Local Column
COLUMN
Let's blow off the summer heat in Miyakojima! How do you recommend spending summer in Miyako Island?
目次
Let's blow off the summer heat in Miyakojima! What do you recommend to spend in Miyako Island in summer?
What are some of the recommended ways to spend time on Miyako Island in summer?
In fact, the hot summer months are the best time to spend time on a southern island.
This is because the South Island, with its year-round high temperatures, can be said to have summer all year round, so there is a wide variety of ways to spend and enjoy the hot season.
Going abroad, even to a southern island, may be a bit of a hurdle.
So, here are some tips on how to spend summer on Miyako Island, a popular tropical beach resort destination.
Let's start with a brief profile and characteristics of Miyako Island.
Miyako Island belongs to Okinawa Prefecture and is located approximately 300 km southwest of Naha City and 400 km from Taiwan.
Miyako Island has a subtropical climate that is warm and tropical throughout the year.
Miyako Island is said to be an island formed by coral uplift, with a flat terrain and no mountains or large rivers.
This is one of the reasons why the sea around Miyakojima has high transparency, as there is little muddy water flowing into the sea.
This crystal clear sea is an emerald green color called Miyako blue, which attracts many people with its unique beauty.
Surrounded by such beautiful waters, marine activities are popular on Miyako Island.
There is an abundance of good snorkeling and diving spots.
Miyako Island has all the tourist spots, activities, and events you need to enjoy the summer with all five senses: seeing spectacular scenery, playing marine sports, and eating delicious food.
Why not consider Miyako Island as a destination to enjoy summer to the fullest?
What is the summer climate on Miyako Island?
The most interesting thing is probably the summer temperatures.
First, let's check the summer temperatures on Miyako Island.
Miyako Island has a warm climate throughout the year, making it very comfortable even during cold weather such as winter.
So what about summer temperatures and weather?
The table below shows the average temperature and rainfall on Miyako Island during the summer season.
| June| July| August|
Average temperature (°C)| 27.2| 28.7| 28.5|
Precipitation (mm) |185.5|130.8|262.5|
Average temperatures are close to 28 degrees Celsius even in June, and July and August show temperatures above 28 degrees Celsius.
Looking at the temperature figures alone, many people may think that it is too hot to spend time in the city.
In the city, the temperature of 28 degrees Celsius is the temperature at which one begins to feel discomfort because of the many buildings and large structures that tend to keep the heat in.
On the other hand, Miyakojima Island, where there are few buildings to block the natural wind and air movement, is very comfortable even at the same 28 degrees Celsius.
In addition, because the seawater is cold, the gap between the temperature and the sea water is very pleasant during marine activities.
However, no matter how comfortable it is, there are hot days with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, so be sure to hydrate appropriately and take UV protection measures.
Summer Clothing in Miyako Island
One of the main concerns when traveling is what kind of clothing to wear.
So, here are some recommended outfits for a comfortable summer on Miyako Island.
As shown in the table above, summer temperatures are high on Miyako Island.
Even in the cooler mornings and evenings, the temperature rarely drops below 25 degrees Celsius.
Therefore, short sleeves and short pants are sufficient.
However, during the rainy season, it is a good idea to carry simple rain gear, as you may experience sudden rainfalls like squalls.
In addition, use a hat and sunglasses during the daytime to provide adequate UV protection due to the strong sunlight!
Please enjoy the summer in Miyako Island safely and securely by taking measures against heat stroke such as frequent rehydration!
Five recommended summer spots on Miyako Island!
Here are five carefully selected recommended spots on Miyako Island to enjoy in the summer.
(1) Ichinose Hole, the best diving spot
For experienced divers, where do you think of when you hear of diving spots on Miyako Island?
Is it the palace of the Demon King or Antonio Gauti?
Both are popular as some of the best diving spots on Miyako Island.
This time, however, we will introduce Ichinose Hole, a diving spot that is secretly gaining popularity.
The photo below shows Ichinose Hall.
(Photo)
You can see from this photo alone that it is a good spot.
The reason for its growing popularity is not just the sight in this photo.
The reason for the popularity of this "Ichinose Hole" is that when certain conditions are met, it offers a fascinating sight unlike any other diving spot.
The condition is when a school of Japanese butterflies appears.
