum are the spectacular Nishiheiannazaki, Ikema Ohashi Bridge, and Nishino Beach.
There is also a restaurant nearby, so you can stop by to buy souvenirs during a break in your drive or while having lunch.
Location: 191 Aza-Karimata, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 26 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Wai Wai Beach
Waiwai Beach is an artificial beach located near Ueno German Cultural Village and Hakauai Fishing Port.
Surrounded by breakwaters, the waves are calm, so you can enjoy swimming with your children in peace.
The area is also well maintained with pavilions, plazas, and playground facilities, making it an ideal place to take children on a trip.
The majority of the beaches on Miyako Island were formed when pieces of broken coral piled up in place of sand, but this is a sandy beach, which makes it a habitat for sea turtles.
Since snorkeling in the ocean is known for its high probability of encountering sea turtles, it may be a good idea to participate with children who are old enough to snorkel.
Why don't you enjoy a leisurely migration in the sea of Miyako Island with sea turtles?
Location: 962 Ueno, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Access: 14 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: Yes
If you are staying with a 3 year old?
Now, the last thing I would like to show you is about accommodations.
Traveling with children can be a bit of an inconvenience.
We would like to pick up facilities that are well equipped to accommodate guests with young children.
Alamanda Inghar Coral Village
Located on the south coast of Miyako Island, Alamanda Ingia Coral Village offers resort-like accommodations with Jacuzzis, lofts, and other amenities.
A variety of services are available for guests with children ages 0 to 3, including wipes, diapers, and sunscreen for children.
The facility is also equipped with cribs, baby strollers, baby pots, and auxiliary toilet seats, as well as picture books, blocks, and other toys for children.
In addition, the facility is very attentive to the needs of both parents and children, with caffeine-free tea available as an amenity for mothers.
Furthermore, we are happy to note that children often get sick unexpectedly, so we offer free cancellation fees up to the day before the event.
The hotel is full of the kindness that is typical of Okinawa, where the culture of cherishing children as "treasures" is deeply rooted throughout the island.
Address: 784-1 Miyaguni, Ueno, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Phone: 0980-76-3000
HP: https://www.nanseirakuen.com/icv/index.html
Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel & Resorts
Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel & Resorts is located near Yonaha Maehama Beach and offers marine sports services and weddings.
Bumbo chairs, cribs, bed guards, and auxiliary toilet seats are available for rent, making the facility easy to use with young children.
The store also carries disposable diapers, swim diapers, and sunscreen for children, so there is no need to go outside if you forget to buy something.
The rooms have a warm atmosphere based on bright colors such as white and orange, which will calm children who are tired of being in an unfamiliar environment.
The hotel also has a kids' room and a kids' pool, so even if you are caught in the rain during your trip, you can spend a comfortable time in the hotel, which is another big advantage.
Address: 914 Shimoji Yonaha, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Phone: 0980-76-2109
HP: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/miyakojima-h/
Ferris Villa Suite Miyakojima Ueno
The villa is an accommodation facility consisting of a row of detached houses on the premises, each of which has its own rooms for overnight stays.
It may be easier to understand if you imagine a cottage-style facility.
Ferris Villa Suite Miyakojima Ueno, such villa-style accommodations, features a wide range of free rental items for children, such as auxiliary toilet seats, bath chairs, and baby circles.
The fact that playthings such as sandbox sets and water guns are available for rent is also very nice, allowing visitors to play on the beach without having to bring bulky leisure equipment from home.
Each of the 12 villas overlooks the ocean and has its own pool and kitchen, so you can enjoy the luxury of a vacation home.
Address: 935-8 Uenomiyakuni, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Phone: 0980-74-7500
HP: https://nikken-hotelmgt.co.jp/ueno/
summary
We have introduced Miyako Island under the theme of traveling with children around 3 years old.
There are many attractive destinations, but Miyako Island is one of the best in Japan in terms of ease of travel with children.
We hope you will use this article as a guide to enjoy your trip to Miyako Island.