Miyako Island Outlying Islands

What is Miyako Island?

Miyako Island, located in the southwestern part of Okinawa's main island, is an island formed by rising coral reefs.

Coral reefs grow in clusters in the clear waters.

The shallow waters are often shallow, and as the water gradually deepens, the color of the sea surface changes in a gradation of emerald green and cobalt blue.

The sea around Miyako Island is also famous for its colorful corals and abundance of colorful tropical fish.

If you are lucky, you may even encounter sea turtles.

For this reason, snorkeling and diving for underwater exploration are popular.

Other activities such as SUP and canoe cruising have also become popular.

There are many attractive sightseeing spots in addition to activities, so please visit Miyako Island.

 

About the Miyako Archipelago

Miyako Island is one of the eight islands known as the Miyako Archipelago.

The islands other than Miyakojima are Irabu, Shimoji, Tarama, Kushima, Ikema, Ogami, and Mizuna.

Three of these islands, Irabu, Ikema, and Kurima, are connected to Miyako Island by a bridge, so visitors can tour around them by rental car.

This article introduces the islands of the Miyako Archipelago except Miyako Island.

All of the islands have popular tourist spots, so be sure to check them out.

 

Remote islands around Miyako

What is Irabu Island?

Irabu Island is located 5 km northwest of Miyako Island.

It is a peaceful island with a population of about 5,000.

The area is approximately 29 square kilometers, which is about the size of Suginami Ward, Tokyo.

In January 2015, the Irabu Bridge connected Irabu Island with Miyako Island, attracting many tourists to the island.

Shimoji Island also floats adjacent to Irabu Island and can be visited together.

 

Three recommended sightseeing spots in Irabu

(1) 17END

The name 17END comes from the technical term used for the name of the runway.

The "17" means a runway facing 170 degrees from true north, so it can be said that the runway runs roughly north-south.

17END means that it is on the edge of that runway.

It is a 10-minute drive from Shimojishima Airport.

Because of the shallow waters of this beach, the color of the sea surface changes in various ways depending on the ebb and flow of the tide.

At low tide, the contrast between white sand and cobalt blue sea is beautiful.

If you are going to the beach, it is recommended to check the time of low tide.

And 17 END is also said to be the place where the sunset is most beautiful in the Miyako Archipelago.

As the sun sets, the sky turns orange and the blue of the ocean darkens, a sight worth seeing.

It is also located right next to the runway, making it a great place to watch airplanes take off and land.

17END is one of the island's best social networking spots for scenery and airplanes, so be sure to visit.

 

 

(2) Sawada beach

A unique feature of Sawada's beach is that the beach is dotted with rocks.

It is a little different from the image of the Okinawan sea, with its white, shallow sandy beaches, wide, clean ocean, and blue sky.

These rocks were carried by the Meiwa tsunami of 1771.

The remnants of the tsunami can be seen here and there on the remote islands of the Miyako Archipelago.

The name of the beach is Fureai Hiroba.

This beach has shallow waters and no coral reefs.

There are also not many fish, making it a perfect spot to play on the beach.

There are restroom, shower, and pavilion facilities on this beach.

Vending machines are conveniently located nearby.

Sawada no hama is not a beach in accordance with Okinawa Prefecture regulations, so there are no lifeguards or lifesavers on duty.

Be very careful when swimming.

Sawada no Hama is also a popular sunset spot because of its location on the west coast.

The sunset seen through the rocks on the beach is a spectacular view like no other spot.

If conditions are right, you may also be able to see the green flash, the momentary green glow of the sun at sunset.

The sunset can be seen not only from the beach, but also from the Sawada no Hama Observatory, located a few minutes' drive away.

This is one of the three sites in Okinawa selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the "100 best beaches in Japan.

It is one of the most spectacular spots on the island.

 

 

Iguana Rock

As the name suggests, Iguana Iwa is a rock silhouetted like an iguana when viewed from the side.

The Miyako Archipelago has many oddly shaped rocks, and in addition to iguana rocks, there are also mushroom- and whale-shaped rocks.

The Miyako blue sea seen from this rock jutting out into the sea is so spectacular that it is reputed to be "the most beautiful in the Miyako Archipelago.

This is a popular spot, so let's take some great pictures here.

However, to reach this spot, one has to pass through a monster path that leads through a grassy clearing.

Please try to find the entrance to Kemono Michi yourself.

Also, the area around Iguana Rock is an area of continuous sharp stones.

Be careful not to walk barefoot.

And since the rock juts out into the ocean, don't do anything dangerous.

You can see it from the top of this rock, but there is one stranded ship in the sea in front of Iguana Rock.