The Japanese silverback sea bream is a member of the family of the Japanese silverback sea bream, which is found in warm climates from the Indian Ocean to southern Japan.
They have transparent bodies, but depending on the reflection of light, their body color changes from whitish to yellowish, and they look very beautiful in the clear sea of Miyakojima.
As I mentioned above, the Japanese silverback sea bream swims in schools, so seeing a large number of them swimming against the clear blue waters of Ichinose Hole makes for a fantastic sight.
The blue waters of Ichinose Hole, combined with a school of snappers whose body color changes with the reflection of the light, create a beauty that cannot be seen anywhere else.
The photo below shows a school of Japanese butterflies.
(a school of Japanese buckthorn)
What do you think?
Experienced divers may have seen Gonzudama, but the schools of Ribbon Cuttlefish are much larger and more colorful than Gonzudama, and they will take your breath away.
Despite these attractions, Ichinose Hole is not always open for diving, as boats cannot anchor there depending on sea conditions.
You will be lucky if the timing is right and you can dive at "Ichinose Hole"!
Would you like to try diving in the unexplored region of Miyako Island?
(2) Enjoy tropical fruits! Utopia Farm Miyakojima
On Miyako Island, you can also enjoy the tastes of the tropics in terms of food!
After a lot of playing, you will be hungry.
In that case, let's eat up all the gourmet food of Miyako Island at Utopia Farm Miyakojima.
Utopia Farm Miyakojima is located about 10-15 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, and admission is a very reasonable 280 yen for adults.
Inside the parlor, visitors can enjoy a variety of "freshly picked" fruits, such as soft-serve ice cream and smoothies made from mangoes and papayas harvested in the garden.
Other local meals, such as Okinawan soba noodles, are also offered, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the specialty foods of Miyako Island.
Mangoes harvested in the garden are also sold as souvenirs, making it the perfect place to end your trip when you start worrying about souvenirs.
(3) Street pond known for mermaid legend
You may have heard the name of the street pond at least once if you are a diver.
The most famous tourist attraction on Shimoji Island, a remote island of Miyako Island, is the Street Pond!
Street Pond, also known as "Dragon's Eye," has two ponds.
The side-by-side ponds are connected underground and also to the seabed.
As a result, it is home to a large number of underwater creatures and is famous as an excellent diving spot.
There are other reasons why Tori-ike is considered the most famous tourist attraction on Shimojishima.
To my surprise, there is a mermaid legend about this pond.
The legend is that after a fisherman ate a mermaid he caught, the village where the fisherman lived was lost in a huge tsunami.
If you encounter a mermaid, which is beautifully depicted in every story, you can understand a little of the fascination.
But everyone, if you do encounter a mermaid when you go to the street pond, please do not catch or eat her, and do not be like this legend.
Summer is the time for festivals! Let's make noise at the Miyakojima Summer Festival!
Matsuri (festivals) are a part of Japanese culture.
Let's make a lot of noise at festivals in the hot summer!
The most famous summer festival on Miyako Island is the "Harvest Festival.
This festival is held over two days to pray for a good harvest and abundant fish for the year.
Prayer dances are held at Miyako Shrine and Harimizu Utaki, where local people sing and dance kuicha, which means "pray for rain.
There is also a karaoke throat singing contest, dancing and other events, and on the second day, a tug-of-war contest and a Miss Miyako contest are held.
The event is enthusiastically celebrated every year, and the Miss Miyakojima contest attracts the most beautiful women in Miyakojima.
Why don't you meet Miyako beauties in the beautiful nature of Miyako Island?
(5) Spectacular view! The sunset from Ikema Ohashi Bridge is a national treasure!
The Ikema Ohashi Bridge is the best spot from which to view the emerald green waters of Miyako Island, but in fact, it is when the sun sets that the Ikema Ohashi Bridge really shows its charm.
Famous among Miyako Islanders, the sunset view from the Ikema Ohashi Bridge is more beautiful than any other view.
The clear blue sea during the day gradually turns red from the horizon as the sun sets, and eventually turns completely dark.
The gradient-like changes are very photogenic and mesmerizing.
It is the islanders' favorite spot, and we recommend that you see it once!
Five recommended marine leisure activities in Miyako Island in summer!
(1) SUP is also popular overseas!
How about enjoying SUP in the hot summer?
SUP is a new type of marine sport in which you stand on a board and paddle forward with a paddle.
