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Miyako Island Night View

2025-01-10 03:44

Hello everyone.

Miyako Island and other islands in the Miyako Archipelago offer a star-filled sky due to the lack of streetlights and factory areas.

Unlike the stars that are usually somewhat visible in the sky, the sight of countless stars in the night sky is breathtaking and moving.

In addition, all of the islands have observatories or elevated platforms where visitors can enjoy not only the starry sky, but also the townscape at night and the lights of the neighboring islands at the same time.

This article introduces spots and night activities where you can enjoy the night view of the Miyako Archipelago.

 

Night view of Miyako Island for a romantic evening

星空

The night in the Miyako Archipelago is very magical.

The Miyako Archipelago is a region where the air is very clean on all islands and the weather is rarely greatly disturbed.

Above all, its low latitude (24 degrees north) makes it possible to observe the Milky Way and first magnitude stars, as well as the Southern Cross.

The Southern Cross is the smallest of the 88 constellations, and geographically, it is not easily seen in the Northern Hemisphere.

It can be seen only in a few places in Japan, including the Miyako Archipelago.

And if you climb to higher ground or an observatory, you can see not only the star-filled sky, but also the lights of the island's towns.

The interplay of natural night sky lights and artificial city lights is also worth seeing.

 

Charming night view of Miyako Island

1) Full starry sky

星空

The greatest attraction of the night view of the Miyako Archipelago is the star-filled sky.

All of the islands are clearly visible to the naked eye due to the lack of city lights and clear air.

The sight of the stars shining so countless that they seem to be falling from the night sky at any moment is truly spectacular.

 

(2) Activities can also be enjoyed

SUP

At night in the Miyako Archipelago, you can enjoy activities and watch the night scenery.

SUP and canoeing are common activities, but cruising tours are also offered.

There are activities that allow you to enjoy the abundant nature and experience the splendor of Miyako Island through these activities.

There are also many activities for families and lovers, so the best part of Miyako Island is being able to choose which one to experience while worrying about which one to try.

Please check with us to see what is being offered at different times of the year and at different times of the day.

 

(iii) Not crowded

ナイトツアー

In recent years, tourism on Miyako Island has become increasingly popular, attracting many tourists.

Especially during the daytime, the sights and activities are busy.

At night, however, the island is sparsely populated, and the atmosphere is quiet, typical of an island.

At night, it is not so crowded, so you can freely enjoy activities and stargazing.

 

Recommended night view spots in Miyako Island

long stretch of beach

長間浜

On the west coast of Kuruma Island, located in the southwestern part of Miyako Island, there is a beach called Nagama Beach.

Because it is located on the opposite side of the island from the city center and the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge that connects it to Miyako Island, it is rarely visited by tourists.

This is a hole-in-the-wall beach, with only repeat visitors and locals coming to this beach.

Because there are no street lights at all on this Nagama beach, on a fine day, it is a starry sky spot where you can view a beautiful star-filled sky.

Especially during the week before and after the new moon, there will be so many stars that they seem to fall.

The Milky Way can be seen around sunset from June to November.

Nagama Beach is also a spot where the Southern Cross can be seen during the winter season from April to June.

The following are the times of each month when the Southern Cross can be viewed.

 

April: 22:00 - 24:00
May: 21:00-22:00
June: 20:00-21:00

 

Basic Information on Nagama Beach
Spot name: Nagama beach
Address:Kuruma, Miyakojima City
Access: 20 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Tel: 0980-73-2690 (Tourism and Commerce Division, Department of Tourism and Commerce, Miyakojima City)
Parking: None (parking space available)
Hours of operation: None
Fee: Free of charge

 

Pina Nagama Beach

パイナガマビーチ

Painagama Beach, located in the western part of Miyako Island, is the closest beach to the island's city center.

A unique feature of this beach is that it is barrier-free.

The area from the parking lot to the beach is paved, and a ramp has been built beside the stairs down to the beach.

Restrooms and showers are also available with special facilities for wheelchair users.

This beach attracts about 10,000 tourists a year due to its easy accessibility.

At night, however, the beach is so quiet that it is hard to believe it is the same place, so you can calmly gaze at the star-filled sky.