The area around this stranded ship is rich in coral and tropical fish, making it an enjoyable snorkeling spot.

 

 

What is Shimojishima Island?

Shimoji Island is separated from Irabu Island only by a narrow channel.

Six bridges span this waterway.

It is a small, remote island with a circumference of about 17.5 km and a population of about 100 people.

Since the completion of the new terminal at Shimojishima Airport in March 2019, access has improved dramatically with regular flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities.

There is no direct boat route into Shimoji Island, but since the adjacent Irabu Island is connected to Miyako Island by a bridge, it is only a 30-minute drive from Miyako Island.

 

3 recommended sightseeing spots on Shimojishima Island

(1) Street Pond

There are two ponds, one large and one small, in the northwestern part of Shimoji Island.

The larger pond is 75 m in diameter and the smaller pond is 55 m in diameter.

These ponds are connected underground and are also connected to the ponds on the ocean side and the sea.

It was originally a limestone cave, but over the years water accumulated and the ceiling fell out, creating a pond.

The pond is called "Street Pond" because the water from the pond and the ocean passes underground.

This street pond is also a diver's dream spot.

Even just looking at the sea of Shimoji Island from above, the colors of the sea surface reflected by the sunlight are very beautiful.

As you dive further underwater and into the bottom of the pond, the change from the blue of the ocean to the light green of the pond is indescribably wonderful.

 

 

(2) Nakanoshima Beach (Kayaffa)

Nakanoshima Beach is the only snorkeling point on Irabu Island where you can enter from the beach.

More than 100 species of tropical fish live here, and large fish can be seen even in shallow water as deep as knee-deep.

Even at low tide, you can observe tropical fish through box glasses.

The clarity of the sea is high and its potential is reputed to be the best in the Miyako Archipelago.

The abundant coral acts as a breakwater to dampen the waves, allowing even beginners to enjoy snorkeling with ease.

However, please note that there are no lifesavers on the beach.

 

 

(c) cordierite

Obiwa is a large rock with a height of 12 meters and a circumference of 60 meters.

The name "obi-iwa" (belt rock) comes from the concave shape that surrounds the center of the rock, as if it were girdled at the waist with a belt.

Like the rocks dotting the beach at Sawada, they were carried in by the Meiwa tsunami.

However, the energy of a tsunami that could carry such a large rock to the top of a hill more than 15 meters high is astonishing.

It is one of the power spots where people pray for good catches of fish, safe voyages, and domestic safety, in honor of its natural energy.

 

 

What is Ikema Island?

Ikema Island is a small island of 2.8 km2 square, located in the northern part of Miyako Island.

In 1992, the 1,425-meter-long "Ikema Ohashi Bridge" was completed between Miyako Island and the island, making it possible to reach the island in about 30 minutes by car from Miyako Island.

As a remote island located farther north than Miyako Island, it is easily affected by northerly winds in winter.

You can see the dynamic whitecaps crashing against the cliffs of the cape.

 

3 recommended sightseeing spots on Ikema Island

(1) Kagami

Kaganmi is the name of the beach.

Located at the northern tip of the island, it is a bit difficult to get to, making it a hidden spot rarely visited by tourists.

The reason it is difficult to get there is that you have to follow a rope down to Kaginmi Beach.

The locals affectionately call this rope "Ikema rope.

When you go down to the beach, it is unexpectedly wide, and the ocean and beach have been left in their natural state.

The difficulty in accessing the island has probably allowed it to retain its original appearance.

Although it is a beautiful spot, be sure to visit with more than one person, as there are no monitors on duty or facilities of any kind.

 

 

(2) Funakusu Beach

Funakusu Beach is a beautiful beach located in the northern part of Ikema Island, surrounded by a block wall.

Because of this block, the beach is also called "Ikema Block".

The block wall acts as a breakwater, and the spot is almost free of high waves.

Here, you can enjoy swimming in the calm sea.

Although the waters are shallow, they are inhabited by coral and tropical fish, so snorkeling is a good way to enjoy the underwater world.

Adan trees grow wild along the sides of the beach.

On summer evenings, you may encounter coconut crabs strolling in search of adan nuts.

 

 

(iii) Whale rock

Whale Rock, located near Funakusu Beach, is a rock that looks just like a whale.

It is a very pretty rock and a popular photo spot.

At high tide, the whale will look more like a whale as it appears to be immersed in the seaThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

 

 

What is Kushima Island?

Kushima Island is a small island with a circumference of 9 km located in the southwestern part of Miyako Island.