It has become popular overseas and is gradually spreading in Japan as well.
If you enjoy Instagram, you may have seen fashion-conscious Instagrammers enjoying SUP.
SUP can be enjoyed all year round, but the most exhilarating experience is paddling in the Miyako blue ocean under the clear blue skies of summer.
SUP in summer is a push!
Let's get ahead of the fashion trend!
Click on the link below for a tour of the SUP Satisfaction Set, which is carefully handled by high-grade staff!
<tour-url>
(2) Souvenir photo with sea turtles! Tropical Snorkeling
Have you ever seen a sea turtle up close?
Many of you have seen them, if only through the glass at an aquarium.
It is on Miyako Island that you can see sea turtles, not through glass!
It can be seen so close that it can be said to be at zero distance.
Sea turtles naturally inhabit the waters of Miyakojima.
However, this does not mean that it is easy to see sea turtles if you enter the sea.
There are spots where sea turtles can be seen, many of which require the use of snorkels and other equipment.
Therefore, those who come to Miyako Island for sightseeing are advised to participate in tours where snorkeling equipment is available for rent and where sea turtles can be seen, rather than blindly searching for them.
The tour below features a high 99% chance of encountering sea turtles as well as snorkeling equipment rental.
There is also a photo service where you can get up close and personal with sea turtles, and you can get the photos for free after the tour.
<tour-url>
Let's go snorkeling with sea turtles on a tour full of content like this!
(3) Explore the limestone caves, an essential part of Miyako Island
What kind of image do you have of limestone caves?
You may have an image that it is dark and cold, that there might be bats, or that there are too many stairs going up and down, and that it looks dangerous.
The limestone caves of Miyakojima are distinctly different from those generally imagined!
The entrance to the limestone caves is in the sea, so you will have to swim into them.
A huge pumpkin-shaped stalactite appears in front of you as soon as you enter, and it is called "Pumpkin Cave" because of its distinctive shape.
The limestone caves, formed over thousands of years, are very sacred and refresh the body and mind!
It is also said that if you make a wish while jumping into the limestone cave hall from a height of nearly 3 meters, it will come true.
A friend of mine got a girlfriend the month after he joined the cave tour below, and now she is his wife and they are building a happy family together.
Make your dreams come true at Pumpkin Cave, which also has this enviable real-life experience!
<tour-url>
4) If you want to directly experience the contrast between the sky and the sea, canoeing is the way to go!
Many people think of surfing or snorkeling when they hear the word "marine sports," but canoeing is one of the recommended activities to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Miyakojima!
You can enjoy the contrast of the soaking blue sky of Miyako Island and the crystal clear blue sea at the same time!
In addition, the clarity of the ocean is very high, making it possible to observe various underwater creatures such as corals from the top of a canoe.
The fact that the team consists of two people, who paddle in unison, is one of the points that make it enjoyable.
The canoes are stable, and when paddlers get tired of paddling, they can place their oars inside the canoe and take a rest.
Relax and experience the spectacular view of Miyako Island!
<tour-url>
5) Yachiage tour to enjoy with all five senses
Yabiji is one of the largest coral reefs in Japan!
It is a giant coral reef that has been called the Great Barrier Reef of Japan, and is a super-giant coral reef with a circumference of approximately 25 kilometers.
To reach Yaebise from Miyako Island, it takes less than one hour by boat, passing under the "Ikema Ohashi Bridge" introduced earlier.
Upon arrival, you will be shocked by the view that unfolds before you!
The countless colorful coral reefs and the graceful and beautiful tropical fish swimming around them are truly spectacular.
This is also one of the most famous snorkeling spots because of its coral reefs.
The huge coral reefs also serve as breakwaters, so beginners and those with children can enjoy snorkeling with peace of mind.
Would you like to make your snorkeling debut on the Great Barrier Reef in Japan?
in the end
How was your summer on Miyako Island?
Compared to other seasons, there were many attractive aspects.
If you want to enjoy summer, Miyakojima is probably the best place to do so.
Recommended points of Miyako Island in summer!
Tropical resort atmosphere that can be enjoyed only in hot summer
The best contrast between the clear summer sky and the sea
There is the Miyakojima Summer Festival.
Warm and ideal for marine activities
Thank you for reading to the end.
This article was written by.