Since the coast faces west, it is also famous for its beautiful sunsets, and the collaboration between Irabu Island on the right side facing the sea and the sunset is exquisite.

It is a popular spot with spectacular views at all times of the day, evening, and night.

After a few drinks in the city center, it is nice to come for a walk on the beach at night to sober up.

 

Pina Nagama Beach<br /> Basic Information on
Spot name: Painagama Beach
Address: Shimozato, Hirara, Miyakojima City
Access: 10 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Tel: 0980-72-4876 (Miyakojima City Construction Department, Harbor Division)
Parking: Free
Fee: Free of charge
Shower: Available
Toilet: Yes
Anti-jellyfish net: Yes

 

Nishiheirenaizaki

西平安名崎

Nishiheinanazaki is a cape at the left tip of a peninsula that looks like two horns extending out from Miyako Island.

This is the northernmost point of Miyako Island.

It reads "Nishi Hennazaki."

It is located about 20 minutes by car from downtown Miyakojima.

The waves, which are easily influenced by the northerly winds, are very dynamic as they crash against the cliffs below, creating whitecaps.

On the way to Nishiheinanazaki, you can see huge windmills that use the northerly winds to generate electricity.

Furthermore, from this cape, you can see the Ikema Ohashi Bridge at the right corner, Sedozaki.

The 1,425-meter Ikema Ohashi Bridge connects Miyakojima and Ikema Island. Because the bridge is far from the city center, the surrounding area is pitch black when the sun goes down.

Countless stars float in the unobstructed night sky.

It is like a natural planetarium.

There are no streetlights at all, so please watch your step and enjoy the night in Saiheannasaki.

Nishiheinanazaki is a fun spot to visit, even during the daytime.

At a nearby ranch, visitors can interact with Miyako horses, a natural treasure of Okinawa Prefecture.

At the Snow Salt Museum, in addition to observing the snow salt production process, visitors can also purchase products made from snow salt.

Snow salt is not only used for cooking, but also processed into soap and other products, making it a great place to buy souvenirs.

 

Basic Information on Nishiheanazaki
Name: Nishiheinanazaki
Location: Karimata, Hirara, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: Yes

 

Dragon's Palace Observatory

竜宮城展望台

The Ryugujo Observatory on Kushima Island is a free admission observatory with a distinctive exterior.

It offers a panoramic view of the entire Kushima Island, and you can also see Miyako Island across the Kushima Strait.

On a fine day, you can even see corals growing in clusters on the sea bottom.

This observatory offers a panoramic view of the island and is a great spot to view the city lights and starry sky at night.

Enjoy the beautiful night view at one of the most spectacular spots on Kushima.

 

Ryugujo Observation Deck Basic Information
Spot name: Ryugujo Observatory
Address: Shimoji Raima, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Phone number: 0980-73-1881 (Miyako Island Tourist Association)

 

Funauagibanata Observation Facility

フナウサギバナタ

Funausagibanata is located in the northern part of Irabu Island and means "the cape that forsakes ships" in the dialect of Irabu Island.

As the name suggests, this is a place where one can view the ships coming and going from the port of Irabu Island.

The symbol of this observation facility is a statue in the shape of a migratory bird, the sasiba, which flies to the island, but unfortunately it has been dismantled due to its age.

At night, this area becomes pitch black, making it a great spot to view the sky in all its glory.

In the pitch-black sea, you can see boats navigating with their navigation lights blinking faintly.

Enjoy the beautiful night view unique to Hunausagibanata.

 

Basic Information on the Hunausagibanata Observation Facility
Spot name: Hunausagibanata Observation Facility
Address: 588-1 Maezazoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan

 

swan song

白鳥崎

Shiratorizaki is located at the northern tip of Irabu Island.

Once you cross the Irabu Bridge into Irabu Island, it is a 15-minute ride along the island's perimeter road.

There are no street lights in the area, and since there are no obstructed views in the vicinity, you can enjoy the stars all over the sky.

I recommend the pavilion, which is located a little higher up.

It is a very quiet spot, as it is rarely visited by people.

The night view with the quiet sound of the waves as background music is a blissful experience.

