Miyako Island Night

What is a night on Miyako Island?

Miyako Island is one of the best resort areas in Japan.

While the island's image of sunshine and emerald green waters is strong, the island's nighttime atmosphere is quieter and more moody than the lively daytime.

In this issue, we would like to introduce night sightseeing in Miyako Island, picking up night tours and recommended spots.

Characteristics of the night on Miyako Island and why it is recommended.

Miyako Island, a remote island in Okinawa Prefecture, was created by the uplift of coral reefs. Because of its formation, the island has few ups and downs, and there are no mountains or tall buildings, allowing for a wide view of the sky.

The night sky is a natural planetarium, with no lights except in the city area, so the sky is filled with stars, and the beauty of the sky is enhanced by the clean air.

From major celestial objects such as the Milky Way and the Summer Triangle to the Southern Cross, which cannot be seen in the northern hemisphere, visitors are guaranteed to be impressed by the celestial bodies in a way they cannot experience on the mainland.

In addition, rental cars are the main means of transportation for sightseeing not only on Miyako Island but also on other remote islands in Okinawa Prefecture.

Especially at night, public transportation is not in operation, so you are forced to rent a car to get around, but driving in an unfamiliar destination can be difficult.

This is even more difficult at night when visibility is poor, and those who do not usually drive may feel uneasy driving at night.

However, Miyako Island is relatively safe in this respect.

Because the land has few ups and downs, there are many places with good visibility and few blind spots for driving.

In this sense, Miyako Island is an easy place to visit at night, since an accident or injury can ruin a trip.

The experience of ending a day of tropical travel with a view of the beautiful starry sky will help both body and soul to unwind from the fatigue of daily life and provide the best relaxation.

What to wear and bring for Miyako Island Night Tour

One concern for nighttime sightseeing is the temperature.

Basically, it gets colder at night than in the daytime, and it is easy to catch an unexpected cold if you are out having fun and wandering around unprotected at night.

However, Miyakojima Island is a land where there is little concern about this.

This is because Miyako Island is located more than 300 km further southwest than the main island of Okinawa and is characterized by a subtropical climate that is very mild year-round.

Even in midwinter, there are many days when the maximum temperature is above 20°C. If we only keep in mind that on days with strong northerly winds, the temperature is cooler than the temperature, there is little need to worry about the cold.

Light clothing such as short sleeves and short pants will be fine, and even on days with strong northerly winds, it will be safe to carry a light jacket to protect against the wind.

We also recommend that you bring a flashlight or headlamp if you plan to go out at night to explore.

There are very few outdoor lights in the jungle, as well as on the beach, and many places are dark at night.

You can use a flashlight app on your smartphone, but it is more convenient to bring a solid light if you consider the possibility of running out of battery power and ease of carrying.

Thanks to its mild climate, it is generally easy to carry less baggage, so it is recommended that you wear rough clothes for a relaxing trip to admire the starry sky.

Notes on Miyako Island Night Tour

Note that, as mentioned earlier, there is little light and it is difficult to walk without something to light your feet.

Also, if you are considering participating in the night jungle tour, a popular nighttime activity on Miyako Island, be sure to bring clothing that can protect your skin, such as long sleeves and long pants.

Since you will be walking through an untouched jungle, your skin may be chafed by plants and trees, and you may encounter bush mosquitoes.

Due to the warm temperatures, it is recommended to choose breathable items and wear long sleeves and long pants.

Also, when individuals go on night walks, they should avoid entering jungles or other dense areas.

If a person who does not know the land goes deep into the area at a time when visibility is poor, he or she risks getting lost and may run into unexpected trouble.

To avoid unnecessary risks, it is better to join a night tour led by a local guide.

Recommended Night Tours in Miyako Island

Miyako Island offers various local tours for tourists not only during the daytime but also at night.

The fun is so great that some say that nighttime is the quintessential time to visit Miyakojima.

Please see the list of highly recommended tours here.

Starry sky photo tour

The night sky of Miyako Island is like a sea of stars.

Seeing these stars in person, which are so different from those seen in the city, will inevitably move you to the point that your heart will tremble.

If you have gone to the trouble of encountering such a wonderful starry sky, you will want to take a beautiful picture of it as well.

However,In fact, photographing the starry sky is challenging, requiring various adjustments to the camera, such as white balance, saturation, and brightness, which is difficult for all but the most seasoned photographers.

In addition, there are only a limited number of spots that can be beautifully photographed, and these will vary depending on conditions such as the weather, humidity, and sky conditions of the day.

This starry sky photo tour is the solution to many such difficulties.

A professional photographer will accompany you, so you can enjoy taking pictures under the starry sky while receiving careful guidance at the best spots selected by professionals.

About 50 shots will be taken during the tour time, so even those who are not very good at photography will surely be able to take their favorite pictures!

What is even more exciting is that the photos taken will be sent to you as data after the tour via line or e-mail.

This tour may be a must if you are aiming for a trip that looks good because it is easy to post on social networking sites such as Instagram!

Night Canoeing

SUP is an activity that anyone, young or old, can enjoy, but some people may still feel intimidated because they are not sure if they can do it well.

In that case, how about paddling out to sea at night in a canoe?

Activity canoes are extremely stable and can be maneuvered with ease, even by inexperienced canoeists.

The beauty of the night sky seen from the serene waters of the island is as perfect as SUP itself.

The canoes can accommodate two people, so even if you are traveling with children, you will definitely be able to enjoy the activity to the fullest if you board the canoe together.

Let's end the day of your trip to Miyako Island with a pleasant night canoeing experience.

Night Spots on Miyako Island

Miyako Island is a popular tourist destination, so it is easy to learn about famous places from a guidebook, but famous places are not necessarily suitable for nighttime sightseeing.

So from here, I would like to introduce a few spots suitable for nighttime sightseeing.

(1) Higashi Heian-Nanazaki

Higashi Heiannazaki is a cape located about 31 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, offering a panoramic view of the sea of Miyako Island.

This is a great spot to visit during the day for a great view of the location, but the night view is even more exceptional.

The sound of the waves and the wind from the ocean facing the cape provide an unobstructed environment to look up at the starry sky.

Note that you will need to walk from the parking lot, so it is best to bring a flashlight or something that can illuminate your feet.

The area is well maintained and can be strolled without problems as long as there is enough light.

(2) Shiratorizaki

The second is Shiratorizaki, a cape located at the northernmost tip of Irabu Island in the Miyako Archipelago.

This cape has the East China Sea stretching out before you, and you can see a wild scene of white foamy waves crashing on the cliffs.

This is a spot where you can encounter a powerful location that is just like a suspense theater.

In the evening, you can watch the sun set over the horizon, and after sunset, the sky is filled with stars.

When you visit at night, you can enjoy a moody atmosphere that is a complete change from the powerful appearance of the daytime visit.

Higa Road Park

Higa Road Park, located on the east coast of Miyako Island, is a large parking lot that serves as a rest stop for drivers and is very popular for its spectacular views.

If you visit during the daytime, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the East China Sea stretching out before you.

On the other hand, at night, the area becomes pitch-black and you can see countless stars spread across the sky in the best environment, so relax and enjoy the sound of waves as background music.

The fact that there is a large, easy-to-park parking lot is also a plus.

Furthermore, because of its location on the east coast, this place is also known as a sunrise spot, attracting a large number of visitors and a bustling crowd during the first sunrise of the year.

It might be interesting to adjust your sleeping time to view the night sky at a deep time of night, then spend some time in the parking lot before watching the sunrise.

(4) Makiyama Observatory

Irabu Island is connected to Miyako Island by the Irabu Bridge, and the highest point on the island is the Makiyama Observatory.

A statue of a migratory bird, the sasiba, which visits every year, has been installed as a symbol, and during fine weather, Ikema Island and Kurima Island can be seen.

In the Miyako Islands, where the elevation is basically low, the relatively high elevation alone is a big advantage, and you can enjoy a wide view of the surrounding area while facing a star-filled sky.

Why not get closer to the sky and watch the stars flicker by?

5) Irabu Bridge

The Irabu Bridge connecting Miyako Island and Irabu Island is 3,540 meters long, making it the longest bridge in Japan that can be crossed free of charge.

The bridge is also famous as a beautiful spot for viewing sunset and starry skies, and is a fantastic spot to bask in the light of the stars reflected off the surface of the sea.

There is no need to worry about where to park, as the parking lot is equipped for viewing the view from the Irabu Bridge.

You can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on the nightlife of Miyako Island.

Since the commercial facilities are not open at night, you will basically have to choose between activities and scenic viewing, but you will be able to stay there for more than enough days to get the most out of your stay.

Just driving around the island without going to a specific spot can be a lot of fun, so please try going out at night when you travel to Miyakojima!

Thank you for reading to the end.

This article was written by.

Hello! I am Niwa-chan, your source for all things Miyakojima. I have loved being in touch with nature since I was a child, and I am especially fascinated by Okinawa's rich natural environment. Currently based in Miyakojima, I provide information on how to enjoy activities such as snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking, as well as the hidden charms of the island.

I want to experience the best activities in Miyako Island! and "I want to get local information about Miyako Island! As a local guide, I provide detailed information on recommended spots and activities on the island to those who "want to experience the best activities on Miyako Island! Our goal is to deliver an unforgettable experience for our customers while getting in touch with the local nature every day.

On Instagram, we share actual activities and beautiful Miyako Island scenery in real time!
(Instagram: ) @adventure_pipi)