Completed in 1995, the 1,690-meter-long Kurema Ohashi Bridge connects Miyakojima and Kurema Island.

The bridge is straight with no curves, so you can enjoy driving while taking in the beautiful scenery that makes you want to drive on the side of the road.

On the Miyako Island side, there is Yonaha Maehama Beach, which is said to be "the most beautiful beach in the East," so you can stop by there as well.

Most of the island of Kurema is a village and cultivated land, but recently fashionable cafes and general stores have been established.

It is also nice to take a break from driving to taste sweets.

 

Three recommended sightseeing spots on Kuruma Island

(1) Ryugujo Observation Deck

This is the highest observation deck on Kushima Island, and admission is free.

As the name suggests, it looks like a dragon palace.

From this observatory, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kushima Island, Kushima Ohashi Bridge, and Yonaha Maehama Beach on Miyako Island on the other side of the island.

Coral reefs can be seen in the surrounding sea.

Even at night, this spot offers beautiful views of the city lights of Miyakojima and stars all over the sky.

 

 

(2) Octopus Park

Cross the Kuruma Ohashi Bridge from Miyako Island and pass the beach on the left, where you will see a monument of an octopus.

The place where this monument is located is Octopus Park.

I don't know why it is an octopus, but this was a very elaborate monument.

A 10-minute walk from this octopus park is the beach.

On this beach, you can see colorful corals and tropical fish.

Therefore, it is a snorkeling spot known by the locals.

Because the beach is sheltered by large rocks, there are few waves, so even beginners can enjoy snorkeling safely.

Since there is little shade on the beach, use Taco Park for a break from activities.

 

 

(iii) Cat's Tongue Beach

Cat's Tongue Beach is located adjacent to Kushima Port at the foot of the Kushima Bridge.

As the name suggests, it is shaped like a cat sticking out its tongue.

The clarity of the sea is extremely high, making it perfect for swimming.

However, there are few sea creatures.

You can play in the water or just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

 

 

What is Tarama Island?

Tarama Island is located between Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island, about 62 km from Miyako Island.

To get to this island, it takes 25 minutes by air from Miyako Island and 2 hours by boat.

The island was formed by uplifted coral and has a flat terrain with no mountains or rivers.

The island, which is about 20 square kilometers in size, is covered with sugar cane fields.

The island produces the largest amount of brown sugar per unit area in Okinawa.

Therefore, the sweet aroma of brown sugar wafts through the air during the harvest season before winter.

Since the island has not been developed as a resort, the village has retained its old-fashioned appearance.

It is one of the villages recognized by the NPO "The Most Beautiful Village in Japan.

 

Three recommended sightseeing spots on Tarama Island

1) Furusato Seaside Park

Furusato Seaside Park is located in the northern part of Tarama Island.

It is the closest beach to the village and is unspoiled.

The contrast between the white sand with its fine white sand and the emerald green sea is very beautiful.

Across the ocean, Mizuna Island can be seen on the other side of the shore.

The park has showers, toilets, and stores, so visitors can enjoy snorkeling and swimming while taking a break.

The beach is almost deserted, making it perfect for enjoying a private experience.

 

 

(2) Yaeyama Observation Deck

Yaeyama Tohmidai Observatory is located inland from Furusato Seaside Park.

Tarama Island and other remote islands in the Miyako Archipelago used to have watchtowers to monitor shipping routes.

Tarama Island's Toomidai is currently building up in height and is the highest point on the island at 33 meters above sea level.

It is a symbolic place on the island and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

If the weather is good, you can even see Ishigaki Island.

 

 

(3) Shiogawa Utaki and a row of fukugi trees

Okinawa has few shrines, but instead has many utaki (sacred sites).

Shiokawa Utaki, one of the Utaki on Tarama Island, was built when two sacred stones flew down and settled here.

The 650-meter approach to Shiokawa Utaki is lined with fukugi trees estimated to be 200 years old.

Fukugi trees are used for tide and windbreaks and are the symbolic trees of the village.

It is a sacred place that is the object of worship for the islanders, so be careful not to enter or disturb it.

 

 

What is Ogami Island?

Ogamijima is a small island of only 240 square meters, located about 15 minutes by regular boat from Miyakojima.

The distance to Miyako Island is about 4 km, which is a visible distance from Miyako Island and Ikema Island.

There is a 100 yen entry fee to enter this island.

Ogamijima is called the island of God, where secret festivals are held and the entire island is said to be a power spot.

Many areas are off-limits and off-limits to photography, so we recommend that you visit with a guide when you visit.

 

3 recommended sightseeing spots on Ogami Island

(1) Opyuu Restaurant

Opuyu Shokudo opened in 2013 on Ogami Island and is the only restaurant on the island.

It is the base of the island where you can buy food as well as household goods and beverages.

And this place is also a guest house, although there are only two rooms in total.

The owner of the diner is a person who works hard to promote the island and is also a tourist guide for Ojinshima.

You can ask for a guide if you call at least one day in advance to make a reservation.

Opuyu Shokudo's popular menu item is the khaki tako donburi, a bowl of rice topped with khaki octopus, a specialty of Ojin Island.

This is a bowl of rice topped with smoked octopus from the waters around Ogamijima.

The more you chew octopus, the more flavorful and addictive it becomes.

Other menu items include mozuku vinegar, Miyako soba noodles, and other dishes unique to Ojin Island.

 

 

(2) Strange stone (Notch)

Notch is an oddly shaped rock on the west coast of Ojinshima that looks like a mushroom, with its base tapering off like a branch.

From the harbor, follow the road to the left and you will see a beach dotted with mushroom-shaped rocks.

It is said that about 200,000 years ago, when the coral reefs uplifted to create Ogami Island, rocks rolled off the island, and over the next several hundred to several thousand years, wave erosion transformed them into the shape they are today.

Some rocks are so thin at the base that they almost fall over, so you may want to go see them now.

 

(iii) Far Viewing Platform

Ogami Island is a sloping island in the Miyako Archipelago.

The island's toomidai is located on a hill at an elevation of 74.5 meters above sea level.

With no obstructions around you, you can see the clear blue waters of Ojinshima in any direction you look.

To the west, Yabiji, Ikema Island, and Miyako Island are clearly visible.

Kamikakis (tide pools) are visible to the south-southeast.

The viewing platform is reached by climbing a flight of stairs, which takes about 30 minutes to complete.

This spot is recommended for those who are physically fit.

 

 

What is Mizuna Island?

Mizuna Island is a small, remote island in the shape of a sweet potato, about 2 square kilometers in area, located about 8 kilometers north of Tarama Island.

It reads "Minna-jima."

There are no regular boats or airplanes, and the island can only be reached by charter boats that are fully pre-booked.

It is a 15-minute boat ride away.

Mizuna Island has a thriving fishing industry and was once home to more than 250 people.

However, due to the typhoon and lack of water, a planned migration took place, and now only one family lives in the area.

Mizuna Island is home to a variety of colorful fish and coral reefs, and if you are lucky, you can swim with sea turtles.

For this reason, the snorkeling experience is a popular activity.

There are no convenience stores, supermarkets, or stores on the island.

Please make sure that you have all the necessities you need for daily life before you go to Tarama Island, such as a supermarket.

 

Three recommended sightseeing spots on Mizuna Island

1) Hamasaki Beach

Hamasaki Beach, located in the western part of the island, is the best tourist spot on Mizuna Island.

The contrast between the pure white sandy beach and the cobalt blue sea is very beautiful and popular.

If you stay overnight on Mizuna Island, you can watch the beautiful sight of the sun setting over the horizon at Hamasaki Beach.

If you plan to stay overnight on the island, please mention this when booking your charter boat.

 

 

(2)Miyako Mizuna Island Lighthouse

Miyako Mizuna Island Lighthouse is located in the southeastern part of Mizuna Island, at the highest elevation on the island.

There is also a beautiful sandy beach below this lighthouse.

 

 

(iii)Hanarezaki (Panarizaki)

Hanarezaki, located in the eastern part of the island, is one of the most scenic spots on Mizuna Island.

On the cape is Hanare Rock.

The rocks are covered with thriving Mizugampi, a natural treasure.

Mizugampi is essentially a shrub that grows in clusters on coral reef limestone.

However, here on Hanare Rock, it is thriving away from the limestone and growing very well with good branching.

Only the area around Hanare-iwa is lush and green, like a forest in the sea.

This place is one of the most sacred places on the island, so please visit with moderation.

The ocean is clear and beautiful, but the tides are fast and not suitable for snorkeling.

It is also located in the eastern part of the island, making it an excellent spot to watch the sunrise.

 

 

summary

We introduced the remote islands surrounding Miyako Island.

You had a variety of islands, some connected by large bridges and others accessed by boat.

There were unspoiled beaches and elevated platforms from which one could enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings.

Each island in the Miyako Archipelago has its own attractive tourist spots.

Many of the islands can be reached by car over a bridge from Miyako Island, and those accessible by boat are not too far away, only a few dozen minutes, so they can be easily visited.

When you visit Miyako Island, please be sure to visit the surrounding islands.

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.

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