A promenade is maintained around Shiratorizaki.

The boardwalk is easy to walk on, but as you get to the sandy beach, the number of sharp rocks increases, so watch your step.

In winter, the area is susceptible to northerly winds, so be sure to take windbreak measures.

 

Shiratorizaki Basic Information
Name: Shiratorizaki
Location: 908-2 Irabu Sawada, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 30 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: Yes

 

Ikema Bridge

池間大橋

The Ikema Ohashi Bridge connects Ikema Island and Miyako Island,It is 1,425 meters long.

It can be a 30-minute drive from the city center, and there are few streetlights when you reach the bridge.

When you drive across this bridge, the sea of Miyako Island is all around you.

There is a parking lot and rest area at the foot of the bridge, so it is a good place to stop for a break from driving.

The observatory also offers sunset and starry sky views.

Ikema Island is a small island with a circumference of only 11 km, so it is a good idea to go sightseeing on the island during the daytime and then go for a night view in the evening or at night.

 

Basic Information on Ikema Bridge
Name: Ikema Ohashi Bridge
Location: Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 27 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes

 

Azuma Heinanazaki

東平安名崎

Higashi Heiannazaki is one of the top three places among the many scenic spots in the Miyako Archipelago.

It reads "Higashi-henna-zaki."

It is located at the easternmost tip of Miyako Island, about 40 minutes by car from the city center.

From this location, one can see the sunrise over the ocean.

Because of its great beauty, this spot has been designated as a national scenic beauty spot and one of the 100 best city parks in Japan.

There are no buildings in the area, so you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings.

The beach reef is characterized by rocks of various sizes that were washed up by the Meiwa Tsunami of 1771.

However, the rocks raised by this tsunami are visible on islands all over the Miyako archipelago.

From the 2-kilometer-long cape, you can see the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, and enjoy the spectacular view while bathing in the pleasant sea breeze.

And the horizon seen from the Heian-nasaki Lighthouse at the tip of the cape is exceptional.

This lighthouse is one of the "50 Best Lighthouses in Japan" selected by the Japan Coast Guard through a public vote.

Visitors may enter by paying a donation based on a fee of 200 yen until 5:00 p.m.

It is the southernmost lighthouse whose interior is open to the public.

At night, the surroundings become pitch black, and on a clear day, the Milky Way and satellites can be seen.

The starry sky seen through the white lighthouse is a spectacular sight itself.

 

Basic Information on Higashi Heian-Nasazaki
Name: Higashi Heiannazaki
Location: Jobe Yora, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 31 minutes by car from Miyako Airport
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes

 

Miyako Island is also full of attractive nighttime activities!

Night Photo Tour

ナイトツアー

Once you see the starry sky that seems as if it is about to fall on Miyako Island, you will gasp with excitement.

Anyone who sees such a beautiful starry sky of Miyako Island will want to take a picture of it and bring it home as a memory.

However, photographing the starry sky requires a variety of photographic techniques, including white balance, saturation, and brightness.

Photographing the starry sky can be difficult for those not accustomed to nighttime photography.

In such cases, we recommend that you join a tour accompanied by a professional photographer who can take beautiful pictures.

With this tour, you will get the data taken for free, so you can view it anytime on your phone.

Get lots of social networking photos taken to leave you with the best memories.

 

Night Canoeing

ナイトカヌー

The last evening activity we will introduce is night canoeing.

Canoeing is also a stable activity that even beginners can quickly get the hang of.

Canoe cruising on the ocean at night makes you feel like you are adventuring somewhere.

You will definitely feel excitement as you paddle forward under your own power.

Look up at the stars that fill the sky from a canoe moving slowly on the quiet sea.

With a canoe, you can put down the paddle, let the waves wash over you, and forget about your daily stress just by floating.

 

summary

We introduced the night view of the Miyako Archipelago.

How was it?

There were some great places to look up at the star-filled sky in pitch-dark places with no streetlights, and some places where you could see the city lights and the starry sky together.

We have also introduced some popular activities to enjoy the night view.

Please use it for the best ending of your trip to Miyako Island.

Thank you for reading to the end.

This article was written by.
にわちゃん
young Japanese amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata)